We all know that our nation is rolling and pitching through a great economic storm. These troubled waters have stressed and exhausted us all – businesses, ministries, employment, investments, resources.

Our recent CCLI church survey confirmed that church budgets have been hit hard by this economic crisis. Church income is down an average of 10–15%, with many churches experiencing an income downturn as high as 50%.

Additionally, this current economic crisis has specifically impacted church music departments – transitioning music responsibilities from full-time to part-time staff, and even to a voluntary basis with staff cutbacks.

Understandably, church budgeting demands tighter financial stewardship regarding “discretionary spending” – including conference attendance.

During this “season,” I was reminded of Psalms 73:28, “But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all Your works.”

Another way to say this is: There is benefit, betterment, favor and pleasantness when we approach and get close to His exceeding Supremacy and Majesty. For we have appointed and applied our hope, our shelter and our refuge in His Allness and His Awesomeness. And, we can inscribe, enumerate, recount and celebrate His ministry, His assets and His productivity.

Wow!!!

Although the Psalmist Asaph was tempted to question God’s goodness and provision in times of uncertainty, he discovered a “secret” about surviving and even thriving – he must get close to God!!!

The prophet Habakkuk also went through similar anguish of thought when he uttered these words in Habakkuk 3:17-19: 

“Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls — Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.”

In spite of the circumstances, the pain and the hardship, Habakkuk expressed joyful exuberance because he knew the “secret” – he must get to the place of His Presence (the “high hills”).

In spite of our natural inclination to withdraw and cut back during this economic crisis, let me propose something:

What if we deliberately reject the fear of our times and sow a seed to our survival and our wellness?

Trust me, the following is not a marketing gimmick. I’m not trying to promote or manipulate anyone. But, hear me – I know of no better way to stand in the economy of Heaven that than to attend a worship conference - where we can do just what His Word encourages us to do – Draw near to God.

If you are of the same mind, and if something is stirring in your heart about this, I would strongly recommend that you consider sowing such a seed by attending the Heartland Worship Institute at Cape First Church in Cape Girardeau, Missouri on July 7-9.

This institute is dedicated to encountering, experiencing and embracing the Presence of God in a real way. Pastors Gary & Rose Brothers – along with long time WorshipInstitute friends Brent & Sharon Anderson – are hosting this great gathering. I know they, as well as the other speakers and worship leaders, are passionate about God’s Presence.

For more information, please go to: www.capefirst.org/heartland or call 573-334-4421.

I’m going to be there. I desperately need to encounter, experience and embrace the Presence of God during this season…I really do hope to see YOU there.

Please join Bob Sorge, Morris Chapman, Steve Fry, Antonia Lawrence, Kent Henry, Jeff Deyo, and all the WorshipInstitute leadership team, as we all “Draw near to God.”

Finally, I want to ask you to let us know what financial trials you and/or your church may be facing. And, what are you hearing from God about how to navigate through those trials?

The Bible tells us to encourage one another. So, if we can hear some sounds – from you – of what our Lord is saying in this time, we’ll send them out to the whole mailing list.

God bless you, dear ones, in your place of service this day.

I really appreciate Rick Warren as a pastor, writer, and very visible Christian leader. His personal integrity and gifts for ministry are clear. Pastor Warren has helped to move our focus beyond “ME” to the outward, global, eternal view of our mission. Thank God for Rick Warren.

His mega-selling book, “The Purpose-Driven Life,” has touched millions of lives and framed so much of ministry today. As a pastor, I know that has been a helpful emphasis. Purpose is, after all, a critical focus. If we don’t know why we are here, then we will never hit the mark God intended for us.

But, as a pastor, I also know that many who have pursued the purpose driven-model are now asking, “Is that all there is?” That is a valid and very important question.

From “Why” to “Who”

The “purpose” issue is essentially a question: “Why am I here?” But, in fact, that question would not be asked unless sin had entered the world. Once man rebelled, he was separated from the source of purpose. The “why” question is a “post-fall” question. It is only asked because we have fallen from our place of perfect fellowship with God.

So, yes, “why” is an important question, but it is not the primary issue. When Adam was in perfect relationship with God, he had no need to inquire into purpose. Because he knew the Presence of his Father-God, the purpose issue was already settled. There was no need to ask “why?” Essentially, Adam changed his mind about who God was and, therefore, who Adam was. Adam decided that God could not be trusted.

