A Pair of Service Reviews
So on mothers day I had a rare weekend where I didn’t lead worship somewhere. Our youth took over the services and they did a great job. I also crashed the 10:30am service at East Valley Bible Church to see my friend Aaron Bower lead worship, he was absolutely amazing.
Faith Church of the Valley Youth Service:
There were many elements to their service. The music was done well, the preaching was great (i’ve never heard our youth pastor Greg preach before). Testimonies…now I know what you are thinking because I was thinking the same thing. Most of the time when youth give testimonies it’s a ton of ums and not very much content. The students that shared, shared from their hearts some real tangible and vulnerable things that God was doing in them. They were all well spoken and presented themselves better than most adults that get up in front of the church to share. Then the students performed the Lifehouse skit moving and amazing as usual. Here is a video of the skit with different performers if you haven’t seen it.
East Valley Bible Church:
So I had never seen Aaron lead worship but because of the many conversations I have had with him and hearing his heart I knew he was a great worship leader. I was not disappointed when I sat under his leading. I walked in to their worship center to find just a piano on the stage, I said to my wife, “looks like Aaron’s flying solo.” Now normally when I hear a worship leader on piano they play like the Beatles, think Imagine. Very chunky, only sound beautiful with singing over it or something else. Not Aaron, he began playing and I thought to myself that I could just listen to him play all day. The embellishments he added were beautiful and not distracting to the words we were singing. He also played with some of the chord progressions, again helping to elevate the song and the lyrics that were being sung. Not once did he do anything that would distract me from worship aside from being awesome and the fact I was critiquing him. (my own problem) When he spoke the things he said were well thought out and directed us to Christ. All in all it was just an amazing time of worship and I can’t wait till I get the opportunity to play and lead worship with him. Still working on that.
Jeremy – I just want to thank you for the kind words and amazing encouragement you have given Aaron! I have always known he was the most amazing pianist around (albeit completely partial) but I know it means so much more coming from someone he admires and respects, such as yourself!
I am so grateful he has amazing men of God and worship pouring into his life!! Thank You Thank You Thank You!!!
Thanks Jeremy for coming Sunday…..I have enjoyed Aaron so very much for the very reasons you listed above…..I love how he leads so the congregation can hear itself praise God each Sunday and his voice is amazing!!!!