Portland Metro Church

Interview With Kathryn Scott

Pastor John Marvin — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 01:31:37 GMT

Interview with Kathryn Scott Causeway Coast Vineyard Church Coleraine, Northern Ireland Writer of “Hungry” (Falling On My Knees) And “At The Foot Of The Cross” (Ashes To Beauty) By Pastor John Marvin Sr Pastor Portland Metro Church www.portlandmetrochurch.org Kathryn, how do you personally define worship? The real stuff of worship happens before we start to sing - it's the choices that we make in the small corners of life; the way we treat our spouse; the way we love our children; the way we honor our employer; the way we respond to the poor; the way we are with God when no one else is looking. It's these things that make sense of the songs we sing - they aren't meant to be our worship - they are meant to express, or give voice to our worship. What specific goals and objectives do you have for the church as you lead worship? My main goal is to create a safe place for people to encounter God for themselves. This affects the songs I choose; the way I lead; the way I respond to the Holy Spirit - everything. How do you go about planning for worship, both in terms of long-range planning and weekly planning? I make sure that I have had some time to reconnect with God for myself. I love to do that through walking!! I don't always have the time - but as long as it's still a part of my life that I come back to when I can, then I know I'm on good ground. Then, when I'm preparing for leading worship - I'm thinking through 'who am I leading in worship' - it's all about serving those people, so I have to spend some time thinking through who they are, and what they might need to express to God through the songs I choose. On the long term planning side of things, I talk over with the Pastor what the overall strategy is for our direction as a church and make sure that we are heading the same way through the worship teams as well! We are all part of the same team (leadership of the church), and so we can't afford to go in a different direction to everyone else :) I also invite his critique and thoughts on what we've done so far - there's nothing more helpful than someone who is on your side telling you things to think through that you can improve on. How do you review the weekly gatherings? What do you look for in terms of evaluating your effectiveness? We have a staff meeting on a Wednesday morning where we tell our stories of God intervening in our lives and the lives of those outside the church that we know, and how He is bringing them to himself. Then we review the service - the wonderful things, and any things that we could do better. I'm always keen to know if people were able to connect with God - to make sure that I either didn't push the boat too far, or not far enough! Are you thinking of any specific age group or style as you plan the worship service? Our church mostly has young people, but we do have quite a lot of couples in their forties and fifties, and then one or two couples in their sixties and upwards. Truthfully, I'm not so much thinking of age when I plan - I'm more thinking about who will be there in terms of what songs they might know. On any given Sunday we will have a good number of people who aren't yet following Jesus - and so, I try to use a hymn at some point along the way, because nearly everyone knows them - even if they haven't gone to church since they were a child. I also try not to introduce too much new stuff at once - again, I want people to be able to grab a hold of songs and sing them from their hearts - that's hard to do if they don't know them. What piece of advice would you give beginning worship leaders regarding the planning and leading of worship? Listen to your senior pastor and try to facilitate the vision of the church as you lead worship. Listen to the Holy Spirit - if you see that He's on a certain song, or present to do a particular thing in the room at that moment - just sing it out - there's something that happens when we announce what the Lord is doing (not manufacturing what isn't there - but recognizing His move when we see Him, and 'saying or singing what we see'.) How do you incorporate being led by the Spirit into the planning of the worship service? Usually I just plan the set based on the things we've already talked about. Songs are vehicles - the real deal is all about where the journey goes. So, almost in a sense it doesn't matter what songs we use (as long as people know and connect with them) - it matters that we listen to the whisper of the Holy Spirit as we actually lead, because that's how we know where to go. How do you do the same during the worship service? While I'm leading I start to sense that the Lord is present to do a certain thing - or that we need to linger for a moment on a particular song. I try to simply be obedient. Sometimes I've given an altar call right there in the middle of worship, and people have given their hearts to Jesus then and there. Sometimes I've sung out that people are going to be healed because I've sensed that the Lord is doing that right then at that moment - and people have been healed. Sometimes I've just led worship and not sensed those things at all, and so I've led as sensitively as I can. The temptation can be to 'make something happen' - but we are just waiting to see what the Lord will do, and then be obedient when He moves. Kathryn, do you have any last words? Pastor John, It was lovely to meet you! God bless you so tremendously as you continue to serve Him. I just feel like I have to say 'He gives rest to the weary' - it's wonderful and right to rest too - just in case you were feeling tired and not sure if you were letting Him down by taking time out as well.

