The Ideal Worshiper

In the middle of the 20th century a psychologist names Carl Rogers coined a term you may have heard of, "The Ideal Self." This is the ideal version of yourself, the person you want to be. When you "hit it," it feels like you are finally being the you that you were meant to be. This works in your financial life, your time management, your work performance, your role in your family, etc. And when you fall short of your "ideal self," you have to choose to give yourself a break of give yourself a hard time. It's an interesting filter, I believe, to think about becoming the person God crafted you to be. (Ephesians 2:10)

As worship leaders, we probably have a vague idea of what an "ideal worshiper" is. I'll share some of what I imagine that person to be. Let's call him William the worshiper. I'd guess it could be helpful for those of you who lead worship to do this exercise too. If you tike time to do it, I would LOVE to read yours. Send it over to RodEEllis@gmail.com. 

WILLIAM THE WORSHIPER

Will is physically fit. He's not a body builder, but is able to enter into worship physically. Fully.

Will is intellectually engaged and honest. He isn't afraid to employ all of his intellect with vigor. He dials in to the sermon, of course, but also the lyrics, the scripture readings, the prayers, even the announcements!

Will is soulfully surrendered. He is humble to a fault according to those who know him best. He doesn't seek to get his way, his songs, his volume from the sound system, etc. His posture reflects that he lives his life on his knees. Open handed.

Will is emotionally tender. He has a soft heart toward the things of God, the movement of the Spirit. But he remembers well that his heart can be deceived, so he always runs his feelings through his mind. Will thinks with his heart and feels with his mind.

Will lives Jesus-centered. He loves the Trinity--even ponders that mystery often--but he really loves to walk the way of Jesus. 

Will sings. I don't mean that he should audition for "The Voice," but that regardless of how his voice sounds, he will always sing. He simply can't help it.

Will worships daily. It's not that he attends church daily, but that he finds a way to worship. He knows that Sunday is both the launch of a new week, filled with possibilities, and the end of an old week, filled with a mix of obedience and sin. So he tells Jesus that he loves Him every day. He does this with his words in prayer. He does it by singing worship songs in the shower... or on his commute.

Will prays. He prays for his family, for his pastor, for his friends, and for the world.

Will loves the Bible. He doesn't have to make himself read it, he looks forward to reading it.

Will is generous. He gives faithfully, joyfully, and often beyond the scripturally required tithe. It's in his heart and reflected in his bank account.

Will is in an accountability relationship. He knows that the Sunday gathering is precious, and priceless, but that more is needed to stay faithful.

Now... with William the worshiper in mind, I'd like to toss out 3 questions for you today:

1) If you're not like Will--or your version of an ideal worshiper--what could you do to become more like him? What is your first, next step?

2) If you're not worshiping like Will, how can you expect those you lead to do it? (I know that's blunt; I don't mean it to be "judgy." I simply believe it is an important question... as represented effectively in the old movie Facing the Giants, "attitude reflect leadership.")

3) Did you notice how none of these descriptions have anything to do with musical-worship style? They are, however, rooted in scripture. Perhaps if we focus more on helping people worship like this, in a way that resonates with their hearts, we'd have fewer skirmishes over the minor issues of worship like when a song was written, what the accompaniment sounds like, or who stands in front to lead. 

I hope this post is especially provocative. And I really would love to hear back from you! Leave a comment or shoot me a message.

Goals > Resolutions

I've decided to give up on resolutions.

There. I said it. Don't hate me. I know we're only 11 days into the new year.

I've also decided to step up my goals.

What's the difference? Well, maybe just semantics. But maybe... maybe the difference is that between a wish and a plan. Between a hope and a calendar. Between a dream and a design.

Best example I know? For decades I've had the resolution to "lose weight." Or to "get healthy." 

But two years ago I turned a wish into a plan. I scheduled surgery. I went to the appointments that led up to it. I put stuff on my calendar. And then I had the surgery. I followed the directions. And I lost 165 pounds. My hope became a plan.

My best goals are input based, not outcome based. They are dependent on my actions, not the circumstances around me.

