Essentials Blue Round-Up

13/02/2009 · Filed under Essentials Blue Course · Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

For: The Institute of Contemporary and Emerging Worship Studies, St. Stephen’s University, Essentials Blue Online Worship Theology Course with Dan Wilt

What a course! I’ve learnt so much about myself and God and I realise that I needed to learn it before I actually began to learn more about worship.

How God interacts with us was an important aspect of God and how His voice echoes to us about justice, beauty, relationships and spiritual reality. How His Kingdom overlaps and interlocks with ours and the varoius aspects of His nature should all be worshiped. How were are made in the image of God and the reflections of His personality are reflected in our nature. How we are naturally made to worship anything we consider worthy and as God created all things, He is the only one who is worthy! I could go on for a long time…

So from here I move on with a lot more knowledge about God than I had 5 weeks ago and I’m looking forward to Essentials Red in May.

I hope I get a job soon…I don’t know what I’m going to do with myself now I don’t have this!

I will leave you with a line from Moulin Rouge which I think represents Gods love for us and vice versa:

“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn,

is just to love,

and be loved in return”


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The Creative Project!

12/02/2009 · Filed under My Essentials Blue Discussion Answers · Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

For: The Institute of Contemporary and Emerging Worship Studies, St. Stephen’s University, Essentials Blue Online Worship Theology Course with Dan Wilt

For my creative project I decided to adapt an early Christian hymn of praise that I found in the Book of Common Prayer (Church of Ireland). I chose the first part of Te Deum which is used to give thanks to God for a special blessing and has been dated back to as early as AD387.  It was originally written in Latin (you can listen to it in full on the wikipedia site, here) and then was translated into English:

We praise you O God,

We acclaim you as the Lord;

All creation worships you,

The Father Everlasting.

To you all the angels, all the powers of heaven,

The cherubim and seraphim, sing in endless praise:

“Holy, holy, holy, God of power and might,

Heaven and earth are full of your glory.”

The glorious company of apostles praise you;

The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.

The white-robed army of martyrs praise you;

Throughout the world, the holy Church acclaims you;

Father of majesty unbounded,

Your true and only Son, worthy of all praise,

The Holy Spirit, advocate and guide. [1]

This hymn identifies whom is worthy of all our praise and worship. God is identified at the start and shows who all praises Him on earth (creation, the  Church) and in heaven (apostles, martyrs, prophets).

I have arranged this ancient hymn to make it fit into a modern worship song and you can watch it here: Te Deum Part 1. I apologise for the terrible quality, the only thing I had to record with was my digital camera and for some reason its blurry…but it was the only time I got through it without loads of mistakes! And apologies for the singing, its not really my forte!

You can download the chord sheet here here

If there is any problem with the media, please let me know!

Oh, and thanks go to Andrew who helped me record this with some excellent vocal and guitar work!

[1] The Book of Common Prayer, Church of Ireland (2005 Reprint)

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Week 5 – The Nature of Worship

12/02/2009 · Filed under My Essentials Blue Discussion Answers · Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

For: The Institute of Contemporary and Emerging Worship Studies, St. Stephen’s University, Essentials Blue Online Worship Theology Course with Dan Wilt

Worship is an attitude, leading to action, ascribing to God His true worth[1]. It is simply the recognition that God is who He claims to be, and as such deserves our adoration. By it, we join with all creation in the declaration that God is nothing short of great and make clear our loyalty to the Creator King of the universe. The desire to worship is a necessary[2] and inseparable element of humanity, touching every aspect of our being. Further, it is the primary reason for the existence of humanity itself! As a result, our most acceptable acknowledgement of God’s worth is evidenced through the humble offering of ourselves[3] ; heart, soul, mind and strength to God Himself. There are many things scripture calls us to do but we must not ‘do’ worship; we must become it! Only from this position can other forms of worshipful expression flow in ‘spirit and in truth.’[4]

Just as worship is intrinsic to the human character, so God has given us a creative element in His image with which to express it. Such expressions commonly include the spoken word, music, sacraments and art. The Bible speaks, particularly in the Psalms about the use of a vast array of musical instruments including cymbals, tambourines, lutes, harps, trumpets and flutes. What is not mentioned specifically is covered generally with the Psalmist’s call for everything that has breath to praise the Lord.[5] In other Old Testament passages we read of great choirs exalting God [6] and kings dancing before Him.[7]

