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On Discouragement – Time To Get Vulnerable
Posted on February 26th, 2009 in Church Life, Faith, Life and Family, Worship Leadership by Fred McKinnon
In our pastor’s meeting this week, David (our Senior Pastor) shared something that he’d heard somewhere … he said, “one of the ways to measure a man is to see what it takes to make him discouraged”. Ouch. We both measured ourselves and agreed that we weren’t measuring up too well.
We were coming off the heels of perhaps one of the greatest worship services we’ve had at SSCC. We’d just concluded the “It’s Personal” series and countless people had accepted Christ as their Savior. Many more made a decision to “nail it down” by confessing and recommitting themselves to Christ. I was celebrating the fact that our congregation was exhibiting genuine praise and their response to God was amazing.
Then the “arrows” started coming. Everyone had their story of how they’d been attacked in some way in the previous 24-48 hours after Sunday’s service. Mine was pretty personal – it had to do with my performance as a worship leader; more specifically, with my singing ability (or as some would say, my “disability”). Since this is something I’ve always been insecure about, it really knocked the wind out of my sails. For nearly 72 hours I could not shake it.
My insecurities were ignited and discouragement came rolling in like a thick fog. It affected my countenance, my ability to plan, and worse of all, my confidence. When a man loses his confidence, it’s a serious issue.
This word about “measure a man by what it takes to get him discouraged” rang so true in my heart. I received this challenge at once and was determined to pull out of this pit. Not long afterwards, I was listening to a worship CD from a famous, multi-platinum worship artist who has led worship all over the world. To tell you the truth, I don’t think this worship leader has the greatest voice – definitely not a “solo voice”. (and obviously, I’m definitely NOT presuming that I *do* have a great voice, by any means – on the contrary, actually!) Yet, there is an anointing, a power, a heart of worship, a sincerity, and most importantly … a confidence … to just “be who God called him to be”.
Immediately, I felt that breakthrough come. I realized once again that my job is not to perform or impress people. My job is to lead people into worship. I’m not interested in someone walking away saying how wow’d they were – not by my singing, not by my playing, not by my arranging, not by my planning or production … I want them to walk away seeing Jesus Christ. I want them to walk away in awe of the God we serve.
What discourages you? What insecurities make you vulnerable? What does it take to get you discouraged? Measure youself, and let’s lift one another up with encouraging words. The comment section is open – let’s be real, authentic, and honest. Let’s bless one another. Let’s bring edification.
For the Kingdom,
Fred
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12 Responses to “On Discouragement – Time To Get Vulnerable”
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New blog post: On Discouragement – Time To Get Vulnerable http://tinyurl.com/ce4yvu
@middlebrook Thanks, Sam , vulnerability is a good thing. Just replied to your comment. Let the heart wrenching begin. http://bit.ly/DCemf
Hey Ya’ll, for those who missed, we’ve been talking about discouragement today. Chime in, let’s hear your story at http://snipr.com/cpj1h
” realized once again that my job is not to perform or impress people. My job is to lead people into worship.”
That’s it! That’s the key! When we can focus on that and not about peoples opinions, everything seems to fall into place.
I hear people in my life praising others who lead and to be honest, the people they praise are just putting on a show. If we are being honest, how many “Famous” worship leaders out there are just a big show? I would rather some one say, “I could feel the presence of God today during praise and worship” than “You sounded awesome singing XYZ”!!!
Erika,
Thanks – and a thousand “amens” to that. There were about a dozen or more comments on this, but I lost them all when I left IntenseDebate. Oh well!
Whoa, you’re talking to me today, bro. The past month of troubles at our church have virtually eliminated my confidence as a teacher. I appreciate you sharing this.
What a blessing this is! And so right on target; it’s NOT ABOUT US!! It is on my heart every week to bring my very, very best to God on the keys without feeling like I had anything to do with it!! I have had examples in my life of both sides; those who thought they were great, and deserved praise, and those who were great, didn’t feel they deserve any praise, but gave God all the glory … please Lord, make me the latter …. “I will make my boast in Christ alone” .. He is worthy!
@gidgey @keysoffaith thanks for retweeting http://tinyurl.com/ce4yvu my post on discouragement last night
[...] thanks to Fred for some great words about what it takes to discourage [...]
[...] thanks to Fred for some great words about what it takes to discourage [...]
I get discouraged when someone who doesn’t normally talk to me, or even if they do, they never have anything positive to say, takes the time to say something ELSE negative. It is like their comments pile up.
Fred: came here by way of Bernard Shuford’s blog. I am not a “worship leader” but I am a pastor. Since September we have seen the Momentum go through the roof. New people every week. All the “standards” for judging effectiveness were good. THEN the enemy hit…in the one place we were vulnerable: Music. Our youth/worship pastor made changes that were not taken well, he dumped on us in leading worship, others have filled in and things have taken a dive. And I have fought the yo-yo of discouragement and disgust (with him). There is certainly more to the story but it is not important at this point. Long story short: thanks for this post on discouragement. Will be checking back with your blog.