Worship At A Funeral

I’ve been a worship leader for over 20 years. I’ve led worship for small groups, large conferences, and churches of all sizes. I’ve been in churches in other countries where they didn’t speak the same language and yet I recognized a melody and worshipped as one with my brothers and sisters. On Wednesday, however, I experienced a type of worship that moved me in a way like no other service before.

You see, Wednesday, April 14, 2010 was my mother-in-law’s funeral. I had an unfamiliar vantage point as I sat in the family area instead of the minister’s area. I’ve been in attendance at far more funerals than most people ever will. I’ve conducted funerals as a minister, performed in song, and assisted others. On occasion I’ve even sat in with my own family at services for grandparents and other relatives. I’ve done services for saints and sinners and stages in between; for friends and strangers; for youth and seniors. As my rambling suggests, I’m no stranger to worship or funerals. But this day would prove to be one of those moments when God allowed me to experience something new.

We sat as her pastor opened the service. Next began the first song. It is about then that I realized something was different. As the music began people started to lift their heads instead of hanging them. Next came the reading of the obituary and scripture. Then it happened. The familiar strains, the tender lyrics, "… I can only imagine, when that day will come…” It was then I noticed it. My wife and her sisters began singing along. Softly at first; then building. Next I saw a hand lift and began to hear my niece behind me joining in. Before long the entire section was enthralled in worship.

I don’t mean the Sunday morning mumble the words or sing with no conviction. I’m talking lost in bliss, healing, stress relieving worship. Now this may not mean much to you, but as the old Spiritual says, “You don’t know like I know.”  You see as recently as 2 years ago not all of my wife’s family was in church. As a matter of fact, some of them had no desire to go or even consider it. But slowly over the last year or so, God began moving. I’d like to say it was some earth shaking moment where they had a vision of God or were struck blind on the road to Damascus; but it was the simple, loving invite of friends and family that got them to visit. From there it was growing in God, until just a few months ago I had the opportunity to minister at a church with my wife’s entire family worshipping together. Which brings us back to Wednesday.

Having seen where they came from, and knowing first hand the sudden, painful loss of their mom shouldn’t result in worship; but when God is the Lord of them, that is exactly what happens. As I sat awed by the powerfulness of the moment, I felt the impression that this is what real worship is. People who have lost something praising a God who has everything. Not concerned about impressing people – or even God, but rather crying out from the depth of a heart full of praise. A heart in steady relationship with a living God. Confident that, come what may, He is worthy to be praised. This is the only life I know, and I can imagine no other.

DoorKeeper Worship School

It is with great excitement that I write you concerning our plans to launch the DoorKeeper Worship School in Birmingham this September. This school is the culmination of a vision that God laid on my heart over ten years ago to raise up and develop worship leaders. This led to the forming of DoorKeeper Worship Ministries for the purpose equipping and training church music leaders and now has realized the dream of providing a place for more in depth training.

As you’ll see from our information sheet and website, the staff of DoorKeeper has years of experience working with and training worship leaders from churches of all sizes, styles and backgrounds.

In preparation for this launch, we are offering a special, invitation only, six week Master Session. These sessions will cover aspects of leading worship, building and maintaining a healthy worship ministry, and how developing Worship Ministry philosophy affects the overall culture and growth of the local church. This class is exclusively for Pastor’s and Worship Leader’s, or their appointees, that would like to experience what DoorKeeper has to offer and see how DKWS can benefit their Worship Team. Master Session begins Saturday, April 19th and continues each Saturday through May 24 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Faith Community Fellowship offices located on Old Springville Road. In order to introduce you to DoorKeeper, this special six week Master Class tuition is available for only $30 which includes full course materials and handouts.

After experiencing Master Session, we hope that you will want to attend DKWS or send some of your team beginning in September for our full curriculum class that will help equip your leaders and team members for effective ministry. If you attend this master class and decide to attend the full course in the fall, we will give you a $30 discount on your tuition. We will also be offering discount to leaders who want to bring several team members in the fall.

If you have any questions or would like more feel free to call our office at (205) 835-3153, or email us at info@doorkeeperworship.com . To register, email your name and contact information, or call and you will be ready to go! We look forward to serving you.

