I have really enjoyed my time with this group I'm teaching here in Santiago. Tonight we had 30+ pastors, musicians, and others desiring to learn more about worship. And in spite of "la professora" being a American woman with a southern accent using a Haitian translator (what a test for him my accent was!), I believe we continued to learn together. It was a lively group and I loved hearing their questions and discussions on issues that concern them. It was great to hear the perspectives of the teenagers that may play or sing in a band and also get the perspective of the pastors present with us. We had male and female, young and old (ages 1 - 68!) and both Dominican and Haitian.
It's so obvious to me that this is a group of men and women who deeply desire to honor God with their worship and their lives. Their questions were insightful and show that they are thinking deeply about the present day dilemmas they are facing in ministry and in their church setting and even in their own walks with Christ. And guess what? They are talking about the same things ministers all across America are talking about.
For example:
- Is one style of music more spiritual than another? Is it okay to use rhythms in the church that are used in secular music? How do I know what is right for my church? Some want the older songs, some like the newer songs. (Does this sound familiar to anyone else?) We had similar discussions on casual vs. more traditional clothing as well. Basically, it was a discussion about change - the churches here are experiencing change we had in the U.S. a few years ago. It was a great chance to discuss what truly constitutes worship - is it just music, or is it the state and intent of our heart?
- How can I, as a pastor,be a mature spiritual leader? How can I guard my heart and life against sin, particularly sin of a sexual nature?
- How can I lead when I feel lonely, hurt, or just tired?
- How do we encourage others to lead?
Some things are so similar to the world of ministry I know so well. And some things are - of course - very different. How can I understand the extreme poverty of my Haitian brothers and sisters? How can I understand the cultural norms of a country I am only visiting? There are things I cannot comprehend that these pastors deal with every single day. I admire them for serving so faithfully.
Yet in these past two days I've felt that common bond - we are all believers in Christ Jesus. We are brothers and sisters in Him. We all desire to worship Him and live for Him. We want to give God our best, but we are still learning how to do that more and more every single day.
And as I stand up and look out at that room filled with so many different, yet beautiful,skin tones and accents, I get one more glimpse into what the reality of heaven will be like. All of us created so wondrously different, yet all for His glory, to proclaim His praise.
I am so thankful for this time here. I am thankful for all God is teaching me. He is encouraging me through these fellow ministers of the Gospel!
For those of you who have given to the Give Worship Project I just want to say a huge THANK YOU. You've made this time of teaching possible. They were excited to receive the books, and desire to grow as worshipers. You have helped strengthen the Body of Christ here in the DR. And I appreciate that so much!
Keep reading - and commenting! I LOVE hearing from you. Tomorrow I'll be visiting "The Hole", which is a community in the landfill. Tomorrow night I'll be teaching my last class here in Santiago - we'll be wrapping up our time with this particular group of leaders. On Monday I'll be traveling to the Haitian border to Da Jabon, where we hope to connect with Haitian pastors from that area.
Signing off for now.....with a grateful and humbled heart.
**A HUGE thanks to G.O. Ministries, who has made this training possible!**
Sounds like God is affirming your step in courage and faith. I'm so excited and happy for you. Still praying!! Love you! Debbie
Posted by: Debbie Blackburn | October 30, 2009 at 08:34 AM
Jan, I have been in T-town for a couple days and didn't have access to read your blog and see the photos. I have gotten your status updates on my phone via mobile update, though, so I have been reading those as they were posted!
This is awesome. I love seeing the photos. You look very happy and the people appear to be having a great time. I know you are doing a wonderful work there and that many lives will be changed for eternity because of your faithful dedication to share and teach!
Love to you. Keep the updates and photos coming. What a wonderful time we live in to be able to stay connected this way!
Posted by: Linda Jones | October 31, 2009 at 09:11 AM
Awesome Jan! It's great to see God's Dreams come to fruition and to watch you walk by faith! What a great affirmation.
Posted by: Richard Buckley | October 31, 2009 at 02:21 PM