I'm with worship team

     The article, "I'm with the worship team," talks about the differences between a regular band and a worship band. He explains that there are key differences between being in a band and serving in a local church worship ministry. Specifically, he says that a regular band is a closed circle. A worship band should be open to others. He also says that a band is about ownership but a worship team is about stewardship. A band is an exclusive, privileged group and a worship team is about serving. A band is about performing and a worship band is about facilitating.
    I really enjoyed this article because it helped me see the worship band from a different perspective. I really think that we often treat ourselves like a normal band instead of a worship band. I agree with Tom that we should check to see if we are being faithful, dependable, humble, teachable, and leaders with a passion for God.

Why aren't we singing?

    In this video, the man talks about how he noticed that more and more people these days refuse to sing during worship at church. He said that he's making the assumption that singing during a time of worship is a good thing. It even says in the Bible to sing to the Lord and make a joyful noise back to God. He recognizes that some people choose not to sing because the song is too difficult to sing. The man says that we must ask ourselves wether the songs we pick for worship are suitable for the people of the congregation. Another factor, he considers, is that many people think of worship like a concert or performance. This, however, is not worship is about. Worship is about everyone in the church bringing something to praise God. He concludes that at the end of worship, we must direct all the attention on God.
     I like how the man says that each individual in the church should bring something for worship. Worship isn't meant to be a performance or concert. Many people think that as long as the band is singing and they are listening, they are worshipping God. But this is not how worship should be. Worship is about everyone, including the congregation, bringing their own voices and/or instruments to praise God. My main take away from this is that worship isn't about receiving praise, it's about offering praise.

Response to "Are you living in your element?"

     In this video Dan Wilt discusses the benefits of living "in your element." He starts off by saying that each individual has been given "something to do that shows who God is." God gave each of us unique talents and abilities. But he didn't just give them to us for fun. God gave them to us so that we can use them to bring him glory and to show others his love. He explains that not only will you benefit from being in your element, but everyone else will benefit too. 

     I really enjoyed learning about the different elements that Wilt explained. Each person is a different element and that brings us together as a whole. I personally think my element is what Wilt called, "Water: a communal life." I tend to be the nurturing friend who encourages and lifts people up. I like to invest in others and support them. But it is interesting how the other people on our team may have a different element. I find it so cool how all of our different elements are what eventually allow us to lean on each other and grow closer together. 

Britt Nicole

My Christian Artist Report

The person I chose to do my report on is Brittany Nicole Waddell. She is better known by her stage name, Britt Nicole. She was born on August 2nd 1984, which makes her currently 32 years old. She is a vocalist, songwriter, and recording artist. She has so many popular songs. But to name a couple, in 2012 she released a debut single called “Gold” and another in 2013 called “Ready or Not.” Both made it in the Mainstream top 40! While those two songs may be the most popular right now, my two favorites were released a few years before and are called “All This Time” and “The Lost Get Found.”

At 3 years old, Brittany Nicole Waddell started singing at her church in North 

Carolina. At seven, she dealt with a lot of pain during her parents’ divorce. But that didn’t stop her from pursuing her passions. Once in high school, she sang regularly with her brother and cousin on her church’s daily television program that aired in Charlotte, North Carolina. She was also part of her school’s advanced choir, which had the honor to perform in Carnegie Hall in New York! Britt Nicole also loved to dance. She did ballet, jazz, hip hop, and lyricaldance. After high school, Britt Nicole accepted a scholarship to Belmont University to study in their commercial music program. But she soon realized that Godwas calling her somewhere else. She felt no peace with her decision to go to Belmont. So she denied her scholarship three weeks before she was supposed to go to school. 

​Britt Nicole then got really focused on her calling to making music. She created an album and started playing at local churches. God clearly had big plans for her because 600 people showed up to her official CD release party.  After being an indie artist for five years, she was signed by Sparrow Records. After that, her success only increased. She was nominated for a Dove Award in 2011 for Female Vocalist of the Year and for a Grammy Award in 2013 for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album. She got married on July 1st , 2012 to Joshua Crosby and now has two beautiful kids. I really admire how Britt Nicole blindly followed God wherever He took her, even if it meant giving up a great opportunity at Belmont University. I hope that I can be just as sensitive to the Holy Spirit and follow God wherever he takes me. 

