Remember the early days of high school? It's amazing how time passes you by filled with the many events we've come to know. Vital to our ministries, it is so important to learn from our formative years in seeing the bigger picture of God's hope, peace and comfort.

Many people are asking me what I think about Christian singer/song writer Ray Boltz and his recent announcement that he is homosexual. This article is my response. We are to love Ray and pray for him. But the question still remains: Why do people give up in their personal battles?

For anyone to say that a leader is free from any challenges, opinions and obstacles is most likely a lone ranger who lives outside the western front of reality. Criticism: is a large de facto that many leaders face. When combined with the shadow of guilt, criticism by others can weigh down and wear down a person's resilience, that eventually leads to ministry burnout. Rick Muchow tackles this issue to address the need for a healthy counter and resolve.

What is it worth to you? When we cut off emotional ties to our past failures, we are effectively practicing honesty. Honesty is the first step toward truth – and truth leads to freedom. Why in the world would we willfully allow ourselves to be dragged down to our spiritual death by maintaining emotional baggage? That would be the equivalence of having stones tied around our necks and then expecting to not sink.

How do you feel today? Are you feeling far away? What kind of a love is there that finds us where we are, loves us as we are and takes us where we need to be? Safety. Refuge. Solace. Your life is meant to be lived with and in God. He wanted us from the beginning of time. In this world where mistakes are made, wounds are encountered and rejection seems to be so rampant, the Father is the only One who reaches us into the darkness and brings us into His light, making you his. Watch this special word shared by Dennis, be ministered to as he sings over you.

How to run the race of life and win...no matter what.     

If worship is a lifestyle, we must learn to express that life as we minister to others...regardless of what their particular struggle might be.

As Christians, we are not above adversity. We go through hard times just like the next person. Our hope is that we go through that adversity with a Savior. Our very strength comes as we face the adversity with Him. As a worship leader, I must be willing to face the hardships of life with those I lead...and walk in it boldly and honestly.

We all face it as leaders in churches.  If you haven't, you will.  A member of your worship team reveals a hidden side to their life.  A side that involves a relationship outside of marriage, an unmerited living arrangement, or other unexpected life consequences.  What do you do in these situations?  How do you handle them when you feel unworthy every time you step onto the stage yourself?  It's not easy.  Ministry never is.

Bob Kauflin discusses the importance of a worship leader's relationships. This video introduces the fourth section of his book, Worship Matters. For more info, visit www.SovereignGraceMinistries.org.