His Servant,
Jeff Robinson
Director

My Space

Well, It has happened. DoorKeeper has joined the My Space community. Check out our site at www.myspace.com/doorkeeperworship. There's a free download of a new song right now. Check it out!

Student Testimony

It's been a crazy summer! Hopefully yours is going well. I want to share a testimony that one of my former students and musicians posted recently. Brenda and KT Bass are awesome people that God is using greatly. Hope you are as blessed as I have been while watching this unfold. Jeff

This past January we found out we were going to have a baby.....our first. This was a much prayed for and planned pregnancy. Right from the first day I found out I was pregnant I prayed and told God that this was His baby and that He could do whatever He choose. Even though we got pregnant right away, I still felt like Hannah did......giving her baby that she had prayed for up to the Lord. I prayed for an uneventful, boring pregnancy. Well, God had different plans.
At our 8 weeks ultrasound, I was told I was going to have a miscarriage, point blank. The midwife said there was fluid in the abdomen and that was pushing the heart up into the neck. But, she wanted us to come back in 2 weeks, to look again.
So, two weeks later we had another ultrasound. This time a doctor looked at it. There was fluid behind the baby's neck. He didn't know what exactly it was that was wrong, so he wanted us to go to a specialist. (It's amazing how in 2 weeks time my baby went from looking like a shrimp to a tiny human!.....and people say there isn't a God)
Well, in 1 week we were sitting in Shands in Gainesville, for a level two ultrasound. He said that it looked like a chromosome abnormality, most likely Down's Syndrome. He said IF the baby was still there in a month to come back. He also said we should have genetic testing. We decided that since chromosome "problems" couldn't be "fixed" we didn't want to risk our baby and go through all the testing and worry. The doctor wanted to know if we wanted to terminate, knowing that the baby was "messed up". Of course we said no. God decides when a life ends, not us. That is a decision I still, to this day......knowing the out come, would not change.
We had another ultrasound at the doctor's office and then went back to Shands a month later. By this time, the baby was much bigger, so the doctor could see more. The fluid behind the neck had grown, there was fluid in the body and legs (hydrops) and now there was a heart condition (problem with the aorta).He said that based on what he saw then, it looked like Turners Syndrome. Only girls get this, so we knew we were having a girl based on that. The doctor said that with all that combined (hydrops and heart problem) the baby wouldn't live past 22 weeks. Only 2% of babies with Turners live.
By this time I was already 15 weeks. I had prayed from the first day I found out there were problems that if God was going to take my baby, that he do it early. I told him, "I can't deliver a dead baby, I can't!" That was my greatest fear. Going through labor only in the end to have no baby, nothing to show for all that hard work. I couldn't do it.
Because of the doctors findings, I had to go in every two weeks to have heartbeat checks (so if something did happen, we would know). This was the hard part (well, one of many). In a place where there are people happy and excited about calling grandma with the "its a boy" speech, I was wondering "is my baby alive today?" A place of new life became a scary uncertain place for me. I dreaded going there.......every two weeks.
Well, I went in for our 23 week check (KT was at EVERY one of my appointments). Sure enough, our little girl was still in there, kicking away. However, her heartbeat was too fast. It was a sign that her heart was having to work too hard (the heart problem). So, we were given a bad report. The doctor said it was a "bad sign".
Still, I could feel my girl kicking and moving. As long as I felt that, I was sure she was OK and going to make it. During all this, it was hard to get excited about the normal pregnancy stuff (showers, registering, decorating the nursery). I tried. I tried to act like nothing was wrong. I tried to act as if she was going to be here in a few months. I prayed. The church prayed. People out of state prayed. People I never met prayed. I believed God would heal her, 100%. I prayed that God would do whatever he had to do in order to get the maximum glory in all this.
God had brought me to a place that to this day I am thankful for. I was able (by His strength) to say that if he calls me to deliver a dead baby, he will give me the grace and strength to do it. I've learned that God gives you the strength to go through what He calls you to go through. "If He leads you to it, he'll get you through it". I didn't know how, but I had peace. I knew I was in His hands. I knew that this little girl belonged to Him. It was out of my hands.
