the STATE of churches in North America is that we’re constantly comparing ourselves with each other

the STATE of churches in North America is that we think bigger is better

the STATE of churches in North America is that we think “our way” is right

the STATE of churches in North America is that somehow we’ve elevated image, success, and stuff and labeled it branding and relevancy

the STATE of churches in North America is that we don’t like to share

the STATE of churches in North America is that we pay more attention to the celebrity pastors, leaders, and worship leaders instead of the faithful servants in our own congregation that have been mentoring and encouraging other jesus followers for years

Tonight I was part of something that goes against the grain of the STATE of churches in North America.  I spent this evening praying that God would UNITE us in our desire to see the name of Jesus made famous in our city.  I’m part of a project called Worship Victoria.  It’s a simple name and we have a simple purpose.  It’s a bunch of worship leaders coming together to record our songs, a picture of the worship happening in each one of the churches that we represent, for the purpose of raising money for a youth drop-in centre in downtown Victoria.  We have a heart for our city and we desire to see God do amazing things in our city.

This week we’re starting to rehearse before we hit the studio to record this album together.  We kicked off the process of preparing for this album by praying together.  We’re putting egos aside, we’re sharing ideas and colaborating creatively.  We’re coming together to worship.  Pentecostals, Baptists, Non-Denoms, Anglicans, you name it.  We’re all uniting together to lift up the name of Jesus.

I think something amazing is about to happen.

Where do you need to go against the grain?  Do you need to make a phone call this week to take another pastor out for lunch?  Do it.