Heavenly Music
Last week, at the Wesleyan Pastors' Gathering in Orlando, I gave a seminar for small town and rural pastors.
I was absolutely stunned at the overwhelming response. The room was packed twenty minutes before the seminar began. People ended up sitting on the floor all around me, lined the walls, stood behind me, and stood five layers deep in the doorway.
I thought, "Wow, there certainly are a lot of small town and rural pastors at this conference."
Then, I realized, it's because the majority of ministers serve in small communities. It's just a fact of life.
Unfortunately, despite the inspiration, the typical small town guy goes to huge conferences like this. feels absolutely overwhelmed, compares his church with "the big production" and feels totally inadequate.
For instance, at the rallies, we had a fantastic worship leader, Robin Mark. He's the dude who wrote such soul stirring songs as "Days of Elijah" and "Jesus, All for Jesus."
The worship was powerful and deeply moving. The music was flawless. We sang wholeheartedly.
Back home, most of the rural congregations sing the very same songs -- but somehow, they don't come out the same way --At least, not on earth.
Heaven is another story, however. All praise sounds just the same by the time it reaches the pearly gates.
I was absolutely stunned at the overwhelming response. The room was packed twenty minutes before the seminar began. People ended up sitting on the floor all around me, lined the walls, stood behind me, and stood five layers deep in the doorway.
I thought, "Wow, there certainly are a lot of small town and rural pastors at this conference."
Then, I realized, it's because the majority of ministers serve in small communities. It's just a fact of life.
Unfortunately, despite the inspiration, the typical small town guy goes to huge conferences like this. feels absolutely overwhelmed, compares his church with "the big production" and feels totally inadequate.
For instance, at the rallies, we had a fantastic worship leader, Robin Mark. He's the dude who wrote such soul stirring songs as "Days of Elijah" and "Jesus, All for Jesus."
The worship was powerful and deeply moving. The music was flawless. We sang wholeheartedly.
Back home, most of the rural congregations sing the very same songs -- but somehow, they don't come out the same way --At least, not on earth.
Heaven is another story, however. All praise sounds just the same by the time it reaches the pearly gates.
What a wonderful experience to have in your memory bank, Mark. Worship with Robin Mark leading! But you're right; no matter the imperfections - it's all beautiful to Him, as long as it's glorifying Him, and as long as we're giving Him our best. We praise an awesome Abba!
ReplyDeleteSue Bartz