Still in Awe. Thank You, West Franklin Choir

Last updated on: December 4, 2018 at 1:34 pm by Matt Pearson

Still in Awe. Thank You, West Franklin Choir 2018-12-04T13:34:18-05:00 Matt Pearson

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

West Franklin Family,

Sunday was a HUGE weekend in the life of our church.

Renovated building open for “business.”

New Student Minister, Nathan Page.

Three baby dedications (by the way, West Franklin had 7 couples give birth over the last year with 2 more currently in the “oven” . . . and I haven’t even preached through Song of Solomon! .Â .Â . ha).

And. . . drum roll please . .Â the Christmas concerts. Oh my. Speaking of drums. . .did you see the guy in the baptistery during “Drummer Boy”? Whoah. (FYI, click here to watch the entire concert!)

When you top it all off with hot chocolate, cookies, brownies, and peanut brittle. . . that’s what I call a good day.

So much could be said here, but I want to publicly (well, for three or four people who read the blog) thank the West Franklin choir (including musicians, tech, media, sound, etc.). It’s been over 24 hours since the final concert and I am still blown away. Apart from it being an amazing performance, let me give you three reasons why I am incredibly grateful for each of you.

First, you sound like a 100 voice choir.Â

I am not sure an exact count (30, maybe?), but if I closed my eyes, I would have guessed there were at least 100 of you in singing. You sounded that loud and that large. You gave it all you had. You do every week, of course. But yesterday was a “cut above.”

BTW – I didn’t want to close my eyes because I LOVE seeing the joy on your faces and the fun you all have together!! (Besides, who doesn’t want to see Colleen’s face get red when she blasts those notes!?!?)

Second, you believe in what you are doing.

Throughout the afternoon and evening, I met new people. I introduced myself over and over and over. When I asked them why they were there, the response I kept hearing was, “(a choir member’s name) invited me.” You asked people to come. Friends. Family. Coworkers. Acquaintances. You wanted them to hear about and experience the love of Jesus. You were completely bought in to what you were doing and were confident in it enough to invite people to come. And they did!

Third, you are real.Â

All over the city of Franklin there are churches who do things well. Really well. Churches do ministry, programs, and Christmas concerts with excellence. And so do you.

But there’s a difference.

What sets you apart (in my completely humble and unbiased opinion) is the fact that you minister with excellence AND authenticity. You aren’t just performing. You aren’t just presenting music. You are ministering out of a real overflow of love for Jesus, for each other, for our church family, and a desire for others to enjoy all this too.

You’re real and you strive for musical perfection. You’re extremely talented and you’re just gonna be you. I’ve seen a lot of ministry done with all excellence and no heart. And I have seen a lot of heart with poor execution. But rare is the group that does both and does both well.

Thanks to you, “O, Holy Night” (thanks Mark) and “Little Drummer Boy” (thanks Gary) have been bouncing around in my head all day. As well as a gratefulness of the honor and joy of pastoring such a fascinating group of Jesus followers.

What about you? What was YOUR favorite part?

West Franklin

Previous Post

November 30, 2018

Sermon Illustration: Waiting and Hastening

Next Post

December 7, 2018 Sermon Illustration: Resistance

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Biblical Reflections Devotions Fridays are For Illustrations General Challenge General Preaching Resources Letters to West Franklin Preparing to Preach Table Talk Questions The Preaching Event Top Ten Quotes Uncategorized West Franklin West Franklin Talks

Select a Month March 2023 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 February 2022 January 2022 December 2021 November 2021 October 2021 September 2021 August 2021 July 2021 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 September 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Jesus replied: "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘__________________’"

Select your answer to see how you score.

Love Your Neighbor As Yourself Love Others Do Not Kill Honor Your Father And Mother