Therefore, Adam rejected the Fatherhood of God and introduced “performance” thinking into that relationship and into the world.

When we begin with the purpose question, we are expecting “purpose” to fill up and define our identity. In other words, we try to figure out who we are by figuring out why we are here. So, we embark on performing our way into acceptance and identity But, the identity question was meant to be resolved by simply knowing God. Being filled up with His Presence.

Here’s another feature of the “why” question. It orders how we relate to other people.

The Lord spoke to the leadership team of WorshipInstitute.com one year ago this month. We saw that “when purpose precedes relationship, the result is agenda.” In other words, if we relate to one another because of purpose, then we always have expectations of performance toward one another. But, when relationship precedes purpose, we find our collective calling into His great purpose.

“In the beginning, God…”

God is always the starting point. His Presence is the entire purpose. To know and enjoy Him is the reason we live.

The great Ern Baxter once said that “God is the top button. If you get that right, all the other buttons will line up with the right holes. But, if you get the first one wrong, nothing else will be right.”

The first line of the Bible — “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” — is one of the most exquisite lines ever written. It is the core of all good theology; it tells us the main thing we need to know: God is the beginning of creation.

Our sense of who we are does not come from discovering our purpose, but discovering the character and nature of God. We can only find the right path by becoming lost in that wonder. Then from that place of fellowship, the purpose question is framed properly as obedience to the God Whom I love and follow.

We live in the midst of a self focused generation. I think that is because we have started at the #2 question rather than the #1 question. In fact, one of the reasons worship is so important is not just that we have an encounter with God, but that we change our starting point from “ME” to “Him.”

To be presence-shaped — rather than purpose-driven — leads us into the right issue: the preeminent aim of knowing God. If any other ministry or issue takes the place of that aim, then that ministry runs the risk of becoming a replacement of God’s presence. Community, missions, and justice – none of these righteous impulses were meant to replace the chief end of knowing and enjoying God.

And, yes, Rick Warren would agree with that!

Thank you

I hope this devotional thought is helpful to you. If it is (or isn’t!) we would love to hear from you.

All of us on the leadership team — Howard Rachinski, Glen Roachelle, Ed Chinn and I — deeply appreciate each of you. Always know that you have value to us simply because of who you are. We are honored that you support this ministry, attend our events, and stand so firm in your love for this ministry. But, we love you because we are all children of our Father. That is why we look forward to every encounter with you.

Thank you for all you are. Please let us know if we can serve you in any way. And, we really hope to see many of you at the Northeast Worship Institute in the Philadelphia area, April 22-24.

Dear Friends,

We simply cannot approach the great joy and meaning of Christmas without fresh contemplation of the One Whom we worship.

And, we cannot gaze at Him without realizing the overwhelming beauty of our inheritance as His children. David spoke for all of us when he wrote,

“O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance.” Ps 16:5-6 NKJV

The Fullness of Him

The New Testament (especially Paul’s writing) contains numerous references to the “fullness” of Christ. One of the most incomprehensible realities in all of life is the majestic fullness of our Lord. He is overwhelmingly and eternally complete.

As the great preacher, Ern Baxter, once said:

“There is nothing in Him that should be out of Him. Nothing out of Him that should be in Him. He remembers nothing because He’s forgotten nothing. He learns nothing because there is nothing He does not know.

“He does not need to know because He holds all truth simultaneously. He is the God of the Eternal Now. He can look at human history from the beginning or the end or the middle - for all things are known to Him… He is the cosmic King.”

That Jesus – the magnificent Perfection, the absolute King, the complete representation of the Father – is the One Whom we worship in all our times and places (including Christmas).

But, too often, Christians celebrate Christmas from an individual perspective. In other words, many assume: “Jesus was born into the world in order to save me, make me insanely happy, and take me to Heaven when I die. The King came for ME!”

That view not only miniaturizes His magnificence, but also leads to the absurdity that He desperately needs our gifts, skills, training, technologies, etc. It is one thing to offer what we are and have upon the altar. It is quite another to insist that the great “cosmic King” stands in need of them.

