The Weight of the Race

A couple of weeks ago I was spending some time in my devotions and praying about life and ministry and such. I felt God speak this to me:

Ministry is like a relay race. The kind with a baton. The way we get started determines the way we end. Everyone hands off the baton to the other racer. Its of most importance that the guy in front does the best he can so that the next guy doesn't have to make up the slack of the other guy, which eventually leads to a bad finish for the final guy.

This is why the greeters in the parking lot, the ones folding bulletins, those leading worship, those bringing the word, those dealing with kids, student ministries, and everything else carries huge weight.

I think sometimes we separate ministries. Saying "well, that's the student department and that's the children's, etc". Not realizing that if I drop the baton as a first impressions guy or a youth worker, I potentially damage what God wants to do from the pulpit in someones heart.

As a worship leader, I must make sure I do everything I can to the best of my ability to help people receive what God has for them thru the word God has given pastor Jeff.

I think sometimes we get lazy and don't carry the "weight of the race" and that's when we start dropping batons in ministry. That goes for all areas. People begin to leave and you become a bad steward of the talents and gifts God has given you.

The flip side of that is, the beauty of working hard and to the best of our abilities. When we train hard, the end result is worth it.

We are all in this for one purpose. Many roles, one goal.

Learning,
Adam

sunday set list 8-30-09

Salvation is Here - Hillsong United
You Never Let Go - Matt Redman
Till The End - Adam Cruz
I Am Free - Desperation Band

I introduced my new song "Till the End" to the band and they knocked it out of the park. Phenomenal job. Everyone added a creative flare to it and I think it connected well with everyone.

Sunday Afterthoughts 8-23

This week I wrote a new song based on the series we are in, called "Till the End". It was literally a download straight from heaven. I wrote it late one night and felt like it was my heart for this series. Jeff has coined the phrase "Till the End" throughout this series. So today Jeff talked about making it to the end in our Marriages. I had Amber sing the song with me at the end of service for a time for Couples to pray thru this idea. It was beautiful having her up there with me. I love my wife very much and I am committed "till the end" with her. I love being able to do what we love, together. (who knows maybe with enough prodding from you she will consider singing more on sunday's, hint hint). Regardless it was a really cool moment today to participate in that with her!

I love being a part of a church that is helping people experience life. I love that when I come in, I leave different. I love having a pastor that isn't afraid of man, but fears God and preaches what God says to preach. I love serving with a team that is WILDLY CRAZY ABOUT JESUS. It's contagious.

We had some 247 kids in our E:Kids ministry today. Absolutely in sane.
Had a packed house all 3 services

I love walking out into the lobby and feeling an intense BUZZ in the air of anticipation and passion for Jesus and what He is doing here at Element Church.

To say that I am incredibly STOKED for our next series "BE", would be an understatement. We have things planned at Element that have never been done before. EVER! YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS SEPTEMBER 6th! AT ALL! Make sure you do everything you can to be here at Element, and don't think you'll just listen to the podcast or check it out online. The rest of the weeks are going to be incredible as well as we take a look into what the church should really "BE"!

Jesus was worshiped today, the Word was preached and lives were changed. LOVE IT!

Had a GREAT night of Settlers of Catan at the Andrews house. I won!!! Cannot EVER get enough of that game. lol

Off to bed. Excited about Lead Team meeting with the guys tomorrow morning. Finishing up the book "IT" by Craig Groshel. Really good book.

Set List:
Today is the Day - Lincoln Brewster
Sweetly Broken - Brandon Heath
Came to my Rescue - Hillsong United
How He Loves - Kim Walker
Till the End - Adam Cruz

Till The End,
Adam

Sunday Afterthoughts 5-24-09

Here are my thoughts from the day.

-- I'm tired. Its been awhile since I have felt exhausted on sunday, not sure if its cause I've been sick all week. But man I'm tired today.

-- Worship was powerful. God's name was declared! My team was ON today. Element you guys have a great worship team, PUT ME ASIDE, this team passionately loves Jesus, loves worship and loves to see His church worship. I am so blessed with great musicians that love Jesus so much.

-- Jeff tackled the topic of prayer today! Something we all struggle with. Not "HOW TO PRAY" but "DOES GOD HEAR ME WHEN I PRAY?" We reminisced over lunch about the sermon and what was big for us. It was cool to hear everyone. Great job Jeff.

-- Amber and I are headed out of town to run the boulderbolder 10k. Should be a good time. Our first competitive run.