Worship plays an important role in the furtherance of the Kingdom story in the world through narrating and declaring that story. As we worship we remind and are reminded of what God has done, is doing and will do. Then, in a chain reaction we are led to appreciation, followed by response, which in turns leads to more worship. Worshippers are ‘captured by a story’[8] of salvation beyond anything the world could ever concoct. However, we are not reminiscing about something distant from us, for as we worship we connect with God and are reminded of how God’s Kingdom and ours overlap and interlock. These are perhaps the closest moments to heaven on earth. All of this gloriously leads to yet more worship!

In leading worship we must create an atmosphere in which all of this can take place. On the theological side we must ensure we have a correct (albeit it, only ever partial) grasp of what the Kingdom story is all about. It is to this Kingdom story we must be engaged, causing worship to flow from us rather than attempting to force anything. The worship leader is not there to force or fake but to enter into worship with God personally, and as he/she does so, they bring others with them in the corporate sense. This provides the basis for the practical elements of what to say and to do either as fitting expressions of worship or as aids to that expression.

[1] Wright
[2] Luke 19:40
[3] Romans 12:1
[4] John 4:24
[5] Psalm 150:6
[6] Nehemiah 12:31
[7] 2 Samuel 16:14
[8] Dan Wilt

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The Uncreated Creator (Week 4 Musings)

07/02/2009 · Filed under Essentials Blue Course

For: The Institute of Contemporary and Emerging Worship Studies, St. Stephen’s University, Essentials Blue Online Worship Theology Course with Dan Wilt

The subject of study for this week was our “worldview” of Christianity. What seemed like a pretty easy question (how hard is it to write down what you believe?) it soon turned out to be quite the opposite. It turned out I was really challenged about what I believe and how much I believe it. If someone asked me why I believe what I do before I wrote this worldview I would really struggle to give them an answer without stumbling and stuttering, trying to get my words out in a coherent answer.

In the process of writing the worldview I was striving to be smart and fancy-pants. However, I found that you can’t be smart when explaining Christianity, because the basic truths are so simple. Now that I have this I feel now I can explain to anyone where I stand in my faith.

One thing I would have said before this study is that Genesis is all about creation. However, now I see that Genesis is all about the CREATOR. In Genesis 1:1-31, the word “God” appears 35 times! This just emphasises more the importance of God over his creation and that He is independent from His creation. God himself is uncreated and made the universe from nothing (ex nihio). We must never identify God with what He has made or worship his creation (that’s idolatry) but we should worship the creator.

So we are building on this worldview next week with a creative project…BRING IT ON! (she says in a timid, rather scared voice!)

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“A Christian Worldview” (Week 4 Answer)

05/02/2009 · Filed under My Essentials Blue Discussion Answers · Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

For: The Institute of Contemporary and Emerging Worship Studies, St. Stephen’s University, Essentials Blue Online Worship Theology Course with Dan Wilt

I believe that our God is the eternal, uncreated creator of the universe which He made from nothing (ex nihilo). God is independent from His creation (including human beings) but yet is relational as his Kingdom interlocks and overlaps with our world. His relational personality is also reflected in the perfect relationship of the trinity.

Human beings were created by God in his image and we reflect the personalities of God. We are creative, relational, long for justice and spiritual. God primarily placed us on earth to please him and glorify him and gave humans the responsibility of looking after his world and gave us ultimate stewardship. However, after the fall of mankind, where humans were tempted and tried to become like God, God put a curse on mankind and the Earth meaning that relationships, creativity and justice would become more difficult to attain. Ultimately, man was not saved from death. For God to put things to rights, more of His personalities would have to come to light: the God who forgives and the God who saves. These were achieved though God’s Son Jesus Christ as whoever who shall believe in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

The Kingdom of God lays wherever God is King and where the rules of the Kingdom are fully realised. Justice is granted, the poor are fed, the sick are healed, everyone has a “Kingdom Mentality” (the last shall be first, the first shall be last, seeking first the Kingdom and the citizens of the Kingdom realise that Earth is not their home.