Living Out His Fullness…

Paul returned to the theme of fullness in Christ in his letter to the Colossians:

For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. Col 2:9-10 NKJV

Or, as Eugene Peterson translates that passage in “The Message:”

Everything of God gets expressed in him, so you can see and hear him clearly. You don’t need a telescope, a microscope, or a horoscope to realize the fullness of Christ, and the emptiness of the universe without him. When you come to him, that fullness comes together for you, too…

For almost two years, we at WORSHIPINSTITUTE.COM have been grappling with the issue of His fullness. Every time we look at Him, He is larger than our last view. His mountainous majesty keeps unfolding before our eyes. Our part keeps getting smaller.

We are like men climbing a mountain range. Every vista, every “summit” reveals a larger and higher landscape of Christ than we ever imagined.

Yet so much of Christian culture – even “worship” culture – seems to continually discover ever-larger human strengths and ways we can “help” Him. As a result, we have developed complicated and human-centered approaches to the Lord. Now, too much of what we call “worship” has become a career-promoting, celebrity-obsessed, market-driven, technology-rich “show biz” model.

What kind of message do we represent? Do we now preach a “Christian humanism?” Do we enforce and expand cultural accommodation? Or do we proclaim and live a radical re-alignment to the fullness of His Kingship?

…Within the Glorious Community

Finally, we return to the 16th Psalm:

… “Thou art my Lord; I have no good besides Thee.” As for the saints who are in the earth, They are the majestic ones in whom is all my delight. Ps 16:2-3 NASB

David knew that he brought nothing to His Lord’s royal greatness. He knew that God was abundantly sufficient. Anchored in that view, David also proclaimed his deep affection for that community of saints who were convinced of the same thing.

We know what David meant.

We rejoice in that community of worshipers who are satisfied with nothing less – and desire nothing more – than the Presence. We look forward to every opportunity to join those who consistently press beyond the flashy, the new, the improved, and the clever.

We are honored to be your friends. And, we so desire to see your face in 2010. (Please view the Future Events tab of this website to see what is planned for the year – other events may be added.)

Each of the four of us overflow with thanksgiving to our Lord for His great kindness and generosity toward us and our families, all of you, and within the great sweep of His dominion.

We sincerely thank you for your friendship to this ministry and to us personally.

Have a blessed and merry season of celebrating the Incarnation, and may you find new dimensions of the joy of relationship in His family.

In Him,

Howard Rachinski, Steve Fry, Glen Roachelle, Ed Chinn

WI.com Leadership Team

P. S.  In our last newsletter, we told you about the health and financial crises faced by our brother, David Lawrence. Due to your generosity, we were able to completely cover his health care premiums for the next 9 months! On behalf of David, we thank you for your kindness and generosity.

This is the last ministry letter of 2009. We are grateful that some of you give a year-end gift to support our ministry. We will always work to steward your gift and your trust.

You may click here to support the work of WorshipInstitute.com. Adding the letters ” -DL ” after the offering amount will alert us that the gift is for David Lawrence.

Let me ask you a very serious question. When Jesus said, “Seek and you will find,” do you think He meant to just be a seeker? Or, did he mean that we should seek until we find?

Today, we are immersed in a “seeker” culture. That is why I was recently struck with something Dick Staub wrote (http://www.the-tidings.com/2009/073109/staub.htm):

     “If a search engine repeatedly yields unsatisfactory results, we try different key words or use a different search engine entirely… Motivated seekers are not satisfied with seeking and not finding.

     “It’s not unlike America’s spiritual journey. National surveys repeatedly identify a large portion of Americans who describe themselves as spiritual seekers. In the decade I’ve been watching this phenomenon, the percentage has stayed firmly in the 82-percent range.

     “Which leads to an obvious question. If everybody is searching, how come nobody is finding? Why would a culture accustomed to successful searches be satisfied with always turning up empty?”

Why, how, and to what (or Whom) are you Connected?

One of Staub’s conclusions about seeking and finding is that our culture tends to honor the idea of “search,” but devalues “finding.” We seek, but do not want to find.

I agree with him. But I also wonder if something else may be a factor. Have we been secretly “reprogrammed” by our culture to seek our own pleasure?

In January of 2008, I attended a retreat of worship leaders. One morning, because of the host hotel’s problems with their Internet provider, I struggled relentlessly – yes, even heroically – for an hour to get connected.

Suddenly I had an overwhelming sense of God in the room and this simple question: “Would you struggle this long to find connection with Me?”

