gdp's Comments

inprogress : A question for lead worshipers and the congregation

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 22:00:48 +0000

Hey russ, I think the disconnect for me is the difference between being a leader and just being an artist. I see all team members as leaders. They are very visible. The expectations of time and commitment is higher than other volunteer positions. And they sing/teach the Word. These are things that demand high expectations. Requirements is the wrong word. When a task is thought of as something that is binding or hindering, requirement is often the word used. In this case, I see them as expectations. Expectations assume that certain levels of involvement or commitment will be sought after. Are they always achieved? No, but there is an expectation that we will be working towards certain goals. Does this mean a person is fired/let go if these expectations are not achieved? Depends? What is the motive of participation? Is this a constant issue? I would never kick a person off of a team, because they struggle with saying hello to strangers. but I would expect that they are working towards healthy relationships and community within the people they are leading. Two very different things. I see where you are coming from and that there is hurt from issues in the past. You said, "It doesn't empower me to minister better, it only drains the life out of me." I am assuming that this is directed toward "requirements" you were given. Because reaching out to people can and will help minister better. And it may be exhausting at times, but never life draining.

inprogress : A question for lead worshipers and the congregation

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 19:08:24 +0000

I would echo what Fred is saying here and continue on by saying... To be a worship team participant, this is a necessity. The "bridging of the gap" between stage and congregation is crucial. To not participate in this, in some fashion, is to leave aside a huge aspect of what we do as leaders. I would go as far as saying, go find another place to play music. Playing music is only one aspect of the worship ministry. Some people are outgoing, some are not. Thats a given. But all can love in some capacity. An extension of who we are from the stage, needs to take place. Whether inside the walls or outside the walls. They are both crucial. To be one person inside and another outside, defeats the purpose. Are we supposed to know everyone? Become friends with everyone? Hardly. But, we are to be accesible and available. Ministry is based completely around relationship. Relationship, in every stage, is messy and difficult. But so fruitful. And our goal here, is to lead people to the God we serve. We cannot do that, solely, behind a keyboard or a mic on stage.

inprogress : clarity in the chaos...

Mon, 3 Jan 2011 03:38:45 +0000

I am so blessed to have you...

inprogress : A Shocking Start to 2011

Mon, 3 Jan 2011 00:21:00 +0000

So grateful for all of you. Thanks you for loving on me and my family. We are truly blessed!

inprogress : it's a common courtesy

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 19:39:21 +0000

Love this! Love you!

inprogress : a few opinions on social media and the people in it.

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 18:45:46 +0000

Love that my blog is still involved :) Thanks Carl. Good thoughts. And I appreciate the compliments!

inprogress : a few opinions on social media and the people in it.

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:07:27 +0000

I think you just answered it. You write to express, yes. But, you write to be a voice. And, I believe you do it well. So, be faithful with your voice and steward those who listen.

inprogress : a few opinions on social media and the people in it.

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 23:59:35 +0000

Brat...

inprogress : a few opinions on social media and the people in it.

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 22:22:42 +0000

"Where else is there to seek absolute truth?" Completely agree. But, how about general creative/knowledge inspiration?

inprogress : a few opinions on social media and the people in it.

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 22:11:57 +0000

"Also, we still need to have our fight on multi-sites =)" Oooh, I wanna be a fly on the wal for that one...

inprogress : a few opinions on social media and the people in it.

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 22:11:16 +0000

This is an interesting question, because it hinges totally, as josh said, on the motives. If you write to sell books, then you have to create an audience. If you write to create, then a reader is never an issue. Same thing with the music world. Also, who is to say, that your voice doesnt become one that matters to someone else. I think we have to be faithful to our giftings and be stewards of what those giftings produce in and around us.

inprogress : a few opinions on social media and the people in it.

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 22:08:39 +0000

From a tech perspective, its been hard. But I know they are out there!

inprogress : a few opinions on social media and the people in it.

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 21:38:00 +0000

I love what Josh had to say on this, cause it challenged my perspective a bit. Spiritually, I think we tend to get ourselves lost in opinion and theology and thought...way too often. Blogs become a place to "rephrase" something and pawn it off as new thought. I think of Christians around the world without access to online communities. Do they not learn and grow without access to the thousands of blogs and Twitter feeds many of us have? I think they do just fine. If not better. When it comes to job roles. I struggle with this. There are so many people doing things I do. Who to listen to? Often I just grab those I need to hear at that moment. But, thats messy. One week its here, next week its there. Its tough to tap into a source or sources that truly teach and lead me the way I believe I need to be taught and lead. And, unfortunately, I live in an area that does not have a lot of resource or community that I can bounce ideas off of. I have to look to social media for my support. In Art and Creativity, we have massive amounts of people/blogs/influences. But, I rarely see the original. The unique. It is often lost in a sea of mediocre and copycats. I want to find those that are fresh voices. And yet, I agree with Josh. His perspective is that we need to become that fresh voice. For ourselves. We need to stop listening and watching and go for it. Make our own path. Create something unique, that only we can do, because only we are capable. And, its not about approval. Its about living. I had someone on Twitter respond to me regarding this conversation..."change who you follow". There is a lot of wisdom in this. We become what influences us. And if we are influencing and creating for ourselves, there is something very natural about this. We become more like who we are supposed to be. So, its finding the balance. I seem to be entering a season of learning. but I have to balance what I am hearing and being taught with what I am doing and creating. The danger is for me to go fill my twitter and blog feeds with everything I can that has to do with what I do. But, now more than ever, in a time of learning, I need to be selective and cautious of who has my ear.

inprogress : we're almost there!

Sat, 12 Jun 2010 08:16:31 +0000

Jenny, we are receiving a discount through Apple. We get a 10% discount through the Willow Creek account. So, yes...we are getting something at a better price! :)

LGP Blog : Diane & David // Beloved

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 22:52:10 +0000

This is true...

LGP Blog : Diane & David // Beloved

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 03:17:03 +0000

So amazing!

inprogress : welcome to the new digs!

Tue, 4 May 2010 20:04:03 +0000

We will have it up soon. Figured this would get you by :)

inprogress : welcome to the new digs!

Tue, 4 May 2010 18:06:25 +0000

Use this :) http://www.feedmyinbox.com/

inprogress : welcome to the new digs!

Tue, 4 May 2010 17:38:58 +0000

What browser do you use?

Refine Us : Taking Lots For Granted

Tue, 4 May 2010 03:36:26 +0000

Amazed and humbled by the commitment that you, Trisha and Crosspoint has made to love people and care for those in need. Thank you for your example!!!