God’s Kingdom is coming in complete fullness. Judgement will come upon us all and non-believers will be sent to an eternity in hell without God. Our destiny, as believers, will be of the complete opposite. We will spend eternity in the perfect Kingdom of God on the new Earth.

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Aye… Week 3 musings

30/01/2009 · Filed under Essentials Blue Course · Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

For: The Institute of Contemporary and Emerging Worship Studies, St. Stephen’s University, Essentials Blue Online Worship Theology Course with Dan Wilt

This week has been pretty up and down. I’ve got a major decision to make and I have no idea what to do. Andrew is moving back to Northern Ireland in a couple of months and I’m trying to decide if I should go too.


I sometimes think that there is not much keeping me here, I have been out of a job for a month now (to the day), I’m applying for jobs but am not getting any sort of reply from anyone and its starting to drive me crazy! After four years and a first class degree from university I have nothing to show for my life. I was still working in my job I’ve had since high school and was made redundant from it. However, my family, friends and church is here in Scotland and leaving them is almost too much to even consider. I know I’m being worldly and bowing to society, but I’m ashamed to say I can’t help it. I feel like an absolute failure and am struggling with my identity.


Its hard to talk to folk now, it just feels like I am defined by my current situation. I’m unemployed and my boyfriend is leaving the country, thats it. That is my thinking though, not anyone elses. I’m paranoid of what people think of me, that my parents see me as a disappointment, that Andrew is leaving because of me (which I need to point out is really my thinking! Andrew is following the heart that God has given him for Northern Ireland as he should!).


I’m so consumed in my own thinking that I’m forgetting to look at the bigger picture. This week the Essentials Blue course has taken us through what it means to be fully human and it made me realise that I am totally human! I have lessons to learn and I know God is trying to teach me the most valuable ones right now. Jesus is my identity, Christ is my definition, I am made in the image of God.  I need to transform my thinking from worldly to Godly.


I am so hungry for God now it feels so unreal! I have never felt such a need for him as right now. I need God to reveal himself to me and guide me what to do. Too long I have seeked my answers from the world…now I seek them from the creator of the world!

Sorry for the emotional train wreck!

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Week 3 Answer

28/01/2009 · Filed under My Essentials Blue Discussion Answers · Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

Fully human. What does it mean to be a human being?

1. Being Creative

Adam was called by God the creator to work on his creation but this work was cursed after the fall (Gen 3:17-18). We have to toil and struggle to be fruitful, but if we tap into the flow of creativity that comes from the creator [1], not work in our own strength, we can be productive in our work and the beauty of God shines through.

How we use our God given creativity is of great importance, we have to be responsible and not abuse what we have been blessed with. We mustn’t become big-headed by our talents and abilities because they can we taken away with a snap of a finger. And We mustn’t be envious and of and idolise the talents of others!

Just look at the Ark of Covenant. God is the creator of Art and craftmanship and though His sub-creators He gives instructions for such an intricate piece that could not be created without the gift of creativity which is influenced and controlled by the Creator of it all!


2. Being Relational

The perfect unity of the trinity is the idealistic image of relationships but due to the fall this will be forever a goal we will struggle with (Gen 13:16). Tom Wright comments that “We all know we belong in relationships, but we can’t quite work out how to get them right” [2]. However, even though we will always have problems in this area, above all it is not good for man to be alone (Gen 2:18 ) and God created the crown of his creation, Eve [3]. A relationship which is modelled on Christ’s love for his Church was the finishing touch of creation and its what we strive for as the imago dei of God.


3. Being Just

Though Jesus, God is putting things to rights [2] but for this to happen, the biggest injustice in history had to take place! For Jesus to get justice for this world there had to be injustice to a man who did no wrong! So as Jesus’ hands and feet we have to identify injustice in this world and help its victims (Matthew 25:35-40) and there is a drive in us to do so. As stewards of the creators World we long for it to be looked after and have a responsibility to be responsible with it.