It was time for a painful admission: “No.”

Of course, I had my quiet and safe “devotional time.” But, I wouldn’t struggle for an hour to find connection with the living God.

For almost two years now, the Lord has been de-programming my codes and wiring. He has been reducing my “stuff,” my abilities, my visibility, and my pride and self-reliance. As he has peeled it away, the connection with Him has become clearer.

During the same period, many of my friends have lost much more – “things” like careers, homes, health, savings, and reputations. And, even their families. Some have entered that state which A. W. Tozer called, “The blessedness of possessing nothing.”

Could those losses be, in fact, blessings from a kind and generous God? Is He pulling us past ourselves and our stuff so that we can find Him again?

David Lawrence  

Some of you may think I’m changing the subject here. I am not.

I have become aware of something I did not know when I started this letter to you - something which clearly fits the subject and burden of this letter.

Let’s consider another “seeking” question. When you find Him, do you turn His inevitable blessing on yourself or on others? Do I follow my consumerist culture and become a pond – hoarding His blessings on my own property? Or, am I a river – allowing the water to pass through my property to others?

Let’s get specific.

Many of you know and love David Lawrence. He has served as a faculty member and on the worship team at many INTERNATIONAL WORSHIP INSTITUTEs.

You may not know that David is battling cancer. To make his situation worse, David recently lost his job counseling troubled children. His employer did not want to lose him, but David lacked the credentials that the government required in order to continue funding. So they had no choice.

However, recognizing his dire need for health care, the organization will graciously carry David for nine months on their health care program. His only cost will be $143.53 per month.

WorshipInstitute.com is going to give all we can to help cover the cost of David’s health care for the next 9 months (approximately $1,300.00).

Will you join with us in helping?

We at WorshipInstitute.com will pass every dime you send on to David. And, yes, we hope the amount that comes in will exceed the need for healthcare and go toward helping to support David as he finds another job.

Could this be a time to look beyond ourselves – to lose “me” – in order to serve others? Is this a time to walk in the reality of Isaiah 58? Please read it carefully and prayerfully as you consider our brother David.

I hope this letter is an encouragement to you as you seek after, and walk with, the Lord. And, I ask you to please consider this very current and crucial opportunity to express the word.

If you can give toward David’s health care, please click here.  Adding the letters ” -DL “ after the offering amount in the appropriate box, will alert us that the gift is for David. 

If we can serve you in any way, please let us know. When you write, we always pass your comments on to the whole team – Steve Fry, Howard Rachinski, Glen Roachelle, and myself. Your perspectives are very helpful to us as we process through the Lord’s direction and your need for “connection.”

May the Lord bless you in this Thanksgiving season.

Sincerely, 

Ed Chinn

The first dog that Nancy and I owned was a sheltie named Bonnie. As she got older, we noticed that she became very heavy, could no longer walk very well, and couldn’t run at all. The vet told us more than once that her weight gain was a dietary issue. So, we kept feeding her less and less – and she got heavier still.

Finally, a second opinion revealed that Bonnie was carrying a 15-pound tumor in her stomach all that time. And we were slowly starving her to death!

We Christians are often like our little Bonnie – we seem to be growing but continue to lose energy and the ability to run. Over the years, I’ve seen several churches that appeared healthy, but, in fact, were just going through the motions, functioning with little power, little authenticity, and very little joy.

Obviously, a serious theft was in process, even as they tried so hard and faithfully to “do church.”

What Steals From You?

In 1999, shockwaves ripped through the international economic community when it was discovered that a “virus” had infected programs in computer networks throughout the world.

Viruses were not new, but this one was different. Spawned by a hacker, who dubbed his little creation “Melissa,” this macro-virus – some called it “a worm” – spread at lightening speed, disrupting commerce from New York to Tokyo in just a matter of days. It was perhaps the first universally shared alarm among the millions of Internet newbies at that time, wreaking havoc in sophisticated systems, and costing companies and government agencies billions of dollars. “Melissa” became an infamous sensation. One tiny bug created by one insignificant individual in the secrecy of his New Jersey apartment - and global panic!

It was almost inconceivable at that time – something so small and invisible could spread so much damage so quickly.

But you know, that’s the way the enemy works too. He creates little worms that spread through human hearts or even church systems and corrupt them. Those worms can destroy power, effectiveness, joy, memory, vision, commitment, unity, and relationships. The damage can be profound.