One of my favorite 2021 goals, for example, is to lead an international mission trip for folks in our worship ministry. The only way that goal is met is for me to plan, to get stuff on the calendar, and to design the trip. I might have a DREAM of 25 people going, but I can't control who will go. That's not realistic. But I can have a GOAL of inviting personally inviting 50 people to go. That I can measure. That I can hold myself accountable to do. (And others can hold me accountable too!)

Another favorite goal for 2021 is to date my wife every week. (Yes, she'll read this. Now I have to carry through!) And as long as the pandemic lingers that is going to require some serious effort on my part. I need to set aside time on my calendar for the DATE but also for the PLANNING. I'm excited about it, but that's new year's stuff. I want to be better about loving Jackie with my time and attention. So it isn't a resolution (like spend more time with my spouse). It's a goal (like have a scheduled date night every week). 

I have 8 other goals. I've written them out. I've put stuff on my weekly calendar as well as some big dates on my calendar. I have a plan to see them every week. To work on them every week. 

Can I offer one more, quite divergent thought about this goals / resolutions thing? It's a brand new thought for me, but seems worth sharing on the front end of 2021. It's right out of scripture after all. It comes from Philippians 1, a popular passage and one of my favorites: "God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished..." As you set goals, or perhaps revise goals for 2021, remember that it is God's work that gets you where you want to be. Where He wants you to be. So if your goals don't point to God's work in you, might be good to reconsider. If you'd like someone to process that with, I'd be honored to have a conversation. Just reach out. My email is RodEEllis@gmail.com and my cell number is 502.229.0114.

Let's do all God has called us to in 2021. And let's do it together. 

PS. If you'd like to go WAY deeper into this goal setting thing, I recommend episode #150: You Need a Goal, Not a Resolution from the Lead to Win podcast from Michael Hyatt and Megan Hyatt Miller. 

It's Time: Year in Review

Like some folks are Scrooges about Christmas, I tend to be a Scrooge about those "year in review" stories or shows. I just don't enjoy looking backward; I am future focused.

But as Churchill famously said, those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. So it's time to look back at 2020.

Here are eight things I'd encourage you to ask yourself...

a) How did I do as a family member? What did I learn about my role as husband, wife, mother, father, son, or daughter? Don't beat yourself up, but don't ignore reality either. God's first call on our lives is to our families--a call I have too often relegated to 2nd or 3rd place in my journey--so how did you do with your place in your family? 

b) How did I do as an employee (or student)? Did I work faithfully? If I were my boss, would I be happy with my performance? If not, where can I grow? 

c) How did I do with my goals from last year? Of course, COVID-19 probably made some thing less possible, but it made others newly possible. How did I do at making course corrections?

d) How did I do with my friendships? Was I the one to take initiative to check on people? Did I listen before speaking? Did I entrust myself to my friends? 

e) How did I do with my finances? Was I faithful to give the first fruits to God? (The minimum standard, according to the Bible, is 10%.) Was I generous in both spirit and in deed? 

f) How did I do as a member of my neighborhood, my community? Was I more of a contributor than a consumer? Did I treat my neighbors with respect and grace? Our church just started using www.blesseveryhome.com to pray for our neighbors. I have only been at it a week, but I'm loving it!

Let's get a bit more personal...

g) How did I do with my spiritual disciplines? Better than the year before? Not as well? Did the pandemic drive me toward God or farther away? For more about spiritual disciplines, you can check out these brief previous posts.)

h) How did I do with my time? Was I a good steward of my most valuable resource? What would those closest to me say about this? If I'm married, I really need to ask my spouse about this. Is there one change I can make that will make 2021 be an improvement? (My favorite post about time management is here.)

In conclusion?

I'll say it again: don't be too hard on yourself. Still, don't let yourself get away with being a poor steward of who God made you to be and what God gave you to do. (see Ephesians 2:10)

So now? Make small course corrections. Find one thing you'd like to do differently in each of these categories. If you try to go big, you'll probably flame out. So make small adjustments and be consistent with them. (I've learned this the hard way... and it took a long time!)

If I can help, please reach out. I'd be delighted to pray for you, to have a conversation, suggest more resources, or even function as an official coach or mentor. You can text or call me at 502.229.0114. 

HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

When Christmas Isn't Merry

It's probably because I'm getting old, but I know more people than ever for whom this Christmas won't be particularly merry. Or maybe... won't be merry at all.

Indeed, this has been a difficult year for our family too. Jackie and I both buried our dads. COVID-19 hasn't affected us too much directly, but like all of you the whole year has felt fogged-in. There are other complicating factors that I won't bore you with, but like many of you, this Christmas just doesn't feel as happy as most.

So what do we do?

I'd like to humbly, graciously, and gently suggest five things you can do to make the most of a difficult Christmas. 

First, get active. Start doing something physical. Walk. Jog. Swim. Go to the gym. Even 10-15 minutes a day will be a good start at changing your disposition. A word of caution from a guy who has been there, don't try for an hour. 10 minutes every day will do far more good than 60 minutes every 5-10 days.

Second, check your nutrition. Again, unless the Holy Spirit is telling you otherwise, don't go crazy here. You'll get discouraged and give up. Been there. Done that. Dozens of times. Just in general eat less processed food and more natural food. 

Third, especially if you're already doing the first two things, get to a doctor and ask them to do a blood panel. There are health considerations that can dramatically affect your merriment. 

Fourth, do something for someone else. The bigger the gesture the better! Be outrageously generous with your time, your words, and if you can... your money. Then do it again. And again. Very few things will help you release happiness in your own soul as much as change the happenings of someone else.

Fifth, and I saved the most powerful for last, pray. The promise of James 4:18 is profound, "Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world." My temptation is to leave out the second half of that verse, but honestly, the cliché 'Confession is good for the soul' has its' roots in scripture. So talk to Jesus. As my friend and mentor Chip Stam once told me, "Vent to Jesus." As you draw nearer and nearer to Him, He will feel nearer and nearer to you. His joy will become your strength. (Neh 8:10)

So if Christmas isn't merry, don't despair. The God of Hope, who took on skin and bone for us, stands ready to give you a new dose of hope. He might do it through exercise, eating, vitamins/medication, generosity, or prayer. And it may not come in a hurry. But it will come. 

One more note: if none of that helps, reach out to me or to your pastor. We want to help.

So with all of the depth I can muster in these frail words, have a Merry Christmas.

Heaven Came Down (Joy to the World)

Can you imagine how joyful heaven is?

I can't either.

But take a moment, use your holy imagination, and try…
    No-one is crying.
    No-one is sick.
    No-one is dying.
    No-one is sad.
    No-one is hurting.
    No-one is waiting.
    No-one is poor.
    Injustice is gone.
    Crime is gone.

Everyone is fully alive.

That’s what Jesus left... to come here.

Perhaps even more staggering? That’s what Jesus brought when He came here.

A new kind of Kingdom. A new reality. Only a shadow of the real thing, of course. But before Jesus brought heavenly joy to earthly sorrow, there was less of God’s Kingdom here. Now that we know that the Savior reigns— not Ancient Rome, not earthly kings, presidents, or dictators—our joy can echo across the land.

Speaking of the land, what was once cursed because of our sin, can now be blessed. Jesus brought blessings enough to cover every inch. You can’t find a place cursed in Eden that the blessing of Jesus isn’t available. Joy! To the world!

This year, when we sing “Joy to the world,” perhaps we could be compelled to partner with Jesus to dispel worry, oppression, and sin. Seek first His Kingdom and His justice. Pray the words He taught us: “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth like it is in heaven.”

And then let’s do His joyful will to bring joy to His world.

Someday, we’ll leave the shadow and enter the light. And we won’t need our imagination any more.


Joy To The World (click on the title to hear a fresh setting of these lyrics)

Joy to the world! the Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King.
Let ev'ry heart prepare Him room,
And heav'n and nature sing,
And heav'n and nature sing,
And heav'n and heav'n and nature sing.

Joy to the earth! the Savior reigns;
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods,
Rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders of His love.

George Frideric Handel | Isaac Watts | © Words: Public Domain | Music: Public Domain

Accused!

