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1. A note to pastors, leaders &worship leaders: (thread)
I was radically saved in a crazy, unexpected outpouring of God’s presence in the youth movement of the Methodist church in Oklahoma in the late 90s. It was in many ways a disruption to the institution on a state-wide level.
I was radically saved in a crazy, unexpected outpouring of God’s presence in the youth movement of the Methodist church in Oklahoma in the late 90s. It was in many ways a disruption to the institution on a state-wide level.
2. I was a teenager and too young to understand how truly unique this was.
At our youth camps we saw tongues, holy laughter, people falling out in the Spirit (and singing worship choruses instead of hymns). At Methodist youth camps.
At our youth camps we saw tongues, holy laughter, people falling out in the Spirit (and singing worship choruses instead of hymns). At Methodist youth camps.
I remember hearing the older pastors sit up late at night talking about whether or not they should leave the denomination because things were problematic. I didn’t understand but it felt like something was happening. We witnessed an incredible move of God in those years.(3)
Over the years that followed though, I started playing music at bigger churches and conferences. I eventually found myself at even bigger churches...the ones that I always heard people talk about. (4)
The seeker movement had taken hold of everyone’s imagination. And slowly, subtly a shift happened in me. I became very concerned with the expectations of people - sometimes over the voice of God. (5)
I’ve been doing music in the church for 22 years now. During Covid we met almost everyday for six months in order to allow small groups to come and worship in a flesh and blood gathering. We were worshiping him daily in massive empty rooms. It changed me. (6)
At the same time it became clear that, much like my teen years, the direction we were running was not the same direction many in leadership were running. We have since planted a new church. It was in the year 2020 that I reclaimed something important. (7)
I’ll try to share what that is as clearly as I can.
I minister to Jesus first and people second. I answer to God first and people second. I listen to Holy Spirit first and people second. (8)
I minister to Jesus first and people second. I answer to God first and people second. I listen to Holy Spirit first and people second. (8)
I’ve spent too much time concerned about whether people were comfortable in our worship services at the expense over whether or not the Holy Spirit was comfortable in our worship services. (9)
My charge to you is this, minister to the Lord first and people second. Be certain the Lord is pleased AND THEN pastor, lead and respond to people from that place. (10)
Stay hungry and thirsty. As my partner in crime, Shane Farmer, often says: “The satisfied starve in the Kingdom of God.” @shane_e_farmer
Some scripture to mediate on