Set List-
Sing Sing Sing - Chris Tomlin
Let Your Kingdom Come - Adam Cruz
Your Name - New Life Worship
I've Had Questions - Tim Hughes


Adam

sunday afterthoughts

Today we started testimonies in our worship team small group time. I asked each person to share their story of coming to know Jesus. I shared mine and Amanda shared her's. Thanks for being brave Amanda. I am looking forward to hearing everyone's story. There is so much power in our story's. I love the POWER OF GOD in both sides, the one who experienced the party rebel life, and the one who stayed strong. There isn't a boring story when you are talking about Jesus rescuing us from hell. I love you guys. Thanks for your sacrifice in developing a healthy worship team.

It has been a worship filled weekend. Friday morning, I took a few team members with me to Sheridan, WY to lead worship for a big 30 HR Famine city wide worship night. It was a really powerful time. We did an hour and a half worship set and God's name was praised in that WYO theater. We were all beet afterwards. Got home yesturday and got up this morning to continue.

I have been looking forward to today for a while. We schedule out our set lists 6 weeks in advance. I knew that song wise this was going to be a powerful sunday. Partnered with Jeff's message on God's love, it was an intense day. The altar response 3rd service was just awesome. Each service was great but 3rd, there was a presence that took us to a whole new level. Jeff told me of several stories of people who found life today. I never get sick of hearing that.

We all need to be experiencing the love of the father. Love Jeff's line "if we are not experiencing the love of God who's fault is that our's or God's?" We choose to accept the love of God. He has already offered it.

I am so tired after this full weekend. But its so worth it. Wouldn't want to be doing anything else.

Set List Sunday May 10th:
All Who Are Thirsty (just the chorus) - Brenton Brown
Open Up The Gates - PlanetShakers
The One Who Loves Me - Adam Cruz
Indescribable - Chris Tomlin
How He Loves - Kim Walker


resting,
adam

4 Things that Create a Healthy Worship Team (3)

Over the last 2 years of doing worship ministry I have learned a great deal about NON-MUSIC related leadership. When I was in the School Of Worship I remember one of the things they would always say is "WORSHIP MINISTRY IS 10% MUSIC and 90% PEOPLE". Man have I seen that. If you pour into your team and invest in your people, then the experience/music side of it should come naturally. Once again, I am learning this big time right now and by no means claim to have it figured out. You can read my previous 2 posts here and here.

#3: INVEST IN THE VALUE OF THE INDIVIDUALS
This is probably one of the most difficult things for me. Not only are you trying to cast vision, lead rehearsals, pick music, make sure all the administration stuff is done, but also create value in each and every team member. Each person needs to know that they are essential to the team. That without them they would be missed. Now its important to understand that some people DO carry more weight. If you have and entire rock band on stage and your drummer doesn't show, there will be issues. BUT that does not mean that BGV's aren't as valuable. So its important to find ways with each individual to make them feel valuable.

One thing that we have started this year is a quarterly evaluation. Its an opportunity for me one on one to challenge my team members and to help them understand what I want out of them, so that their is never any confusion. It also gives them an opportunity to be heard. Maybe they have some concerns or just need some confirmation that they are doing a great job. Give them an ear.

GET TOGETHER OUTSIDE OF WORSHIP ATMOSPHERES. Do a BBQ together, go to some concerts, hangout, become a community. This will help them understand you are interested in THEM AS A PERSON not as "your just my drummer, or my singer, or whatever".

Check up on your team. Make phone calls and text messages, emails, etc for NO REASON. Just to see how they are doing. Not always wanting something from them. I just received a phone call with a message from a friend that said "I'm not calling for any reason just wanted to see how you were doing, call me later". That meant the world to me!

Again this is something that I am not great at, but I'm learning. EVERY PERSON IS A DIFFERENT PERSON AND WILL NEED VALIDATED IN THAT MANY DIFFERENT WAYS.

When you invest in your team they will invest back into your ministry. When they see that you care about them its much easier for them to care about you and the worship ministry. The goal is a unified team and when there is unity, your worship experience will be that much greater.

investing,
Adam

4 Things that Create a Healthy Worship Team (2)

I am continuing the blog series on what I have seen that creates a healthy worship team. You can read my previous post here. Again I have by no means figured this thing out, but as I continue to grow these are things that have helped me as a leader.

#2 - Coach Others To Do What You Do
This is a brand new concept to me. As a staff here at Element, this year, we have made it an intentional part of our ministries, to begin coaching people. I am learning how to do this and finding ways to be coached at the same time. It is healthy for your team and the congregation to realize that "blank" church worship does not rest on your shoulders. Its healthy for them to see other people leading worship, and its healthy for you to let others lead.

