Nikki Fletcher
Nikki Fletcher is a worship leader and songwriter who currently serves as part of the staff team for Worship Central & Holy Trinity Brompton, London. Along with her...
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Is our worship costly?
Is our worship costly? Today I have been struck again by a passage I have read many times before but not always allowed myself to fully contemplate the message behind it.In today’s BIOY (Bible in One Year - which I know many of us are doing) the reading includes 2 Samuel 24:18-25. Araunah said, “Why has my lord the king come to his servant?” “To buy your threshing floor,” David answered, “so I can build an altar to the LORD, that the plague on the people may be stopped.” Araunah said to David, “Let my lord the king take whatever pleases him and offer it up. Here are oxen for the burnt offering, and here are threshing sledges and ox yokes for the wood. O king, Araunah gives all this to the king.” Araunah also said to him, “May the LORD your God accept you.”But the king replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.”
David was so convinced that his offering to God had to be costly to Him… it leaves me wondering - Is my Worship costing me anything? Do I only do what I get paid to do? Am I more zealous for what I can gain rather than what I can give? What am I sacrificing? Anything that has great value has a high cost. I love David’s heart behind this decision. He simply can not bring himself to be cheap or stingy when it comes to his worship to God. The life of a worshipper doesn’t come cheap. It demands of us our, time, energy, passion, finances, determination, perseverance and faith.
Are we giving of our time to practice and learn new songs and prepare musically? Are we turning up early for sound checks and services? Are we praying constantly for our congregations? Are we contributing financially, faithfully? If we get paid as a musician, are we still volunteering regularly as well as that? Are we pushing others forward, even at the threat of our own promotion? Are we sacrificing time to read the scriptures? Are we diligent with thinking and praying about our set lists? The life that God has called us to is expensive. Remember the woman who broke the jar of perfume that cost a whole years wages on Jesus feet (John 12)… wow… is that something we would be willing to do? A whole years wages!!! And the disciples sneer at her, saying ‘what a waste’ but Jesus affirms her. What the world sees as wasteful – a waste of time or money, or effort, God sees as beautiful. The good news is the rewards always, always, always outweigh the cost of all that we pour out to God.
I have worked for the church as a worship leader for many of my working years, but have also been a volunteer worship leader, with an ordinary job at different times in between. After being on staff for a number of years, and getting paid to do what I loved I remember asking myself one day “Would I still do this if I wasn’t getting paid?” and “What am I actually giving that is costing me something?”. It wasn’t long after that I was no longer working for the church and didn’t have a full-time job. Becoming a volunteer once again I realised, it was costly to turn up to rehearsals, and church meetings, as well as work an ordinary job. It does require money to string instruments and get training. Sometimes even transportation would become a considerable expense to get me to and from regular worship leading occasions. In between staff positions I volunteered for a year and worked a part-time job in a shop so I could have the flexibility to lead whenever I was asked. In that year I have never been so blessed, and surprised by how faithful and creative God is as a provider. Just when I couldn’t afford my bus fares, someone would give me a day’s wages.
One time I was on my way to church to lead, I was frustrated and upset that I couldn’t afford to buy a guitar tuner or lead. Literally when I turned up, there, on the stage, beside my microphone stand was a brand new guitar tuner and lead with my name on it. There were a few tears of gratefulness (I’m not sure the boys in the band knew what to do) but the truth is, God provides our every need. If our heart remains, to give, to serve, constantly, fervently, refusing to offer what is cheap, our worship will be beautiful, acceptable, powerful and worthy of the God who GAVE EVERYTHING for us.
I want to be like David in the story above, so the question remains for me today – Is my worship costly? Holy Spirit, I ask that you would speak to me, and show me how and where I can give. Don’t let me become cheap in the giving of my gifts, time and finances. Let me trust you with everything and abandon all to worship you.
xxNikki
Just had one other thought, our worship should be costly after all... Our job as worship leaders is to sew, invest, give and pour out.
This months Tip-offs!
Just thought I’d post some of the music that is really encouraging my soul this month-
2011 - the pursuit of...
