W.W.J.D.?

Jesus was strategic. Do you perceive Jesus as inefficient, disorganized, and unintentional? If Jesus were in “corporate America”, do you think he would be a failure or a raging success? It is obvious that Jesus was intent on accomplishing his goals, that he was deliberate in choosing his disciples, and that his daily tactics lined up with his ultimate plans.

Jesus was creative. The word pictures that Jesus drew for his audiences evidence his creative thought and attention to innovation. Creativity is compelling. Just as it is essential to spend exhaustive hours learning message, it is vital to design captivating presentations. God is ultimate creator – simply look in mirror and realize He designed you to be creative too.

Jesus was relevant. Though he did not waiver in his message, Jesus made sure that his presentation was relevant to his audience. There is a difference between theology and methodology. As a minister, it is imperative to identify your theology and fervently stand by it as you share it. Seminaries across country do a phenomenal job teaching students theology. However as it pertains to methodology, way in which theology is presented, there is a disconnection.

The fruit of seminary is seen in growth of churches around globe. Yet as I step into local church after local church to observe their day-to-day and weekend-to-weekend operations, there is a lack of creativity and relevancy. The training ground for tomorrow’s church leaders must align itself with forward thinking methodology. Remember, piano was cutting edge at one time – let’s create new and exciting ways to reach people! God-centered people with God-given creativity can implement God-sized plans that produce God-blessed results!

2 Timothy 4:1-5 I charge thee therefore before God, and Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge quick and dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. For time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

We need to hear word of God. And it is important to note that even preaching is a form of worship to God. God what’s you to know him. He want’s you to know him intimately. He wants you to understand who and what he is. This is key to His relationship with you. After all how can you worship or love someone you don’t know. This is why he has preachers. Preaching is really an opportunity to dive into God’s word bible and learn more about who he is. Learn how He operates.

In regards to worship music is not warm-up to message. Both are vital to whole worship experience. One complements other as do all other areas we are discussing in section. Giving

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Okay, with all your heart mind and soul you are to give. The Christian life is not about receiving it is about giving.

Growing up at Christmas time it was our family tradition to get gifts for everyone in immediate family. I would get gifts for mom, dad, brother and sister. Oftentimes it was difficult to make a decision as to which gift to give. First, because I was young, my resources were very limited. So I had to eliminate any gift that were too expensive. This did leave playing field down quite a bit. But it became obvious that my parents already had quite a few item that they already owned. In reality there was only a few things that I could give. It is like that with God. God owns universe and everything in it. But one thing that we can give is our worship to Him. This is one thing that He really enjoys from his people.

The first thing most people think about when subject of giving comes up is money. Yes it is true that giving money to church is a privilege we all can partake. But, I want you to also know that it goes beyond that. It is your entire life that God wants. You have awesome opportunity to give all your resources to God. This includes your time, your body, your mind. When you give to God all resources available to you, it is at that time a true sacrifice of praise and worship.

Communion

Matthew 26:26-29 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of new testament, which is shed for many for remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.

Communion is greatest privilege a Christian can experience. This is a time for true intimate relationship with Jesus. This is a time of oneness. It is time for worshipper to bond with their Savior. It identifies believer with Christ. Communion allows us to focus on greatest gift ever given to mankind. It is a time to remember that Jesus death on cross is ultimate and final sacrifice for sins of world. Bringing it all together

As you can see there are many facets to worship experience. Each is as important as other. The key for rich and fulfilling worship is balance. As you balance these five elements in your worship service, you provide more opportunities for worshiper. RESOURCE BOX

This article is an excerpt for new book by John Pape, Jr titled "Building a House of Worship" For more information on how you can get your copy of this book go to... http://www.mediatunes.com/bhow/ SPECIAL NOTICE: Please feel free to publish this article in your e-zines, newsletters, on your website or in your book. I only require that you publish Resource Box and end of article. Copyright John Pape Jr.