My Worship Revolution

Alright, so I think I’m gonna slightly betray rule #6 over here, but against my better judgment I think I’ll go ahead and share my opinion.  It may ruffle someone’s feathers.  So if you have really fundamentalist feathers (which I admit I did at one point in time) you are welcome to stop reading now and come back for tomorrows worship confessional. 

First, the positive and fun part.  Last night, Rachel and I drove a couple hours away to see Leeland in concert.  Thanks to Jane for babysitting for us!!  I first became familiar with Leeland at Re:create, and he was the bomb, so well worth the drive I figured to enjoy worshiping with him.  And it was.

First there was a guy named Jimmy Robeson who opened up for him.  He’s from Maranatha Chapel in San Diego.  Really enjoyed him.  Here’s some pics and a clip:

Then, after a 10 minute break, Leeland stepped up.  And they were awesome.  A bit too loud for Rachel, perfect for me.  I love watchin this kid lead.  Again, some pics and clip:

Now you’re probably wondering, "Why the disclaimer?  Bobby’s said nothing but nice stuff about the music so far."  Maybe I won’t break rule #6.  We’ll consider this a discussion on strategy.

Before Leeland’s last couple songs, we’re informed by overseeing staff pastor that we are going to take one more short break, but that we aren’t going anywhere for this one.  They want to be sure that everyone knows the reason we are gathered to worship, and next thing you know we’re at a mini Harvest Crusade as homeboy teaches through Luke 7 to share about God’s plan of forgiveness.

My cynical self is now a bit irritated.  Perhaps I should be excited that people get to hear the Gospel.  Maybe I should be praying for those who need to know Jesus.  Instead, I’m wondering what non Christ follower would actually be at this event anyway?  As far as I knew the purpose of the evening was part of a musical tour, not an evangelistic crusade.

Now some of you are already saying, "If one person is saved as a result, it was worth it."  Fine, I get that.  I guess it’s just a difference of opinion in strategy for me.  If you are having an outreach, call it an outreach.  What I think tweaks me is that it seems to come from the mindset that every event a church holds, they must present the gospel and have an altar call.  I went to a church that actually had that policy at one time.  If we had a ministry game night, make sure the Gospel is shared and people have the chance to accept Jesus.  Maybe that’s one of the reasons people don’t want to bother coming to our events anymore.  They have finally learned that we can’t just get together and have a good time, rather there’s always the bait and switch.

At times, let’s just have our events (especially one that was clearly designed for the already Christ followers) and if non-believers are there, trust for once that God is working in their heart and will continue to afterward and bring them to the appropriate event, or better yet, relationship to bring them across "the line."  OK, end rant.  Otherwise, it was a great fun night with my wife and the music was great.  I recommend you check him out if he’s gonna be nearby.  And I think I intentionally made this long so that people who might not like it or don’t care will have stopped reading by now. 

Now I wish I could find a way to make it feasible to get to L.A. to see United.  I bet you they won’t pull that trick!