The conference phenomenon

Today we are gonna talk about something that I'll call the conference phenomenon. You know what I'm talking about...

There is a sense of expectancy when we meet at a conference. We are looking for a great word, a great worship experience, a refreshing, anointing, vibrancy, a move of the Holy Ghost. We come on time. Shoot, we even come early for pre-service prayer. We sing in the audience like we're part of the choir. We take notes. We come up for prayer. We are ready, even anxious or excited for God to speak directly to us. We can't wait to hear from Dr./Bishop/Prophet/Apostle ________. We buy the cd, dvd, download the podcast. We replay it hoping to keep the fire kindled.

But when we go to our individual church on a typical Sunday - dead.

What does it mean when we can praise collectively at another venue, but not at our individual churches?

As a praise leader, we are part cheerleader, part minister, part entertainment. But as congregants, we need to stop expecting the praise leader to be all things every Sunday. Are you coming to church on Sunday with the same expectancy, excitement, and praise that you came to that conference/women's retreat/concert with? If not, you are part of the problem.

What I think I know about worship is that God desires us to experience His presence at our regular Sunday services. (And even beyond that!) A move of God is not just for special events. Not just when that major recording artists performs. Not just when the bishop is in town. We need to bring that same expectancy and readiness with us each Sunday, otherwise what's the point?

Blessings