Here is an interview with Pastor Jake which took place during his week of holidays, where he was camping at Rondeau Shores Park.
Why is worship important?
Worship is part of who we are. We were created to worship before we were even created to relate to one another. Adam was first with God in the garden and it was very good; it was only later that human relationships came along. We were created primarily to worship, to relate to God and to reflect back to him how much he is worth to us.
It's also important because we're commanded to worship. Jesus said that the most important commandments were to love the Lord God with all your heart, soul, and strength and to love your neighbour as yourself. The love referred to here is not primarily about an emotion, but it's primarily about loyalty and action and priority, and about putting God first in our thoughts, deeds, and attitudes. That is at the root of what worship is, showing something worth.
What's one thing you appreciate about the Glengate worship team?
I appreciate the team's diversity - diversity of ages and styles; how together everyone works together in selecting songs, and in performing and leading songs. I also appreciate the team's artistry - we have some amazingly talented musicians.
What is one thing you've learned about worship and worship teams over your years of being a pastor?
I have learned that developing new worship team members is very important. Worship teams can fall into the pattern of the same people playing the same songs all the time, and one of the best ways to keep worship fresh and innovative and connecting with the people, is to keep the team members developing as individuals, becoming better singers and players, but also growing and developing the team as a whole. This helps the congregation as they see new people up there worshipping, playing and singing in different ways, it encourages them to worship in their own way.
What is your favourite worship song right now?
What is your favourite worship song right now?
Right now, one of my favourites is No Other Name because it reminds me of how we are saved only by Jesus and his blood and his work for each of us, that there is no other way, and no other name. It stresses that Jesus is the one who died for me personally and that matters a lot to me. This is a song that the kids learned in 2:52, and then taught it to the congregation. This is exciting for me because it gives our kids the opportunity to contribute to the service, to feel a part of our family of believers.
No Other Name (Todd Fields)
No other name on earth is worthy
No other name in heaven above
No other name is sung in glory
But Jesus, God's redeeming Son
No other name would die for me
No other name could cleanse my sin
No other name could set me free
Jesus, your fame will have no end
Jesus, your praise will have no end
Jesus, your name will have no end.