Posts Tagged ‘music’
BY HEATHER GOBLE-SORRELLS
At a recent concert, there were heads bobbing to the rhythmic beat of the bass line, hands raised to the heavens, shouts of praises and ‘amens’ filling the venue. The room was packed and the mood was entirely uplifting.
I too had my head bobbing and hands raised. I didn’t care what the people behind me thought of my probably bad dance moves or the thoughts of the people in front of me on my singing abilities. Having attended non-religious concerts in the past, I can safely say that the energy of the artists and fans are equally comparable. There’s no lack of entertainment just because it’s a Christian concert.
As for the fans sitting closest to us, in front of us sat a ‘Larry the Cable Guy’ look-a-like with a camo baseball hat and cowboy boots. He was sitting next to a man with a flat billed hat cocked to the side and baggy clothes. There was every style represented in the house that night. Some were openly praising like it was just them and God, yet others were self-consciously singing quietly. Ages 4-60 were all worshipping God together in one voice.
The main artist of the concert, Toby Mac, very accurately compared the audience to a gumbo pot and says he likes “to get the black, white, brown, Baptist, Pentecostal, Catholic all together and hopefully the fragrance of it is sweet to God.”
My ten-year-old was in awe when looking around the concert hall at all the people and asked, “all these people are Christians!?” I began really looking around in wonderment. Sure, it could be assumed that we were all Christians but I just didn’t know. I hoped so and that was a really overwhelmingly cool thought.
It’s possible the people in the audience are always this focused on praising God. But perhaps, and probably more likely, is that this is the most real these Christians are and the most at peace with their Christianity because this was a safe place to worship. We should strive to cut loose and be on fire for Christ 24/7 like we would at a concert.
Maybe the concert experience is what heaven will be like. No lines drawn. Judgments cast aside. Folks from all different walks of life with all different opinions worshipping together. No fear to be totally in love with the God who saves, the Jesus who walked on water, performed miracles, died and rose for us.
For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy in his dwelling place [1 Chronicles 16:25-27].
The Friday Spiritual Column is entirely the opinion of this week’s writer and does not necessarily reflect the view of Northview Church as a whole.
BY NELLIE HARDEN
Sounds are all around us each and every day. They crowd our minds with joy or pollution, and they have the power to hurt or soothe. But when those sounds are arranged in just the right way and choreographed to glide in, out and through one another with intent and passion, they can be transitioning, especially when those notes echo our love for God. A connection invisibly woven, but tangibly felt between you and your creator.
On Feb. 9, the worship teams from Northview’s Greater Lafayette, Fishers and Carmel campuses came together for a high-energy and passionate experience. If music is your pathway to God, then the Night of Worship inspired that connection as all the beloved worship teams stepped up to the platform.
Worship teams from all Northview campuses combined for the Night of Worship. (photo by Dennis McClintock)
“No matter where you are on your walk, this experience is meant to inspire and uplift you,” said Matt Bays, Worship Pastor at Northview’s Carmel campus. It is easy to slip into a complacent pattern of daily schedules this time of year. The sun is a stranger, fresh air can be painful to take in, and you are many times lost under layers of clothes. The worship team’s hope was to fuel your Monday – to “get into your spiritual space, knock the dust off and clear the cob webs.” They did just that.
Matt went on to explain the palpable power that is present when we all gather as one family, one church, who knows that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and our deliverer. Worshipers were reminded of who Jesus is and what He has done for us. He is our savior and our redeemer; we are His most precious creation and we need Him. This was an evening to remember and surrender to Him again and again.
Worship services at Northview
Posted on: October 10, 2013
What does worship look like at Northview? Enjoy a look at all three campuses!
BY NELLIE HARDEN
Steven Curtis Chapman (Wikimedia/licensed under Creative Commons)
Northview is excited to be welcoming to our main stage Steven Curtis Chapman along with Laura Story and Jason Gray! This will be a concert you will want to see—filled with heartfelt worship, beautiful stories of triumph, tragedy and healing. It is a night you can be assured will speak to your soul.
Chapman is a great artist and has been going strong since the late 80’s. He also shares some Hoosier blood. Born in Kentucky to a guitar teaching father, his love of music grew from the beginning. After the path to med school failed to fulfill him he changed course and headed to our very own Anderson University. From there Nashville caught his attention and off he went to pursue his career in music. Chapman has since been recognized as one of the most prolific singers in the genre of contemporary Christian music, releasing more than 20 albums and winning 5 Grammys along with many other awards.