Over memorial day weekend I felt her move.....for the last time. I tried not to worry. I just thought, "she doesn't move much anyway. I'm still new at knowing what a baby feels like". People kept asking me if I felt her move and I would say yes (probably to tell myself that everything was OK).
We went in for our 2 week heartbeat check on June 7th. At this point I was 25 weeks (6 months). After numerous attempts, they couldn't find a heartbeat. Since the technician had already gone home, they sent us to the hospital to get an ultrasound. I was admitted and checked into labor and delivery. I refused to worry because I hadn't yet had proof to be upset. So they couldn't find a heartbeat, not to worry. Maybe she is just in a spot that makes it hard to find?
When the technician did the ultrasound, I could tell by the look on her face that my little girl had already gone home to be with her Father. She didn't have to tell me. Then, when she finally did, my world broke apart. In that moment, reality hit me like a hammer. I'd never meet my little girl. I'd never hold her, never hear her cry. I'd never see KT be the protective dad, never see him kiss his little girl goodnight. Never swing her in the air. In that moment, I died.
The doctors asked if I wanted to go home for a few days or start drugs to induce labor. I was there, I wanted to get it over with. So, they gave me the drugs that would induce labor. The nurses were great. They grieved with me. I never had to ask for anything. On Friday, June 8th, at 5:30PM my Grace entered and exited this world.
I never saw her. I didn't want to. I know that that was not how I wanted to remember her. KT saw her little foot though. With the drugs they put me on, I couldn't see straight anyway. When I woke up, I said "Her name is Grace". I asked KT if we could call her that. God's grace got us through. His grace was enough. Her name should be Grace.
One of my friends from church brought me a little white dress and bonet to put Grace in. It looked like an angel dress! So many friends came to see me. God really looked after us. After some thought, we decided to burry her and have a service. She was our first child and deserved to be honored as such. She was just as much alive as anyone.
I left the hospital the next day. KT and his dad went to the funeral home to make the arrangements. We wanted to bury Grace in the family cemetery, by his mother and sister (KT's mom had a stillborn girl....her first too) We just weren't sure there were any spots left (it's a small country cemetery). We had an aunt who donated a plot for us. The funeral home even did all the arrangements at NO charge! God really blessed us.
On Sunday, June 10th, we had a grave side service for Grace. I have never seen such a small casket. People had brought flowers and teddy bears to put on Grace's grave (something we didn't think of). My friend sang "It is well with my soul". I have learned that no matter what condition I'm in, no matter how the "sea billows roll", what ever my lot, God has taught me to say it is well with my soul. Over 100 people came to the funeral. My pastor cried as he gave the short message. Every one filed by to give us hugs and blessings.
Then it was time to say goodbye. I knew my Grace had already gone to be with her Daddy, but in that moment, it was like saying good bye for forever. I could hardly do it, but I had to. I put my hand on her casket and said, "Goodbye little girl". That was all I could get out.
So, that's it. That's my story. To this day, God is using a little girl no one has met, to give him glory. God did heal my little girl. She is 100% well. She is running the streets of glory, like a little girl should. I will never have to worry about the sniffles or a scrape. She is in good hands. Her grandma is watching out for her. Her heavenly father is there, holding her to his chest. KT said it best, "It's better for our girl to be in God's arms than in ours".
God's grace is sufficient, no matter what. No matter what you are going through, will go through, or have been through. He is enough. God has restored me and brought me up from a dark, deep pit that could have destroyed me and my marriage. I will always carry this hole in my heart. I will never "get over it". That day a piece of my heart died, but God is healing my heart. His is working on me. He has made that dead heart come back to life! God is the author and finisher of our faith. He loves you. He sent his son for you.
Please, remember my little Grace. Remember how she touched so many people for Jesus. Her life still touches people, and I hope it always will.

