This is a summary of the fourth part in Bob Kauflin’s book called Worship Matters.  Part 1 of the book gives practical insights into the life of a worship leader.  Part 2 gives a helpful focus as to what is the goal of our worship leading.  Part 3 reveals 9 healthy tensions we face in church worship.  Now, Part 4 describes how important it is to have good relationships in worship ministry:  Right relationships with the church (the people you see every week in your congregation), with your team (musicians, technicians, ushers, etc.), and with your pastor (or pastors if you have more than one pastor you work with).

Always People
It is very important to keep in mind at all times that people are most important!  God is all about relationships.  Because of His deep love for us, God sent His Son to die for people, to heal relationships, and draw us all closer to Him.  Relationships are messy and there are so many variables which make it hard to have a “cookie cutter” answer in solving problems.  “But I know this,” says Bob, “the church doesn’t need leaders who love to lead people in worship but don’t love the people they’re serving.”  It’s not just selecting the right songs that pleases God, but God is more interested in how we treat others.  Take stock of your relationships.  Who are you regularly coming in contact with?  Do you value these relationships?  As leaders, we must realize we can’t do ministry alone.  For one thing, sin is deceptive and we all need a degree of accountability and transparency with each other.  Sometimes we develop “blind spots” that only others can see.  Confront problem issues instead of avoiding them.  Plus, we need the contribution of others.  To be a one-man-band is ridiculous and will lead to arrogance and burn out.  Allow others to use their gifts and exercise a huge amount of appreciation as you relate to them.  A relevant prayer of Paul applies to us:

“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another,  in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 15:5-6).

Your Church
The feedback we get from the congregation isn’t always glowing.  Sometimes there are very good comments of critique and other comments are just whining or destructive.  Instead of writing them off, we should care for them and serve them.  This takes more time, thought and energy…and it takes God!  We need God to intervene and guide us through some of these relationships.  Make prayer a priority!  Pray for the church as your planning the service or practicing the songs.  Prayer will humble you.  Prayer will open your eyes to God’s purpose.  Prayer cultivates care for others and gets your eyes off yourself.  There will be those who love you and those who don’t so be ready for both encouragement and correction.  Receiving compliments may be awkward, but learn to graciously receive them.  Thank the person for taking the time to encourage you.  Express gratefulness for the opportunity to serve.  Draw attention to the contribution of others.  Also, internally and intentionally transfer the glory to God.  Receiving criticism is not easy, but God wants us to be open to it.  “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid” (Proverbs 12:1).  Pray for correction.  Expect correction.  Be proactive.  Thank people who correct you. Thank God for correction.  There are other leadership challenges when it comes to the church like handling song suggestions, teaching new songs, and leading through changes.  Each church has unique challenges when it comes to change.  It would help to make sure the leaders are in agreement, regularly teach the church what biblical worship is, lead theologically, and lead humbly but confidently.  Remember that God sees people as treasures and precious in His sight.

Your Team
No two worship teams are exactly alike.  They may play the same instruments as another church, but musicians are a rather varied lot with different backgrounds, experiences, strengths and weaknesses.  Here are five categories that will help you and your team create a way of relating that honors God.

