Called to Worship: The Newest Ministry of Artists in Christian Testimony International

I’m excited to announce that Called to Worship is now an official ministry of Artists in Christian Testimony International.

I have been a friend and fan of Byron Spradlin since the early 90s when I met him at Praise in the Rockies while honing my songwriting skills. He has always impressed me as a creative artist, pastor and entrepreneur. I’ve contemplated joining ranks with A.C.T. Intl many times over the last 20 years. Now the time has arrived!

Why join A.C.T. Intl? Good question! Here are some reasons:

1. Be part of something bigger. I long to connect with like-minded artists and ministers who are seeking to build up the church and take forth the Gospel through the worship arts.
2. Accountability from a ministry that understands and is uniquely designed to support my ministry ambitions. Though I’m an ordained minister, I find myself also wanting the specific support and accountability that A.C.T. Intl can offer. It is an organization run by artistic ministers and so they understand my needs.
3. Financial structure. Though this ministry will be modest in its financial needs, and largely self-supporting to start, its helpful to have the backing of a well established non-profit.

What changes? To begin, not much. I do plan to restart regular posts here and will be starting a podcast in the first 6 months of 2013. Additionally, I intend to attend a couple of worship conferences and run some surveys to understand the needs of worship leaders and congregations to see how this ministry can uniquely help. Primarily, I plan to take some time building a team and plan for long term fruitfulness.

What is the focus? Understanding that this vision will likely change over the next few months, here are the stated vision, mission and objectives of the ministry. I’d love your feedback on what you think is most needed:

Vision: To equip, train and inspire worship leaders to plan and lead biblically informed, gospel-infused and theologically enriched worship services and congregations.

Mission: Through teaching, writing, events, consulting, mentoring and organizational development, we will assist worship leaders and pastors from all over the globe, starting in the United States.

Objective: By equipping worship leaders and lead worshipers, we aim to create a sustainable movement of churches focused on being agents of gospel transformation and cultural renewal.

So, as we celebrate the birth of our Savior during this week, I’m also grateful for the chance to be part of birthing this new ministry. Please pray for me and my ministry team.