Easter 2015 Spoken Word

Easter 2015 was such an incredible gathering at Evangel! Thanks to all who came and brought people to any one of our 5 services from Friday to Sunday. If you were a part of the services you heard former ELA student Alicia Frohlich give an amazing spoken word during worship. Here’s the text below:

This.
It is the story of a man
Who came
According to plan
The same
Man who was born in a manger
Walked as a stranger
On this earth,
Placed the danger
of our sin on His shoulders
Suffered on the cross and was placed behind the boulders
He was a dead man.

But beauty is in the eye of the beholder
And how beautiful this story ends, not with a grave
But with the resurrection of this man to save
Us. See, it was all for us.

It was not that He was weak and gave up that He died
For He cried
Out “Father save me”
And when God did not save Him it was because He was saving us
Took His gaze off His own Son to fix His gaze upon us
It was not that He was weak and gave up that He died
It was that He was strong to not give up that we live
And now this is the most beautiful story ever told.
A stone that rolled
And a man who rose
But not just any man.
The only man who can
See past our sin and into our souls.
Make us whole
And new.

And now I bet you’re asking, “how could this be true?”
See, from the beginning He knew
What it would take to renew
A right relationship between God and you
Something only He could do
So He did.

He undid
Our wrongs, gave us freedom from sin.
Freedom from shame
If we will just call on His name
Because He bore it all on the cross
Brought it to the grave
Defeated it with His death
And left it there when He raised
His head again,

So child of God, raise your head again
Because you are not what you’ve been.
You’ve been reclaimed and renamed,
Not lost but saved
By amazing grace.
With nails He traced
Your name on His hands.
So surely you are not forgotten, in fact He now completely understands
Every temptation and pain,
Sees past every problem and removes every stain.
He has walked through it all Himself and now He walks through it with you.
Took our every wrong to death so He could make us new,
Make the broken whole,
Body mind and soul
Set the captives free
Give the hopeless a song to sing
Death has lost its sting
Because we now share in His life.
He is the Savior of the world
His name is Jesus Christ.

And THIS, my friends, is what you have been waiting for.
Who you have been searching for,
You’ve been knocking on every other door
To find life, but not anymore.
Your life is found in the empty grave and the occupied throne.
And let it be known
He is coming back again.
Only left earth for awhile so He could send
Us His Spirit
Without limit
So we could walk in it.
And share in His glory
That He was dead and raised to life now also becomes our story

If we choose it.
If we choose to receive
This same power for our lives, but its nothing we can achieve.
Only for those who believe
In the hope of His victory
And He has won the victory, both now and forever

So whatever in your life you think is lost or dead
Is actually waiting to breathe with new life instead
Because Christ had the final word, and that’s what He said.

So praise Him for the cross, for His death and sacrifice
Praise Him for His ascension and every breath in new life.
Praise Him for His freedom, Praise Him for His grace,
Praise Him for the day we will see Him face to face.

Hallelujah He is King
Hallelujah He is Christ
Savior of the world,
Sing Hallelujah
Because He is alive.

We’ve Moved!

If you’re looking for the Evangel Worship blog, check out evangelworship.org. The site has more info about our ministry, upcoming events, the songs we do each week, and blogs about worship ministry. See you there!

Evangel Worship Is Hiring!

Evangel Worship is looking for someone to serve as our full-time Worship Arts Technical Director! The person in this important ministry position will oversee all of the technical aspects of our ministries, including sound, lighting, projection, video, and recording.

Contact us for a full job description, or with any questions you may have.

Stage Presence

by Jen Testroet

On June 14th Evangel Worship hosted its 2nd annual Worship Team Workshop. We had over 100 people attend, and it was a day filled with inspiration, training, and sharing. In our final Q&A session someone asked, “Do you talk about stage presence with your teams?”  We addressed the question at the workshop, but I want to share this discussion with a wider audience. The short answer is “Yes!”

Our keynote speaker Mark Alan, Lead Worship Pastor at Emmanuel Christian Center in the Minneapolis area, referenced 1 Samuel 16:7b as a support for considering our stage presence:  “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Normally we focus on the second part of this verse, “the Lord looks at the heart.” In the context of the verse, Samuel is looking within Jesse’s household for the next king of Israel. Samuel thinks Eliab surely is the Lord’s anointed because of how he looks, but God reminds him that He is looking “at the heart.” God eventually picks David whose appearance must be much less impressive, after all, his own father didn’t consider him an option! (Read the whole story: 1 Samuel 16:1-13)

When it comes to leading corporate worship, like He did with Jesse’s sons, God sees the condition of our hearts. He cares more that our hearts are right than that we’ve developed our talents, rehearsed the team, or put a smile on our face. No matter how good we are at acting like all is fine and dandy, He knows and therefore can address the prideful attitude, secret sin, or hopeless feeling going on in our heart.