1. Establishing Your Team – The Bible doesn’t define what a worship team should look like.   It depends on your church’s size, your pastor’s vision, your gifts, how much time you have, your church’s schedule, and who’s available.  You can be a super close group or not, depending on the structure that best fits your present goals and resources.  You may want to include your sound technicians and other media.  Think through the different roles you have as worship leader such as overseer (spiritually), music director, and coordinator (even if you assign others to do these tasks).  Create standards for you team to spell out responsibilities and expectations.  Worship isn’t a gig.  It’s the overflow of a life devoted to the glory of Jesus Christ.  Also, clarify the level of commitment.  This may vary per person as some may have children or serve with other ministries.
2. Encouraging Your Team – Cultivate a culture of gratefulness through things like gifts, thank you cards, random appreciative conversations, or a Christmas party.  Provide environments where people intentionally encourage evidences of grace they see in others rather than self-righteously criticizing their weaknesses.  Pray for each other one on one and as a group.  you can even do things together that are non-musical like miniature golf or going to see a movie.  Celebrate those who do extra things like organizing music, practicing extra hard, coming early to rehearsal, etc.  Giving thanks goes a long way.
3. Equipping Your Team – Create a culture of growth.  Provide training for your team.  This lets them know you value them and are willing to invest in their character and skill development.  Provide an avenue for theological growth.  They do hear the Word preached every week, but we can help them understand worship better.  There are great books that can be used to learn more about God’s holiness, His grace, His greatness, etc.  Provide an avenue for musical growth.  Encourage the “chart” readers to learn more about music theory.  Help vocalists understand more about singing harmony.  You can suggest private lessons, watch a training video together, or attend a conference on music or worship.  Committing a portion of rehearsals to training will help build this culture of growth.
4. Evaluating Your Team – One of the best ways to motivate your team to continued growth is to offer consistent and thoughtful evaluation.  Assessing your group’s progress in different areas will also help develop a culture of humility.    We need to start with ourselves and ask questions like, “How did I do leading this morning?” “Are there any ways I can run rehearsals more effectively?” “Was I clear?”  Take time to evaluate each musical presentation.  Listen to others during the presentation and let them know what you heard (or saw) afterwards.  It is good to evaluate character.  If you care about your team, hold them accountable to pursue godly character and help them grow.  Evaluate their gifting and skills.  Help them fit in where they can thrive.
5. Enjoying Your Team – As you lead your team, try to create a culture of joy.  Seeking to enjoy each other makes the challenging times more bearable.  Experience the fruit of God’s grace together and watch him work through us to glorify the Savior.  Leading a team isn’t always joyful.  Rehearsals can get tense or boring.   We can lose people to church plants, season-of-life changes, job transfers, or even sin.  So appreciate those you have.  You may not have the biggest and best worship team in your city, but have fun with who you have and “let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

Your Pastor
Pastors come in all shapes and sizes with different likes/dislikes, music tastes, and managerial styles.  However, the pastor and worship leader are a very important duo.  Pastor’s are gifts from God to teach and equip the church.  It’s our responsibility to support our pastor and not set our own agenda.  Serve your pastor.  You can do your job better by knowing your pastors priorities.  He probably doesn’t know music like you do, but serve him joyfully and humbly.  Listen to your pastor.  This may take time to understand what he means.  Sometimes you need to define words.  Pastors and worship leaders don’t always speak the same language, especially when it comes to music. What he calls “simple” you may call “dull.”  His “frantic” could be your “jubilant.”  “Wordy” to him means “thoughtful” to you.  When he says start with something “upbeat” to get people “going,” may seem to you like he doesn’t care about truth and wants to musically manipulate the congregation.  But, maybe you pick too many slow songs and the people are nodding off.  Communicate well and often.  Initiate creativity.  Use whatever freedom you have to be creative and offer meaningful ideas to enhance each service.  Ask for input from your pastor and implement it as often as you can.  Let your pastor assist you in your spiritual growth.  What can you do when you disagree?  First, make sure you’ve rightly identified the issues.  Beware of selfish ambition.  Second, exhaust every avenue of resolution.  Pray and talk things out.  Third, stay or move on in faith.  Take time to grow, learning more about technical issues, spiritual issues, people issues.  The last chapter of the book addresses the pastors role in supporting the worship of the church and the worship leader.  Bob gives good suggestions:

• Pastors should recognize their own role in leading worship.
• Pastors should know what to look for in a worship leader (humility, godly character, love for good theology, leadership gifting, and musical skill).
• Pastors should equip and encourage their worship leaders.
• Pastors should be faithful to plan and evaluate.
• Pastors should resolve conflicts biblically.

Reflecting on the Fourth of July, we can be thankful to God for freedom!  With less than two months left for summer, it’s good to plan it out and make sure the important things don’t slip by.  The following events are ones you will not want to miss.  Thank you for your encouragement and continued support through Heartfelt Music Ministry as we strive in God’s strength to lead others toward intimacy with God.

.

Cede and Reggie in Concert This Friday, July 8, at 6:30pm

Cede is holding its second concert since the release of the new CD called New Beginnings.  It will be at Christ Community Church, 1000 S Park Victoria Dr Milpitas, CA 95035, at 6:30pm.  I will open up the concert with a 45 minute set, then the band will be playing hot tunes off the CD and some kickin’ praise songs like Trading My Sorrows and Ain’t Nobody.  I’m playing acoustic guitar with these 8 other skillful musicians.  Listen to the songs and check us out at http://www.reverbnation.com/cedewest.  Come join us Friday, July 8^th at 6:30pm (in the Coffee Shop venue).

.

