Posts tagged ‘conviction’
Why are we on the pursuit to be an authentic community?
In a recent conversation with some friends we had a discussion about what it meant to be an authentic community. A lot of great ideas of what that might look like were passed around. Some people even shared their personal needs from an authentic worshiping community.
One of the conclusions that we came to was that being in an authentic/diverse/honest community requires that we be vulnerable/intentional/willing. But I needed to this question:
Do I want to know the Will of God?
I felt I needed to ask myself this question because I needed to have a good motivation for seeking to be part of an authentic worshiping community. I needed to ask myself if this was a conviction.
I believe many of the ideas that were shared in our discussion resonated with me because it’s what God intended and I find evidence of that in God’s Word.
I think it’s important that whatever we are pursuing in the name of Christ to ask hard questions, especially “Why?“ This will give us better perspective on our motivations and, if needed, correction from the Holy Spirit and the worshiping community itself.
I can’t tell you the number of times that I pursued something for Christ only to have it fall apart because, I believe in large part, of wrong motivations.
For example, I pursued a staff worship position at the age of 19 yrs. old. Yes, I felt God’s call to pursue that someday, but my heart was in the wrong place. I was really after the title and respect.
It took almost ten years since that time to actually be called to a church to lead worship, but I understand that it’s for God’s glory that I’m there…not for personal glory.
James 4:3 says:
And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.
So let me ask you…
Why is it important for you to be part of an authentic worshiping community? Explain.
Blog post by Peter Kihyun Park
© 2011, Peter Park. All rights reserved.
It’s not my job
In the corporate world
When I was working the corporate setting there were a lot of conversations with my fellow employees that went something like, “It’s not my job to do this or to do that.“ It was all an effort to absolve ourselves from caring too much or taking on too much responsibility.
I never did do very well in the corporate setting, so I can’t say this was a right or wrong way of thinking. However, I can say that I was guilty of saying those same things and it didn’t help very much. I can’t easily recall a time when that helped me get promoted.
When it comes to ministry…
But when it comes to multicultural ministry there are appropriate times to say, “It’s not my job.“ These are times when we’re trying to do things only God is supposed to do.
For example, it’s not my job to convince someone that being a multicultural church is on God’s heart. It’s not my job to transfer my convictions onto someone else. It’s not my job to disregard the people God has put in place in certain ministries of the church and think that I can do it “better“.
It is, however, my responsibility as a worship leader to point people to the Word of God. It’s my responsibility and joy as a worship leader to pray for my church, my pastor, and my team.
It’s my responsibility and joy to work with the people who are volunteering their time at church. It’s my responsibility and joy to train our worship team in the Word and encourage them in their gifts.
And it’s my joy to see God’s name magnified as the diverse people of God come together to worship Him.
Conclusion
It’s my responsibility and joy to serve God. I realize that I am not Him and much of my frustrations in ministry come from trying to do what only God can do.
I’m learning to trust in Him all the more as I continue to serve in multicultural worship ministry.
Question
Have you been guilty to trying to do what only God can do?
Share your story and your life…
Sincerely,
Peter Park
Blogger/Worship Leader/Speaker
peterpark@redemptionboulevard.com
(800) 453-3284
© 2011, Peter Park. All rights reserved.
3 Core values you need to drive your ministry
The foundation to what I believe that fuels a multicultural ministry, whether it’s music or the arts or children’s ministry, is this…
1. Conviction – If you don’t believe whole-heartedly in what God is doing with multicultural worship, then it just won’t work.
2. Humility – You need humbleness in two things: when you teach people about your culture, when you learn about other people’s culture
3. Relationships – Intentionally spending time with people will build trust and allow space for God to move.
What fuels your multicultural ministry?
Share your story and your life…
Sincerely,
Peter Park
Blogger/Worship Leader/Speaker
peterpark@redemptionboulevard.com
(800) 453-3284
© 2011, Peter Park. All rights reserved.