Devotional from Al Terpstra
Take a Break, Would You?!?!
With the change at the level of Worship Pastor, and the absence of a staff leader, we were all thrust into a much higher level of involvement, which meant a greater scope of responsibilities, greater time commitment and an even greater demand for running worship and not just being a musician/singer/tech … we have been called to a higher level of “performance” and accountability.
Many things we did not have to concern ourselves with, we now find ourselves knee-deep.
By the grace and provision of God, we have a team who has risen to the challenge … week by week.
Many have committed much more of their time and talents to help ensure that we could provide as seamless a transition from past leadership to a season of lay-person-led music ministry that continued the excellence achieved under the past leadership.
Honestly, I believe that this change has truly helped me, in my time on stage, in that there is much more preparation and level of intentionality required to be prepared. That has resulted in me being able to not be focused on the chords, melodies, harmonies, and to be much more “in worship” during services.
Having said that, a major concern is that we need to guard against burn-out. That feeling which can make our participation feel more like an obligation … that if we (I) don’t do it, it won’t get done … or spur a feeling of guilt for not participating.
Firstly – God makes it all happen, in the hearts of those in attendance … including those who preach, sing, play for services, etc., God is sufficient for all our needs, even the needs of a worship team.
Philippians 4.19 “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
We are vessels for God … we are here to have God work through us, as we, in our own power are entirely imperfect and inadequate.
Secondly – God created rest.
Genesis 2:2-4 “ 2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.”
God rested from the work of creation. He has set an example that rest is of importance.
Thirdly – Jesus often took time to get away from the heavy load of His earthly ministry to be alone with his thoughts and those of the Father. He encouraged the apostles to pursue rest.
Mark 6:31 31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
Lastly – Take time to rest … to be alone with God as he will refresh your soul.
Psalm 23:1-3 “1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul.”
We have a privilege to be up on the stage, to run the sound, to run all the technology in the furtherance of His kingdom … and a great responsibility to do it in a matter worthy of the One True God. It’s nearly impossible for one to offer authentic worship to God, if one is burnt out. Protect your heart … take a break when needed … find a quiet place to rest for restoration and refreshment of spirit. It will be okay.
Crossroads was here before you/me, more than likely, and God willing, it will be here after you’re/I’m gone.