Now that the new year is well in gear and off to a flying start, I've been getting my vision and goals in order for the months ahead. The reason it’s important to have vision is, as Proverbs 29:18 says " Where there is no vision, the people perish". Vision encourages us forward and enables us to grow. I love the quote by 1979 Nobel Prize winner Theodore William Schultz "If you don’t grow you die". So what is our vision for this year? How can we grow as worship leaders, musicians and worship teams? 1. Pursue God Psalm 27:4-6 (NIV) One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD. On most days I have many desires; a new pair of boots; my son to sleep well; to lead worship with great passion and anointing; to see God move amongst us; or just a good coffee & croissant…(you see my point :) ) but in this year I desperately want to pursue God and seek Him, that He would be at the centre of every desire. What is going to change this year to allow our pursuit of God intensify? What disciplines do we have in place? What are we willing to sacrifice? Our church is doing the “One Year Bible” which is a journey through the scriptures, reading three passages and a commentary daily. I started this on the 1st of January, and I must say it is been a huge stretch to keep up with (especially over the weekends) but already I can feel my hunger and desire for His word rising within me. We as worship leaders in God's church must have something to bring when we lead. We are all 100% responsible for our own pursuit of God, and it must be our priority. If we don't feed our souls, they will starve. But God promises that if we seek after Him diligently, daily, He will pour into us and it will be out of that overflow that we can lead people into His presence. 2. Pursue Excellence In the last ten years I've heard a whole lot of teaching on "excellence" in the church, but recently I've been wondering, do we need to be “excellent”? Does God really care about “excellence” in our church services? And, actually what is “excellence”? If it’s not our goal to give an impeccable performance, impress people, or be the greatest musicians in the world and people aren’t paying to come and see us play, then why is it so important to be “excellent” - After all God can use any old donkey to carry his presence, and I thought we weren’t supposed to be the focus anyway? So I’ve been pondering Matthew 25:14-30 where Jesus tells the parable of the three servants. If you don't know the parable well, Have a quick read... Just like these three servants we also have been entrusted with gifts from God. God has left them in our hands, to be worked so they grow and increase and to be used for His glory. In the parable the first two servants work with what they have been given, and have more to show when the master returns. They are praised ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ But the third servant buries what he is given, because of his FEAR he does nothing with the talents. His master says to Him ‘You wicked, lazy servant!.... So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.' This story really speaks to me about the gifts and talents God has placed in our hands, as musicians, singers, leaders and worship leaders. We can not afford to withhold what we have been given. God has entrusted us all (even though it isn't equal amounts), but if we don’t put these gifts to work, and see an increase they will ultimately be taken away. Kind of scary! What a responsibility. If we are faithful as the first two servants are God will actually give us more. Excellence is important to Him, and our way of honoring Him is to be faithful with ALL that we have been given. In the parable it strikes me how servant that buries his talent is held back by FEAR and LAZINESS. Isnt that so true of us sometimes with our giftings. We don’t want to fail trying, so don’t try at all, or we simply don’t have any discipline to keep us working at what we’ve been given. Excellence is not trying to BE the best, excellence is GIVING our best. We as the church are not in competition with the world, or each other. I can try my darndest to be as good as Beyonce, but ahh, its never going to happen! I can however be the best ME possible by working the hardest I can at honing in on the gifts God has given me. How are we going to craft our abilities this year? How are we investing into music this year? Are we learning the parts? Are we practicing? Are we learning new songs? Are we setting aside time to be creative and songwrite? Really hope you guys have had a great start to the year, and lets believe as we pursue God, and give him our very best, He will do far more than what we could dream or imagine. xx http://www.worshipcentral.org/
Learning how to say 'No'
Church life can be really busy, particularly if we are involved in the worship team. If we aren't careful our weeks can become over cluttered with all sorts of commitments and activity. Life is busy enough but with the addition of rehearsals, team meetings, sound checks, prayer meetings, pastoral meetings, meetings-about meetings- and a whole bunch of other wonderful pursuits it can be really easy to neglect what’s most important. Just because we are busy doesn't necessarily mean we are being fruitful, and If there’s no space and time for God, relationships, creativity, spontaneity, fun and rest we are entering the ‘danger zone’ of exhaustion & lost passion - other wise known as 'burn out'. As followers of God, leaders and ministers, our goal is to ‘finish the race’. We need to think long term, big picture and make decisions based on what is healthy, balanced and sustainable. So, with 2011 about