Well, now that it is official, I can share it with you all. Over this past summer, I have been transitioning out of my position as the worship leader at Union Chapel Church here in Fort Wayne so that I can situate myself in a place where I could learn more, get stretched and mentored in leading worship and my musicianship. Lisa and I decided that once we left Union Chapel, we would most likely attend a church close to our house so we could be more involved in the community and have easier access to the church for events.
We were looking at two churches that are right in our backyards and Emmanuel Community seemed to be a better fit for our family. I was born to be a leader, but I figured that even leaders need to be schooled and mentored, so I decided that I would join the worship and arts team at ECC as a volunteer, and serve and learn what I could as long as God wanted us there.
Time moved on, and I found out that ECC was actually looking to hire a part time worship leader to help with 2 of the 5 services they have on the weekends. I applied for the job and three times over the past two months I have auditioned for the position as a guest worship leader. I just got word Monday that the elder board voted that I was the right person to take the position and I officially start September 4th leading my first service there.
I am really excited, not only for the opportunities and on the job training I will gain, but for my family as well. There are plenty of opportunities for them to get involved to serve and still attend a service to get built up and encouraged as well.
The past 5 years at Union Chapel have been a blessing and I have learned a lot about myself, leadership, people and life. I have made some wonderful and close friends and intend to keep those relationships going as we begin this new chapter. Thank you for all of you who were praying for us during this time of seeking wisdom and understanding, we appreciate it.
I am looking forward to what the future holds for not only our lives, but for Union Chapel as well. I know God will do great things as we are both stretched and made dependent on God's power and strength.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Graduation Milestone
Today, I experienced a milestone. I have had goals and such, but today felt like a milestone. I graduated today with a little over 1000 other IWU graduates, 4 of which were some great guys I have had the opportunity and pleasure of getting to know over the past two and a half years.
It felt good to walk across the stage and get my diploma, although I am going back, it feels nice to have finished this chapter of life. I am looking forward to going back and getting my degree in Biblical Studies, and I am sure I will learn much through the next two years. Next graduation date is set for August 2012. (insert chuckle)
My family has been a huge support, and quite honestly has helped me get through some of the hard times while in school. It was fun challenging my oldest to see who could get a better grade in class, but of course mine costs more so I am working hard to beat him every time.
Two more years.......it's not really that long.......I can say that now, but all will be well. When I have a huge paper staring me in the face, I am exhausted and want to walk away, I will thank God for the opportunity He has given me to further my knowledge of His word, I will buckle down and get it done.
LORD, thank you for your strength, wisdom, and patience with me. Please help me to be a blessing and a servant to you. AMEN
It felt good to walk across the stage and get my diploma, although I am going back, it feels nice to have finished this chapter of life. I am looking forward to going back and getting my degree in Biblical Studies, and I am sure I will learn much through the next two years. Next graduation date is set for August 2012. (insert chuckle)
My family has been a huge support, and quite honestly has helped me get through some of the hard times while in school. It was fun challenging my oldest to see who could get a better grade in class, but of course mine costs more so I am working hard to beat him every time.
Two more years.......it's not really that long.......I can say that now, but all will be well. When I have a huge paper staring me in the face, I am exhausted and want to walk away, I will thank God for the opportunity He has given me to further my knowledge of His word, I will buckle down and get it done.
LORD, thank you for your strength, wisdom, and patience with me. Please help me to be a blessing and a servant to you. AMEN
Friday, August 06, 2010
Transitions
I find it interesting that the word "Transition" as defined by Webster says:
1 a : passage from one state, stage, subject, or place to another : change b : a movement, development, or evolution from one form, stage, or style to another
The very next definition for the same word says:
2 a : a musical modulation b : a musical passage leading from one section of a piece to another
Over the past few months, Lisa and I have been investigating some opportunities with two churches, both of which have been exploring their future needs in the music and arts ministries. I have spent some time in each place and have been given opportunities to serve them by leading worship in both places. This has been a very good experience for, not only me, but for my family as well. I have learned more about myself, my likes and dislikes, and my family has learned the same for themselves.
As many of you may already know, I gave notice at Union Chapel Church that my family would be leaving at the end of August in pursuit of training for myself and my career, and my calling into full-time ministry. Lisa and I knew that in order for me to get better in leadership, music, and teaching, I would need to move to a place where I could be mentored and trained up. I have learned a lot at Union Chapel and will always be grateful for the lessons, values, spiritual truths, and relationships I have been blessed to receive there.