However, the first part of this verse also applies to leading corporate worship: “Man looks at the outward appearance.” We have to remember we’re leading other humans in worship. In our human nature, we interpret the attitudes and intentions of people by how they look and act. Even Samuel, a prophet of God, based his initial judgement on what he saw. People entering our church are going to automatically read us from our outward appearance.

Thus, we need to give attention to what our appearance is conveying, and we may realize our default expressions are sending the wrong message.

As we sing about the goodness of the Lord, a person joining our congregation might think the music-stand-focused guitar player looks confused, the expressionless singer looks bored, the under-experienced drummer looks frantic, and the closed-eye worship leader looks disconnected. All of them may even have the right heart, try to do their best for the Lord, and mean every word they sing. But that’s not how the humans in the audience interpret it.

Often in discussions about stage presence, there is concern about worship becoming a performance. It’s true that focusing only on our appearance would make our worship superficial. However, I’m not talking about putting on a show or an act. I’m talking about telling our faces what our hearts believe. Has God been good to you? Has He given you joy and peace? Has He shown you mercy? Are you forgiven and free from sin? Then you have a reason to smile, sing, clap, shout and even dance!

If we can move our focus from singing about our joy and freedom in Christ to showing our joy and freedom in Christ, our songs will become more believable and impactful to the people we’re leading. Our worship should make people think, “I want to experience whatever is making that person so excited and happy today!”

Transitions in Life: The Lord is Our Constant

by Danyiele Faul

I am currently in the process of planning my wedding. As I think about how many people around me are in a “transition” period in life, myself included, I am reminded over and over how constant our Savior is.  Whether it would be going from single to married, a new job, or a change you didn’t expect, transitions are all around us!  Most of the time, we like it that way.  Transitions can be difficult, exciting, sad, promising, wonderful, or not what we wanted at all.  The point is, that during a time like this, our mind tends to zero in on the transition and our feeling about it.  We may or may not see the end goal, but it definitely consumes a large part of our thoughts.

I believe that God gives us the transitions not to add more to our plates, but to help us to grow in Him, increase our faith, and show us how faithful and constant He is.

So what does this have to do with worship? Think about it!  Worship is what we devote our heart, affection, attention, and energy to.  Maybe you aren’t like me, but when there are so many things pulling my strength, affection, and attention in 10 different directions, it is hard to keep my focus on the One who is The Constant.  Here lies what God really wants to show us in this time: our HEARTS in the midst of it all.

Jesus is calling us to be more like Him and reflect the constant devotion He has toward us.  As I have been reflecting on Psalm 71 this past week, He has shown me a key part in keeping my focus on my Savior: PRAISE.  It seems simple enough, but do we really put it into practice? In Psalm 71:8 it says, “My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long.“ How can I declare His splendor all day long if my mind is on every other detail of life?

Also, in Psalm 71:14-15, “But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.  My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure.” I will always have hope, and praise Him more and more because I know that He has redeemed me.  “My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you—I, whom you have redeemed.” (Psalm 71:23).  My focus immediately turns to the Lord for who He is and what He has done.  It no longer stays on my own thoughts and myself.

It’s not so much about the transition or what we are going through in life, it is about the object of our focus and how HE directs our thoughts, WHILE we are going through something.  Let us not get caught up in our thoughts and feelings about how everything is going to work out.  Let’s INSTEAD focus our worship and praise on Him and see what He does with our hearts in the midst of all the chaos.

Scripture verses are from the New International Version

A Lesson in Trust

by Rochelle Heilbrun

Have you ever had those days where you wake up late, you can’t find your socks, your toast gets burnt, you show up late for the meeting, and the whole rest of your day is thrown off by the practical things of life? I’m sure we’ve all experienced days like this, for some, more often than not.

Well, this very scene has happened to me far too often lately. But lucky for me, I have a husband who knows I have this problem. On days like these, I suddenly find a plate of fresh fruit and perfectly toasted bread with some butter, a fresh load of laundry that has just been dried, and a cup of coffee to take me out the door on time. What’s funny is that I’m never thinking about how he is going to help me that day. My mind can only handle thinking about the fact that I am late and my hair is sticking up in all directions. But Josh always knows what I need and what I will forget on those mornings.

