Worship - More Experiential

Ray Johnston's young leaders weigh in on ministry at Bayside Church in Granite Bay, CA. This is number 5 of 7.

Worship needs to be far more experiential... expect God to show up!

It's not all about the smoke, sound and lights. It's not all about picking the best songs. Worship needs to be approached with an expectation that God is going to show up and do something big... every week. Churches should set up the service with His movement in mind. Plan for it. Expect it. Watch for it.

Young leaders seem to have an almost 'child-like' faith that puts the responsibility back on God to do the 'experiential' part of the worship. I've been guilty in the past in trying to 'help' God where He might be lacking.

Do you 'experience' God in your weekly church services? Does God show up? Quite honestly, many of us might not recognize Him if He DID show up.

Max & Taryn Baptized

Certainly, this goes down as one of the greatest days of my life. Having the privilege of baptizing both my kids, at one setting... WOW! I hope you enjoy a personal moment with me, my kids, and my church family. What an incredible moment for our family!

Max N Taryn Baptism 071711 from Barry Smith on Vimeo.

If you don't see the video - click here!

Insanely Funny Church Planter Principles

A must see spoof on church planters. From the shirts to the hair... it's all here! Whether you are a part of a church plant or not, you've got to watch this. 3 minutes of escape and laughter.

Worship pastors will definitely appreciate this! (poor keyboard worship leaders)

And by the way, the largest gathering of church planting leaders on the planet starts next week in Orlando, FL. Exponential 2011 is here! Enjoy!

If you don't see the video above, CLICK HERE.

How Much Is Too Much? The X Factor Devotional - Day Thirty Seven - March 2, 2010

“She broke the jar and poured the perfume on His head.”
Mark 14:3b

 The story of the Bethany anointing is one of the few stories of Jesus’ life that is contained in all four of the gospels.  So impressive was this event that it was indelibly written upon the disciples’ hearts so they never, ever forgot this act of devotion.  Mark uses it as a prelude to the passion events.  It contrasts the hatred and rejection Jesus was receiving at the hands of the rulers and the people.  This act of worship and devotion stood out as an act of love that the Lord deserved from all, but was only given by a few.

May this deed be received as a call to worship for us today.  May this deed make us ask ourselves the question, “How much is too much?”  This woman’s act set a standard of sacrifice, which none can better, but all can match.  That alabaster bottle was worth a year’s wages.  Plus, it was to be saved for the most important occasion of one’s life.  What is the most extravagant thing you have done for the Lord?  What can we learn from this Scripture?

• Real love is always extravagant.
• Extravagant love is always criticized.
• Jesus always comes to the defense of and blesses those who are criticized for being extravagant in their devotion toward Him.

Prayer Focus: Pray the people connected to our church will love Jesus so much they will be extravagant with their giving of their time, talents, and treasures.  Oh Yeah… and pray that the extravagance starts with you.  Can you do that?  What does that look like for you and/or your family?

A Contribution or A Sacrifice? - The X Factor Devotional - Day Thirty Five - February 26, 2010

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.  Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:1-2

Did you hear the story of the chicken and the pig who were walking together down the road?  They came upon a beggar who was nearly starved to death.  He hadn’t eaten in days.  The chicken and the pig decided to help him.  The chicken said,  “I have an idea.  Let’s fix him some breakfast - some ham and eggs!”  The pig thought about that a moment and then said,  “I don’t like that idea very much because it only requires you to make a contribution, but for me it is a complete sacrifice!”

As the Apostle Paul writes, he describes a turning point in his letter to the believers in Rome.  He is finally giving an application to the truths he has been telling about in previous chapters.  He is stating how we should respond to the knowledge God has procured our salvation and saved us from the wages of sin through Jesus Christ.  He’s telling us to lay it all on the altar for God; surrender completely.  Don’t simply make a contribution like the chicken, but sacrifice it all like the pig.

Prayer Focus: Pray Impact is a body of believers willing to totally surrender to God.  Pray it all starts with you.  What does it look like to surrender all?  What might you need to sacrifice?

Giving Worship... The X Factor Devotional - Day Three - January 13, 2010

“The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the LORD. David the king also rejoiced greatly.”
1 Chronicles 29:9

First Chronicles 29:10-20 is one of the greatest expressions of worship found in God’s Word.  Read this prayer in its entirety and reflect on the essence of true stewardship:  the realization that God owns everything.

After you have read and reflected on this passage, take some time to consider the significance of being in partnership with God.  Recognize Him not only as the senior partner but also as the sole financial backer of your life’s venture.  David was completely captivated by the reality of this, and as a result, he became unreservedly focused on building the temple for God’s glory.  His leadership influenced others to contribute in the same spirit of sacrifice and praise.  See 1 Chronicles 29:9, above.

Relative to your situation, plan a worship time alone, with your family, or a small group of friends that includes the following three features of true worship.

1. Gratitude:  The recognition that all we have has come from His hand.  We are but channels through which the work of God is carried out.  When one’s life is lived primarily in consideration of Him, it is less likely that what He provides for Kingdom work will be squandered on self-gratification.

2. Sacrifice:  David said, "I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing" (2 Samuel 24:24).  Sacrifice always involves cost.  It has little to do with how much one gives.  What is more important is the measure of one’s sacrifice.  Did it truly cost us something?  When it does, then we have set aside something and made it sacred.

3. Praise:  The distinction between gratitude and praise is this—Gratitude is appreciation for what God has done while praise is appreciation for who God is.  David was not only giving thanks in his prayer, he was expressing praise.  "Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name" (1 Chronicles 29:13).  As you conclude your worship time, recognize God for the Provider He is and commit yourself to becoming a good steward of His provision.

Prayer Focus: Seriously, I bet the first thing you think of when you hear “stewardship” is, “He wants us to give an offering.”  And you’re right… an “offering of your time.”  Today, tonight… sometime over the next 24 hours… give God a sacrificial offering of your time, for real.  Whether it’s 10 minutes or 2 hours.  Go above and beyond for Him.

No NBA Players at my Hotel

I'm not a really tall guy - 6'0" to be exact. This is the entrance to my bathroom at the hotel I am staying in. Obviously, I am not thinking that any National Basketball Association players will be frequently this establishment.

So far, I've only hit my head once. There is no hot water in the sinks... just the shower. I find the level of germ avoidancein America quite escalated compared to where I am staying in Chiang Mai.

Analogies? Hmmm... there are certain parts of the world that really avoid sin. Other parts... not so much. But one thing I am learning in my training... is that what is considered 'sin' in one part of the world - is NOT SIN in another part of the world.

Example? American Christians following the American dream. No big, right? It's the AMERICAN dream. But in other parts of the world, we would be considered the most materialistic, greedy, sinful scourges of the earth. Ok - maybe I exaggerate a bit. But still.

Another example? We have an Australian facilitator... he used the word 'bugger' in class one time. No big in Australia... but to the British - YOUCH!

Another example? Asians burning incense in front of a picture of a deceased relative. Honor or worship of the 'spirits'? What about polygamy? In certain parts it is very common... not a sin at all. The Bible - very clear for leaders... but a bit 'grayer' for Christians in general. I know, I know - in America we have that one down as a clear violation of God's word. But not in other parts of the world.

Yep - avoidance of 'germs'(sin) varies in varying degrees all over the world. That does NOT make the bible situational or 'subjective'... but it does raise one's eyebrows as to what is Biblical doctrine and what is culturally driven. Hmmmm.