Values: Risk-Taking

“Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. So also, the one with the two talents gained two more. But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them." Matthew 25:14–19 (NIV)

I love the passage above about the talents because it shows God’s trust and accountability within the same scripture. I think from this passage we understand that God has taken the biggest RISK by handing over the whole kingdom to folks like you and me. It’s humbling and scary all at the same time!

Make sure you watch this week’s video blog: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thX2xTTQoqo and not only read the passage above, but also read through verse 30 to see how the whole passage plays out.

As you prepare for this Thursday, think about some of these questions:

1. What talents do I bring to the advancement of God’s kingdom?
2. What other cool talents do I see in others that I lack?
3. How am I encouraging and equipping others to use their talents in my area of ministry?

Values: God-Honoring Living

And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. Colossians 1:10-12 (NIV)

Last week we talked about discovering how worship leaders can draw out the purposes God has placed in the hearts of others. This week we want to look at how specific values within worship arts shape volunteers and leadership pathways for those ready to do greater things for God.

Be sure to watch this week's video blog: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ba5_fZCbqc and meditate on the Bible passage above.

As you prepare for this Thursday, think about some of these questions: 

1. In what ways can we ensure that our ministry is honoring God with our living?
2. How does someone arrive at a place where they are enjoying the music more than their
   spiritual journey?
3. What area of my spiritual life do I need to be working on to grow personally?

Deep Waters

The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.
Proverbs 20:5

As we move forward with developing artists and technicians we need to learn how to better discover what is their hearts.

It is my conviction that as you learn to lead better you have to learn how to ask better questions and give less direction. Both are needed, but learning the balance between the two will help you lead better in worship arts.

Check out this week's video by CLICKING HERE or by copying this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HN6Gf3u3BM. 

Meditate on the Bible passage above. This would also be a great scripture to memorize hint, hint!

As you prepare for this Thursday, think about some of these questions:

1. What kind of questions help draw out God’s purpose in a person?
2. Once a purpose is discovered how to help someone take initial steps toward that purpose?
3. Who are you hanging out with or who could you be hanging out with that you might be
able to draw wisdom from and share wisdom with?

Prayer Precedes Process

"He saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and
helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."  Matthew 9:36-38

It always amazing me how a passage we have read hundreds of time can find a new application in our lives. The above passage really hit me differently this year.

Make sure you read the Bible passage above and check out this week's video blog by CLICKING HERE or copy this link into your web browser: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMMEB1u9z2g

My prayer is that your prayer life would become more focused this year. That you would pray before you engage in any process.

I will share Thursday how God is working in my prayer life and how that has shaped different goals that I believe He is setting for our Worship/Arts Ministry.

Thanks for all you do each week to prepare for worship. I know that God honors your efforts each and every week!