Markhevans’s Blog

 For: The Institute Of Contemporary And

Emerging Worship Studies, St. Stephen’s

University, Essentials Red Online Worship History

Course with Dan Wilt

Taking the Essentials Course is bringing many firsts. Facebook??? I’m old enough to remember not having a TV and now I’m on Facebook. WordPress??? I’ve read blogs but never considered writing one. Another first. Having attended the Vineyard Institute for Ministry in Anaheim, CA (the Vineyard’s first attempt at training church planters within the movement) in the mid-80s I am now seeing an education opportunity with members from all over the planet. I’m looking forward to both the challenges and the blessings. I’m looking forward to both the local interaction with other members of our team and meeting and learning with/from classmates who are part of the Vineyard family beyond the borders of my experience.

I became a worship leader and now a worship pastor wondering what I was doing every step of the way. I’m not a great musician and I have been around some of the most gifted worship leaders in the Vineyard such as John Wimber, Eddie Espinosa, Andy Park, Carl Tuttle, Danny Daniels, Randy Rigby, and many, many others. All were/are better musicians and better worshippers. What was God doing calling me into leading worship? I still don’t have the answers but I have the assurance that I am doing what He wants me to do. Maybe the Essentials courses will bring some answers. Whatever happens I’m just looking forward to the adventure.

I want to thank Dan and Will for this incredible opportunity. I also want to thank the rest of the Connections Pastoral Team for allowing us to do this. So Rick, Paul, Helen, and Tricia thanks for giving us the encouragement to jump in with both feet.

Blessings,

Mark