“We have been asked on multiple occasions if it would be possible to have one of the more classic artists in, and this time the answer is, ‘Yes!'” says Greg Wallace, Northview’s Creative Arts Pastor. “We love for the concerts to be more than just entertainment, and he definitely has the heart to help people to deal with the struggles in their lives, and to be able to turn to God in the midst of the stuff that comes our way.”
Chapman and Mary Beth, his beautiful wife, are very vocal advocates of adoption as well. They have three children and found the means and heart to adopt three others. Together, they have started a charity called Show Hope that mobilizes individuals and communities to care for orphans through its international orphan care work. Show Hope also assists with adoption aid grants to help put more orphans from overseas and the U.S. in loving, forever families. In 2009, after the tragic loss of their youngest daughter, Show Hope finished building Maria’s Big House of Hope—a medical care center in China that provides holistic care to orphans with special needs.
Wallace speaks of the concert and says, “I think that this will really be the sort of concert that’s good for the heart—something that will encourage and help people to focus on the things that are truly important in our lives.”
The concert is on October 24 and you will not want to miss it!
The following link to the ticket site has date, time and pricing information: http://www.itickets.com/events/311346/Carmel_IN/The_Glorious_Unfolding_Tour.html
Learn more about the amazing music and hope behind this tour at: http://stevencurtischapman.com
BY JOHN RIGGIO
Northview Church attendees responded with arms raised in praise when Brandon Collins took to the stage with guitar in hand and light in his hair. His voice rang out strong, textured and bright as the polished wood of a church pew. Collins is the new worship pastor at the Northview’s Greater Lafayette campus, but on this particular Sunday, he was leading praise and worship at the Carmel campus. The congregation followed Brandon as he led them on a musical journey up—higher up to that point when God’s toes are almost within reach.
“I love to lead worship when people make a real connection with God,” Collins said. “We sing the song and feel the energy…” he trails off like the final note on his guitar.
“My role is to work hard,” he continues with conviction, “to develop a unified worship team who is excited, passionate and professional in every way. We are so blessed with the worship team we have; however, I want us to be known throughout the entire community for what we do.”
Collins and his wife, Meghan, came from the tree-clad rolling hills of Bethany, W.Va. That area has a musical heritage that is as deep and strong as the springs flowing beneath the green.
![Worship pastor Brandon Collins leads worship during Weekend Service. [photo by Andrea Scheffee]](https://thenorthviewblog.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/a24.jpg)
Worship Pastor Brandon Collins leads worship during Weekend Service. [photo by Andrea Scheffee]
Collins gets his inspiration from one of the greatest musicians and songwriters of all time, King David. “David was a wonderful servant and musician to King Saul. He wrote amazing songs, and he celebrated his love for God through amazing dances.” Collins smiled. “David danced so freely that he even embarrassed his own wife, because his clothes would fall off during his jubilation.”
“I love his transparency, his love for real life,” Collins concluded.
Even though it is obvious that Collins loves his job—a word only one letter away from joy—he knows that his vision will take hard work.
“I would love to see our worship team take it to the next level, to be known for the passionate and talented group they are: a group who serves God with excellence, leading people to make real connections with God while sharing a professional sound”—a sound to soar up past raised-hand fingertips to almost touch the toes of God.
A NEW FAMILY PASTOR
Patrick Ringler is the new family pastor at Northview’s Greater Lafayette Campus. Ringler hails from northern Indiana and southern Michigan, but was actually born in Lafayette, Ind. He previously spent 10 years as a student ministries pastor and came to Northview with a passion in his heart and a moment on his mind.
“Teaching the Word of God to everyone is a passion of mine. I love that ‘aha!’ moment when teaching becomes real; it makes you want to get up in the morning,” Ringler said, his voice rising like a red morning sun.
“Teaching what is right can come through service to others.” Ringler recalled one particular student who learned that God is bigger than anything she could think of. This lesson came home to her on a mission trip to Nicaragua as she served and showed God’s love to others.
Ringler has a love for God that extends throughout his entire family. With Kim, his wife of 13 years, they are raising their three daughters: Sadey, 4, Haley, 7, and Avery, 9. They are teaching them God’s life lessons through daily prayer and service to each other.
“Children should serve alongside their parents, as they do during the Good Neighbor Weekend,” Ringler pointed out.
He uses Ephesians 6:4 as inspiration for his teaching (with just a wee bit of paraphrasing): “And you, parents, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.”
Ringler points out, “The parents’ role is to love, teach and instruct their children. We at Northview can use that hour of activity in Family Ministries to do that; however, it needs to continue at the home. We love to celebrate when parents are modeling faith for their children in their own home.”
