FIRST IN LAST OUT
BEING EXPECTANT | Todd Elliott
It has been a few weeks since we hosted
FILO 2021 Chicago , and I ’ ve been reflecting on what an amazing experience it was . And along with that , wondering why it was such an amazing experience .
Like any good event producer , I like to analyze why something went well or why it didn ’ t go as planned . As part of that process , we sent out a survey to people who attended our event to see what their experience was like , and we got a whole range of responses . Some people loved everything , and some people loved nothing . It is definitely a lesson in “ it is impossible to please everyone .” environment where others have an opportunity to experience God first hand . At the FILO Conference , we take care of everything so that everyone attending can just focus on their own personal worship time . They don ’ t have to worry about the lighting , the audio mix and what font to use for the lyrics .
And over the last 6 years , I have been amazed by my own personal worship experience at FILO . It is the highlight of my year . Nothing compares to it . And I know I ’ m not alone . Even talking to the worship team and the FILO crew , this is a top personal worship experience for many of us . ingredients in the worship experience at FILO . However , I believe one of the key factors is each person ’ s expectations .
We have experienced God at FILO during worship in the past and we expect Him to show up again . The people in the seats expect to meet God . The people on stage expect to meet God . And then we do .
While I believe that God is ever present and that He is everywhere always , I think I am more apt to miss out on His presence because I don ’ t expect to find it all the time . I ’ m just living my life each day .
But what is most significant to me is how much the worship time means to people who attend FILO . As a group of people , we are typically “ working ” during worship at our churches . Our form of worship involves making sure every distraction is eliminated ; creating an
WHY IS THAT ? Is it the song selection ? Is it the people in the band ? Is it the mix ? The lighting ? The perfect camera shots ?
In reality , there is nothing special about the
When I think about how I show up in the booth to work a service , am I expecting to meet with God or am I just trying to get the task list done ? I am mostly expectant for problems : late message graphics , late drummer , Dante issues … you know what I ’ m talking about .