Sum requietum (I am rested)

Hey, friends:

If you've been at church the last couple Sundays, you probably have either not seen me, or have seen me sitting on or standing near one of the red chairs in the congregation. In the words of Keith Newell, "It was nice to not see you today." "Nice not to be seen," I replied.

It really was nice not to be up there leading worship. This could catch on.

As has been stated several times, one of the goals of the worship ministry has been to broaden participation. Thankfully, I see that it is happening on a number of different levels, but for a while I had been a bit more reluctant to let it happen on the leadership level. For much of my 4.5+ years at the Bible Church, I have found it hard to relinquish the reins of worship planning and leading. Pride? Yes. Distrust in God? Perhaps. Lack of confidence in others' gifts? I'd like to think not; it's probably more accurate to say that I wanted things done a certain way, and the best way to ensure that is to do it myself. Heaven forbid that things may not be done the way Nat would do them!!! (Gimme a break...)

I thought both Denise and Cristy did a fabulous job in planning and leading the music and worship these last two weeks. A difference for me (and them) has been that I was still integrally involved in the planning process as a sort of "consultant", whereas I had previously just handed off the service to the leader, essentially "washing my hands" of any responsibility for what happened that week. Not a good course of action, I've learned. The result would often be a falling-through-the-cracks of some service elements -- a communication gap of sorts between Mark & Cyndi W. and the leader(s). Did both Denise and Cristy make decisions I would not have made? OF COURSE! But you know what? -- God was still glorified, the body was still edified, gifts were exercised, the Holy Spirit still worked in our community, and...God was still glorified.

More importantly, Rachel and I and the Boys were able to attend church together. That may not seem like a big thing to you, but that has almost never happened, let alone two consecutive weeks!! It meant a lot to both of us to be able to do that. It has been huge for our marriage.

I know there has been some (justifiable) concerns amongst the W.A.G. that not much action has been taken, but I'll tell you that there has been much tangible fruit at the "50-foot level" from our "50,000-foot" discussions. I have seen it in my life and ministry. I sincerely thank you all (please read that again). I have felt your prayers, have valued your input, and have thanked God for my relationships with you.

Looking forward to meeting with you Sunday!