Now realize as I said in the previous post, NOT just ANYONE can lead. In fact this is a lot more of an EXCELLENCE issue. While many people can be on worship teams as instrumentalist and vocalists, not everyone is designed to LEAD worship. WHICH IS OK!
Character, style, personality, talent, and most important, does your lead pastor approve with direction of the church, all play HUGE roles into finding worship leaders.

Its important to find these leaders and invest into them thru coaching. Provide them with all that you are learning and avenues in which to grow. Have them help you with song selections and song structures, styles and formats. This will give them tools necessary to develope into a worship leader. Then give them opportunities to lead. Maybe a song here or there on different weeks. And then give them an entire set.

BE ON THE PLATFORM WHILE THEY LEAD! Its one thing to be out of town and say "hey your on this week". Its another thing when you say "hey I am backing you up this week". Give them center stage and let the lead it all. This is a very healthy approach for your congregation. It teaches them that its not about 1 guy, and 1 style. and again giving them opportunity is what will help them develop into who God may be calling them too be even if they mess up, and even if its not done as well. You have to be willing to create growth opportunities. JUST REMEMBER WHERE YOU STARTED! (I KNOW I DO)

As things grow you HAVE to multiply yourself. If you are never coaching anyone then you will never have anyone PERIOD.

This is a concept that is hard for a lot of leaders. To share their SPOT. However, its the most healthy for you, your team, and your church.

Being Coached,
Adam

4 Things that Create a Healthy Worship Team (1)

At the beginning of this year I began to feel God stir my heart for some specific directions to take the worship team. As I met with Jeff from time to time we talked about next steps for the team. I have by no means figured this thing out, and in fact these are things I am currently struggling with and learning my self. But these are some specific things I feel like God has placed inside of me to help create a healthy worship team.

1 - Multiply your Team: I really struggled when we launched Element Church with what the worship team would look like. I wanted excellence and believe that that is a key component to a great experience and there are several team models out there.

I don't believe in the "ANYONE WHO LIKES TO PLAY AND SING, CAN PLAY AND SING" model. That model is not effective at all. Every time I have seen it and talked with the worship leader they are stressed out and very frustrated and most of the time its more of a distraction than anything. Also,you may be leading someone in a direction opposite of where God is calling them because you don't want to offend their lack of ability to play or sing.

But on the flip side which is where I tend to lean, is the "ONE BAND, THE SAME BAND, EVERY WEEK" model, no hick-ups, no unpredictability, no major mess ups, so on and so on. The problem with this is that you are limited. When everyone leaves the church and moves on and you haven't been raising up knew people, then you have no-one. You also may limit someone's development into the next greatest worship leader because they were never given the opportunity. There is a balance. I tried Church Wide Auditions, and I've tried private auditions, both have there plus and minus's. The key is to be multiplying your team. Allow people to sit under your other band members on rehearsal nights and learn. Encourage each team member to be investing in someone else. You will never have a shortage of quality musicians at your disposal. And you just may be allowing the next Chris Tomlin come thru your ministry.

New blood can stretch you as a leader as well, from style, to song selections, to creative ideas. Find that balance for you but in order for there to be a healthy Worship Ministry that will last forever you must multiply your team in an excellent, quality environment.

learning,
adam

Sunday AfterThoughts!

"I am tired"!!! - Is what I told Amber around 4:00pm yesterday. We had a very full day with rehearsal at 7:00am, 3 services, and Lead Council meeting. But I can't imagine doing anything else.

Yesturday we mixed things up a little. Pulled out an acoustic set. Very stripped down with some percussion. It was a lot of fun and a powerful time of worship. I stepped aside and had Katie lead us in worship and I got to chill on my acoustic guitar. Katie did a fantastic job leading us. I am blessed with great musicians and singers.

We did a knew song called "I've Had Questions" that Nathan suggested. If you haven't heard it, go download it now. By Tim Hughes. Its a very powerful song.

Our creative team put question marks all over the ceiling above the stage and 2 huge question marks at an angle on the back wall, with tension fabric stretched everyone. It looked amazing. Steve and Christina, you guys are awesome. Element you are blessed with some very creative people.

We launched our knew series called "Life's Toughest Questions", where Pastor Jeff is addressing 5 weeks of real, raw, burning questions inside us all. He really handled "Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People?" brilliantly.
-- God assures us of trials and hard times - "LIFE SUCKS SOMETIMES" Jeff Maness - LOL
-- "WHY" is the wrong question
-- "We must turn to the cross... The Cross Proves God's love, The Cross shows God's control, and the Cross reveals God's plan."

We are very excited about worship this week. Going to open things up in a way we have never done. The set really sets up the message. COME WITH ANTICIPATION!!

