experiential

At some point during 'Passion,' one of the guys in charge commented to a bunch of volunteers that, "yeah, you'll have plenty of work to do, but you will definitely be able to get inside and take part in the experience. It's pretty cool, especially if you've never seen it before."
Something struck me as funny. And I couldn't really shake the funny feeling. And then sometime during the weekend, I realized that there should be absolutely nothing extraordinary about Christ-exalting worship or biblical teaching because that's what we, as God's church, are called to do. Exalt him in songs and hymns and spiritual songs (eph. 5.19) and preach the word (2tim. 4.2) ... along with a few other things.
And then, a little later still, I realized that Christ-exalting worship and biblical teaching are extraordinary and that I've been unbelievably blessed by God to grow up under David Luck, David Adams, Bob Tolson, David Duty, Mike Hayes, Matt Williamson, Ray Patton, T.C. Zoborosky, Alan Harp, Jerrel Williams, Mark Lemmons, Brad Tate, Zach Snider, Mike Boys, Ben Stuart, Brian Fisher, Brian White, Charlie Brent, Tim Suel, Ross King, Joel Mathai ... and a friggin BATTALION of guys* who worship God and teach his word in season and out of season, who reprove, rebuke, exhort with great patience and instruction. Such that when I sit (or stand) and listen to guys like David Crowder, Chris Tomlin, and Louie Giglio, I think things like, "what are all the lights for? This is just like church with a lot of extra money and work."
So this is an offical shout-out to you guys for being sober in all things, enduring hardship, doing the work of evangelists, and generally fulfilling your ministry. Friggin' Awesome. Pray that the Mexicans I sat (and stood) with will be like you guys.