Response to "Are you insulting God in worship"

     This article by Sam Storms, talks about our attitude when we come to worship. Storms starts by really dissecting the meaning of the word "for." He says that we often say that we worship "for" God. But what does that really mean? Are we trying to say that we are worshiping because God needs us? Or are we saying that because we are offering our gifts to him as a way of praise and reverence? We need to check our hearts and see if we have the right attitude toward worship so that we can properly lead people.
     I think this is a really important concept. When we lead worship, we often think that we are doing God a favor by serving him. But this is not true! God, of course, loves our worship. But he doesn't NEED our worship. God doesn't NEED us. But he WANTS us. That should be the motivating factor for our worship. Our worship should simply be a way for us to show God how much we love him a and are in awe of him.

"Get off the Platform" response

     In the article, "Get off the Platform," the writer Dan Wilt explains how we should lead worship. He starts by saying that almost all worship leaders have the wrong kind of motives deep in their heart. Even those who are devout followers of Christ have issues with their motives. It's easy to get caught up in trying to be the best singer on the team, or trying to be the best instrumentalist. But that isn't why we were called to lead worship. Dan says that we need to get off this "Platform." He then goes on to explain how we should be okay with serving silently. He says that it is more valuble to be humble and silent about the gifts and roles that God has given us.
      I really liked this article because I found it really relatable. What really hit me was when Dan Wilt said that even when it feels like you are not being noticed or recognized, God notices. He recognizes all your accomplishments and all that you are doing to serve Him. And in the end, that is what is really important. It isn't about trying to make yourself the best of the best. It isn't about being the center of attention. It's about pointing the attention to God and leaving all the glory for Him. I think this is a really valuble lesson for all of us.

"If worship was like an NBA game" video response

Summary: This was just a silly video making fun of worship. It was enjoyable because basketball and worship are so different yet the video still put the two together.

Chapter 29 of Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader

     In chapter 29 of Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader, the author talks about ministering beyond your comfort zone. He gives a personal experience about how he had to go out of his comfort zone in his own worship team. He says that sometimes, "you don't have to like it; you just have to do it." Sometimes God asks us to do things that are not in our comfort zone but  we should do them regardless.
     I really like how the author says that if we don't go out of our comfort zone, we won't be able to grow. Doing things that we are not comfortable with help us to grow and understand new things. It is important for us to blindly follow where God is telling us to go even if we don't feel comfortable doing it. God know what is best for us and we must trust that whatever he tells us to do is the best for us.

Chapter 28 of Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader

     In Chapter 28 of Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader, Kraeuter talks about understanding the dynamics of the Worship Service. He starts off by emphasizing the importance of having a good foundation for the service. This means being prepared. Specifically, he says it is helpful to create a flow. We can do this by using songs that fit well together both musically and lyrically. Another tip that Kraeuter says is to fill in pauses between songs with prayer.   

     I really like how Kraeuter says that in the end, the whole point of the service is to bring attention to God. Everything we do in preparation for the service should be done with that purpose in mind. We need to remember that we are not leading worship to impress people, but to lead people to God. If we keep our eyes on the Lord, as Kraeuter says, then the service will always go as He(God) wills it. 

Chapter 26 of Keys to Becoming and Effective Worship Leaderi

     In chapter 26 of Keys to Becoming and Effective Worship Leader, Krauter talks about being spiritually prepared to lead. This is such an important thing to do.  Krauter says that it is important for us to prepare our hearts and receive his forgiveness to be ready for worship. One simple example that Krauter mentions about being prepared is being on time. 

     I really like how Krauter mentions that preparation looks different for each person. Each person has different strengths and weaknesses so they may have their own unique ways of preparing for worship. We can take a lot from this chapter as a worship team. 

Chapter 27 of Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader

     In Chapter 27 of Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader, Kraeuter talks about being mentally, musically, and physically prepared to lead. Specifically, Krauter says we should be as prepared as we can possibly be. But we should also leave room in our preparations for God to work. 

     I really like how Kraeuter says we should be in prayer. We need to pray for God to work through our preparations. God can do really amazing things spontaneously and unexpectedly through services. That is why, even though it is important to be prepared, we should allow God to work and change our plans. 

Chapter 15 of Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader

     Chapter 15 of Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader talks about Exercising Diplomacy. Kraeuter talks about addressing our conflicts within the worship team. He talks about a situation that happened within his own church. In his example, Ben and Sue had a problem and they needed to talk to there pastor about it so they could make peace between them.
     This is a very important concept. If we have conflict on the worship team, then we wouldn't be able to perform and work together well. It is important also to go to a higher authority when dealing with these problems. For us, we should talk to Mr. Coates. Doing this will help us create a peaceful environment for our team and will allow us to work well together.