4. Being Spiritual

Jay Cook from the Hillsong band said something which really stuck with me; “if we do not praise, the rocks will cry out (luke 19:40)…and I’m not going to be beaten by a rock!” [4]

We naturally understand praise. As kids, we talk about our favourite toys, later we praise pizza and football. Remember as children how we would fearlessly hold up our favourite toy and petition anyone who was in close proximity to behold it? ‘Look, Mom, look!’ [5]. Its built into us, when something is worthy of praise we give it…and no one is more worthy than our creator God (I’ve heard a few people change worship to worth-ship!). Worshipping God makes us alive as we grow in the image of our creator [2] and people are spiritually hungry to do this.

“All who are thirsty, all who are weak,

Come to the fountain,

Dip your heart in the Stream of Life” [6]


[1] Wilt, Dan. Essential Worship Theology: Humans as Sub-Creators, Image Bearers, Community Builders, and Salvific Storytellers.

[2] Wright, Tom. Simple Christian

[3] Eldridge, Stasi. Captivating

[4] Cook, Jay. Mighty To Save DVD. Hillsong

[5] Crowder, David. Praise Habit. Finding God in Sunsets and Sushi.

[6] Brown, Brenton. All Who Are Thirsty

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Week Two Musings from Northern Ireland

24/01/2009 · Filed under Essentials Blue Course · Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

For: The Institute of Contemporary and Emerging Worship Studies, St. Stephen’s University, Essentials Blue Online Worship Theology Course with Dan Wilt

Well week 2 was tough! I have a very short attention span, like a kid high on blue Smarties, so reading so much was certainly a challenge for me. But I got there!

The Kingdom of God and its place here on Earth has been the main theme this week but I have been thinking about the Kingdom of God during our worship sets in Church.

Yesterday, Andrew and I travelled to Northern Ireland to stay with his family. Normally we would take the hour long flight, but as we are super skint we opted for the ten hour bus, bus, boat, bus journey. Anyway (that was slightly besides the point but I wanted the sympathy =P), I was listening to the soundtrack to the Phantom of the Opera and the title tune has the line “Your spirit and my voice, in one combined”. Thats what I want during worship, God’s spirit being my voice. That what God wants to hear is what is sung/played.

We have all had that cringy moment where you are the only one playing and then disaster…you played something completely wrong, and its completely obvious! But what if we start a set by praying “Your will be done” then what do we expect? That God’s will be done! So surely what he wants to hear is more important, even if it means playing F#m7 rather than C

I promise I’m not trying to make excuses for my sometimes bad playing but I really feel like sometimes the wrong note is the right note!

Sorry its a bit short this week!

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Week 2 – The Nature of God

21/01/2009 · Filed under My Essentials Blue Discussion Answers · Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

For: The Institute of Contemporary and Emerging Worship Studies, St. Stephen’s University, Essentials Blue Online Worship Theology Course with Dan Wilt

Question:

Part A: How has your understanding of the theological phrase, the “Kingdom of God” been challenged/shaped by this section of Simply Christian?
Part B: What particular theological idea do you believe has the most importance for the next 10-20 years of worship leadership? Why?


A

Whilst reading part 2 of Simply Christian I was reminded of a Bible study I had done ages ago (and to the writers of this Bible study I do apologise because I cannot remember who you are or where I got it from!) which described that when we come together as believers to pray, worship and be in the presence of God we will be at the closest point in our human lives to experiencing heaven on Earth.

My understanding of God’s Kingdom was shaped by this section in the book. When NT Wright mentions the Tent of Meeting in Exodus, where Heaven and Earth meet, it reminded me of that longing to meet God face to face just as Moses did and the joy that we are able to so:

“And Jehovah would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend…” (Exodus 33:11).

B

The theological idea that I believe to be of great importance for the next 20 years of worship is “God as King”. With our current climate as it is we need God to be a trusted leader that we will submit wholly to. God is sovereign, he is authoritive but we are reminded of our stewardship of this Earth (for example; our use of valuable resources, contribution to environmental issues). We have a God who is in control and ultimately knows what He is doing! Surely this will bring us that Peace that surpasses all understanding that we can celebrate and worship?

N.T. Wright, Simply Christian
(New York, HarperCollins Publishers, 2006)

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Christ is my definition!

16/01/2009 · Filed under Random Musings...

Just to let you all know!

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