to greet us its time to start plotting, planning, dreaming and asking God how best to spend the very precious 52 weeks ahead. Here’s some thoughts. What and who has God called you to right now? We all go through seasons, and its good to re-asses from time to time. Am I CALLED to lead worship? Am I CALLED to write songs? Am I CALLED to pastor people? We are all called to worship and to be part of His Body and serve His Church, but what is my specific role within that? Focusing on too many things can end up meaning we do everything badly and nothing well. Recently songwriter Ruben Morgan (Mighty To Save, This is Our God, This is My Desire) spoke to our worship team and he talked about His specific calling as a songwriter, and his calling to the people of the church. He said that for him to pursue that faithfully, it meant a lot of sacrifice, and a lot of saying ‘no’ to things he is not called to. It’s so easy to say yes – and then regret it later, either fulfilling our commitment begrudgingly or failing to complete it at all. What and who has God called you to in this season? Even if it is one or two things… What do I want to achieve? Having simple straight forward goals – keeping yourself accountable, and keeping focused on them can help us not only be more effective but also help guide our decisions ensuring we use our time in the best possible way. We only get out what we put in to anything – what do we want to invest into this year? At the end of the year what would I like to have improved at? What do I want to have done? What do I want to produce? I’ve always been inspired by this scripture - Habakuk 2:2 “ Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it.” Write down your goals, stay focused and run with it! What is sustainable? Recently I've found myself saying yes to some things I probably shouldn't have. I’m learning how to balance family and work life, but at the moment I probably need to say ’no’ much more than ‘yes’. I’d love to be leading worship several times in the week and spending 3 hours a day writing songs, as well as jet setting all around the world, but this year it's just not physically possible. It’s always better to under commit and over achieve, rather than over commit and under achieve. If our hearts and attitudes are right, it’s OK to say no – it's just about communicating well so that our leaders and team know our situation and where we stand. When thinking about this I remember the scripture - Psalm 127 1 Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain. 2 It is vain for you to rise up early, To sit up late, To eat the bread of sorrows; For so He gives His beloved sleep. We don’t need to ‘try too hard’ running around doing a thousand things (mostly to please ourselves or win the approval of others) but instead let God do the work as we enjoy the jobs he has put in front of us. Most importantly let's continue to pursue God. No matter how much or little we are able to be involved in this year, lets make it our goal to be the biggest worshippers possible by being faithful with whatever we have to offer. www.worshipcentral.org
Spirit-led worship
The last couple of months I’ve had a real desire to be more in tune with the Holy Spirit as I lead worship. Over the last six months it has really felt like God has been moving in a whole new way in our church community. We’ve been seeing lots of healings and words in our Sunday and midweek services. We’ve also had lots of times of singing out in the spirit and extended ministry. I am so longing to be part of this move of God, as an individual, but also as one of the worship leaders. If God is doing something new, so the prophetic sound of the worshippers should be rising. So, I’ve been wondering how I (a mere mortal), am to know what the Holy Spirit wants to do amongst us during the thirty minutes or so that I have been authorised to sing? Here are some thoughts I’ve been practicing – Ask, Wait & Listen. Its only recently that I’ve learnt not to rush through a set list, marching through every song with perfect musical transition as well as a tidy and passionate “every hand is lifted” response from the congregation… and don’t forget the anthemic climax to finish the set with a great sense of “yep, I did my job this morning!” Nope. There’s got to be more. God is Alive, He is amongst us, and He doesn’t live in religious routines or formula’s. He is able to be seen through authenticity, originality and creativity. He also moves when we let go and take risks. Ask – What is God doing? How can my set list reflect this? How can I allow space during the worship to wait on God (without it being awkward or weird)? What other people on the team can minister through their playing? (eg. we have some string players that are incredible at playing prophetically… drummers… guitarists… bv’s etc) Wait & Listen – Stopping to pray. Before a service its pretty hectic – sound checks, rehearsals, people late, people in bad moods (not me ofcourse!!!), lyrics, chords, make-up (girls), run sheets, breakfast, hurry up must get off stage… and quick we better pray before we start… It’s so important that we stop and wait on God for a moment, to re-align our heart, mind and soul with His. To ask Him to fill us again that he would lead and unite us - that we are able to lead others. Open your eyes. I met with Ele Mumford Recently (Pastor of Vineyard Church UK) and asked her how we can be more “Spirit-Led” as we lead worship, and she said a few things but the one answer that stuck with me was “Keep your Eyes Open”. Wow. What a simple and strange thing to say. Do we see the Holy Spirit dance around the room as we look out from the