In His Grace,
Brenda L. Bass
1 Corinthians 12:9

Be Somebody

Recently I was in a restaurant and heard a song that had the words, “I’m trying to be somebody, and I’m not trying to be somebody else.” These words began to ring in my head and cause me to think about how we often try to emulate others, instead of being who we are. I remember as a teenager I wanted to be the next … are you ready? ... Mylon LeFevre. That’s right, I was an 80’s child. I even went so far as to name one of my children Mylon. Honestly. I realize I’ve just lost some of you, but I’m trying to be honest.

I went through other musicians. Russ Taff, Ron Kenoly, Geron Davis, Israel Houghton, Darlene Zschech (yes I know she’s a girl, don’t ask)… I spent a lot of time early on in my career trying to be somebody else. Go ahead and laugh. I deserve it.

As I travel to churches and have the opportunity to hear many different worship leaders, I see people making the same mistake I did over and over again. Within minutes, it becomes obvious for most worship leaders who their influences are. I’ve even heard leaders who memorize and use the word for word exhortations from the CD’s. (Ok – I’ve done it too.) The crime is not that we are ripping these artists off, but that we are cheating our churches from experiencing something original. God called you not because he wanted a clone of someone else. He wants you. He placed you where you are to do what only you can do.

Years ago as a teenager, I had an opportunity to talk with a producer and show him some of my original songs. Being a supportive Christian brother, this guy took the time to talk to me and challenge me in some areas musically. However, the best advice he gave me was, “The world already has a Mylon, they need a Jeff.” Today I give the same advice to so many of you, God already has a Chris Tomlin, or David Crowder, or whoever. What he wants is you. Take the songs, even if they’re not original, and minister them to the Lord as a personal offering from you. Lead your congregation as you, not as someone else. Truth be told, you do a much better impersonation of you than Israel anyway.

New DVD and MP3's available

If you read our newsletter, you heard about our MP3's and DVD available on-line. Here is the store to check out. You can also visit it at www.cdfreedom.com/doorkeeperworship.

Are You Outraged?

As you know if you’ve read any of my stuff, I spend a lot of time on the road, and therefore see A LOT of bumper stickers. Recently, I saw one that that stated, “If you’re not outraged, you’re not looking.” Now as anyone who watches the news knows, that lack of outrage is not the problem in society today. It seems everyone is outraged at something. Iraq, the president, Paris Hilton, I’ve even noticed people who are outraged about people who are outraged… Now I know you’re wondering right now how this relates to worship. Well, as I tossed these things in my head, I began to see a pattern. You see it is our human nature to feel so strongly about something that we can’t possibly see how anyone could disagree. Living once again in Alabama, I’m so reminded of this every football season. One side can’t understand how the other side could possibly see things differently. And unfortunately, this same attitude often makes it way into our church worship.

My wife and I are quite opposite in almost every way. I’m a rock and roll, meat and potato (unless there’s more meat!), night owl and my wife is a country, veggies and salad, early to bed type. However, we learned long ago that our differences (when acknowledged) complemented one another. In too many churches I’ve been in, there seems to be an attitude of different is bad. Now don’t get me wrong, we’re not talking about selling out or compromising (although those words often come up when we feel our position is threatened), we are talking about understanding that God is bigger than us and our ideas. One of the most liberating truths I’ve come to realize is that everyone can teach me something. Getting past the thought that only my style of music, or only my way of doing things works, opens up doors and opportunities to learn and grow as a worship leader. There was a time that I felt that if my worship team wasn’t doing the hottest, newest worship songs and arrangements, we were somehow missing God. I have met others who swung the pendulum in the complete opposite direction. Thankfully, I’ve grown up a bit since then, and understand that style is not nearly as important content.

Recently I was asked the question, “What does God think of our worship?” The speaker went on to explain that people in the congregation comment on the worship service every week, but seldom do we ask or wonder if God was pleased. Many times our worship services become our outlet for creativity or for doing our favorite songs. Worship should be a time of touching the Father’s heart. A time of bringing a gift that pleases the Creator. Understanding that God is diverse enough to create the thousands of personalities and tastes that we have, helps us understand that He is not limited to our personal tastes.

Definition of a Doorkeeper, Pt. 2

*Note- Hey, here's part two of Tammy Bailey's excellent article. Enjoy. Jeff


SO….What happened to Obed-Edom after the whole nation of Israel came to take away God’s presence? Did he realize why his home was blessed? Did he understand the dynamics of having the ark close by? Did he give it up willingly? What happened to Obed-Edom after he experienced God’s presence? How did he become a doorkeeper?

In 1 Chronicles 15:19 and 24 we find him. When King David came and took away the presence of God from the house of Obed-Edom, something was missing. His crops still flourished, he still had money in the bank. The local people had even asked him to run for mayor. He was still blessed, but it wasn’t the same. Something was missing! He had to be back in that presence. He had to find a way to be near that ark. I’m sure he asked for an audience with the king and it was granted. I mean David wouldn’t turn down a meeting with the guy that had come through in a crunch for him and his entire country.


