Dang. I mean, seriously – WOW. Today was amazing. Literally, amazing. This morning was my first Sunday leading worship at Vertical in my new role as Worship Arts Pastor. And let me tell you, God did not disappoint. Today our team consisted of Robby (the guitar hero), Bob (slappin’ a mean bass), Justin (on the keys, guitar, and mouth harp), James (playin’ the drums like a man on a mission), and myself (trying to make sure I sing the right words).

Now in the darkness God’s light shines, Christ forever glorified…

We kicked things off with one of my favorite tunes, “You Deserve” by Hillsong. I was seriously choked up right from the start, as I was experiencing a climactic point in my walk with God just by being able to be there. I told Robby before we started, “Dude, this is just stupid that I’m able to do this.” This song rocked the house – seriously. It was fast, it was driving, it was loud, and God was glorified. When we hit that bridge, it was powerful to hear hundreds of people singing out, “I can’t imagine life with You…” It’s all for You, God.

We are His portion and He is our prize…

John Mark McMillan’s “How He Loves” (made popular by Crowder) came next. It’s so incredible to go from a fast, loud song into a slow, melodic anthem about the unconditional, unfathomable love of God. We finished up that song with a brief word on God’s amazing love (thought – would you lay down your life for your neighbor?), and the chorus from the timeless hymn, “How Great Thou Art.” I stepped back and listened to those voices united in praise again – it was unreal.

You came to seek and save the lost, You paid it all upon the cross…

We finished up with a tune during the offering that was new to the church as a whole, “Stronger,” another Hillsong goodie. The crowd was seated, but the lyrics of this song are so incredibly powerful, so incredibly moving, that several folks jumped to their feet in praise out of their inability to contain their thankfulness to their Savior.

After the worship set, we started our new series, “Hot Now.” Mike P. brought it like only he can do, and I left feeling encouraged, convicted, and with a strong desire to get me some hot doughnuts. My favorite quote: “I can’t stand those old stale things people sell for fundraisers. I just give them the money and say ‘You can keep the doughnuts.’” That’s our beloved Lead Pastor. Always willing to say what others are thinking all along.

Our musicians this week were right on. I really feel like we have a “band of brothers” on that stage, and it’s a blessing and a privilege to join them on this journey.

Vertical Church seeks to be a place where people who don’t like church can meet God. I don’t care if you’re a church person or not – it was evident that something BIG was going down at Vertical this morning. I know that God is working a huge movement through our church, and I’m so incredibly humbled that He would use someone like me to play a part in that.

Next week, we’ve got a very special worship setup for you. I won’t spoil it just yet, but let’s just say that next Sunday’s worship set it gonna rock some socks in a bit of an unconventional way. Whatever you do – DON’T MISS NEXT WEEK!

Oh, how HE loves us!!!!