Have you ever heard the saying, “God calls the equipped into His service”? While there is truth in this, it can be misleading because it suggests that everyone called into service initially feels fully prepared. A more accurate statement is, “God equips the called.” Do you see the difference?
This has been true in my own ministry. As I faithfully followed God’s direction, He provided the tools and courage I needed to serve Him. At first, I wasn’t fully equipped for music ministry—I had no idea how fun, rewarding, or challenging it would be until I started. Only after beginning did I discover God’s plan for me. None of my ministry would have happened if God hadn’t prompted me to say, “Yes!” The rest is history—His story.
I’m writing to invite those of you whom God has been prompting to take the next step in your faith journey by joining the worship ministry. Often, God uses time to reveal our talents. Do you have a strong voice to sing? Courage to speak? A gift for playing an instrument to make music to the Lord? If you’re reading this and feel a tug on your heart to get involved, that may very well be God calling you to step forward.
At the beginning of every rehearsal, we pray. This is an uncompromising commitment we hold dear before we worship or even start rehearsing. Something powerful happens when a small group gathers—each coming from a busy week—and sets their hearts and minds on God’s purposes and movements. We anticipate it, long for it, need it, and are grateful for it. Prayer is a vital step in worshiping God in truth because it invites Him into our midst. This ensures that when we gather, our worship connects us to Truth.
Scripture tells us that the church is “God’s building,” His “temple,” the “body” of Christ, and the “household of God.” We are “living stones… being built as a spiritual house” (1 Corinthians 3:9b; Ephesians 2:21-22; 1 Corinthians 12:12; Ephesians 2:19; 1 Peter 2:5). These metaphors certainly apply to the worldwide church, but most immediately and practically, they describe the local church—the community I share with you week by week, year by year.
Gathering with you is often the highlight of a worship team member’s week. What you might not realize is that this is by God’s design. Ushering people into God’s presence is our greatest joy and honor. There is nothing like taking a posture of humility and laying out the Father’s red carpet for you, ready to help the Holy Spirit guide you into God’s presence. Everything inside us is shouting, “Yes! Please come in! Worship our Lord with all your heart! Give Him your praise, your gratitude, and every ounce of strength! He is waiting and expecting you! Yes, please come in!”
I can’t think of a greater honor than this—except that God would be gracious enough to give us His Son as a ransom for many.
Being part of the worship team is more than it seems; it’s a spiritual journey. There’s always more happening beneath the surface than what meets the eye. God actively uses His willing servants to encourage His congregation to respond appropriately to His presence. Can God draw nearer? Absolutely. He is not only with us, He dwells within us. God is immanent—our brother, shepherd, and Savior. His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23; Hebrews 4:15). He is Immanuel—God with us (Matthew 1:23).
What would it take for you to take the next step in your faith journey? Has God been prompting you toward the worship team or another ministry at Grace? If so, there is more ahead for your faith journey, and the best is yet to come! Come find us, and we’ll talk about your “next steps.” Plugging in is a wonderful way to experience new joy.
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