Markhevans’s Blog

The Languages of Prayer and Scripture in Worship

 For: The Institute Of Contemporary And

Emerging Worship Studies, St. Stephen’s

University, Essentials Red Online Worship History

Course with Dan Wilt

Having been involved in the contemporary chrisitan church expereince for more years than I care to confess, I was struck by how much we have abandoned from those who have walked these paths ahead of us. We have chosen to ignore the depth, value, and integrity of the words and works of the past in order to partake of the new, the different, and the exciting. And yet, my encounters with the past have usually been edifying, enlightening, and deep.

Many years ago, a Pastor friend of mine loaned me a copy of Stephen Charnock’s “The Existence and Attributes of God”. The messages of this Puritan from the 17th century were alive with relevance for today and showed a depth of understanding that far surpassed many of the contemporary authors I have read. What a shame that we so easily discard the past instead of learning what riches it can impart to the present.

I am so thankful to be involved in this class. It is calling me to rethink who I am and what i believe. Is there any better kind of learning experience? John Wimber would often say, “Isn’t it wonderful that we can change?” I believe that it truly is. The challenge, of course, is in finding how to let the change influence what we are doing without scaring those we lead.

This weeks class brings such a challenge. How do we incorporate Prayer and Scripture Reading into our worship experience so that they can have new meaning and relevance in a way that enhances the music and flow of the Spirit? I’m looking forward to finding the answer.

Blessings,

Mark

Week One, What A Trip

 For: The Institute Of Contemporary And

Emerging Worship Studies, St. Stephen’s

University, Essentials Red Online Worship History

Course with Dan Wilt

Well, week one has come and the posts are pouring in. It is fascinating to see the differences in style and perspective. The process of becoming a part of this new international community has been incredibly exciting. The idea that someone on another continent can comment on my thoughts so quickly is astounding. The potential of life-long relationships of prayer, encouragement, and support is even more amazing.

Thanks to my fellow travelers on the journey of worship.

Blessings,

Mark

Essentials Red Begins

 For: The Institute Of Contemporary And

Emerging Worship Studies, St. Stephen’s

University, Essentials Red Online Worship History

Course with Dan Wilt

Well, the questions have begun and the reading, watching, and listening are intense. This week has begun the discovery of Time and Space as languages of worship. Being limited in the number of words to respond to the questions is an interesting challenge. How do I, the long winded, simplify my responses and get the meaning across? I find I am already somewhat different in how I have responded than have my classmates.

I didn’t get a chance to talk much about Space in my answer so discussions of nature and architecture didn’t enter in. They have had importance in my worship development, but the Time aspect has had the greater influence.

What a beautiful and encouraging start to a wonderful class.

Blessings,

Mark

The Adventure Begins

 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