This little life picture is something I keep thinking about. It shows me how God takes care of me. These past few years, I have been consumed by work, finances, and other life demands. It often feels as if I am getting nowhere in my efforts to pay off debt, improve myself, and even chase after God-given dreams. But then I think about the picture I painted for you… In the same way that I need help getting ready in the morning, I need help preparing myself for life daily. God already knows what each day will hold. He already knows the mistakes I will make. He already knows what financial need will come my way this month. He already knows the next time my car will break down. Nothing is a surprise to Him.

I love what Matthew 6:26 NKJV says: “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” You are move valuable than the birds. Sometimes we have to put things into proper perspective–God’s perspective of us. When Josh brings me breakfast, my first thought is gratefulness, but then I feel bad that he helped me when he could be doing something else that he might want to do. But Josh isn’t feeling that way at all. He wants to help me because he loves me and he cares about me. God is the same way. It might seem like we are “bugging” God by asking Him for help, but He can’t wait to help us! In fact, He wants us to ask for help. Psalm 50:15 NKJV says, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.”

A couple of months ago, we were going through a particularly hard time financially. As we looked at our monthly bills and calculated how much money we had, it wasn’t adding up. We were going to be short for the coming week’s bills. As financial worry started to infect our minds, we tried to stay faithful and be stewards of our finances. A couple of days later, we got a letter in the mail from my brother and his wife, who didn’t know how financially strapped we were. Inside was a little note and a $100 check with a Bible verse. We were shocked and filled with faith! But we were still short on finances.

A day or two later, we received another letter from them. Inside was a note that said something similar to “Round 2, God wanted another go at it.” And with it was a check for $101. At this we were humbled and surprised. The two checks combined were enough for the amount we needed to pay our rent. Since then, there have had several instances where, on paper, we were going to be very close to not making it, but then we somehow came out with more than enough.

God’s love for us is so incredibly great! He knows exactly what we need, exactly when we need it! Psalm 62:8 says, “Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.”

So this week, trust in God, because He is more than worthy to be trusted. Take refuge in Him, and find Him in the times of doubt, in the times of struggle, and in the times of uncertainty.

The Power of Praise

by Matt Markel

Acts 16:25-35 (NIV)

²⁵ About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. ²⁶ Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. ²⁷ The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. ²⁸ But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”

²⁹ The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. ³⁰ He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

³¹ They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” ³² Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. ³³ At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. ³⁴ The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.

³⁵ When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order: “Release those men.” ³⁶ The jailer told Paul, “The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace.”

I still remember the first time I read this section of Acts. I was completely amazed at what had happened. Paul and Silas are imprisoned and begin praying and singing hymns to God. Out of nowhere, all the prison doors break open. The event was so powerful that even the jailer was affected and repented. There is POWER in praise!

Praising and worshiping God moves our heart closer to His. It allows us to be honest and open before Him. It breaks chains of fear and worry. Choosing to praise God in the midst of trouble and worry will move you to trust and hope in Him.

Paul and Silas were bound with heavy chains. Their strength alone could not deliver them. There are times when we feel bound by depression, worry, fear, stress, sickness, disease, hurts and pains. The answer is our praise. The praises of Paul and Silas caused the chains to be broken and the prison doors to be opened. God sets us free by letting us trust and hope in Him. He delivers us from our sins and fear. He brings light and joy to our lives and situations!

There is no circumstance too difficult for God. That’s why we praise Him. We can trust that He will deliver us and help us through. Praise the Lord!

The last five chapters of Psalms come to a close with an escalation of praise. Chapters 146 to 150 all begin and end the same way–“Praise the Lord!” It’s as if the author of these Psalms is trying emphasize the delight and importance of praise. Choose to live a life of praise!

 

Announcing: Worship Workshop on June 14

Evangel Worship Team Workshop

June 14, 2014 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

You’re invited to Evangel Worship’s 2nd Annual Worship Team Workshop featuring guest speaker Mark Alan, lead worship pastor at Emmanuel Christian Center in Minnesota. This one-day workshop will train, equip, and inspire worship leaders and worship team members from across the region. This year’s breakout sessions will focus on:

• singers
• drummers
• bassists
• acoustic and electric guitarists
• piano and keyboard players
• sound and media volunteers
• worship leaders
• worship songwriters

Click Here To Register!

Mark Alan Schoolmeesters
Guest Speaker

Mark Alan is a husband, father, worship leader, songwriter, producer and pastor. He serves as the Creative director and lead worship pastor at Emmanuel Christian Center in Spring Lake Park, MN. He has released seven independent albums full of original music and most recently, Emmanuel LIVE“Strong To Save”, which topped out at #2 on iTunes charts the week of the release in May of 2013. It is out of his passion to see worshipers and musicians equipped and raised up that he serves, writes and leads.

