The privilege to lead worship

I have been leading worship for many years. It may seem hard to believe, but since 1987 I have lead worship in some form almost non-stop. Yeah there have been a few long weekends away, but I was usually back in the saddle a week or two later. Even the transition time between churches was short. And for the last 3.5 years I have done multiple services over an entire weekend. Once I lead 8 worship services over a 3 day period. Boy that nap was great afterwards.

While the move and the new job are "no brainers" when asked if it is God driven, one of the best gifts God could have given me was this needed down time . . . time to rest, reflect, vision, dream, create, worry, plan, get excited, get nervous and just plain get ready.

Even in its most crazy parts, hanging with the kids and Terri is a joy. And just what we need. Get the house in order (literally), get readjusted to TN, get the kids in school and then launch a new campus from scratch . . . not with an existing building or congregation. Just a blank slate to create a new revolutionary faith community. A handful of people wanting to live life right together. Ready for a genuine combined worship/life experience. Ready to grow in their God drive.

So God, thanks for the break. And it's ok that it's a few weeks longer . . . but I am ready to get to work.

:)

Peace

What's in the details . . . ?

I have heard it said "the devil is in the details". And sometimes it is true. When I find myself going through every detail, trying to make sure that all bases are covered and there are no dropped balls, it can feel like every snag is birthed from outside evil forces trying to derail your valiant efforts. Of course . . . that's a defeatist way to feel, and just plain silly.

"Get God in the details", would be a better perspective. Give your best effort, in all things. Think through the details with a joyful heart and a joyful mind, and things will start to fall into place. If God is on our side, who can be against us? If God is in the details, why should they stress us?

Then the snags don't feel so much like "evil" bumps, but just challenges to work through for a greater purpose. Let the bumps lay there like bumps on a log, but let the details be a joy.

Ginghamsburg to Tennessee

God led me and my family to Ginghamsburg 3 and a half years ago, and started an amazing chapter in all of our lives. After what has been an incredibly rewarding and life changing time in Ohio, I wanted to let you know that Terri and I have decided to move the family back to Tennessee.

This decision is based on our desire to be with our families, and our discernment that God has called us to the next chapter. The call on our lives is clear and already producing so many “that has to be God” moments, even though it brings mixed emotions along with it.

Being on mission with Mike, Sue and the staff of Ginghamsburg is something I will treasure my entire life. God’s gift to me has been sharing worship design with so many talented people, sharing discipleship ministry with so many passionate leaders and serving with so many mission minded servants. Not many people get this opportunity, and I consider myself among the blessed to have shared ministry with you all. The worship celebrations are like none other I have experienced, and serving with such incredible talent is something that has truly been a privilege. I will always be a cheerleader for Ginghamsburg and its mission to change the world by serving others.

I will continue in my current role here at Ginghamsburg until the first of August, when we will move back to Knoxville. The search for my replacement will begin right away, and please join me in praying for this process. I am confident that God will bring the right person at the right time to lead the music and worship ministry to its next level.

Now that you know my news, let’s remember that we all still have work to do, worship to lead and lives to transform. I am looking forward to a GREAT summer season of worship together with you!

Terri and I love you all and thank you for all your prayers, and your lives of passion for the mission of Christ.

Peace

Paul Jones

MAGNIFY Concert

Concerts at Ginghamsburg are a treat for me. All of the music servants work so hard every weekend, and give so freely of their time. We learn songs to sing 5 times a weekend (and sometimes more) and then we are done. The concerts are a time for us to offer these songs one more time without constraints of time.

I love to see our servants on the stage worshiping. For some this is the only time they ever get to offer their God given talent back to God. That has to please Him.

I pray that what we do is pleasing to God and an acceptable offering of praise. May we magnify His holy name.

Peace