PAUL BALOCHE
continued from page 23
into that role as a player-coach. Pouring into,
raising up, and giving opportunity for them to
amp of choice would be a Fender Deluxe, or
grow. Maybe sitting back and just playing guitar.
maybe a Blues Jr. You know, when we play in
This past year at the church where I attend,
church we really can’t go over 15-25 watts or
more than half of the time I have just played
you barely get a chance to take advantage of
acoustic guitar while someone else led. I played
that tube sound.
bass a couple of times. I played electric guitar
one time, because there are some talented
[WM] What do you think when you see
twenty-somethings. It’s their turn.
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competent older worship leaders being put out
to pasture by younger ones?
[WM] If you would just offer a prayer for folks
in that situation, for those who are transitioning
PAUL: Well, there are two sides to that coin. It
into being a mentor and for the younger worship
depends if the older, competent worship leader
leaders just coming up.
is willing to humble themselves a little bit and let
go of certain stylistic things that used to work
PAUL: Lord I pray for those who have been
20 years ago. I would say that we all need to
faithful in ministry for many years and perhaps
look at our own hearts. Like, since moving to
feel like they are being pushed aside. I pray
New York, I’ve taken a look at the way I lead
for affirmation and confirmation of the work
and what I say between songs - reassessing
that they have done. I pray for vision and
that if there is any religious talk that has lost
inspiration to train up the next generation with
some of it’s meaning, it may need to change.
intentionality. I pray that we would be like the
I feel like we have to stay up-to-date and
leaders in the Bible from Abraham, Jacob,
current. Like musical styles, our ministry-style
Moses, David, Elijah, even Jesus – who even
needs to be mindful of the culture and aware
in His earthly ministry, in a sense – delegated
of a new generation. A perfect scenario would
and transferred His commission to the next
be a player-coach, to use a sports analogy. I
wave of leaders and disciples. We thank You
think it’s fair for us to be OK with being a player-
for the privilege of getting to serve in Your
coach. Having the opportunity to lead, but also
kingdom and we pray for wisdom to know
aware that we have a responsibility to raise up
how best to serve in the days ahead. Also, to
the next generation. We need to make room for
know how we can encourage and raise up the
the late-teenagers and the twenty-somethings.
next generation of leaders who will continue to
They are the future of the church. We need to
serve Your kingdom for generations to come. In
guard against being insecure about losing our
Jesus Name, Amen!
YOUR MERCY
(2016)
CHRISTMAS
WORSHIP, VOL2
(2015)
LIVE
(2014)
CHRISTMAS
WORSHIP
(2013)
THE SAME
LOVE
(2012)
position, if you will, and to transition gracefully
GLORIOUS
(2011)
OUR GOD
SAVES
(2007)
A GREATER
SONG
(2006)
26
Nov Dec 2016
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