Have you ever asked someone an innocent question and they responded as if you had accused them of a reprehensible crime? Yeah... me either. 

Ever been on the other side of that? Someone asks you a simple question but you receive it as an accusation. Nope. Not me.

Okay, seriously. These happen to me a lot. Both of them. I'll ask someone a question with no agenda, but because--it seems--they feel accused, the conversation goes wonky.

Or someone will ask me a question out of curiosity, but my defenses flair up and I am ready to go to battle over my answer... which is usually not worth fighting about! I'm not sure about you, but I come up against this in family life more than anywhere. All parts of family--nuclear, extended, step--in all kinds of situations.

So... more than a decade ago I was leading a worship ministry in a small church near a large university. A student was playing guitar in our band and asked me a question about why we were doing the classic worship song "Lord, I Lift Your Name on High" in a variety of musical styles--as in original, reggae, funky, then slow and sweet. I immediately felt attacked. My face flushed. My voice went up in pitch. And after I answered--thankfully--he just said, "Wow, that's cool. I knew you'd have a good reason; I was just curious." I'd felt accused, but he was just curious.

It is not an overstatement to say that I hate this dynamic.

Hate. It.

For a long time now I've been pondering where this comes from. Why do I feel attacked when I'm simply being questioned? And why do others respond that way to me at times?

It's simple, really. 

Jesus vs. Satan.

Seriously. It's in their very names!

Jesus means "the Savior" or "the deliverer."

Satan means "the accuser."

When we encounter others as "Christ in us" (Col 1:27 | Gal 2:20), we experience safety and hope. But when we perceive others as "wolf in sheep's clothing" (Mt 7:15), we experience threat and fear.

Perfect love casts out fear. (1 Jn 4:18)

And there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Rom 8:1)

What if we told ourselves and one another these truths often? How would our relationships change? How could our questions take on new life and possibilities?

Of course--and I don't want to be a Donny-downer here--this means when we ask questions we need to check our attitudes first. Let's not ask with an agenda but with a curiosity. And if we need to have a conversation where someone may be on a path of destruction, let's not hide confrontation is "hidden agenda" questions. Jesus doesn't have hidden agendas; Satan does.

One brings death. The other brings life.

Join me in life-giving questions!

Growing in Grace?

Over the last few years I have wondered how I can know if I (and those I serve with) am having "success" in discipleship. We have--as a church staff--created and conducted surveys with that in mind. We have tried to maximize the ways we "deepen disciples" and "develop leaders." Sometimes, I'm sure, I've made it more complicated than it needs to be. Other times, I'm also sure, I have abdicated the responsibility we all have to be a disciple maker. (See Mt 28:19)

Recently, as I was doing my regular morning "Jesus Time" (as it appears on my Google calendar), I came across 2 Peter 3:18. I asked myself, first, am I growing in grace? And second, am I growing in the knowledge of Jesus?

Two quick notes about those questions--first, they are about growing, not achieving. And second, the prepositions matter. Growing in grace. Knowledge of Jesus. 

So then I started to filter those self-examination questions around those I have responsibility to disciple--my family, my worship leading community at church, and to a lesser extent, those worshiping through my-leadership.

Of course I can't know what is going on in the minds, hearts, and souls of any of those folks. (Nor can you, remember.) But I can see fruit--or a lack thereof. So maybe it would be helpful to ask ourselves and one another a few questions on occasion. I've landed on starting here:

1) How's your soul? 

2) Do you feel more saturated in grace than ever before?

3) Do you feel better at saturating others in grace than ever before?

4) Are you learning about Jesus... not just information but intimacy?

5) Is your knowledge of Jesus shaping the way you think and act toward those around you? Closest to you?

Seems to me that if we have more conversations--maybe once every week or two--about things like this, we could see more transformation in ourselves, those we love, and those we lead. 

If you'd like to have a conversation like this with someone, I'd be delighted to hear from you. Whether you're a part of the Woodburn Baptist church family, a friend, or a stranger, I'd be honored to have a conversation. You can reach me at RodEEllis@gmail.com or 502.229.0114.

Let's grow in grace together!

You must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18