stage? Does He point out people or hover in a ghostly manner? Hmmm, it have never seen it that way, but as I have practiced keeping my eyes open over the last few weeks, and have taken my time in the songs, not rushing from section to section, but allowing space, I have seen by the way people are responding moments where God is moving amid different people, and I can lead according. Recently I had formed a bit of a habit of shutting my eyes – with the intention of minimising distraction, however there’s a real danger of missing whats going on out there and getting lost in your own “land of worship”. Having my eyes open has helped me get a sense of what is going on in the room. Sometimes it feels like not much and it might be that an encouragement might help, but other times I can see people responding in physical ways, or really pouring themselves out and expressing their love for God. This has really helped me know how to guide the music forward. Learn the new songs. Sometimes it can be easier and more comfortable to sing the songs we know. These are the songs we’ve done a thousand times before, the crowd pleasers that almost always conjure some response yet don’t take up too much of our time during the week. Its funny though cause God always seems to be doing something NEW, and often the spirit moves through a new song, a new sound. In the Psalms it often says “Sing to the Lord a new song”… Ps 149 I’m not sure it always means literally (you can sing an ‘old’ song in your heart with a ‘new’ spirit). But sometimes I do think it does mean literally – we need to listen out for new songs that are helping people worship perhaps locally, or maybe globally. Songs can become catalysts for a new move of the Holy Spirit, even ushering in revivals. Its important to keep our ears open to hear the new songs, but also be disciplined enough to learn them. Come Expectant. Bring Faith. We don’t see the Holy Spirit in the physical but we do believe that He is with us. We believe the promise that when we ask Him to come, He does. And so when we prepare, in the natural things, as well as in our hearts we need to truly believe that God is using us, as worship leaders, in a powerful way. Wouldn’t it be amazing to see God do the miraculous in worship? That people would be healed and set free when we sing? That as the music plays people’s minds are filled with pictures and visions, their hearts overflowing with prophetic songs? Wouldn’t it be incredible if when we gathered to worship we were surprised and overwhelmed, not just emotionally but actually the outworking of God revealed in the fruit of people’s lives as they continue to sing His praises corporately. We need to believe in what we do. Believe that it’s important, that God has called us to it for His purpose and for His church. God is Alive and is able to do anything at anytime – so let’s go for it and see God move through our churches and cities. Amen!
Talking to God
Ten months ago when I became a mum my life changed dramatically. I’ve pretty much had to re-learn how to do every daily task in new and creative ways that accommodate and include the small baby that I am responsible for. I love God, and I’ve always loved to pray but having a structured, disciplined prayer time has been almost impossible this year. There’s no such thing as a “quiet time” in our house and my “daily devotions” or “journal writing” are almost immediately interrupted by a lingering foul smell or a cute little boy smacking me in the face. So I’ve been asking myself, what is prayer, and how can I be diligent and faithful at it? Here’s what has been stirring in my heart. He is with always with me. There’s a difference between agreeing with this, and knowing this. To compartmentalize my day just doesn’t work at the moment – I feel like I am everything to all people all at once sometimes – you know, wearing a lot of “hats” in the one day. But Psalm 139 is the truth, and to know that my Father is with me, near me, watching me, surrounding me and within me at every moment of everyday seems to make prayer a lot simpler and a lot less of a burden.Whether I’m exhausted or excited; leading worship on stage, or sitting in the mother’s room out the back; celebrating with friends or washing the dishes - God is there with me. Prayer and worship flows when I truly know that He is with me in the morning and the evening and every moment in between . Let Him Draw me Near. God is looking for every opportunity to draw us near. By the power of His Spirit He reveals himself in so many surprising and unconventional ways. God does not live in a box, or conform to schedule’s. He’s not bound by time and is in no rush. He loves us and He pursue’s us. We don’t need to “strive” to be in His presence, but instead respond to the still small voice that often comes in the most unexpected of moments. Talking To God. I love this Scripture – Psalm 27:8 NLT My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” If God is always with me, then He is always available for a conversation. I don’t always need to go into great length or depth every time I speak to him, or whisk myself away to a private room... I can just talk and the line is never busy. I’m learning about short, powerful and faith filled prayers, after all Jesus said – “And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Matt 5:7-8 These prayers are happening in my kitchen, in the shower and when i'm walking to work. They are also happening in the silence of my heart. Thank you God that you hear our prayers. Thank you that You are with us every day, drawing us closer to closer to You. Amen.
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