Rich Kirkpatrick › Comments

"Bren, that's a good point. Even though we cannot judge the hearts, we can inspect the fruit. Are people coming to Christ? Are the more expressive in celebrating? Is there a sense of belief in God's presence that is realized? It is not a science, however, we can surely make markers to help us see if the trajectory is where we as leaders trust God wants to take it." - Rich Kirkpatrick

"It is surely not unfair when one uses the word "cocaine" to address a worship expression of others. That is pretty damming and judgmental, I would say. It is posts (the cocaine post) like these that hurt the discussion, not help. So, it has to be called out in my opinion. Here is the thinking. Worship is an act that requires an outward expression of what occurs in the heart--physically, mentally, and relationally. Just because this is true, does not mean some do act and without being right inside. And, who has completely pure motives this side of heaven? We are all still in process of being formed, so we indeed are not perfect worshippers. To judge people as being addicted to cocaine is just a shallow lob at a group of people the article author misunderstands." - Rich Kirkpatrick

"Of course. Let's set it up soon. I have to get your book of course so I have some good interview material. ;)" - Rich Kirkpatrick

"Obviously engagement is relative. That is why "Cultural Distinctions" matter from the first reason. The disconnect is that as a leader you expected something that did not happen. Now, if weeks go by and that same group does not sing a bit more, or have a bit more of the responses you mentioned (gave their lives to Christ) then engagement is flat. And, you have a problem to address. If your passion is to believe people are transformed in "praise" and no one is moving then you will be disappointed. If person X feels the opposite and people do jump and sing out, then he is disappointed. Who is right? That is where theology really matters, Chris." - Rich Kirkpatrick

"Praise (hallel and many other words) is something visible. (Clearly by reading the many times it occurs which I have). What we call "worship" is a myth in that we equate inward loyalty to something abstract. Praise is the response of worship and is something we are commanded and prodded to do. It is like with holding sex from a spouse to not value praise to God. I can inwardly LOVE my wife. But, I still need to LOVE her. If I never say, act, or express than my inward "worship" is really dead or nonexistent. What in fact is faith without works? It is like worship without praise." - Rich Kirkpatrick

"These are good thoughts, however they miss biblical teaching about worship. For instance. "Praise" (hallel) means to be clamorously foolishly loud in expression adoration. Did you know that many of the words for worship equate with physical intimacy? Euphoria is not a goal, indeed. Self-focus out of proportion is unhealthy, and negates any relationship--especially worship. That should be stated. But, to damn all modern worship as such is just wrong on many levels. Yes, there is a hook to our enjoyment of the mystic union with Christ. There is also suffering that we share. But, I think we have emotional asceticism that denies humanity. It is near heresy. This article means well, perhaps. But, it does not delve into biblical expressions from biblical languages while making a stance that calls something that "may" be from God totally false. Let's think a little deeper." - Rich Kirkpatrick

"Well put, and not just the part about prepositions at the end of sentences. On another note, what's the big deal about "sloppy wet kiss" as far as worship lyrics go." - Rich Kirkpatrick

"Hoping the best for you on the journey. This new chapter sounds exciting and I look forward to hearing and seeing God use you in greater ways!" - Rich Kirkpatrick

"Favoring the young is our call, right? Do we want a church that our kids can give to our grandkids or one that we are comfortable with that disappears? Faith is meant to be passed on to the next group, not held on by us who are older. This is painful, but the daughter-in-law eventually gets to cook the turkey at Thanksgiving even if she doesn't do it the same way. Thanks for chiming in here. RK" - Rich Kirkpatrick

"The problem is we rely on secular law for our own security and expression of faith rather than the actual choices we make. We judge others while we fail to judge ourselves. So, we are the problem, not the law of the land. And, I live in America, not Canada (no offense to good friends there). Speech is protected. This issue proves it. Even the most liberal ladies of "The View" stood up for the rights to express speed when most of them disagreed with the view. The pertinent point is, liberty is the best soil for the gospel. Evangelicals are duped into trying to live our faith outside of ourselves--such as in politics. Let's embody the gospel rathe than ask Congress to make laws that define or redefine our beliefs." - Rich Kirkpatrick

