Chapter 26: Being Spiritually Prepared to Lead.

 God doesn't necessarily care about our physical appearance going into his presence, rather he looks at the heart and how it is  prepared for him. We need to acknowledge it is only by grace and mercy that we are able to go into the presence of God in the first place.  Preparing our hearts looks different from person-to-person, but it should be necessary so we can get the most out of a worship experience.

I  completely agree with this chapter  because sometimes when I'm in such a rush I need to remember who I am worshipping and how it is by grace I can go into his presence. Leaving the crazy mess of life behind and handing our burdens to him is a gift that we get simply by being Gods child. Going into worship with thay atmosphere will change the way we view worship.

Chapter 27

This chapter is about being mentally, physically, and spiritually ready to lead. We need to live our lives constantly ready , relying on the promises of God. If we commit ourselves to God our plans will succeed. We need to be ready to be used by God at any time and be obedient if he tells us to do something. It's not by our power amazing things happen. Where we end, is where God begins, and where God begins lives are changed.

I like this chapter because sometimes I forget to put my full reliance on God and his promises. If we hold steadfast to Gods promises he will be faithful and guide us the way he wants us to go.

Chapter 15: exercising diplomacy

This chapter basically talks about how at times there can be friction between people, which is normal because we're all humans. We need to keep in mind that it is the enemies strategy to try and break apart what the lord brought together. Also working through certain situations, to an extent to try and work through what is going on.

This chapter specifically speaks to what a lot of people go through in life. Conflict happens because unfortunately, we live in a fallen world. Working through things knowing and having the mindset of grace and mercy are keys to working through hard situations in our life.

Chapter 14: caring for your congregation

As worship leaders our first priority is to worship God and bring him glory, but like the book said, that is only half of our title. We are called to be worship LEADERS setting a tone and example for all of the people we are leading. Talking to your congregation in a loving, caring manner will keep them much more engaged then nagging them to be alert and awake. It may be frustrating at times when they don't respond the way we want. But who is the worship really for? Not the team, but God. We need to learn to be patient, knowing God has called us to lead a congregation and be blessed only by that.

I think this chapter is so relative to our team. The student body may not respond the way we would like at times, but we need to remember God is working on everyone's hearts in different places. Encouragement and relentlessness are keys to creating a safe worship environment for all to join in.

Chapter 12

We are all given spiritual gifts as Christians that God has specifically given us and can be used for the greater glory of him and the further of his kingdom. We need to nurture and grow our spiritual gifts through prayer and practice. A gift is given by God but the only way for it to grow and cultivate is by practice. We all called to excel and build our gifts to help grow the church. To put this in a musical worship sense, we should be practicing our instrument daily to grow the gifts that God has given to us.

I liked this chapter because it was a great reminder of what we should be doing as leaders. Practicing the gifts God has given to us. So often we are lazy or think we have everything ready and planned out, but the real key to success in growing our spiritual gifts is practice.

Chapter 11

The author begins to talk about how at first when he stepped into the bass position at his church on the worship team. He didn't like how people would stare at him and look to him as a role model. He simply wanted to use the gifts that Gid gave him without the responsibility of having to be a example. When someone is out into a leadership position, they are bound to have followers and people looking at them. This is why we have to be so on guard as Christians in this world because as leaders, we are called to live a higher life.

I liked this chapter because it is so relavent to our life today. As Christians we need to live our life in a way that is pleasing to God so that, when other people follow, they are not lead astray by the way they live their life.

Chapter 10

Chapter 10 talks about self discipline. The first thing that comes to mind when I think of this is persistence and hard work. As Christians, we are not called to live a lazy lifestyle. When we make the decision to follow God we sign up for a rollercoaster lifestyle. Running the race to win the prize is something God also calls us to. If we are put in the position of a worship leader or a person of influence we are called to work even harder in our relationship with God and leading others because we are judged to a higher standard.

I liked this chapter because so often I forget how hard I have to work to keep my relationship on the level it should be with God. Leadership is influence, and the stronger you are as a christian, the greater influence you can have in other people's life.

Chapter 9

Chapter 9 starts out my talking about a mans story who was extremely talented and influential in the church. He grew and stretched the church's spirituality by leaps and bounds. The pastor began making decisions that were not biblically accurate, and this caused him to leave and he hasn't been in full time ministry since. He other story was about a talented God gifted worshipper. She grew the church and was compassionate to everyone while leading an effective ministry. The pastor decided he wanted to hire another worship leader who would be younger and lead upcoming generation. She was taken back in shock and a little confused but she still mentored the younger worship leader and still goes to church. The difference between these two leaders was how they reacted to the situation.

I liked this chapter because it reminds up to not hold onto our position, it trust Gods plan and that he has better stuff in store for us. Trusting Gods plan is they key to keeping the enemy away from us and finding our identity not in Worldly positions but rather in Gods plan.