Just like a computer or physical virus, those little worms steal capacities and energies which are designed for, and dedicated to, a purpose.

Our purpose on earth could be, and has been, stated in various ways. The Westminster Catechism simply declares: “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever.”

So, what steals from that purpose? Anything or anyone preventing (or distrating) us from glorifying God and enjoying Him forever. That can be anything which worms its way into our eternal purpose. Some of the worms – wealth, security, career, education, friends – are actually good. But, when they invade our purpose, they become a theft of our God-designed capacities and energies.

God is Easy to Live With

The great A. W. Tozer wrote a completely delightful essay called “God is Easy to Live With.” If you do not own it, please find it and read it often.

In that essay, Tozer acknowledged that “perverted notions of God” can spread poison and destroy freedom. That’s a good description of a virus. But, Tozer went on to say,

“The fellowship of God is delightful beyond all telling. He communes with His redeemed ones in an easy, uninhibited fellowship that is restful and healing to the soul… He is not hard to please… He expects of us only what He has Himself first supplied. He is quick to mark every simple effort to please Him, and just as quick to overlook imperfections when He knows we meant to do His will.”

Oh my friends, when you sense a theft in your life and the resulting loss of energy and freedom, run to God, open-handed, totally vulnerable to Him and responsive to His invitation. Yield to His Spirit. He will quickly clean and heal you of the virus which corrupts and steals. You will find that He is, indeed, “easy to live with.” And, you can enjoy Him forever.

On behalf of the leadership team, I thank you for your faithful friendship.  Many of you stand with us in prayer, financial support, service, and joining us in worship times and places across America.  We really do love and appreciate you and your heart for the Lord.  Your financial gifts make a large difference in our ministry.  If you would like to make a donation, please click here.  Thank you so much.  

God bless you, dear friends. Please let us know how you are doing and if we can serve you in any way.

Sincerely,

Steve Fry

P.S.  Please mark your calendar… We hope to see you at these 2010 events:

       • We will be joining with Calvary Full Gospel Church for the SIXTH “Northeast Worship Institute” in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. April 22 – 24, 2010.

       • The very first “Heartland Worship Institute” will convene at Cape First Church in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. July 7 – 9, 2010.

As other gatherings are confirmed, we will advise you of them. We sincerely hope to see you at one of these (or other) crossroads in 2010.

The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 1 Kings 19:11-12

So, the magnificent and majestic God of the universe spoke to Elijah in a quiet whisper.

One of the clearest things I’ve learned in my years of ministry is that the Lord’s words most often come to us in whispers, not the “great and powerful.”

Human wisdom would easily conclude that the great and awesome God must speak in hurricanes, earthquakes and raging fires. If we allow ourselves to be trained by that “wisdom” of this age, then the fast-paces, loud sounds, bright lights, anger, violence, and the sensuous will dull our senses.

Could that be why so many have difficulty hearing the Lord’s whispers?

One of the biggest problems with the human wisdom kind of conditioning is that it trains us to plunge headlong into desperate and grueling labors. That’s because it moves us from trust in God to reliance on ourselves. Have you noticed that too many work too long, too hard and for too little? Sadly, that is true even of Christians.

Do you think it may be time to unplug from that kind of training?

In this letter, I want to help you unhook from the fast and the frantic in order find the gentle whispers and “unforced rhythms of grace.”

From Dullness to Discernment

The writer to the Hebrews wrote about having our senses sharpened or trained to know the difference between the holy and the profane:

“About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” Heb. 5:11-14

Apparently, we can live in discernment or dullness. When we choose to drink from the conflict and anxiety of our society, we get drawn into confusion. And, that hurts us and dulls our spiritual senses.

I think immaturity and impatience – the demand for quick answers and “High-Definition direction” – has dulled our senses and made us like babes. Like babies, we need instant gratification. We reach for the milk of toddlers instead of the slow-cooked nutrition of rulers and conquerors.

Like our Lord, we have to learn obedience by the things we suffer (Hebrews 5:8). Hardship and testing bring our senses to a place that we can learn discernment. But, if we thrash around in frustration, we will miss what He says, wear ourselves out, and become angry in the process.

