The Problem with Pastors Seeking Celebrity

Zac HicksCulture, Personal Stories & Testimonies1 Comment

Ed Stetzer made some great observations on a guest post on challies.com.  He talks about the “rock star pastor,” with “rock star” being used as a general term, perhaps synonymous with celebrity, not necessarily flashy, axe-wielding musician.  In sum (whole post here): 4 problems with the rock star pastor:1. Personal Imbalance2. Hindering Community3. Approval Addiction4. Selling Out the Church’s Future 4 ways to counteract the rock star pastor in us:1. Focus on Equipping2. Take a Sabbath3. Adjust with the Economic … Read More

Worship as Taunting the Enemy

Zac HicksPersonal Stories & Testimonies, Worship Theology & Thought3 Comments

Doug Wilson shares some valuable insights about worship as warfare.  He relates it to the Maori ritual “Haka,” a ceremony which involves taunting the enemy before battle. Wilson prophetically points out that we are quick to enjoy the benefits of worship without realizing that we are simultaneously called to war.  “You enjoy the blood rush, and no blood shed.”  I am reminded of the fact that when Satan was tempting Jesus in the wilderness, his primary objective was to redirect … Read More

The Artistry of the Ancient Won Me Over…I Kept Coming Back

Zac HicksConvergence of Old and New in Worship, Personal Stories & Testimonies, Worship Style, Worship Theology & Thought2 Comments

I see this testimony time and again.  It is my own story, too.  I continue to meet young people, attracted to the ancient faith that their parents abandoned and they never knew.  Ritual…liturgy…hymns.  This is the testimony of Stephanie S. Smith at worship.com.  It’s written so well.  Here’s the first half, but you can read the full post here.  It’s just another example of why new generations are interested in the convergence of old things and new things: old hymns … Read More

Two Styles Don’t Have to Mean Two Churches within a Church

Zac HicksConvergence of Old and New in Worship, Personal Stories & Testimonies, Worship Style, Worship Theology & Thought2 Comments

Don Sweeting has recently left our church to become President of Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando.  On his way out, he has given some valuable reflections on how God shaped worship at our church during his tenure.  You can read his whole post, but here are some highlights: In my current pastorate we have multiple services and mulitiple styles.  Our mission calls us to more than one direction stylistically…For our main services, currently we have what we call a classical … Read More

The Importance of Mentoring the Next Generation of Worship Leaders

Zac HicksPersonal Stories & Testimonies, Worship and Pastoral Ministry, Worship Leading Tips1 Comment

In the last few years, God has brought on a strong urge think about mentoring those younger than myself.  In fact, I’ve got five working relationships with young men at various ages and stages of interest.  I’m teaching guitar lessons to a 10-year-old and an 12-year-old.  I’ve been incorporating another young man, about 14, into our worship band.  I just had lunch the other day with an 18-year-old, encouraging him to pursue the high calling of pastoring people through worship, and I’ve brought in another 18-year-old on board to expand the ministry of modern worship to our students and children.  I’ve begun a long-distance relationship with a 20-something on the west coast with semi-regular phone calls and prayer.  For each of them, there’s no magic formula.  There’s not even a game plan.  In fact, I’ve adopted a methodology I largely call “absorption mentoring.” 

Suffering: The Elephant in the Sanctuary

Zac HicksCulture, Personal Stories & Testimonies, Worship and Pastoral Ministry, Worship Theology & Thought2 Comments

What does slap-happy, pump-you-up worship do?  (1) It makes you feel great for a moment.  (2) It marginalizes those who are suffering. 

If all we’re interested in as worship leaders is planning a worship service that has the spiritual effect of being a “holy pep talk,” we’ve done a great disservice to the body of Christ.  But, oh, is it tempting.  There have been several times in my past where I’ve sold out to what I knew would give me positive feedback.  I had planned a set of fast, happy, and at least partially superficial songs.  It sure makes you feel great as a worship leader when everyone is engaged and comes away energized and excited. 

How to lead worship for people old enough to be your grandparents.

Zac HicksPersonal Stories & Testimonies, Worship and Pastoral Ministry, Worship Leading Tips, Worship Theology & Thought1 Comment

I turned 30 a few months ago, so I’m actually at the beginning point of stepping out of this problem.  But it still happens to me.  People wonder what “that sixteen-year-old” is doing up front leading music or liturgy, or preaching a sermon.  I’ve received so many comments over the years on how young I look that I’ve become inoculated to them.  I’ve developed 100% immunity to being embarrassed or offended when people tell me I look like I just got my driver’s license.  It’s even become a fun joke around church, such that when I became an ordained minister, they put my picture up among those of the other elders…only it wasn’t me; it was a doctored picture of Doogie Howser (no pun intended)!

Confession Isn’t Only About Sin (Liturgical Lessons from Isaiah 53)

Zac HicksPersonal Stories & Testimonies, Worship Theology & Thought8 Comments

I have the privilege of being part of a pretty dynamic pastoral team.  We maintain a shared leadership model, and there really is a sense of mutuality among us, despite the pastoral prefixes of “Senior” and “Associate.” Our shared leadership now extends to a more shared preaching model (a newer innovation), and with that comes shared exegetical (Bible study) and homiletical (sermon) preparation.  A recent thought-provoking concept emerged from my colleague Marty Martin out of one of these think-tank sessions.  … Read More

Worship Leaders & Pastors: No Whining During Holy Week

Zac HicksPersonal Stories & Testimonies, Worship and Pastoral Ministry, Worship Leading Tips4 Comments

Last night, after our Maundy Thursday Family Service, when almost everyone was gone, I noticed that the light in our Senior Pastor’s office was on.  Don Sweeting will be leaving us in a few short weeks for a new call as President of Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, and I dearly love the man, so it was a peaceful opportunity to let him know how much I appreciate him and will miss him.  Of course, Don and I have never been prone to brief conversations because we’re always rabbit trailing into discussions on theology, worship, and philosophy of ministry.  Don mentioned something that resonated with me.  He said something to the effect of, “Pastors that complain about the extra work load during Holy Week and Easter don’t realize what a blessing we have.”