Before I was a pastor, I was a rock star. There is perhaps some debate in the Greater Atlanta area as to whether I ever attained “rock star status,” but that’s neither here nor there. I was in a band. I was a musician. We released a cassette tape.
It’s been years since I picked up an instrument, but I’m still convinced that there’s something inescapable about music. It transforms words into lyrics. It changes walls into bridges. It turns listening ears into listening hearts.
As a performer, as a listener, as a visitor who might end up in a most unexpected place on a Sunday morning, music has a transformational power. And it moves people in ways that even the best communicator cannot.
Music matters.
It’s not just songs. Or musicians. Or lights and equipment. Music is much more than that. Music is a doorway to worship.
And as a pastor, one of my greatest honors is to point to that doorway. To announce the band and then step out of the way while we as a church, as a community, as individuals, answer the call to worship. A call that music sends out like nothing else.
Today, I have the distinct privilege to offer you that same invitation.
Sure, I’m not on stage, but I want to use this digital platform to do one of my favorite things—invite you to worship.
We regularly gather at our campuses for extended times of worship. We recently captured one of these experiences and the result was a new live worship album called Awake.
The songs on Awake go beyond rehashed clichés. Instead, they point listeners and participants toward a lifestyle characterized by obedience and surrender—a lifestyle of worship. These songs are being used in local churches around the country to connect minds and hearts.
Take a listen for yourself. We’re giving away free downloads of “It Is Well” from Awake. Let us know what you think of the new arrangement of this age-old hymn.
Happy New Year!
Andy
January 14th, 2010 at 5:02 pm
I too am a pastor who obtained “rock star” status. Eventhough the status may have been in my own mind, we had somewhat of a following. I know time can not be turned back, but it sure would be nice to have those that followed together again to preach to them and share the love of God with them. I pray for them and I know God has forgiven me for not doing what he wanted me to do. By the way all of the band members attend church, and two of them plus myself, are involved in ministry. It is funny to hear guys talk about God that used to use his name in vain every other word. God is truly amazing.
February 11th, 2010 at 6:36 pm
Great blog! I remember reading this in “Visioneering.” I wonder how attached you were to being in that band. It must of been a big decision to make to let that go. But now God has given you more in return…you have a whole band that is reaching the whole world because you stepped out and answered the call of God on your life. Now that’s a testimony!
March 25th, 2010 at 1:53 am
Thanks everyone for the free song download.
May 22nd, 2010 at 12:10 am
I wandered in here because of a YouTube link. “Sunday Morning,” I think it’s called.
Bravo. Freaking, bloody bravo, yo.
You nailed it. I’ve watched that thing at least 10 times today.
I played drums and recorded five albums with a group called Barnabas, back in the ’80s. We weren’t exactly what you would call a worship band; actually, most of the church hated us. That’s cool; whatever.
I left the Jesus business with a bitter taste in my mouth, as did many Christian musicians back then. It was a shock for us innocent newbies to learn that Jesus Inc. is a competitive profit-driven enterprise (at least the music division), and by the time we figured it out, it was too late.
Like I said, whatever. Thank you for a fabulous video. I can see that you guys get it.
I don’t know who you are or what you do, but I like you anyway.
Cheers,
Kris k.
San Diego, CA
August 16th, 2010 at 1:22 pm
I love the power of music; however, is there a point where the “holiness” of worship needs to be communicated more clearly? If attending church is too similar to attending a rock concert, do we risk being of the world? How does a church focus the hearts of those attending on worshiping a holy God, not just singing along to a catchy melody or beat?