Pastors are serious about discipling new Christians. But as we focus on
teaching new believers about Bible study and prayer, we can't forget the
importance of using music as a discipleship resource. It is a
tremendous tool for rooting new believers in the Christian faith.
|
|
If we are building a foundation of faith for new believers, won't
that chair be more stable if it is built with three legs not just two?
Our discipleship should be built on a trinity of worship through prayer,
worship through Bible study, and worship through song.
As a
new believer begins to experience what it means to be a new creation,
establishing a lifestyle of worship is one of the most helpful things we
as leaders can do to help them grow spiritually. This is a critical
time!
Believers can't make their way around the Purpose Driven© bases without music. As we teach a new believer to see and learn how to interact with God directly, he or she needs instruction and encouragement both from us and from God in order to create new habits and to begin to plant Scripture into their hearts.
In my work with Rick Muchow at Saddleback Church and Purpose Driven Ministries, Rick has reminded me of something I have experienced but haven't really thought about. People remember songs more than sermons. Music is a particularly good way to create a bridge from cultural experience to biblical truths, which can be a wide gap to cross for new believers.
After 15 years, I still feel the impact of Randy Stonehill's "King of
Hearts" which spoke to me as an open minded non-Christian, when I
wasn't really even a seeker yet. God used that song to touch my heart,
mind, and soul in a way that brings tears to my eyes even today. It
helped to lay a foundation for me. I have been blessed to hear great
sermons from some of the most gifted speakers of our time including:
Rick Warren, Billy Graham, the late E.V. Hill, and others. I can quote a
line or two from some of the sermons I've heard, but I can sing you the
chorus of "King of Hearts."
Click Here to Continue Reading...
Source: Ministry Toolbox
