Contemplatio: Be Excellent!

By Jeff Slaughter…
The writer of Ecclesiastes wrote, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.”

To paraphrase that in today’s language, we might say, “Whatever you’re doing, do it to the best of your ability.”

God has gifted us with natural abilities and talents, and has called us to use these gifts for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.  Most of us involved in church worship, media and arts ministry have had some kind of training. It would be difficult to serve in our positions if we hadn’t. But none of us ‘has arrived’.

Even the best musicians, artists and media whizzes still have to learn, take lessons, and practice. No one improves ‘naturally’. Improvement comes through hard work with teachers, training, lessons, watching, looking, listening, rehearsing, making mistakes, and on and on.

If we don’t work to improve intentionally, we fall behind in our giftings and abilities. We aren’t good stewards. And we waste the gifts God has entrusted to us.

The purpose of the European Worship Institute is “to inspire, encourage, train and network worship leaders, musicians, vocalists and technicians for service in the local church by organizing seminars, workshops and conferences.”

We exist to help you advance in ministry skills  so that ‘whatever you do, you can do it with all of your might.’

‘Contemplatio’ is our weekly worship devotional column. Inspired by the Latin word ‘Contemplatio’, which means means to ‘look at, gaze at or be aware of’; each week, we post a ‘Contemplatio’ designed to teach, inform or draw attention to a topic. Most posts are written by Jeff Slaughter, founder and director of the European Worship Institute, and members of the EWI teaching team. Ideas for guest posts are welcome and may be submitted to Jeff at: [email protected]