Guitar Camps Begin Saturday, July 9th

I will be holding four one day Guitar Camps this summer in my home, limited to a five participants for each session.  It is more of an intimate setting with personal interaction and attention.  They are held on Saturdays from 9:00am to 1:00pm.  Because they are limited, make sure you get in the Application Form right away.  The curriculum is more intensive  in order to get a lot in, but the camps are intentionally divided up to benefit certain age groups and skill levels.  The camps are held in beautiful Mount Hermon.  They include three hours of instruction, a delicious brunch, a challenging training/resource book (The Complete Guitar Manual, with DVD, 2011), a notebook, and relevant handouts.  All the information is at our website under courses/camps.

• July 9 – Beginning Guitar Camp (Ages 13-Adult)
• July 16 – Intermediate Guitar Camp (Ages 9-12)
• July 23 – Beginning Guitar Camp (Ages 9-12)
• August 13 – Intermediate Guitar Camp (13-Adult)
• August 20 – Advanced Guitar Camp (13-Adult)
  .

Christian Guitarist Fellowship

The Christian Guitarist Fellowship is back.  Everyone is invited from beginners to advanced players, from rockers to alternative players, from acoustic to electric players, from teenagers to the ageless.  Come and meet guitarists from all over the Bay Area. Heartfelt Music Ministry is holding the Christian Guitarist Fellowship to help motivate you in your guitar playing and encourage you in Christ. There will be a short lesson for all levels; we will have breakout “jam” sessions where you pair off with those in their your skill level; we will play some worship songs together; a few will perform in front of everyone; we’ll pray together; and we’ll discuss resources for guitarists in the Bay Area. It will be a fun fellowship and it’s free! Even those who have never played before, but want to learn to play the guitar are welcome. It will be at Open Door Church Mountain View, 1667 Miramonte Ave., Mountain View, CA 94040, on Sunday, July 10^th, from 2:30pm-4:30pm.

.

National Anthem at the Infineon Raceway

I’ll be playing the National Anthem on electric guitar on Sunday, July 24, to start the races.  Racers For Christ will also be holding three Chapels that morning in which I will be leading worship for.  It’s a very exciting event with dragsters, funny cars, and motorcycles racing throughout the day.  Christian racers are so grateful for the chapel fellowship and teaching during these events.  For more information, contact one of the Racers for Christ chaplains, Bob Hadidian, at (805) 801-7579.

.

National Worship Leader Conference

I’ll be teaching some workshops at the National Worship Leader Conference, July 18-21, in Kansas.  Their emphasis this year is Engaging With God.  If any of you would like to go, you can get a 10% discount by using the discount code COATES.  It is a wonderful time for renewal and inspiration with some of the world’s leading artists, teachers and worship leaders (Jack Hayford, Matt Redman, Casting Crowns, Tim Hughes, Tommy Walker, Rebecca St. James, to name a few). Go to the National Worship Leader Conference website for more details.

I hope your summer is off to a good start!  Catching some gardening, jogging, piano & bass playing in between ministry has been fun for me (as well as playing guitar).  I mostly enjoy and appreciate my family.  School is out and we get to be a little more spontaneous.  I’m ministering part time at Open Door Church in Mountain View through August which takes up most of my time right now.  Through Heartfelt Music, I’m investing in equipping students through lessons and coaching.  The following are some training events in which you may want to join me.

Online Lessons Available

Strumming and Finger Picking, Level 1.  The first guitar course in the Essential Guitar Worship Series at MusicDojo.com is designed to introduce students to the most common righ t-hand strumming and picking techniques used within contemporary worship music. This course will help you to gain facility with the flat pick and will introduce you to finger picking techniques.  This course is perfect for beginner guitarists who can comfortably play chords, but need to add consistency to their right hand strumming and picking.  This two week course began yesterday, June 13th and is open for enrollment until June 20th.  You can start anytime this week.  It’s $29.95 for 10 lessons.   Click here to find out more.

Guitar Camps this Summer

I will be holding five one day Guitar Camps this summer in my home, limited to a five participants for each session.  It is more of an intimate setting with personal interaction and attention.  Because they are limited, make sure you get in the Application Form right away.  The curriculum is more intensive  in order to get a lot in, but the camps are intentionally divided up to benefit certain age groups and skill levels.  The camps are held in beautiful Mount Hermon.  They include three hours of instruction, a delicious brunch, a challenging training/resource book (The Complete Guitar Manual, with DVD, 2011), a notebook, and relevant handouts.  All the information is at our website under courses/camps.

