Music.....

Music and student ministry go hand in hand. And most of the music that our students listen to is not on KLTY or any other of the Christian radio stations. And as I've stated before, I think that's okay. There is much truth to be learned in the poetry of today's artists. I know, for me, songwriting and music are itches that have to be scratched. Most of us have outlets for stress, anxiety, etc.... music and sports are mine.

Music is just an emotional tool that can communicate feelings and thoughts that resonate with most of us. We remember lyrics and songs and are instantly transported to another day and time when we hear the song on the radio or ipod. The students today are no different and quite possibly more in tune than we were because of the access they have to an entire globe of music.

Well... if music is that big of a part of these kids lives then using it in our ministries becomes crucial to connecting these kids to the message and to other people. The music we use in our services must be engaging and purposeful. I love using our student leaders to help them learn how to engage their peers through the medium of music in order to lead them into the throne room of God.

One of the ways that our kids respond to music is by seeing others engaged and worshipping through music. It helps tremendously when our students see adults engaged in the music of worship. I love being a part of a service where people are singing their praises to God. He hears our heart. And I believe that music was created to soften the heart and open the mind so that we may hear from God through all phases of the worship service.

Take some time to encourage our student worship team and their efforts at leading us in worship each week. Music is a creative outlet that begs to be shared and used. Those who have the ability and talent to play or sing, and choose to use that to lead their peers, need to be encouraged to continue to seek out how to deliver truth through music. Take a look at the article below.....Andy Stanley on Music.

http://www.catalystspace.com/content/read/music_matters_stanley/

Have a great Christmas and a very Happy New Year. And thank you so much for all you do for the students here at Firewheel. I love you guys.