Out of the Nosebleeds: Chad Connor’s Story
Some Sunday morning in 2007, my wife and I were sitting in the same “nose-bleed” section we always sat in at our church in Louisville, KY. Now, I know the term “nose-bleed” is usually reserved to describe the cheap seats in a massive facility like a NFL football stadium, but the church we went to happened to be one of the largest churches in America. In other words, Sunday mornings back then was more like going to Lucas Oil Stadium than going to church! Sitting back there felt safe somehow for a “new” Christian like me… On this particular morning the pastor started talking about something that made me put down my binoculars, crane my neck to intently peer over the third story balcony from which we sat, and listen. He was describing how the Bible describes worship in Heaven:
“And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang: Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.” (Rev 5:13) NLT
Beautiful. The pastor went on to discuss and synthesize various passages to paint an elegant picture of what he believes it will be like when we are in God’s presence. But what really shook me was not the descriptive imagery, but the inclusiveness of the worship in heaven. It was not just Jesus in all His glory as all creation watched, or the angels but ALL of US together. I know people often picture fluffy clouds and robed angels playing golden harps when they think of the beauty of heaven, but something about the words “every creature” sounded…beautiful.
I am sure that it was no coincidence that as soon as the pastor wrapped up his message, an emcee came on stage and announced a date for worship auditions. Then the worship band came on and closed out the service with an amazing (as always) performance. Looking back, I find it ironic that after being rocked by the message, I remember thinking to myself that I could never “fit in” a worship band. There were two primary reasons why I talked myself out of trying out:
1) “Experience” as a Christian – I had only been a Christian for less than two years. I needed to give it more time, didn’t I? Surely the folks on stage had been at it their whole lives. They probably grew up in church, sang in the choir growing up, etc….or so I thought.
2) My “failures” – The people on stage looked so… “clean”. Tucked in shirts, slick haircuts and lead singers that looked like it probably takes them longer in the dressing room than your average pop superstar. You have to have it all together to be on stage in front of a congregation, right? While I was a follower of Christ, I was still working things out. I needed to “get it together” more before I tried some thing like playing at church…or so I thought.
I think there are a lot of people like the 2007 version of me out there. People who tell themselves they must somehow go through a process of becoming “worthy” of serving God – of worshipping Him – before taking the first monumental step of going to a worship team audition, signing up for a mission trip, or whatever. However, if you are like me, one day it clicks and it becomes evident that NO ONE is worthy by their own. Our individual faults and personalities are what gives color – or beauty – to what God does through us. We all need Him. He takes broken people with their broken words and broken songs to create the most beautiful symphony conceivable.
The cool thing is, when I decided to get over my own doubts and try out for a worship team at One Life, I found that all types of people are represented. There are people just like me. There are musicians who have known Christ their entire lives. And of course, there is every body in-between. Jesus spent much of his ministry teaching, healing and loving on the entire tapestry of humanity. He wants every one to get out of the “nose bleed” section of our churches. It doesn’t matter how long you have had a relationship with Him or what you are still struggling with. He wants every one in His band…including you.