• June 25 – Beginning Guitar Camp (Ages 9-12)
• July 9 – Beginning Guitar Camp (Ages 13-Adult)
• July 16 – Intermediate Guitar Camp (Ages 9-12)
• August 13 – Intermediate Guitar Camp (13-Adult)
• August 20 – Advanced Guitar Camp (13-Adult)

Songwriting Camp this Summer

I will be holding a one day Songwriting Camp this summer in my home, limited to a 10 participants for each session.  It is more of an intimate setting with personal interaction and attention.  Because it’s limited, make sure you get in the Application Form right away.  It includes four hours of instruction and sharing songs, a delicious brunch, a challenging training/resource book (God Songs, by Paul Baloche with Jimmy & Carol Owens), a notebook, and relevant handouts.  All the information is at our website under courses/camps.

• August 27 – Songwriting Camp (13-Adult)

Christian Guitarist Fellowship

The Christian Guitarist Fellowship is back.  Everyone is invited from beginners to advanced players, from rockers to alternative players, from acoustic to electric players, from teenagers to the ageless.  Come and meet guitarists from all over the Bay Area. Heartfelt Music Ministry is holding the Christian Guitarist Fellowship to help motivate you in your guitar playing and encourage you in Christ. There will be a short lesson for 4 levels (beginning, Intermediate, Experienced, and Advanced); we will have 2 breakout “jam” sessions where guitarists pair off with those in your skill level and share with each other; we will play some worship songs together; a few will perform in front of everyone; we’ll pray together; and discuss resources for guitarists in the Bay Area. It will be a fun fellowship and it’s free! Even those who have never played before, but want to learn to play the guitar are welcome. It will be at Open Door Church Mountain View, 1667 Miramonte Ave., Mountain View, CA 94040, on Sunday, July 10^th, from 2:30pm-4:30pm.

National Anthem at the Infineon Raceway

I’ll be playing the National Anthem on electric guitar on Sunday, July 24, to start the races.  Racers For Christ will also be holding three Chapels that morning in which I will be leading worship for.  It’s a very exciting event with dragsters, funny cars, and motorcycles racing throughout the day.  For more information, contact one of the Racers for Christ chaplains, Bob Hadidian, at (805) 801-7579.

National Worship Leader Conference

I’ll be teaching some workshops at the National Worship Leader Conference, July 18-21, in Kansas.  There emphasis this year is Engaging With God.  If any of you would like to go, you can get a 10% discount by using the discount code COATES.  It is a wonderful time for renewal and inspiration with some of the worlds leading artists, teachers and worship leaders (Jack Hayford, Matt Redman, Casting Crowns, Tim Hughes, Tommy Walker, Rebecca St. James, to name a few). Go to the National Worship Leader Conference website for more details.

Would You Consider Contributing?

We are very grateful for your support through prayer, attending events, and purchasing our products.  Some of you have been contributing monthly for years which is an important reason for our success in touching people’s lives.  We would greatly appreciate any financial contribution you could make at this time.  Go to http://heartfeltmusic.org/about/support/ to either donate a one-time gift or begin a monthly contribution.  Any amount would be appreciated.  The school guitar courses are out for the summer and so we have a need for special support.  Your tax deductible gifts help us effectively hit our target of leading others toward intimacy with God.

Cede and Reggie in Concert Friday, July 8, at 6:30pm

Cede is holding it’s second concert since the release of our new CD called New Beginnings.  It will be at Christ Community Church, 1000 S Park Victoria Dr Milpitas, CA 95035, at 6:30pm.  I will open up the concert with some worship songs, then the band will be playing hot tunes off the CD and some kickin’ praise songs like Trading My Sorrows and Ain’t Nobody.  I’m playing acoustic guitar with these 8 other phinominal studio musicians.  Listen to the songs and check us out at http://www.reverbnation.com/cedewest .  Come join us Friday, July 8^th at 6:30pm, at their coffee shop venue.

I hope you are enjoying the winter.  It’s been so sunny in the Bay Area…beautiful!

Last month held significant ministry events with teaching on “Why Worship God” with the Bay Area Chinese Bible Church in San Leandro, leading worship with Open Door Church Mountain View, the all-day Training Day last week, elementary guitar course with Valley Christian Elementary School, and coaching 25 private and semi-private students  throughout the month.

.

VCES Guitar Class

.