As the 1st definition says, transition is a time of evolution from one form to another, from one stage to another, and that pretty much mirrors or explains my life right now. I am in transition as I move from being the sole music and arts leader, to a place where I will be among many leaders in that ministry. At first I am sure that I will struggle because for 13 years I have done this without specific mentorship or training, and I have gotten used to making decisions on my own. I have served under some great pastors and friends, but now I will get the opportunity to serve along side other leaders whose calling is the same and who's passions are the same. This will be a huge plus for me as I believe it will make me a better leader, a more creative musician and will in general stretch me and train me up.
Currently I feel as though I am in the middle with out a particular place to stand. It is a weird feeling, but one that I know is necessary. I know what my past looks like and where I have been, and I have a pretty clear idea of what the near future holds, so I guess you could say, I know right where I am. I guess that is a good thing..(insert chuckle)
The second part of the definition describes the word transition by using musical language, this I found funny since my life kind of revolves around music. As I thought about it a little more, I guess you could say that my life, (my song) is in transition. I am somewhere between the Verse and the Chorus. Let's say I am in the Pre-Chorus of my life right now. There is tension, and the volume is building, and you know that something more is coming, yet there is a slight pause, a small hesitation before things get on....and once it does, things seem to move along more smoothly. Ok enough of the metaphors, you get what I mean....
I am excited to say the least about what is coming and once everything gets ironed out and finalized, I will be more free to share it all. I trust that God has everything in control and is leading this process as we stay prayerful and watchful as to what He is doing in our lives. The feelings, the process, the "transitions" will all make sense and will all be worth it in the end.
So anyway, I say all this to try to explain how I have been feeling lately with our move. Stuck in the middle, not sure where to stand, a little out of the loop, but excited about what is to come.............Hmmmm...it would have been easier to just say that.
1 a : passage from one state, stage, subject, or place to another : change b : a movement, development, or evolution from one form, stage, or style to another
The very next definition for the same word says:
2 a : a musical modulation b : a musical passage leading from one section of a piece to another
Over the past few months, Lisa and I have been investigating some opportunities with two churches, both of which have been exploring their future needs in the music and arts ministries. I have spent some time in each place and have been given opportunities to serve them by leading worship in both places. This has been a very good experience for, not only me, but for my family as well. I have learned more about myself, my likes and dislikes, and my family has learned the same for themselves.
As many of you may already know, I gave notice at Union Chapel Church that my family would be leaving at the end of August in pursuit of training for myself and my career, and my calling into full-time ministry. Lisa and I knew that in order for me to get better in leadership, music, and teaching, I would need to move to a place where I could be mentored and trained up. I have learned a lot at Union Chapel and will always be grateful for the lessons, values, spiritual truths, and relationships I have been blessed to receive there.
As the 1st definition says, transition is a time of evolution from one form to another, from one stage to another, and that pretty much mirrors or explains my life right now. I am in transition as I move from being the sole music and arts leader, to a place where I will be among many leaders in that ministry. At first I am sure that I will struggle because for 13 years I have done this without specific mentorship or training, and I have gotten used to making decisions on my own. I have served under some great pastors and friends, but now I will get the opportunity to serve along side other leaders whose calling is the same and who's passions are the same. This will be a huge plus for me as I believe it will make me a better leader, a more creative musician and will in general stretch me and train me up.
Currently I feel as though I am in the middle with out a particular place to stand. It is a weird feeling, but one that I know is necessary. I know what my past looks like and where I have been, and I have a pretty clear idea of what the near future holds, so I guess you could say, I know right where I am. I guess that is a good thing..(insert chuckle)
The second part of the definition describes the word transition by using musical language, this I found funny since my life kind of revolves around music. As I thought about it a little more, I guess you could say that my life, (my song) is in transition. I am somewhere between the Verse and the Chorus. Let's say I am in the Pre-Chorus of my life right now. There is tension, and the volume is building, and you know that something more is coming, yet there is a slight pause, a small hesitation before things get on....and once it does, things seem to move along more smoothly. Ok enough of the metaphors, you get what I mean....
I am excited to say the least about what is coming and once everything gets ironed out and finalized, I will be more free to share it all. I trust that God has everything in control and is leading this process as we stay prayerful and watchful as to what He is doing in our lives. The feelings, the process, the "transitions" will all make sense and will all be worth it in the end.
So anyway, I say all this to try to explain how I have been feeling lately with our move. Stuck in the middle, not sure where to stand, a little out of the loop, but excited about what is to come.............Hmmmm...it would have been easier to just say that.
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