On Wednesday evening, June 8th, we had the pleasure of hosting a conversation regarding worship with Rev. Zac Hicks who serves as the worship pastor at Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church. Zac is an EPC-ordained pastor who is both a gifted theologian and professional musician. He helps guide and shape the worship life of the church he serves and he brought a tremendous amount of experience and insight to our time together. Afterwards, I heard several of you comment about how valuable the time was and I wanted to make sure we didn’t let what we learn get away from us. My hope is that we can use this format to record our thoughts and “take-aways” as well as include others who couldn’t be there in the continuing conversation we are having as a church. Please feel free to comment or ask questions by using the response section below.
Here are the thirteen points Zac made about what distinguishes a worship pastor from a song leader/choir director/worship leader. The Worship Pastor…
- is equipped in and engages in classical pastoral duties, either formally or informally – visitation, preaching/teaching, catechizing, etc.
- views the worship service – music, preaching, prayer, sacraments, etc. – as an integral whole, and he or she therefore works with others in leading and facilitating all those elements.
- strikes a balance between comforting (a pastoral role) and challenging towards growth (a prophetic role).
- views their musicians as a form of small group and sees the musician base as a potential mission field.
- is deeply committed to the church and its purity and peace.
- plans worship services like a dietician.
- engages conflict pastorally.
- is sensitive to those who feel disenfranchised and alienated in worship.
- is strong enough in the Gospel to receive criticism and engage in honest, constructive dialogue.
- is a true Presbyterian when it comes to authority and decision-making. They are a team-player, willing to submit themselves, and believe in the wisdom of the plurality of elders.
- is not only a musician, but a theologian and a student of the Bible.
- thinks about how worship shapes people into the image and likeness of Christ.
- thinks theologically about worship, from song-selection to worship’s purpose.
These are the main points Zac made and he elaborated at length on each of them. Again, I would love it if we could all list our take-aways from the conversation below so that everyone can benefit and hear what the Spirit was saying last evening. Looking forward to the conversation, my friends!
In Christ, Doug
June 9th, 2011 on 5:12 pm
I thought it was a great meeting and I think Zac has a great vision and a Godly view of how someone should be in any position, in Church, life, business, family or any other relationship. It has nothing really, to even do with music, but rather, interaction with others, a heart for the Lord and for ALL people and maybe as simply put as the Golden Rule……………Why is it so hard to understand or attempt for so many?……………Ego and pride are strong weaknesses and something that I know can certainly cloud my own focus on the main target or goal and toward Gods will.
June 9th, 2011 on 11:28 pm
I think the biggest takeaway for me was his statement at the beginning about everyone needing to die a little if we are going to truly become a community together. Such an important biblical point to make. And so hard for me personally.
I also liked the balance he brought in terms of always thinking about those who may be struggling either in their faith, in their life, or whatever. I know I don’t do that enough and it has even changed my preparation a bit for this week as we get ready for Parker Days this weekend.
The final point that really struck me was number twelve on his list. Worship has this shaping influence on our lives but it is often under the surface. Engaging in prayer, singing, the sacraments, and certainly hearing God’s Word forms us in some deeply profound ways that we often remain unaware of at the time.
Thanks again to those who were able to make it! Your questions and thoughts were stimulating and I trust God used Zac to teach all of us through our time together!
June 14th, 2011 on 6:28 pm
Take away(s) for me:
Ask yourself: Where is the love for others when I enter into worship. How are you dying to self as part of your worship experience.
A Worship Pastor must view himself as a part of the whole body of PEPC.
A Worship Pastor does not lead out of their own preferences.
The Holy Spirit is equally involved in planning as He is in the worship service – this one has special significance for me and reflects my personal experience.
How does our worship time incorporate our children. Do we make our children part of worship or just try to keep them busy? The true picture of intergenerational worship – embracing each other including children.
A Worship Pastor (as well, I believe, as all who work in the church) must love the local church even in all its chaos.
Humble – humble before Christ.
Know the people – invest in relationship.
June 14th, 2011 on 9:59 pm
I am so glad I went to this meeting! For me personally it helped me to realize that “happy clappy” songs are not always the best for every service even though they are my favorite. The importance of our ministries being intergenerational in all that we do so that we can all learn and be transformed into the image of God by giving up for someone elses need. I was also very impressed by the questions that were asked by others that helped bring a greater sense of clarity to what was being said. Such a great time and so much to think and pray about. Love it!!!!
June 27th, 2011 on 10:19 pm
Even though we were not at the meeting just reading Zac’s points helps us know how to pray during our Tuesday morning prayers for PEPC’s future worship minister.