stage sets

Worshipping the Lord is a lifestyle.

Yes, music plays a key role, as does our response to it. Like it or not, the biggest book in the Bible is a compilation of song lyrics from an elite group of writers. Like a 4,000 year old version of ASCAP/CCLI.

But recognizing all the various ways we bring him glory is paramount in understanding the value of using our passions to bring him glory.

Glory is better defined as “things that summon awe” than the proverbial appearance of a mystic cloud of his presence (though there is Biblical precedent for the later).

Everything you see in this shot was constructed by extremely passionate people. To my knowledge, none of them are of a quality to perform a memorable singing solo, nor would they prefer the limelight to even attempt it.

But this stage set has inspired to many compliments – so much awe – that it’s assisted people in a very direct way of connecting with the beauty and majesty of God.

It’s awe-some.

Not awe-a-lot. That would be Jesus himself.

But our passions + “some awe” = a worship experience that points others to Jesus. That’s ultimately one of the greatest rolls you can play in life.

My heartfelt thanks to Megan Buckles for being Project Manager on this one; and to her husband Dave, as well as Zach, Trey, and Faith. Thank you for inspiring wonder in those who worship at New Life. ch:

Spheres of Influence

Spheres of influence.

We each have one. Probably more than one.

And each sphere is a culture. A set of unspoken nuances, rules, and behaviors that differentiate it from other cultures.

And you’re in it. You’re in it to bring Jesus and aspects of his character into the middle. Sometimes subtly and over time. Other times abruptly and within minutes.

Calls and cultures cannot be compared. It’s a dangerous game to get involved in. Some people will influence thousands in their lifetime; others will influence one. But the measuring stick isn’t necessarily volume: it’s faithfulness.

I won’t be asked if I was diligent to affect your cultures. Just my own.

I serve at New Life with an amazing team of creatives. Designers, fabricators, and all around hard workers. Visionaries.

Part of my call to Jefferson County is to slowly, over time, help teach a community to appreciate art. Things that aren’t easily explained with simple metaphors because their impetus was to provoke unique emotions in each individual. Not to draw parallels.

In creating the “Refresh” stage set for October – drawn by Jason Clement, sewn and set by Kathy Fahey, and rigged by Zach Yelle and Daniel Gilchrist – some will see joy. Others will be inspired. Some will wonder. Find fascinating. Stir memories. Be provoked.

But regardless of meaning, memories, or metaphors, I hope people find it beautiful.

For beauty is a mark of the Kingdom.

And she doesn’t need a reason.

She simply is. Because God likes beautiful things.

Just because.

So what are you being faithful to? What are the many-faceted, multi-layered, underlying missions that burn in your heart? Who are the people you’re reaching, the themes you’re living out, the calls your answering?

When you can, be specific. Intentional. Write it down, pray over it, act on it. Ask yourself what you see your cultures looking like after your time serving within them is done.

Don’t wait for someone else to do the job God assigned you to do. ch:

Inspiring Awe with Your Passions

Spheres of Influence

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