I believe we are in a season of spiritual dullness – it truly is a season, and we can escape it if we reject the mold that society is pressing us into.

Step away from the loud, the violent, the flashy, and the sensuous. Breathe His Presence. Dwell in His words: “In quietness and trust is your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15)

My friends, we cannot afford to resort to trusting in our own strength. That always drops us into realms and roles that are over our head! And, that leads to anger and blame. That’s why so many are so angry at society, religion, the government, the media, etc.

Just step away from all that; rely on our Lord’s care and His unfolding purpose for us. Turn your attention – especially in difficult times – to the sweet, unforced rhythms of grace that come by the Holy Spirit.

Stop. Listen. Wait for the Lord

This current age will always try to stampede your heart into action – action that is frantic, unnecessary, and unhealthy. Furthermore, that action is calculated to take us away from hardship. But, hardship is His school of discernment!

We can endure hardship for now so we will not become entangled in the snares of the enemy. We can choose to wait for the Lord.

Listen for Him to whisper in kindness and provision.

This message is especially true in this time of rising fear and desperation. Keep your eye on Him, drink His life-giving Word, and be patient in your education in suffering and hardship.

Please let any of us know if we can serve or help you in any way. For the discerning, difficulty will pull us together, not tear us apart. All of us on the leadership team are here for you. If you need to talk, please let us know. Or, if your church needs specific ministry, we invite you to call or write.

Sincerely,

Glen Roachelle

Would you please take a few minutes and join us in a “ridge moment?”

You know, sometimes our journey brings us to a mountain summit. From those ridges we can pause, look back, and gaze into the future. Inevitably those points evoke deep gratitude for the Lord’s faithfulness throughout our journey.

We want to share some of what we see up ahead.

Looking Back

Most of you know that LaMar Boschman founded and led the ministry we now call WorshipInstitute.com. We freely acknowledge that LaMar, with Teresa’s full and fine support, helped to change and expand expressions of devotion to the Lord for many Christians and churches.

Over time, LaMar’s ministry fell into a malaise, a breakdown of personal maintenance as well as mission focus.

However, true to an ancient pattern, just when disorder and sin seemed to trample, grace trumped everything (Romans 5:20). Through a strange confluence of factors – including personal sin, loss of a founding visionary, the 2008 IWI financial crisis, and global economic convulsions – the Lord is renewing something in our walk together.

Here is a summary of what we see for our future:

Disperse

The 2008 IWI helped us to see the need to move our gatherings into smaller, local church-based settings. This was far more than a reaction to economic crisis. We really believe that the large singular event can too easily bring in dynamics, agendas, and financial interests that are foreign (even adverse) to the Presence and the simplicity of a Spirit-led gathering.

We believe the Lord is calling us to disperse, or decentralize the work. At the present time we have no plans to convene a large “international” worship institute. It is time to move out of large, neutral, and expensive venues (like hotels) and return to the smaller and more intimate “houses” of worship (such as a local church).

That is why, in 2009, we are only supporting two regional worship institutes – the Philadelphia area Northeast Worship Institute this past April and the July 8-10 Unveiled Worship Institute in Dallas.

Commission without Control

By releasing local or regional Worship Institutes, we as a leadership team, are deliberately moving toward more of an advisory (rather than administrative) role. We believe the Lord is directing us to commission emerging leaders, but not manage them or the events.  We want to see local leaders take responsibility for church-based events, allowing the four of us to release and serve.

We will not “franchise” the institutes.  In other words, we will not establish standards on what and how things are done. Franchising does not engender a familial culture. We believe we should simply represent and impart the DNA of God’s entrustment to us. We will leave it to the Lord to carry that burden into the hearts of younger leaders.

How they receive, care, and steward is between them and the Lord.

Build Relationships

Sometimes we forget the very organic and personal nature of biblical relationships.

As a leadership team, we see and accept a responsibility to guard an entrustment. We believe the best way to do that will be to spend time with emerging leaders. Values are set in place through fellowship, not programs, strategies, or institutions. As our brother, Bob Sorge, has reminded us, “It’s not business; it’s personal.”

Two guiding principles are essential to understand this:

• When purpose precedes relationship, it produces a bond that can remain agenda-based.
• When purpose follows relationship (in the pattern of our Lord and His disciples), it flows from a transcending call.