“We believe that God wants to see stronger families – to see parents and children connecting.” He paused while reflecting, and then the wheels began turning again.
![Family Ministry Pastor Patrick Ringler leads a Northview Kids classroom during Weekend Services. [photo by Andrea Scheffee]](https://thenorthviewblog.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/c8.jpg)
Family Pastor Patrick Ringler leads a Northview Kids classroom during Weekend Services. [photo by Andrea Scheffee]
Ringler will continue to encourage families into a closer relationship with God and with each other until we each feel that “aha!” moment in our own hearts and minds.
BY NATALIE CHANDLER
Have you ever had a negative feeling when you heard a particular song because of something going on in your life when the song was popular?
Last summer was difficult. My then 18 year-old niece, who I am very close to and love dearly, almost lost her life. She was on life support from complications due to being a diabetic. It was nothing less than gut wrenching waiting by her bedside for her to wake up.
I remember going to church the Saturday following the trauma. Matt and the band sang “Beautiful Things” by Gungor. The words were perfect for our situation and I wept as the music penetrated my heart.
Thankfully, my niece made it and is alive and heathly today. But as much as I love that song, every time I hear it, there is an element of pain connected to it. It is the trauma and pain of that time period that I remember.
Today, I was busy in the laundry room. All of the sudden I heard my 4 year-old singing. As I listened closer I realized he was singing that song! It was amazing how my soul lit up from this moment and I didn’t feel the pain typically associated with the song. I was caught in the beauty of the moment.
I went out into the living room and started singing it with him. He wanted to hear the song, so I opened up my computer and we sang it together- loud and with heart! I then noticed my 23 month old darling daughter dancing to it.
The verse came to my mind in Isaiah 61 that talks about God giving us beauty for ashes, gladness for mourning and peace for despair (paraphrased). He truly can make something beautiful out of our pain. He was doing this at that moment. I now had a perfect moment to associate with that song.
And isn’t it ironic that this song speaks exactly of this?
“He makes beautiful things, He makes beautiful things out of the dust.
He makes beautiful things, He makes beautiful things out of US!”
He was using my son to make something beautiful out of this song for me. He was healing my pain and creating something beautiful.
I believe no suffering should go without meaning. Otherwise, it is just suffering. But if God can take our ashes and make them something beautiful in spite of our pain- then HE wins, Satan loses, and we are blessed beyond what we could ever imagine. This doesn’t mean it doesn’t still hurt by any means. But if we let him use our pain and suffering to help and bless others, it makes the suffering not just suffering alone.
So I ask you today, what pain or suffering are you holding onto? Is it time to let God make beauty for ashes, gladness for mourning, and peace for despair?
To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair.In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory. (Isaiah 61:3 NLT)
The Tuesday Spiritual Column is entirely the opinion of this week’s writer and does not necessarily reflect the view of Northview Church as a whole.
BY MONICA TAYLOR
While driving with the radio on, a song I had never heard by Steven Curtis Chapman began playing and it captured my full attention. This song is called “Long Way Home.” The tune is uplifting and I swayed to the music in my car knowing full well that I probably looked like some kind of nutcase to anyone who happened to glance in my direction. I don’t and I didn’t care. I love music and God often uses it to speak to my heart.
The words of Steven’s song explain that Steven sets out on a great adventure that the Lord has laid out for him. Although God tells him there will be mountains to climb and valleys to go through, Steven doesn’t fully realize what this means until he continues on his journey. Steven sings about his fears, his regrets and how there are always new obstacles in his path.
Does Steven’s story seem a little too familiar to any of you? I have struggled for most of my adult life to “let go and let God.” Yet, here I am, still dragging my old fears and regrets along with me. Sometimes, when I seem to be at my best, those feelings creep back into my brain and try to poison my joy.
As the song goes on, it reminds us that God, our Father, is there to “pick us up and carry us in His arms…when we can’t take another step.” Does that comfort your soul the way it comforts mine?
Steven reminds us not to get too comfortable because we are “just pilgrims passing through.” God promised us that He will never leave us or forsake us and “He going to lead us home, every single step of the long way home.”
Please remember that God is beside you every step of the way. The journey may seem long, but our wait is worth it. God is waiting to throw a real party when we do make it to our real “home.” This comforts me and I hope it comforts you. God bless!
The Tuesday Spiritual Column is entirely the opinion of this week’s writer and does not necessarily reflect the view of Northview Church as a whole.
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