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View Full Version : End of an Era - What's Next?


Brian
08-14-2006, 04:58 AM
Today was the last adult (geezer) contemporary service at our church. After 10 years the service hasn't been attended well in over a year since the Lord provided 2 gifted WLs an opportunity to be Sr Pastor of other churches. Due to low turnout and the difficulties of volunteer staffing for 3 services the adult contemporary service is being combined with the early traditional service. The team's worship band was always on the verge of a train wreck; songs were changing key every week, the charts weren't accurate, and the WL wasn't following them so I had to concentrate VERY hard; hard to "worship" like that.

The "pillar$" of the church like their service early, more liturgical, and the service is all keys (I described the awesome pianist in another thread. Believe me, little room for a guitar).

At least for now I'll still play the young adult-youth (YAY) oriented service, but this was my last day playing songs like Ancient Of Days, Be Magnified, He Is Exalted, Shout To The Lord, How Great Are You Lord, The Seasons Of Life, I See The Lord and many many others... I really like those songs a lot! :cry: Fitting I used my 67 Telecaster (that I began playing worship with 13 yrs ago) today and it sounded great.

The Lord has apparently opened the door for the Christian Jazz bigband, but the YAY WL isn't sure what night he'll hold rehearsal. At this point I don't think I will want to give up either the Christan bigband (if I get the chair - rehearsals start in one week - I'm working hard on the Freddy Green 3 & 4 note chunk chunk chords and traditional chord scale solos) or the college big band that I play in with my son if rehearsals conflict. It may help that the YAY bass player plays brasswinds in the Christian bigband, and 1st French Horn in a college concert band that has rehearsed the same night as the college bigband.

The worst part for me is my wife does not like the music in the YAY service at all and if she decides to get up early (she's become a night-owl), she says the traditional service is stone cold; no passion in their worship. Also I couldn't attend a full service with her because the YAY worship band starts warmups during the 1st service.

I don't always do a very good job but my wife is my most important ministry. The Lord may be leading us to another church... if she goes out looking I'll be there at her side. I'm stepping out in faith here and waiting to see what the He does with all this.

Kitty
08-14-2006, 02:21 PM
Hey Brian,

It's always a little bittersweet to realize you're closing a chapter. But the sweet part is knowing that Jesus is Lord of your life. :grin:

May the Lord quickly guide you and your wife into a place where you can truly worship Him in whatever way He has chosen for you.

Kitty

dmock66
08-14-2006, 02:51 PM
Hey Brian!

Keep your shoulders back and chin up. If He brings you to it, He will bring you through it. Allow your faith to be what carries you through. Pray fervently and follow the light that God shines on the path He needs you to walk in His ministry. That path may take you to a place you may never have thought you'd be in your life - but it is precisely where God's plan dictates you're to be. And in that place God will meet you wherever you are. Keep your sights focused on the cross and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. As long as you're on your knees there you'll be all good, regardless of what physical structure and orgainzation you call your "home church".

Every end is a new beginning. I believe it's okay to close a chapter of your life with a bit of sadness that something that's a part of you is ending. However, the thrill of service our Lord is also bringing you to a new road to travel - one that will be exciting in it's own right. And to that I say BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD!!!

David

Crossroadsguitar
08-14-2006, 04:02 PM
Brian,

It sounds like a tough time in your worship life. I will be praying that you (and your wife) find a way to use your gifts and share in the ministry of your church.

Jason

Pearly Gator
08-14-2006, 04:22 PM
I don't always do a very good job but my wife is my most important ministry. The Lord may be leading us to another church... if she goes out looking I'll be there at her side. I'm stepping out in faith here and waiting to see what the He does with all this.

That, my friend, is the wise thing to do. Trust God. He will answer.

Gary

stephen
08-14-2006, 04:37 PM
Brian,

I'll keep you and the family in prayer.

Remember, this cahpter closing, may be sad, but in Jesus, there is no sadness, rather Joy! He's in charge, and he will see you through it all!

Teleguy
08-15-2006, 01:21 PM
...my wife is my most important ministry...


Next to your Telecaster, Bro! ;)

SAguitar
08-15-2006, 01:37 PM
When it comes from the Lord, all you can say is, "Bring it on!"

God be with you and yours, Brian!

Guitar4Him
11-07-2006, 01:02 AM
I've been a Christian for 30 years and have been in ministry for 25 of those years. Something I've learned during that time is "For everything there is a season". Often times, it's very difficult for us to let go of something, even when it's pretty obvious that God has lifted his annointing from it. We just try to "buck up" and keep it going. There's a great grace to being able to sense where He's going and follow.

It sounds like there's a "change of seasons" taking place both in your church and in your life. Listen to Him and be willing to follow His leading. You're in for a great adventure!

Ravindave_3600
11-07-2006, 04:19 PM
I've been a Christian for 30 years and have been in ministry for 25 of those years. Something I've learned during that time is "For everything there is a season". Often times, it's very difficult for us to let go of something, even when it's pretty obvious that God has lifted his annointing from it. We just try to "buck up" and keep it going. There's a great grace to being able to sense where He's going and follow.

It sounds like there's a "change of seasons" taking place both in your church and in your life. Listen to Him and be willing to follow His leading. You're in for a great adventure!

Good words. Makes me think of the Bible :-)

No, really, we all want good things to last forever, but sometimes the Lord lets them go in favor of NEW good things. I've had to learn that trusting Him means letting go when He lets go, and holding on when He says "Hold on!"

Steelstrum
11-09-2006, 12:32 AM
Yeah, letting go is hard, but I've always seen good things coming after good things got given up. God's great that way. Sometimes it takes a while, and the waiting's hard, but there's always something good coming up at some point.

I'll be praying for ya. You're at the hardest part of the process.