• Website
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• Facebook

A Backstage Pass

by Alyssa Flaten

I remember several years back when Scott and I had the opportunity to play at Life Light (https://www.lifelight.org/events/festivals/lifelight-south-dakota) in South Dakota. Because we were a band that was a part of the festival, we got backstage passes. I’m not one of those starstruck fans, but I’m not going to lie, it was pretty cool seeing bands up close and even meeting them. Being a violin and viola player, I especially enjoyed eating dinner with the violin player from the David Crowder Band. A friend of mine was begging to borrow my backstage pass so she could see (and maybe even touch) Jeremy Camp’s muscles (insert eye-roll here). I enjoyed that backstage pass because it gave me the opportunity to unabashedly hand out Scott’s CDs to national recording artists and brag on my husband. Yep, having that backstage pass made me feel important.

Meeting talented recording artists in the flesh is awesome, but you and I have an even greater opportunity every single day of our lives. We have a continual backstage pass to rub elbows with the most famous person in the world. We have access to Christ, to the presence of Jesus, and to the power of the Holy Spirit. Psalm 100:4 defines just what that backstage pass is: “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.” (Psalm 100:4 NIV) Thankfulness is the ticket to get backstage with God, to experience His presence. His peace. His joy. The Message version calls thankfulness a “password “to be with God and know His presence: “Enter with the password: “Thank you!” Make yourselves at home, talking praise. Thank him. Worship Him.” (Psalm 100:4 MSG)

More often than not I “misplace” my backstage pass or forget that I even have it. I sit moping and complaining about this or that. My perspective gets all out of whack. I complain that I just don’t feel God in my life. Or I think the pass to experience God and all His goodness is to try harder, do more for His kingdom, to be a better person, a better spouse or a better mother. Or I think I need to attend an amazing worship service…or if only I worked with more (or some) Christian people…or if this wasn’t happening right now, or if this would happen…the list goes on; meanwhile all of these excuses distract me from engaging in thankfulness and in turn, keep me from going backstage with God. I create a long list of false backstage passes all the while forfeiting the opportunity to have dinner with Jesus.

As a mama of two little girls, I have less opportunities to play on the worship team, less uninterrupted hours of quiet time, and I seem to have more messes to clean and laundry to wash. As I look at my season of life and its circumstances, I often choose to complain and grumble, sometimes out loud, and sometimes under my breath or in my heart. But I am learning to recognize that my circumstances are not what keeps me from God’s presence. When I get in a funk with little to be thankful for and much to worry about, that anxiety and unthankfulness becomes my focus. The Bible calls the things that consume our focus idols. Yikes! “Those who pay regard to false, useless, and worthless idols forsake their own [Source of] mercy and loving-kindness.” (Jonah 2:8 Amplified) Complaining is useless, worthless, and keeps me focused on the “false”. But as for the “Source of mercy and loving-kindness”–that’s Who I want more of, that’s Who I want to be with.

Developing a thankful attitude is a habit that takes time. It’s a choice. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV)

Science gives us some practical application of how to follow the wisdom of the Bible in cultivating a thankful heart. According to Jim Fannin, a sports psychologist, the last 30 minutes and first 30 minutes of each day are when our “minds are naturally amenable to suggestion” (http://www.jimfannin.com/super/83-life/385-the-greatest-valentine-s-day-gift#.U0v1mceY3XQ). And the last 30 minutes of each waking day is replayed in our minds 15 to 17 times which is five times more than any other thought at any other time. (http://www.amazon.com/The-Positive-Dog-Story-Positivity/dp/0470888555) So bedtime is a key time to practice thankfulness and according to science it will help you start the following day with a thankful heart. Try it out for yourself! When the weather has got you down, or the events of the week, take time to tell God all the things you are thankful for, or write them down just before you hit the pillow. So when things don’t go as we hoped, or when we wake up to snow in April, we can pass right by the temptation to complain and go backstage into the love, joy, peace, and trust we find in Jesus.

So today, enter into His house with a thankful heart–it’s your backstage pass to the abundant life Christ has for us.

Worship Set, Sunday, April 27, 2014

Goodbye: To the Church I Love
Week 1
Pastor Doug

8:30 Service (Worship Leader: Scott Flaten)
Sing To The King (Tomlin, Cash, Reeves)
New Doxology (Ken, Miller)
Here I Am To Worship (Hughes)

10:00 and 11:30 Services (Worship Leader: Scott Flaten & Jonnica Norick)
In Your Light (Moore, Riddle)
Happy Day (Cantelon, Hughes)
Christ Is Enough (Morgan, Myrin)
Great I Am (Anderson)