Performance: a musical, dramatic, or other entertainment presented before an audience.
Many times in the course of the church we shy away from the term performance because of the attention it gets from the secular (and Christian) media. But I would like to direct our attention at this point to a different thought. It is not about the “Performance” but rather “Who” our performance is for. It is no secret that God appoint many gifted people in Bible times to “perform” for His glory, and the “performance” in Heaven is obviously grand and done with the best of excellence, however, it is not because of the performance itself but rather who the performance is done for.
Let me speak to the Worship & Creative Arts team of S.C.C.C. Easter is approaching in just a few short days; we have a “performance” in place and ready. Does this word rub you wrong? I must admit that to a certain extent it does for me but generally speaking it is because of my past upbringing in the church where this word was basically taboo for church application. Listen, if your heart and strength are in the right place performance is beautiful and powerful… ALL for the glory of God! We perform for God; this is where our heart absolutely needs to be. And, while we’re doing this, we need to remember that our secondary mandate is to encourage the church. In your performance, connect with the church (and possibly in the Easter context the un-churched) in telling them the Good News!
I look forward to “performing” with each of you to the glory of God!
-Aric