"Thanks for your comment. But, you need to read the first paragraph. The point is one of faith. We cannot put political action as legitimate expression of faith. Therefore, buying a chicken sandwich does not make us a better Christian. Loving people comes before our entitlement. Rich Kirkpatrick" - Rich Kirkpatrick

"Josh, thanks so much. I pray this often...maybe not often enough. RK" - Rich Kirkpatrick

"Josh, thanks so much. I pray this often...maybe not often enough. RK" - Rich Kirkpatrick

"Tyler is the real deal. I got to chat with him about his book and am intrigued. It's already on my reading list, so... I hope I win. :)" - Rich Kirkpatrick

"Don, Thanks so much. This theme is something central to how we follow Jesus and one that keeps cycling back to my heart and mind. I needed a reminder of it." - Rich Kirkpatrick

"Don, Thanks so much. This theme is something central to how we follow Jesus and one that keeps cycling back to my heart and mind. I needed a reminder of it." - Rich Kirkpatrick

"Nailed it." - Rich Kirkpatrick

"You are welcome. There are a couple more posts inspired by my mom coming this week. Hope they encourage you as well!" - Rich Kirkpatrick

"You are welcome. There are a couple more posts inspired by my mom coming this week. Hope they encourage you as well!" - Rich Kirkpatrick

"I think most "contemporary" services try to force a format, without understanding the medium. You properly challenge us that lead worship to be more than just people who mimic what we see at a conference. Thanks for the wisdom to creative–even us worship leaders." - Rich Kirkpatrick

"LOVE this my friend. You are an inspiration." - Rich Kirkpatrick

"Wikipedia does a decent definition for those who don't know this term. Attention economics is an approach to the management of information that treats human attention as a scarce commodity, and applies economic theory to solve various information management problems." - Rich Kirkpatrick

"Jason, yes I did... "attention" of the public is a commodity any endeavor--science included--are wise to learn and navigate. So, I think it is "cool" not just because of the hair, but because of how Ferdowsi is leveraging all of this. Kudos." - Rich Kirkpatrick

"Haha! They need a sarcasm font in social media to help when having fun. Now the public was made aware coolness exists. But it was Bill Gates who proved the nerds won. On a more serious note the attention economy makes the Mohawk a good play." - Rich Kirkpatrick

"Awesome! Even nerds now can have cool hair!!" - Rich Kirkpatrick

"Realistic? Not only is it real-world, it is also necessary. Fundamentally, we all need training, so mentorship is important. I'm writing right now an ebook and in it is a chapter on developing a "farm system" to do exactly what you are saying." - Rich Kirkpatrick

"Realistic? Not only is it real-world, it is also necessary. Fundamentally, we all need training, so mentorship is important. I'm writing right now an ebook and in it is a chapter on developing a "farm system" to do exactly what you are saying." - Rich Kirkpatrick

"Adam, I meant that if you can include people who are working on their skills, but need a critical mass or majority of better players in most cases. Yes, if there is a way to develop skill, great. And, including other players to help is always a good idea. However, at some point that talent has to be invested in as well. Is a person willing to pay for lessons or buy decent gear? A lot of people have "heart" but lack passion to own their craft." - Rich Kirkpatrick

"Adam, I meant that if you can include people who are working on their skills, but need a critical mass or majority of better players in most cases. Yes, if there is a way to develop skill, great. And, including other players to help is always a good idea. However, at some point that talent has to be invested in as well. Is a person willing to pay for lessons or buy decent gear? A lot of people have "heart" but lack passion to own their craft." - Rich Kirkpatrick

"Yes, Fred. Sometimes we get too comfortable with a good player being in a "slot" that we do not push their boundaries to allow them to become leaders. The more leaders we have, the more teams, etc." - Rich Kirkpatrick