Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jim Daneker on June 4, 2008 at 11:55pm

1. For a walk! Seriously, as someone who is always trying to squeeze 48 hours into 24, I'm trying to be better at MAKING the time to be alone. Oh, and to get out of my 'cave' and get some exercise! We have a nature trail behind our house and I find that just getting out there first thing in the day and spending some time praying really makes a difference in how the day goes. With studio work, church/worship prep, family, etc., it can be overwhelming (and does on most days). So, making some time to "be still and know that He is God" has become incredibly important!

2. I've been spending some time with a much older (and wiser!) brother who has encouraged me to read Ephesians as a study. Specifically, to read the whole book (it's only 6 chapters) every day for a week, then one chapter every day for a week until you've done the whole thing (7 weeks total). The important thing is to keep a journal. He told me it would change my life, and he was right. It's a great way to study (and be transformed) by what Christ has done for us!

Jim D.

Permalink Reply by Steve Forrest on June 5, 2008 at 11:43am

Sabbatical.
"A sabbatical is an extended period of time granted for professional development and spiritual renewal away from normal ministerial responsibilities and in a manner that is not possible during the busyness of a typical work year. Sabbaticals are not vacations, but carefully planned periods of time devoted to study, reflection, rest, and renewal. They frequently become a path to understanding one’s vocation in new ways or as a vehicle for a transformed sense of pastoral identity. Some pastors travel, experience different cultures, learn new skills, or spend time reading during a sabbatical. It is also possible to think of even doing something like a semi-monastic retreat. This is a time to experience “being” in addition to “doing”; it should be a time of freedom and authenticity. One of the goals of a sabbatical is to return to the congregation renewed and refreshed."

Yes, I Googled and this explanation pretty much covers it. Time off is something that not enough worship leaders and worship team members take seriously. If you find that it is too much trouble to take the time off, then you DEFINITELY need to take the time off. Just take one week, even just one Sunday. Go to another place of worship for that one day. Worship can be quite different when you don't even have to consider your role as a leader and communicator to the congregation and the rest of the team. Go ahead, and return renewed and refreshed.

Permalink Reply by Steven Bliss on June 5, 2008 at 2:50pm

Well... I personally believe it all comes down to me seeing my experience with God as a marriage. Every marriage takes work... continual work. It takes being willing to talk, as well as being willing to listen. It takes intimacy most of all to inspire and re-inspire the relationship to grow and not become stagnant. It takes my willingness to let go and be willing to be wrong and be corrected (ouch!) In other words, a daily willingness, moment by moment, to ENGAGE God every step of the way!

Put it like this:
E – my continual EFFORT to stay
N – NEAR promotes intimacy with Him helping me to
G – GROW which keeps my heart and mind
A – ALIGNED with
G – GOD, which
E – ENERGIZES my life... every single moment of every single day

God is not into religion... hard to believe, but thrives on us being intimate with Him. Lovers, as it were. Hard to conceive of at times... but so is the idea that God would be willing to come and die for us.

So... this is where I'm at. I love the woman I'm in love with. It makes me want to be close to her. I can't wait to hear her voice and look deep into her eyes. I desire her approval and want please her. I also love it when my sons want to be close and hang on me and tell me they love me. I never take it for granted. If you put these two things together, I believe you have the heart of God for us. And it's here that I try to stay. I'm far from perfect at it, that's for sure... but I realized that it's not about all the reading and doing... it's about the hanging on Him, looking into His eyes and desiring to hear Him speak... knowing that all I need is there.

This is how I refuel... Sometimes I do it non-stop throughout the day... because to be honest; I'm desperate! Way more than I realize...

Steven Bliss

Permalink Reply by Wanette McQuitty on June 28, 2008 at 11:29am

Hello Steven! Just read your comments on 'where do you go?'

I'm an assistant worship pastor in rivergate area and agree so much with your comment. Just last night, a discussion was had with a group of individuals in our ministry leadership and our worship pastor brought out a simple statement that is soooo true for worship leaders and those who give and give out in ministry. He mentioned that Sunday's are a 'work day' for those who serve in God's house. It's not your 'special time' with God. He mentioned that we still must make a 'sabbath' day to build 'relationship' with God that has nothing to do with our Sunday responsibilities as leaders. We too often fall into the misconception that our service on Sunday is our Sabbath, but truly it's a work day, not our sabbath. In order to become whole, complete, peaceful, at rest in our our lives, we must find time for sweet communion. This can apply in other areas of our lives also and he's right on. What do you think?