Therefore, we will make time for fellowship with those who want it. We will continue to convene an annual gathering (usually in January) where we can all gather, worship, fellowship, eat together, and minister to one another.

We also plan to invite certain emerging leaders (whom the Lord calls to our attention) to join us for certain occasions and purposes.

Faith for a new Generation

Leadership is a temporary mantle. For that reason, continuity is always a major issue for those serious about the Lord’s entrustment.  Read Ecclesiastes 2:18–19.  

In our counsel together, we considered the Genesis 48 drama of Jacob’s blessing of Joseph’s sons. Joseph tried to control the flow of his father’s blessing into conformity with the tradition of blessing the firstborn (Genesis 48:17–19). But Jacob refused to go with that tradition.

We heard the Lord remind us that His blessing belongs to Him and He will direct it in accordance with the patterns and pleasures of His own will. Like Jacob, we have faith for a new generation and a new era. We will do our best to walk into that future by faith.

As we now roll down from the ridge in community with so many others, we are confident that the future and its new generation of leaders rest firmly in His hand.

We will all be in Dallas, July 8–10, for the Unveiled Worship Institute. We hope to see you there.

We’ve tried to reveal what the Lord says and shows to us. This letter represents further unfolding of His continuing word to us. We invite you to ask, affirm, or question anything about the future. To do so, just click reply.

Sincerely, 

Howard Rachinski         Steve Fry              Glen Roachelle           Ed Chinn

P.S. Although we have downsized our operations, we are still faced with monthly expenses. Keeping addresses current, managing the website, providing support for the regional events, and other actions do require funds. Would you consider making a donation to help with these costs? You may do that by clicking here. Thank you so much for your consideration of these needs.

Dear Friends:

I recently noticed the last phrase in II Corinthians 2:14: “…thanks be to God, who always leads us in His triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” (italics added)

In Every Place

As we live upon the earth, our lives should always release the fragrance of the Lord in the specific places where we live and visit.

I quickly admit that I like and use cyberspace more than most. I love the ability to work anywhere. Today, anyone can work in the mountains, at the beach, in a coffee shop, or any other place and upload the file from anywhere to anywhere. Beautiful.

But every gain also imposes a loss. And, one of the losses of this modern era is place. To be anywhere and everywhere is to be nowhere.

And, that brought sweet release of their lives and gifts for the benefit of that place.

Relocating is certainly not a sin. But is it significant that Jesus was born, and lived his earthly life within, a very small dot on the planet? In fact, most historic leaders have lived and died in vital connection to a place.

Life in the Centrifuge

Have you noticed that the pace and rhythms of modern life seem to have a spinning effect? They pull us away from the core. I am astonished that so much conversation today is rooted in mass culture. We talk about television shows, websites, celebrities, new products, Internet societies (Facebook, Twitter, etc.), and global trends (environmental, political, economic, and even in worship).

But we don’t talk as much about place. I do not remember the last time I heard anyone talk about a block party, a prayer meeting, a dinner time family conversation, an evening of fellowship with the neighbors, a community work project, or a school board meeting.

I don’t even remember the last time someone told me about a local church service.

It often seems like there is no one right here, right now. It seems that everyone has been pinned to the spinning wall of modern life’s centrifuge.

Living without the IWI

Someone recently told me that she didn’t know how to go through a summer without the International Worship Institute. While I appreciate the love and honor for an event the Lord chose to use, her comment made me wonder if that very sentiment is why the Lord has now hit our “pause” button.

Is it time to “manifest the sweet aroma” of the Lord in our own neighborhood, city, or region? What about our own family?

Perhaps the “break” from the IWI is a good time to see “if it works” on a smaller scale. Maybe this is a chance to take the temperature in our own home, small group, or community.

Let me encourage you to invest in the place where you live. That is not to say you shouldn’t invest in international efforts – I believe we should. That is not to say we should ignore the global economic and geo-political convulsions. We should know enough to pray.

But, I do think we should consider the issue of our place on the planet. I recently heard Bible teacher Charles Simpson say, “Humility is the portal for God’s purpose.” Asking your neighbors to come over for dinner requires humility. After all, we might be rejected. They might “contaminate” the spiritual purity of our home.

However, perhaps it is that very humility which will become a portal of God’s purpose in our specific place.

What do you have to lose?

Maybe the Lord will give you a breakthrough into a larger purpose.

