In this chapter, Kreauter makes the distinction between working in ministry and ministering to people. He reminds us that Jesus died for people. It was more than simply paying a debt, it was a personal act of love and sacrifice. So as worship leaders, it is not just our responsibility to witness broadly to groups of people, but it is also our responsibility to pursue individuals and make personal connections and genuinely CARE for them.
I find that leading worship feels more natural to me when I approach it remembering that each person in the student body is their own personal unique self. When I go into chapel actively caring for those around me, i am able to feel the greater purpose of what we do as worship teams. John 13:35 say "By this everyone will know you are my disciples, if you love one another." We aren't just there to play good music, but we are bringing the love of God to the students through our love and care for them.
Monday, March 21, 2016
Friday, March 11, 2016
Chapter 13: Keeping Priorities Straight
"What is most fun should not determine how we appropriate our time."
As God's children, we have 3 main priorities: knowing God and cultivating our relationship with him, spending time with and living our families, working to further God's kingdom on earth. Kraeuter expresses how he finds it easier to do accomplish the third priority here because it yields nearly immediate results, whereas it can be hard to see the results of spending time with God and family right away. God comes first,our family comes second, and then sharing the gospel and ministering to the world comes after that. He reminds us that not every ministry opportunity may come from God and that we must first asses if it will take away from our priority that we have with our family. He tells us that having these priorities set in place will help us be more directed by God in everything we do.
I feel like this past year has been a good one for me in that I have been keeping God and my family at the top of my priorities. I have been tapping more I nto my relationships with my sisters especially. I found that they are both great people to talk to. I'm really glad that I get to establish good relationships with them before I leave for college. I've also really been analyzing my relationship with God and asking hard questions so that my faith is built on a solid foundation. I have been reading God's word more recently and thinking about where all my relationships fall in the scope of God's plan for me. He is in everything I do and in my thoughts at all times. This causes me to feel our relationship deeper than I have before. Having God as my number one priority has lifted a lot of stress and worry off of my shoulders this past year which proves to me that I am doing the right thing.
As God's children, we have 3 main priorities: knowing God and cultivating our relationship with him, spending time with and living our families, working to further God's kingdom on earth. Kraeuter expresses how he finds it easier to do accomplish the third priority here because it yields nearly immediate results, whereas it can be hard to see the results of spending time with God and family right away. God comes first,our family comes second, and then sharing the gospel and ministering to the world comes after that. He reminds us that not every ministry opportunity may come from God and that we must first asses if it will take away from our priority that we have with our family. He tells us that having these priorities set in place will help us be more directed by God in everything we do.
I feel like this past year has been a good one for me in that I have been keeping God and my family at the top of my priorities. I have been tapping more I nto my relationships with my sisters especially. I found that they are both great people to talk to. I'm really glad that I get to establish good relationships with them before I leave for college. I've also really been analyzing my relationship with God and asking hard questions so that my faith is built on a solid foundation. I have been reading God's word more recently and thinking about where all my relationships fall in the scope of God's plan for me. He is in everything I do and in my thoughts at all times. This causes me to feel our relationship deeper than I have before. Having God as my number one priority has lifted a lot of stress and worry off of my shoulders this past year which proves to me that I am doing the right thing.
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Chapter 12: Cultivating the Gifts God Has Put Within You
In this chapter Kraeuter references scripture to remind us that God has given us all gifts. He emphasis that despite our possession of these gifts, we still need to do work ourselves to develop them to their full potential. He suggests going to seminars or taking courses to further our musical knowledge and abilities. Being well educated and wise in our gifts will allow us to serve the church and honor God significant ways.
I believe that God has given me multiple gifts that I need to utilize. I am good at talking to people, public speaking and playing music. In order to further develop my ability to talk to people, I should continue to do so and maybe take a psychology class. To work out n public speaking, I can attend workshops and practice at church and in class. Finally, to get better at playing instruments or singing, I need to practice, practice, and practice. Through all this, I will pray to God and I know that he will push me in the direction he needs me to go to fully take advantage of the gifts he has given me.
I believe that God has given me multiple gifts that I need to utilize. I am good at talking to people, public speaking and playing music. In order to further develop my ability to talk to people, I should continue to do so and maybe take a psychology class. To work out n public speaking, I can attend workshops and practice at church and in class. Finally, to get better at playing instruments or singing, I need to practice, practice, and practice. Through all this, I will pray to God and I know that he will push me in the direction he needs me to go to fully take advantage of the gifts he has given me.
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