***I guess its time to make the official announcement that I am no longer apart of the BOYCOTT TWITTER group. I am officially a twitterer. LOL. SWORE I NEVER WOULD. GUESS I NEED TO STOP SWEARING. You can follow my profile using eworship.

Set List:
My Savior Lives: New Life Worship
Sweetly Broken: Jeremy Riddle
Lead Me To The Cross: Hillsong United
I've Had Questions: Tim Hughes

egg drop recap

Here is the 2009 Egg Drop recap.
Thank you to all who volunteered and thank you to all who came out.
Over 5,000 people, 40,000 Easter Eggs, and a Uhual filled with food for the shelters. Amazing!

sunday afterthoughts

"i feel lost" was the text i received from Jeff at 6:30am sunday. lol.
Jeff hasn't preached in 2 weeks. Its been healthy for everyone, but buckle up cause the fire is coming next week. Can't wait.

Curtis closed up our Generations series and did an outstanding job.
Loved his main idea:
"God is not something to believe in He is SOMEONE to EXPERIENCE".

We are launching Life's Toughest Questions next sunday. This is going to be a great series.

We had our smoothest/fastest sound-check/pre-service rehearsal ever yesturday. I think we knocked it out close to the actual set time. It was really good. THANK YOU BAND AND TECH GUYS FOR COMING IN READY AND STRONG. MADE FOR AN AWESOME SUNDAY MORNING.

Looking forward to the week ahead. Got some creative juices flowing in my head for upcoming series graphics, videos, set designs, possible NEW ELEMENT T-SHIRTS, new videos and random graphics. I really feel like I am headed to the next level in some things.

Alright out to lead team,

Worship Set for Sunday April 28th:
Counting On God: New Life Worship
Marvelous Light: Charlie Hall
The Glory of it All: David Crowder
My Glorious: Delirious

Sunday AfterThoughts!

Im always interested in the week after easter. Who comes back? What sticks the most? How many come back? Churches always see an increase on easter sunday, the catch is what sticks and causes them to WANT to come back. Not sure what the percentage is of post easter attendance but i was amazed.

We saw 960 people come to element church today. A non easter record for element.

Today Jeff was on vacation with his wife Sabrina, so he handed the pulpit to Andy our student ministries pastor. Andy did a fabulous job.

A funny story today:
We started doing a Life Group time together as the worship team during 1st service. So the entire team was over in the office meeting while Andy was preaching. First mistake was not asking Andy what his que was to come back up. And I wasnt sure how long he would preach for. But after 20 min i received several texts saying, ITS TIME! LOL. I heard "WHERE'S THE BAND" like 3 times. Funny moment. Next time ill find out how long the message will be.

Set List:
My Savior Lives - New Life Worship
Glorified - New Life Worship
Reign in Us - Starfield
Rescue - New Life Worship

Adam

easter

this easter was one of those sundays we will never forget. PRAY DANGEROUS PRAYERS AND PARTNER WITH GOD AND THEN WATCH.

We really sensed God was urging us to pray some specific prayers for easter sunday! God exceeded all those prayers in incredible ways.

1217 people came to element. 2nd service was out of control. I was finishing our closing song and they were still trying to pack people into the worship center. LOVE IT.

35 people STOOD to their feet, giving their lives over to Christ. AMAZING. SIMPLY AMAZING.

We built a 24 x 8 foot Flannel Graph and told the easter story. It was a very creative and powerful approach. STEVE AND CHRISTINA, thanks so much for all your hard work on the creative team side of things.

I am really excited about our new series starting May 3rd called LIFE'S TOUGHEST QUESTIONS. We will be answering questions that all of us rassel with from time to time. You can email your questions to questions@elementweb.net.

Set List:
Happy Day - Tim Hughes
Sweetly Broken - Jeremy Riddle
Jesus Messiah - Chris Tomlin
Salvation is Here - Hillsong United

loving jesus,
adam

WWW.ELEMENTWEB.NET

Alright we have launched the new website. However check back periodically. We had to launch pre-mature due to our billboards and mailers being up. There are some graphical things still to update and our media center should go up today! Check it out, we are very excited, let us know what you think!!

Sunday AfterThoughts!

Sunday was awesome! There is nothing like a facility that is jammed packed with people. Shoulder to shoulder, can't even move, bringing in more seating, and creating overflow in a lobby. LOL. That explains what happened sunday!

Then 9 people get saved! COME ON CHURCH! I love it. Jeff had them be bold and stand up and the church erupted in tears and praise. It was really powerful!!

This was an awesome opening of our new series Sunday School. In this series Jeff is unpacking some of the major bible stories in a whole new way! Week one was awesome and I am looking forward to the rest. ESPECIALLY EASTER! You dont want to miss what we have planned for easter!

