I think the older I get, the less I enjoy change. I am not anti-change, but change is HARD!

When Ruth told me that she was going to re-design our church website I thought, "That's a great idea to promote more people having access to what's going on in our Church family." I am fully aware that a new look from time to time is useful to re-invigorate communication. A little update in look and content can boost our interest. It also is something that all of us can utilize when we have the opportunity to direct others to the ministry. You know what I mean...

"Hey, you should look at our new, really cool website!"

What I did not anticipate was that change is HARD! I am not as patient with change as I used to be. The new design program that we are using is not like the old one. With the old system, I could maneuver more easily and I had the things that I needed to produce what I was responsible for. I don't know if I've said this yet but, change is HARD!

Certainly, change just for the sake of change is no reason to change, however, when the "old" no longer accomplishes what it is designed to do in the best way, it's time to try something new. It's not that the old was bad, it's simply served its usefulness. It's time to try something new even if that is hard.

Most of the time, when it gets right down to it, the "new" incorporates enough of the "old" that it allows us to handle the learning curve. Best of all, we can discover that the "new" allows us to experience things we might not in the "old". Many times it broadens our experience altogether.

We can do hard things, right?

Worship styles can be like that; especially music styles. The Church has utilized various musical styles throughout the centuries in true worship. So, which is the right one? I would tell you that the right musical style is the one that allows a congregation to worship God together. I would also say that the style is not nearly as important as the heart of the worshipper.

I am blessed often when I set my own, sometimes old, preferences aside and embrace worship music that is new to me. I love it when I see and hear Jaden and our worship leaders singing heartfelt, Christ-centered songs. Singing along at first might seem hard, but I can do hard things and soon I find myself joining them in the praise. What about you?

How about this as something to consider...

...but let the Spirit fill your life. 19  When you meet together, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, as you praise the Lord with all your heart. 20 Always use the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to thank God the Father for everything. 21 Honor Christ and put others first. - Ephesians 5:18-20

I'll See You in Worship!

Pastor Mark