I will be the Keynote Speaker for the Music & Worship portion of the 2011 BASS Convention giving multiple workshops (Dynamic Guitar in Worship, Bass Guitar in Worship, The Whole Enchilada of Music Ministry, Worship Infusion, and more).  There will be other highly experienced instructors (Keyboards, Worship Leading, Voice, Directing a Choir, Making a CD, Audio Mixing, and more). There is one workshop with multiple instructors called Band Interactive where participants can play along and interact with the band members experiencing what works and what doesn’t work in leading worship as a band. Visit the site at http://www.bassconvention.org/.  It will be at Redwood Chapel, 19300 Redwood Rd. Castro Valley, CA 94546, Friday & Saturday, March 4 & 5.

Let me know if I can be of service to you through encouraging music (8 CDs available), private or semi-private lessons (San Jose, Los Altos, Danville, and Mount Hermon), speaking or worship leading (services, retreats, and special events), or a concert (with or without band).

.

.The 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts was very meaningful and went very well.  It was so nice to minister with my two sons and Dean Bell, who flew out especially to sing harmony on all the songs.  There were over 7,000 boy scouts at our protestant chapel Sunday morning.  Thank you for your prayers!  It was a fantastic experience!

.

Over 6,000 Boy Scouts at the protestant Chapel

.

The band for the Boy Scout Jamboree chapel

.

March has been a full month with the Church Workers BASS Convention at the beginning of the month and the three events at the end of the month (Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday).  I sang in the BASS Vocal Ensemble with Tommy Walker and band.  It was good to help the Music and Worship workshop section improve by organizing the courses and instructors.  One participant had an encouraging word, “Reggie, I just wanted to tell you that my sister, Kelly Thrift, and I attended work amazing and informative  workshop on Band Interactive.  We absolutely loved it.  I got so much good information and ideas out of that workshop.  Just wanted to thank you for your time and the energy you put into the workshop.  Respectfully, Terrie”  The whole conference was a success and had a great turn out.
..

I began a group guitar course for beginning guitarists (grades 4-8) called Fun Guitar Class 2.  It is a continuation of the Fun Guitar Class 1 which just ended.  I’m continuing private guitar lessons in Alamo, San Jose, and Los Altos.  I performed and taught at San Ramon Valley Christian Academy’s middle school chapel the end of March.  It was received well and the students were so encouraging.

.

I grouped Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter into a three part emphasis called “Reliving Resurrection.”  On Palm Sunday we focused on Receiving Christ with the Jesus saying “I am the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6).  On Good Friday we focused on Remembering Christ with Jesus saying “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35).  On Easter, we focused on Rejoicing in Christ with Jesus saying “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25).  Jesus is all about life!  May you daily live in His resurrection power.
.

.

I want to thank the many of you who are praying for me and Heartfelt Music Ministry.  The Spirit is moving in and through a number of people I’m coaching and discipling.  It is very fulfilling to be used in a local way through Creekside Community Church in the Worship & Arts Ministry and working with the High School Minister, Middle School Minister, and Student Ministry’s Worship Intern.  It’s also fulfilling to have a broader ministry in training musicians through lessons and encouraging churches through Worship Leading and training workshops.
.
I’ve started two beginning classes for young guitarists during February in San Jose and Alamo.  I’m also continuing private lessons in Alamo, San Jose, and Los Altos.  I am proud of my students who take seriously their skill advancement and spiritual maturing.
.
This Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, I will be teaching worskshops and singing in the Vocal Ensemble at the BASS Convention.  This conference is for anyone who ministers in a church.  Luis Palau and John Ortberg are two of the main speakers.  There will be 13 classes in the Music & Worship section which are both practical and inspirational (for drums, bass guitar, guitar, keyboard, voice, worship leading, songwriting, and putting together a worship ministry).  Come bring your whole team!
.
A new music book was published this last month called Reggie Coates – A Compilation of Compositions.  It has 25 of my songs written out in tab for guitar and voice.  Some have been written out through the computer and others by hand.  It’s been coming in handy with my students as they learn my songs with a variety of guitar technique. http://heartfeltmusic.org/products.
.

.

I hope your Christmas season is full of meaning with faith-filled celebration of Jesus.  He deserves our worship!

.

Bruce Blake sent out a letter a few weeks back to invite you to help Heartfelt Music Ministry with a tax deductable year-end gift.  We appreciate the response so far.  Your donation anytime this month would greatly help.  Visit our website for more details http://heartfeltmusic.org

.