I wonder what that conversation was like? Obed-Edom had asked for an audience with the king. I’m sure he just wanted to ask David if there was some way he could be near the ark, somewhere he could serve. Somewhere close to the presence. “ David, I’ll just sweep the floor or whatever. You name it. I just have to be in God’s presence”. I can imagine that King David said, “Well, okay Obed, let’s see what we can do. Tell me, can you preach? “Obed said, “well, no I don’t have a lot of education. I just don’t think I could do that”. King David said,” well that’s okay. Tell me Obed, can you sing?” Obed-Edom said, “Well, Sir I sing in the shower, but it’s not real pretty, so I don’t think you would want me to do that.” King David just nodded and said, “don’t worry about it Obed, I’m sure we’ll think of something. Obed, can you play a trumpet?” Obed shook his head in disappointment and said,” no”. King David smiled. He was touched by the determination of this man who only wanted to serve in some way. King David reached down beside his throne and picked up his well-worn harp, the one he had since he was a boy tending his father’s sheep. It was not a beautiful instrument by any means, but David had worshiped his way into God’s presence many times with this simple piece of wood and strings. He said, “here Obed, try this”. Obed-Edom’s eyes lit up. He smiled and said,” Oh yes sir, I think I can do something with this.” So in verse 19 the bible says that Obed-Edom, Jeiel and Azaziah were appointed to play the harps in the tabernacle and in verse 24 the bible also says that Obed-Edom and Jehial were also to be doorkeepers for the ark.

Finally, Obed-Edom was appointed to a title and a position to which he was already serving. Sometimes, we as doorkeepers want the title, uniform and recognition without the training or experience. Sometimes, we think the price is too high to pay. But not Obed-Edom. He was now an official doorkeeper and a musician to boot. He had housed the presence of God, used the key of worship to open the door to his future, all while wearing his uniform of humility and brokenness before the king. This doorman helped lead an entire nation into the presence of God. He had an appointment from heaven that was finally recognized by the king and the entire nation of Israel. Why was he qualified to be a doorkeeper? Because he did the job long before having the title to go with it!

Now, there is something we need to remember, the people that were chosen and appointed by the king worshiped in the tabernacle and sang praises and played instruments and blew trumpets 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 365 days a year for 36 years…non-stop!

It wasn’t a part-time job Obed-Edom was asking for. He was making a lifestyle change.
Obed-Edom was willing to do whatever it took to stay in God’s presence.

He was a doorkeeper. The bible says that he took his place of assignment at the door. He took his place not at the door that you, like me, probably assumed. He was not at the door of the tabernacle.

Look again…they were appointed not as doorkeepers for the tabernacle, but doorkeepers for the ark. Wow! He was close. A doorkeeper of God’s presence. Obed-Edom had spent enough time in God’s presence to have the honor of standing by the door to help others.

He stood close by to make sure that everything was in order for everyone else to worship. He was able to take others into where he had already been. And he was changed. He gave up all he had to take care of the presence of God for others. He held open the door to God’s presence for everyone else. He helped them with their baggage. He gave them directions to where they wanted to go and even provided transportation if needed to be sure they got where they wanted to go. He did what every good doorman does. Whatever it takes!

See, we cannot take others where we have not yet been or are willing to go. It may take a lifestyle change on our part and a deeper determination to seek God’s presence than we have made so far. We may have to serve in the position without recognition for a while. We may have to practice for his presence.

There is one thing that do I love about the south. We have all been taught to be polite; to say “yes ma’am” and “no ma’am” and “please” and “thank you”. We have been taught to respect our elders and more importantly, we have been taught to hold the door open for others. It is the civilized thing to do. If we can do something so simple in our everyday lives to show respect for others, surely we can make an even bigger impact by practicing these principles in the spirit realm. Worship your way into God’s presence and then hold the door open for others. Become a doorkeeper.

John 10:9 – I am the Door. Anyone who enters in through Me will be saved (will live). He will come in and he will go out (freely) and will find pasture (rest and sustenance). Amplified.