Comments on: A Lesson We’re Still Learning

By: gs

gs — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 17:21:47 +0000

Amaris said, “That being said, I definitely do not want an environment that would be overly strong, filled with practices that would cause great concern with unbelievers.”

…coming from a more charismatic environment, I agree.

By: prin

prin — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:20:06 +0000

Maybe you should come up here and see what it’s like. When I was down there the two times last summer, I felt the opposite- it was free and people were enthusiastic. Maybe not on a southern scale, but from where I come from, you guys were passionate in your worship.

I liked how the lights were dim. The church I went to for a while up here had bright fluorescents on and it really heightened the shyness. Even though there weren’t more than forty people on any given Sunday, you’d expect to hear some singing…

Being at V21 was a powerful experience, and I know you are right to expect more, but I think you’re doing alright.

By: amaris

amaris — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 04:43:35 +0000

It is so incredibly refreshing to hear that you think about this sort of thing…and to read a post in which you ask us to think and pray about worshiping without reserve. I mean, I was pretty sure it was something you thought of, bein’ a worship pastor and all. :)

As the worship at Vintage has changed since I’ve arrived, it’s been incredible to watch as you all seek to honor Jesus. Yet, during service, there are instances when I will leave my seat, and go to the back, because there is not enough room to freely worship at my seat, and I’m afraid that I will blast the person I am sitting closely behind with my volume. All of that to say, are we able, due to our size, to create an environment that greatly encourages folks to enter in to musical worship of our Father? I do not know.

That being said, I definitely do not want an environment that would be overly strong, filled with practices that would cause great concern with unbelievers. And prayer, and repentance, about adoration between just us and Jesus (what I call musical worship), should not leave us the same.

I’m praying for us. For me.
I’m so thankful for each of you.

By: gs

gs — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 01:45:08 +0000

Prior to coming to Vintage21 my family and I were part of a denomination that was very open to exuberant worship. It was a pentecostal church. We left because of changes in our theological perspective. Changes for the better, and of which V21 embodies.

However, I have not “let go” in worship like I did in the past while at V21. I remember being so overwhelmed at the glory of God during the musical worship portion of Sunday services that tears and praise and worship just flowed. Honestly, I truly feel the freedom and encouragement from leadership to worship with all the enthusiasm as before, however, deep within I am reluctant. I know this is something within that I must deal with; fear of man or something of the like. I don’t want to come across as though I am blaming others. Vintage21 gets it. At some point I will stop worrying about being seen.

I am grateful for the leadership of Pastor Matt and the musicians at Vintage21. Jesus is worthy.

By: Matt Stevens

Matt Stevens — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 01:38:28 +0000

Paige,
I join you in that reaction. It actually saddened me to realize this is a long-standing issue at Vintage21, and the growth has been slow. Also sad to think of how I still struggle with this so much.
I think a lot of the answer is prayer, and it’s something that we don’t do until the moment we’re in fear or conflict. Should we ask God to free us from our inhibitions more often than that, how would he move? What if we petitioned Him, and believed he would move? I’m challenged by this idea.
Matt

By: Paige

Paige — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 00:28:30 +0000

Matt, every time you mention this topic, it makes me cringe. My reaction reveals to me that yes, indeed, it is sin, pride, and fear. I figure your words could bring three reactions 1) “Yes! Amen,” which would reveal my heart was already on board and already free in its worship, 2) “Ughhhh,” the reaction I have, or 3) “Yeah, whatever…” – a place I pray none of us find ourselves in. Thank you for continuing to challenge the congregation on this one, and personally for challenging me in an area that has plagued my freedom during corporate worship for as long as I have been following Jesus. I recall being in the kids church choir as young as 5th grade or so and DREADING doing the hand motions or expressing any type of excitement, even when every single other kid was doing them and singing with abandon. I’m glad to hear the conference is going well!