In almost every church I visit... which are mostly church plants... there he is. The pastor. Standing in the front row during worship. Giving his whole heart to it. Feeling the presence of God. Stretching for it. Yearning for it. And he's overwhelmed by it.
Because his great hope is that everyone else will feel it too.
This is why he stands in the front row.
So that by looking ahead, he will block from view all of the passive worshipers behind him and perhaps kedge them forward into the presence of God by his own leadership.
He does church every week with this great hope.
I did this for eight years.
And now I'm doing it again for STORY.
I'm sitting here in rehearsal, being blown away by the presence of God through Jonathan and Candi Shelton and the Granger worship team...
Because my great hope is that everyone will fall victim to the presence of God on Wednesday.
Beautiful and true. Can't wait!!
Posted by: Stgoebel | October 26, 2009 at 09:34 PM
I have been looking forward to Story since you first posted about it. Set a goal to improve my communication this year, and this event has our team jacked up.
Also, this post is spot on.
Posted by: Dale Schaeffer | October 26, 2009 at 10:01 PM
Sooo excited and I don't even get to be there! Packing hubby up to head out tomorrow afternoon. Praying for a refreshing time for everyone involved, including the pastor in the front row.
Posted by: Jen C | October 26, 2009 at 10:51 PM
We're worship leaders, so we'll be doing our part in the back there somewhere! : ) This is a beautiful description.
Posted by: Felicity | October 26, 2009 at 11:00 PM
I love your heart, Ben, and am thrilled that you are willing to lead by example.
I also believe that if people fall victim to the presence of God it will be in spite of us in the front row, not because of us.
Posted by: Mumbling Truth | October 27, 2009 at 03:08 AM
I can't wait.
Enjoy every moment Ben.
Posted by: Jay Brock | October 27, 2009 at 07:40 AM
Praying that God's presence is very real to all of you throughout Story. Blessings!
Posted by: Kevin Womack | October 28, 2009 at 02:09 AM
Ben, We came Wednesday. Awesome, very awesome. You pulled me into the setting before I even got into the auditorium. I was blown away to tears by God's presence in the first worship session. Way to go! And Thanks for the whole experience.
Posted by: Karin Baker | October 29, 2009 at 03:06 PM