Dont forget that we are moving to 3 services this sunday. The new times are 8:30, 10:00, & 11:30am!

Alright and I promise that there will be a website this week! We have been working hard, hit a few snags, and had a bit bigger project than expected in some areas. But it looks amazing and its coming!! Ill announce that today or tommorow!!

OH YEAH & my creative team knocked it out of the park with our set design this series. Simply brilliant. Great job, very creative. You guys rock.

Alrighty I am off to the gym!

Sunday Set List,
Beautiful One - Tim Hughes
My Glorious - Delerious
Reign in us - Starfield
Hosanna - Hillsong United
----
Adam

Sunday AfterThoughts!

Today I wore flip flops!!

This is my favorite season. I love flip flops. And it was a busting 60 degrees today, so I started early.

We had some hickups this week with the worship team. But they did awesome. Adjusted well. And God was worship. I really felt like today everyone was connecting. I love seeing physical demonstration of what God is doing in peoples hearts during worship.

Jeff closed the Wild Goose Chase series today with a passionate, fire-up, finale. I love being behind a man with so much vision and executing passion for a church and its impact in a city. COME ON CHURCH! Its game time!

We have SO many things happening here at element, there is buzz in the air.
1) We are launching 3 services in 2 weeks
2) We are launching our new series Sunday School
3) We are launching our brand new website by the end of this week
4) We are dropping 40,000 easter eggs from a helicopter April 4th
5) We are doing an easter service in a way I am sure will surprise you all!!

I love this church!

Set List for 3-15-09
Everyone (praises) - Desperation Band
Blessed be your name - Matt Redman
Beautiful Jesus - Kristian Stanfill
Mighty to Save - Hillsong United
It is well


Buzzing
adam

its been to long

sorry it has been busy lately, I havn't had time to update at all.

We have had some great things happening around element lately. 496 today. I heard we had 3 chairs left in 2nd service. We really need to get into that next location so that we can continue to grow.

Jeff and I talked after church today and he shared some incredible stories with me about things God is doing in people. AWESOME. Our Launch Anniversary is coming and you do not want to miss it. Talk about some good God stories.

Jeff brought it down today. If you missed his message, you SO NEED to go listen to it. My favorite line that has convicted me: "stop trying to be like someone else, and start striving to look like Jesus and you will become everything you are supposed be". My Paraphrase, but close. Also gave a huge challenge to be in the word.

Halfway thru the series LOST. You will not want to miss our last week. Its going to be powerful.

Alright off to have some dinner with my wife,

Set List - Sept. 14
Not to Us - Chris Tomlin
Glorious One - Kristian Stanfill
O Lord Most High - Joel Hatcher
Better is One Day - Matt Redman
Pleasing to You - Jared Anderson

mid - week catch up

friends,
the staff of element and wives were able to go up to Estes Park Sunday thru Tues for a Staff Advance. Our staff advance is where we dream up our year for element church, we seek God thru worship and prayer, we plan sermon series, solutions for different areas in our church, and outreach events, and "What's Next" steps for us. It was a great time. Very intense at times and yet so refreshing. I love this team I get to surround myself with. I am so challenged when I am around them.

Looking very forward to what's next for us after this time together. ELEMENT CHURCH, GET READY, CAUSE HERE WE GO.

Our new facility stuff is coming along. Look to Jeff's Blog for more on that.

We had a great worship time sunday. About 2 weeks ago Jeff asked if I knew of any songs with the Lord's Prayer, my response "NO BUT I'LL WRITE ONE". So thats what we did. We read the Lord's Prayer as a church all together and then sang the new song. I really sensed God moving on sunday. I love worshipping thru music with you all here at Element.

Our RockBand series is going very well. 5 people committed their lives to Christ sunday, and that my friends is what its all about. We opened with "LIVIN ON A PRAYER by Bon Jovi", Good Times. This week's opening song is a tough one, but I have faith in the band. We're going to have some fun.

Back to work,
Adam

Sunday Set List,
Livin on a prayer - Bon Jovi
Spring of Life - Kristian Stanfill
Let your Kingdom Come - Adam Cruz
Center - Charlie Hall
Turn Your Eyes - NewSpring Church

Set List Sunday June 29th

We had a ton of fun last sunday, mocking up our own "Tonight Show" called "Straight Up". Check that out here.

-- Remember church in the park this week. Starting at 10:30am.

Set List
Happy Day - Tim Hughes
Holy is the Lord - Chris Tomlin
Wholly Yours - David Crowder
How great is our God - Chris Tomlin

Adam