Chapter 14 of Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader

     In Chapter 14 of Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader, Kraeuter talks about caring for the congregation. He says that we have to see the needs of those we are ministering to as more important than our own needs. He admits that placing the needs of others above our own needs can make us feel uncomfortable. Kraeuter says that we need to lovingly encourage people to follow along in worship.
     I really like this chapter. It talks about being a caring worship leader. If we are caring and are thoughtful of the needs of our student body, people will respect us and God more. Especially in a high school environment where not everyone is Christian, it is even more important to be caring.

Chapter 13 of Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader

     In chapter 13 of Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader, Kraeuter talks about keeping priorites straight. Kraeuter gives us examples of what having priorities might look like. For him, God is his highest priority. After that, he puts his family second. He puts his ministry last. He also admits that sometimes it's easy to put work before God and family. That's why it is so important to know what your priorites are stick to them. 

     I agree with everything that Kraeuter said. I think it is so important to know what our priorities are. Putting God first will benefit us so much. Even though it may not seem like it, in the long run,  it will make a difference.

Chapter 12 of Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader

     In chapter 12 of Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader, Kraeuter talks about cultivating the gifts that God has given us. He says that we often don't like to work at our gifts. We just like to have them. But Kraeuter encourages us to work diligently at our gifts and be in prayer. For musicians, we can take classes and be consistent at practicing. There is always room for improvement, so we should keep striving to get better at our God-given abilities. 

     I really like how Kraeuter says that if we are consistent at cultivating our gifts, one day we may hear God saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant." I would love to hear God saying that to me. That gives me motivation to keep working hard and strive for improvement. 

Chapter 11 of Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader

     In chapter 11 of Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader, Tom Kraeuter tells us to accept our role of being an example. He says that no matter where we are or what we are doing, people will always be watching us to see what a worshipping Christian is like. Kraeuter reveals that many people do not like to accept that they are a model for those watching them. But he emphasizes that being a model comes with the role of being a worship leader.

     I really like that Kraeuter asks, not, "will you be an example?" but "will you willingly or unwillingly be an example?" The fact of the matter is, if we decide to be worship leaders, people will always be watching us. So it's our decision to be an example willingly or unwillingly.

Chapter 10 of Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader

     In chapter 10 of Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader, Kraeuter talks about having self-discipline. He admits that Spiritual discipline is not fun. It, however, is very essential. He says that we should discipline ourselves in prayer, the study of God’s Word, musical practice time, and preparation for leading. 

     I agree with what Kraeuter said. Self-discipline is very important if we want to grow in our faith. Especially as high schoolers with busy lives, it is easy to become lazy. I know that I tend to procrastinate a lot and that can get in the way. Just like Kraeuter says, God can use us only to the extent that we are willing to discipline ourselves.

Chapter 9 of Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader

     In chapter 9 of Keys to being an Effective Worship Leader, Kraeuter tells us not to hold too tightly to our leadership positions. He explains that sometimes, God may have different plans for you and the church. You might be asked to step down from your position. Kraeuter warns us not to make our positions as worship leaders something we cannot live without. He concludes saying to hold the position loosely and make the Lord, himself your treasure.
     I think this is an important concept for worship leaders. It is easy to grow attached to something we love. I can honestly say that I am pretty attached to our school's worship team. But in a few months, all our seniors will leave, and next year, I will have to leave too. Although it is important for each of us to enjoy being on the team, we should also be ready to move on to what God has prepared for us after we graduate.

Chapter 8 of Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader

    Chapter 8 of Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader talks about the importance of being a mature worship leader. Kraeuter gives us a common situation seen in the church about how an immature Christian is given a leadership position in the church. He says this is not good because that leader will start having a negative influence on the church body. Kraeuter says that worship leaders should not just have musical talent, but also be spiritually mature. He says that it's important to study God's word and have people keep you accountable. 

    I really liked that Kraeuter emphasized reading the bible in order to be spiritually mature. I think that reading God's word is something that immature Christians easily neglect to do. But once you start making a habit of reading, you can see a significant difference in our relationship with God. It's also important to have other mature Christians keep us accountable. That way, they can make sure you are being consistent with your bible reading.