The Creekside Christmas presentation The Journey to Bethlehem – a Journey of Faith was fantastic!  It was a full house and the cast and crew did a great job, including a touching testimony and culminating message by our Lead Pastor.
.

Check out below the gifts available and the events coming up in January…

.

Three Great Deals for Christmas Gifts (Available through December 25th)

1) Two CDs for the price of one, $10.00 (Bundle includes Here to Worship with full band and Heartfelt Celebration with voice and guitar only).
2) Two lessons for the price of one, $85.00 (Includes two hour long lessons with notebook and lesson summary videos.   This is for those not currently taking lessons. )
3) Give a Gift Certificate.  You can purchase a Gift Certificate for a friend or loved one to spend on any item through Heartfelt Music Ministry, even lessons.
.
Go to http://heartfeltmusic.org/products/ to take advantage of these offers.
.

Mark your calendar:

Guitar Looping, January 7 (Thursday), 7:00pm-8:00pm, Guitar Showcase (Showcase Music Institute), 3090 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose, CA 95124, (408) 377-5864 [ask for Norri], $20.00 for non-SMI students. Guitar looping is the art of recording a short section of music on-the-spot and adding multiple parts on top of the original “loop.”  It makes it sound like a few guitars are playing at once, but it’s all coming from your one guitar.  Whether enhancing your performance on stage or using it to practice lead at home, Reggie will show you guitar looping techniques which will improve your playing.

Fun Guitar Class 1 (Grades 5-8), January 20, (Wed) Scotts Valley and Alamo:  (Every Wednesday for 8 weeks beginning January 20th), at Baymonte Christian School, 5000B Granite Creek Road, Scotts Valley; and Creekside Community Church, Alamo. These are beginning courses for children grades 5-8 who want to learn how to play guitar and experience the basics in music.  Students start developing modern guitar technique, essential musical listening skills, foundational understanding in reading music, and how to care for their instrument.  Sign-up with Heartfelt Music (925) 206-9895. The cost is $185 for the 8 week course which also includes the book Guide to Playing the Guitar (with CD) by Terry Burrows and a sturdy binder.

Reggie’s Concert, January 17 (Sunday), 6:30pm-8:00pm,  Creekside Community Church, 1350 Danville Blvd., Alamo, CA  94507, (925) 820-9031.  Acoustic & Electric Guitars with strong vocals and an uplifting message.  Original songs with a variety of effects to both entertain and encourage.  Bring the whole family!  (Love offering will be taken.)

Mary Christmas,

Reggie

.

Touching people’s hearts and guiding them to Jesus is and has been the thrust of our ministry. I’m doing more discipling either by getting together one-on-one with individuals or small group workshops/lessons. I’m praying for each person and ask you to join with me in prayer to build God’s kingdom one life at a time.
.

I’m teaching an 8-week beginning guitar class for 4th & 5th graders in Alamo starting tomorrow. These students are precious and I wish you could see their enthusiasm (more info at http://heartfeltmusic.org/academy/courses/ ). I’m teaching private music lessons in Los Altos, San Jose, and Alamo which are going very well. I currently have 10 students excited to use their talents toward God’s glory (more info at http://heartfeltmusic.org/academy/coaching/ ).
.

I’ll be training the worship team at First Baptist Church of Salinas October 24 with a workshop called Leading Worship Effectively and Team Building (more info at http://heartfeltmusic.org/workshops/ ). Then the next day, I’ll be teaching and leading worship in their services at 9:00am and 10:30am. You’re welcome to join us if you’re in the area (more info at http://heartfeltmusic.org/calendar/ ).
.

The ministry and people of Creekside Community Church is where I spend most of my time right now as the Associate Pastor. Investing in the Worship & Arts Ministry and four great guys is so enjoyable and very rewarding (Dustin, the Children’s Minister; Tim, the Middle School Minister; Sean, the High School Minister; and Dana, the High School Worship Intern. More info at http://creeksidechurch.com/ ).
.

For those who support Heartfelt Music Ministry with your prayers, thank you so much. It’s God’s answers to your prayers that make this unique organization a powerful and high impact ministry to others. For those who support Heartfelt Music Ministry with your financial contributions, thank you so much too. Your gifts put feet on this ministry to enable us to do the work needed and continue to touch people’s lives (to donate and receive a tax deduction, go to http://heartfeltmusic.org/about/ and scroll to the bottom of the page).
.

I know these times are difficult for almost everyone, but keep looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Heb. 12:2).  We worship the God who daily offers hope and joy.