Monday, October 1, 2012

Guest Blogger Chris Habermehl: insideOUT Worshipper


From Lance:  I am so thankful for the leaders in my life and Chris Habermehl is no exception.  He is not only an incredible Worship Leader, but he is also a dear friend.  His quiet wisdom is unmatched and is the type of person that, when they speak (or blog), one needs to pay attention and listen.  Hear from Pastor Chris's heart.


Hey! My name is Chris Habermehl and I am the worship pastor at Skyline church. Pastor Lance asked me a few weeks ago to write a guest blog for him. Actually it was more like a strong suggestion. Okay, it was probably more like a command. (From Lance....Come on Chris, it was a gentle request....lol) Anyway, I thought it would use wisdom and follow orders, so here goes.

I would say that I am passionate person. I would also say my outward actions don’t always portray that.  As a worship leader I understand that a certain amount of “stage presence” is needed in order to keep the people you are leading engaged in worship. Some worship leaders naturally show more energy than others, and being more of a laid back guy I often fall into the category of “others”.   I’m not saying either side is better than the other, it just comes down to being true to yourself as a  worshiper and being who God created YOU to be.

I’ve been making it a habit to watch video of myself and the team to assess what needs work. What I’ve noticed is this: The video of my physical, OUTWARD actions don’t always seem to capture what was truly happening INSIDE my heart. Is this a problem? Maybe. Maybe not.

Everyone worships differently. Some with raised fists, others with folded hands. Some stand and shout, while others sit with quite reverence. Just because someone isn’t raising their hands or shouting doesn’t mean they’re not worshiping. There are some who are flamboyant, who show every physical outward expression and look like the model worshipper sent from heaven, but their heart is full of sin and live a completely different life outside of the church walls. There are also some who are more reserved and aren’t overly expressive, but have a deep and intimate relationship with Jesus, and have a genuine love for God.

Our outward actions alone aren’t where it’s at.  God looks at the heart (1 Sam. 16:7).

On the other hand, I believe our hearts shape our outward posture in worship. So, if our hearts are burning with a passionate love for God on the inside, our bodies will naturally convey that on the outside. Worship is a heart condition. Yes. But I think it needs to be a condition of our heart AND body.

I love my kids Devin and Isabella, and they know it.  And not just because of what’s in my heart, but because I show it to them through physical actions like hugs and kisses and body slams on the couch.  Not everyone shows their love outwardly- I get that. All I’m saying is that we should whole heartedly worship Jesus on the inside and respond naturally on the outside. It will look a little different for everyone. Responding in worship may not feel natural at first, but just like anything else, as we practice it and as we do it – it becomes natural. It becomes who we are. It may not feel natural, but it might be necessary.

God wants all of us. Heart. Mind. Soul. Body.

Let’s let our lives reflect the passion in our hearts.

Let’s live a life of inside out worship.