October 2, 2024
Leadership Notes
It happened again in worship this past Sunday. If you weren’t here {in person or online}, you missed it. My family talked about it over lunch at home. I love the worshipful nature in which our congregation sings. The choir was fantastic. The instrumental leadership, as always, top notch. Solo and song selection was stellar. It all puts me in an adjectival free-for-all.
But the best of the best was your singing. Oh, how I love the way Covenant Church sings. There was a moment, whilst singing “In Christ Alone,” when all the instruments dropped out and we sang a cappella. Absolutely lovely. And do you know what I hear in these moments? Your love for Jesus. We don’t want anything. We’re not asking for anything. The last thing you’ll hear at this beautiful little church is any semblance of a prosperity message. All you want is to praise Jesus. That is all.
I love how joyful we are in worship. I love our openness and honesty with each other as we share life together. I love our sense of humor and laughter. I love how vulnerable we are at times, not afraid to shed tears of concern or wonder and awe. I don’t think I’ve gone too far extolling what a joy it is to be a part of this community of faith.
I’ve begun reading an article positing that worldview may have more impact on mental health than chemical imbalances. Believe me, I’m checking myself for confirmation bias* as I read. One thing I’m convinced of, and it has been borne out by decades research from the Gallup organization, is that conservative people live happier, more contented lives than other identifiable cohort groups.
What the study links is that the rise in mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and fear, can be attributed to worldview deficiencies {George Barna}. For example, only 1-2% of people under 40 possess a biblical worldview. At the same time, 70% of this group say their lives lack clear purpose, and 80% who reject God frequently experience fear and anxiety. With a solid foundation of truth, life is more consistent, joyful, and meaningful.
Which brings us back to the way we worship.
How do I know most of the people of Covenant Church embrace a Biblical worldview? By the way we worship. It’s as simple as that. I love this observation from pastor and author Alistair Begg:
If when people come to our congregation they don’t say, “This
must be about Him,” then they will start to believe it must be
about us.
It is all about God’s amazing grace…giving Him the honor and glory and praise. And you do it without hesitation or reservation. We are blessed.
And now, your Moment of Spurgeon:
“We are justified by faith, and not by the works of the law. The
merit by which a soul enters heaven is not its own; it is the merit
of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”
With Much Love and Affection,
Richard
*Confirmation Bias = “The tendency to interpret new evidence as confirmation of one's existing beliefs or theories.”
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