Branon Dempsey is the Managing Editor for PraiseCharts Live as well as the Director and Founder of Worship Team Training: a ministry for local church worship ministries. He has studied and been trained by members of Maranatha! Music and Integrity Music for worship ministry and composition. Branon lives in Cypress, Texas where he is also a Worship Leader/Songwriter and has been in ministry for over 16 years. You can read more articles and blogs by Branon on PraiseCharts Live or visit him at www.worshipteamtraining.com.
Jachin answered a few questions for us in an interview to share his heart and message. Let's have a listen into the soul of this newly celebrated worship leader in the leading of God's praise.
1. Along with God’s call, what were the heart-impressions that led you into worship ministry? How have your “early beginnings” impacted your ministry today?
When I was
14 years old, God met me in my room. I was a pastors kid that knew all the
right things to say and do but that day I was changed FOREVER!!! It was really
out of simple excitement and love for Jesus that the songs just came out of me.
Honestly, it hasn't changed much since then. Simple songs simply come out of a
pretty simple life and love for God. The early beginnings still impact me
because I remember them so clearly. I pray that that part of my ministry never
changes.
2. Tell us
about your passion for church community and worship ministry:
Well, I have
been going to the same church since I came out of the womb. (Word of Life, Red
Deer) I love it!!! It is home for me and my family.
People know me well and let me be who I am. At Word of Life we are building a
"Generational Church".
A church that is not only for all ages, but all ages connect and fuel the other
to reach a common purpose in individual lives and in the community. Our church
is one church in 9 locations and some of those locations are international
including services in Rwanda,
Istanbul and India.
This gives our church many ways to help the poor, rescue orphans and take care
of widows. Worship ministry is a HUGE part of the culture of our church. It is
also the HEART of the church and a thankful heart is a heart that remains soft.
A soft heart is a heart that responds quickly to God's voice. I really believe
that at the core of a church that is doing amazing things in the earth.....you
will find worship.
3. What is your Biblical view of worship and how can we draw upon Scripture to develop meaningful worship experiences for today?
Well, I believe the reason we should read the bible in the context of worship because we need to know what God would like from us. The first worship story in the bible was the story of Cain and Abel. It is really simple, Cain gave God what HE (Cain) wanted to give him and Abel gave God what GOD wanted. (Big Difference) Abel's gift pleased God because it was for HIM (God). The gift shouldn't be given to please the giver, the gift should be given to please the person worthy of receiving the gift. We need to read the bible so we know what GOD wants from us, not just what we want to give.
The bible
shows us many forms of worship especially in the psalms such as singing,
lifting holy hands, singing a new song, dancing ETC. We do these acts with the
attitudes of honor, thanksgiving and adoration. Most of those things we can do
in church and out of church. But that is not ALL that worship encompasses. Matt
25:39 says "whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of
mine, you did for me.' Visiting someone in prison, sponsoring an orphan, taking
care of a widow...THIS IS ALL WORSHIP. I also believe that a Holy life is
pleasing to God and is worship. 1 kings 15:5 says - "For David had done
what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight and had obeyed the Lord’s commands
throughout his life." Jesus also said "you cannot love me and hate
your brother" This also says to me that loving one another is part of our
worship to God. I think our worship lives are encompassing of all our Heart,
Soul, Mind and strength. That is EVERYTHING!!! So to me the best thing we can
do is no matter where we are in our walk with God, is to read the Bible and
then say "God what are YOU requiring of me?"
4. Paul says
in Romans 12:1 that giving our bodies unto God as living sacrifices is our
reasonable service. How do we as a Church recognize and practice worship as a
spiritual discipline?
I believe that
it does take discipline to set your mind, heart and actions upon God. When I
was newly married, my beautiful wife Becca wanted to cuddle on the couch and I
wanted to watch the playoffs on T.V. in the basement. The whole time that we
were cuddling on the couch she could tell that my mind was not on her. She said
to me “All I want is your FULL ATTENTION”. I learned a good lesson right there.
My wife wants my full attention, so does God. He wants my eyes, ears, mouth,
heart just like my wife does. It takes some discipline to give EVERYTHING, but
that’s what God want’s from us.
