Last Monday I went to a worship and teaching time with Paul Baloche that was hosted at Saddleback.  I’ve always been a big fan of Paul Baloche because early on he has helped resource worship leaders to be better leaders and musicians.  I can remember sitting in my living room as a teenager watching Paul’s instructional acoustic guitar VHS.  Paul has been at the same church for 20 years, which is an incredible task, but when coupled with the fact that in that time he has become a well-known worship leader, songwriter, and clinician, it’s even more impressive.

When I heard Paul was going to be as Saddleback I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to hear him speak.  Paul led us in a time of worship for about 30min and in the time I’m not sure that we sang one song, but that is a different story.  At the end of our worship time I felt the Holy Spirit speak something to me and I wrote it in my phone:

“We need God to expand our capacity to be in His presence. We need to practice being in God's presence. Like prayer, when out of practice, it's hard and the temptation is to quit, but push through.”

Our time of worship was so sweet.  The Holy Spirit was, I’m sure, speaking to people all over the room as He spoke to me; which is exactly what He wants to do.  We don’t, I know I don’t, take enough time to just “be” in God’s presence.  If there is 30 seconds of silence many of us get anxious.  The reason for this is we have not built up that muscle. 

God will help us!  The more we are able to practice being with Him, our ability to take in God, hear His voice, and respond to Him will increase.

I use the word practice on purpose.  I’ve always told my worship teams and choirs that if you are going to make a mistake, practice is the time for it.  When you’re learning something, you need practice time.  When we’re learning to be in God’s presence, we need time when we can close the windows and doors, lock ourselves in a room and worship without feeling self-conscious.

So, this is my suggestion to all of us.  Let’s schedule a time where we can worship God without anyone around (except maybe your spouse or closest friend).  You can play an instrument or just sing some songs -- worship God and see where it takes you.  If it’s helpful, make a CD or playlist of your favorite worship songs.  Make sure you include songs that don’t get really loud, so you have the opportunity to sit with God in the quietness of the moment. 

How long you do this for is up to you.  It’s ok to start with a shorter time and let yourself grow into it.  It’s not about quantity as much as it is quality.

As I'm writing this blog I’m squished in between my computer and a set of drums in my home studio.  Yesterday someone dropped off a set of drums (electric) for us to use in one of the songs we are recording for The Abolition Project.  I didn’t realize how large the footprint of the drums set would be.  When I got home I was met by a look from my wife, Janelle, which told me I had not accurately communicated the size of the drums to her either.

After we struggled to get this assembled drums set up our stairs we squeezed them into the corner of the room.  And here I sit, sucking in my gut to get to the computer.

I knew I would learn a lot of things through this project; however I didn’t know it would help me work on my communication skills in my marriage!

I will update you on the drums and how we intend to use them for this project in my next blog.  Technology has advanced so much over the last few years and it is making it possible to accomplish things that we never thought possible before.

The CD continues to move forward.

So far, 4 songs have been selected for the project and are in the process of being recorded.

No Greater Love - Nicollette Landrus
My Choice To Rejoice - Kevin West
Forever Safe - Kailyn & Kindyl Paris
Sing Shout - Chance Espinoza

For a sneak peak at two of the songs, navigate to the bottom of the Songwriters' Forum page under Worship Ministries.

More to come...

I have, for the last few years, been burdened with reality of the human trafficking trade going on around the world, as well as right here in our backyard.  Recently, at the Hillsong Conference in Anaheim, a young man named Zach Hunter spoke about what he did in his high school for the abolition of slavery (apparently, there are still indentured servants…in this day and age).  The program he started is called Loose Change to Loosen Chains.  I was touched by what he shared.

At the same time, the church leadership has been talking about a 3 component mission…Love God, Love Others, Reach Out.  By the way, in those three components comprise the 2 greatest commandments and the great commission.  If we can do what Christ told us to do, we will be Thriving Disciples of Christ!

I began to think and pray how Worship Ministries can Reach Out as way of assimilating our ministry into the vision of the church.  One thing that I thought of is recording a CD of all original songs, written by MHCC family and friends, to sell as a fundraiser for the abolition of slavery. 

I have been talking with Pastor Mike about making this fundraiser a part of his message, or series, on social injustice that he is planning for 2010.

Currently, we are in the writing stage.  We have a few songs already, but we need more.

I plan to blog about this project to keep everyone informed on the progress we are making.

Please pray for this project as I believe we can raise thousands of dollars and see dozens of slaves freed!