Finally, I do think this is part of why the Lord has directed us to bless and encourage the regional worship institutes. Rather than convening one large event, as most of you know, we are working with the April Northeast Worship Institute in the Philadelphia area and the July Unveiled Worship Institute in Dallas.

All of the WorshipInstitute.com leadership team members are planning to be in each event. We would love to see and have fellowship with you.

May God bless you and empower you to release the fragrance of life in Christ in every place where you walk. Please let us know if we can help you in any way in your place.

Just because we are somewhat silent doesn’t mean that we’re shutting down or disconnecting. We are all focused on seeking the Lord in our local place, but we remain committed to walking out our friendship with each of you.

And, although we almost never mention finances, I do want to tell you that we continue to need the financial support of our friends. We have downsized as much as possible, but we do have ongoing expenses. For example, our support of the regional institutes is as vigorous as possible and is funded only by the gifts of our friends. 

So, thank you for anything you can do financially. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Sincerely,

Ed Chinn, Executive Director

Dear Friends:

In the midst of new economic turbulence in America and other western nations, many believers feel like they’re in a war.

Of course, our brothers and sisters in India, Mexico, numerous African nations, and other places of true suffering would have some difficulty understanding our besieged attitude. But, that is probably a subject for another letter.

Still, life on earth is a great struggle. As a result of socioeconomic conditions, some of us are probably going to get introduced to new dimensions of struggle in the months and years to come.

So, let’s look at the purpose of struggle.

In Ephesians 6, Paul urges us to frame our struggles as wrestling matches (however, not against people but rather against “principalities”).

I know we often flinch at the idea of wrestling continuously. It is so exhausting and endless and painful. But have we ever thought that when Paul says we wrestle against principalities and powers, that we are being invited into a very real and continuing purpose?

What’s the alternative to wrestling? Being a spectator. Just standing on the sidelines of life. That is both boring and meaningless.

Instead, the Lord invites us to play in the arena – to compete in the great stadium of eternity! We are not isolated, helpless victims who can do nothing but drift along on the whims of circumstance. We are warriors; we are spiritual athletes! We have a chance to join a cosmic struggle. Every day, every hour, every minute.

And, that invitation is to join a fight which is already won! We sometimes live as though the Lord is sitting in Heaven, hoping we can win the battle for Him. No. Jesus conquered death and darkness. “It is finished.” And, now “He leads us His triumph” (II Corinthians 2:14).

But, the struggle has another purpose. Novelist David Foster Wallace said, “The truth will set you free, but not until it is finished with you.” I would adjust that to: “The truth will set you free as it convulses and completes you.”

In other words, God knows that the struggle itself will bring us to a new place in Him. Perhaps that is what Paul meant when he told Timothy, “Join with me in suffering for the gospel…” (II Timothy 1:8)

Is that what Jacob discovered when he wrestled the Angel? I wonder if Jacob first just wrestled with this stranger in order to win and get back to his life. Maybe around 3 a.m. he began to realize that he would never conquer this opponent.

Perhaps, as the sun dawned in the east, the true purpose of the struggle dawned to Jacob. He was not in this to “win.”

So, winning ceased to be his objective; instead, he was relentlessly focused on finding his blessing in the struggle (Gen. 32:26). He exerted all his energy with this majestic opponent – but not to win. He would wrestle a blessing from God from this great battle – even if he died in the struggle.

So, think of it: the Lord invites us to join a battle which is already won…and a great blessing lurks in the groaning and sweating and bleeding and muscle damage of the struggle itself!

Therefore, let us allow the Holy Spirit to infuse us with zest for the match! For therein we will see a blessing emerging from the struggle. The struggle is about completing us in Christ!

May the Lord open the eyes of your heart as you consider these great words – also from Paul (can you imagine what great struggles he went through to have such insight on the very nature of struggle?):

“For all things are for your sakes, that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”   2 Cor 4:15-18 NASB

Kinda gives you a second wind for the struggle doesn’t it?

Your friend in life’s struggles,

Steve Fry

PS - Let me remind you of two opportunities for regional worship institutes this year.  Click on the institute name for a quick link to the appropriate website.  Northeast Worship Institute on April 23-25, Fairless Hills, PA; and Unveiled Worship Institute on July 8-10, Dallas, TX.