Don't Quit!!!

Pastor John Marvin — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 06:32:58 GMT

This is a powerful clip about not giving up. Many times we feel like quitting but don't quit...With God's help you can make it. I also changed the background of our Podcast to theater curtains. We have moved our Sunday AM service to a theater. We meet at the Lloyd Cinemas at 9:30 every Sunday. We have plenty of parking space, comfortable seats, casual dress, we are right on the MAX line, contemporary worship, we use the 40' screen. We are currently doing a series called "God at the Movies" where we are showing clips from major motion pictures. If you want you can even have a popcorn and a drink during the service and every first time visitor will receive a coupon for a free drink at our coffee house, "The Meeting Place" located on the corner of NE 6th and Alberta. "The Meeting Place" coffee house is open M-F from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Blessings, Pastor John

Steel Drum Music from the Caribbean

Pastor John Marvin — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 18:51:06 GMT

I just got back from the Island of Antigua & Barbuda and this steel drum music was from Shirley Heights overlooking English Harbor and Nelson's Dockyard. Enjoy... Pastor John

Caribbean Sounds

Pastor John Marvin — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 16:58:53 GMT

No...This is not Caribbean music but the sound of the Caribbean Sea...I just got back from Antigua. This beach is in the north of the island. It is called Jaberwok Beach. Enjoy... Pastor John

Modern Woman at the Well

Pastor John Marvin — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 07:47:04 GMT

Back by request...Many have asked me to put this back on my podcast. Pastor John

Anointed Worship Mix 1

Pastor John Marvin — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:42:00 GMT

I love to worship God! Here is some of my favorite worship music. Many of these songs are anointed by God and will draw you into God's presence. Find a quiet place and shut yourself away with God while you listen to the music. Enjoy! Pastor John

Pastor John's Mix 2

Pastor John Marvin — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 00:19:01 GMT

This is my second mix of favorite songs. This is more traditional gospel and Black Gospel. I hope you enjoy the sounds. If you like what you hear please let me know. Pastor John

Pastor John's Mix

Pastor John Marvin — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 10:37:18 GMT

I have always liked many styles of music. Here is a mix of some of my favorite Christian Reggae, Rap, R&B and Hip Hop. I hope you enjoy it. Give a listen and tell me what you think... Pastor John

The Priviledge Of Prayer

Pastor John Marvin — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 06:37:22 GMT

Prayer is a great priviledge. We can come before the throne of God with our needs. God wants to answer our prayers. He wants us to come to him and ask....You have not because you ask not...Do I think that God will give you everything you ask? You will need to listen to the message. Pastor John

Mission And Vision Statement

Pastor John Marvin — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 08:17:14 GMT

This is the Mission and Vision statement for Portland Metro Church. We feel God has great things for us here in Portland that will impact the entire world...

Music from Antigua And Barbuda

Pastor John Marvin — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 18:33:35 GMT

Hey Maverick, Some of the members of this group were friends of ours when we were missionaries in Antigua & Barbuda. The group is called Judah Development and the title of this CD is Movements. They include many Caribbean sounds. Enjoy Pastor John

Don't Give Up...

Pastor John Marvin — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 02:24:25 GMT

Delores Hendricks...Yes Dee, this message is for you! I know others will be encouraged also but I feel that you need to be encouraged. Pastor John

Jesus Loves Sinners!

Pastor John Marvin — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:07:57 GMT

Jesus loves the lost...If you do not know Jesus I want you to know that He loves you very much and you are of great worth to Him. He loves you so much that He died for you. Pastor John

No Illness Is Too Difficult...

Pastor John Marvin — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 18:37:07 GMT

Why me? What have I done to derserve this? Is God punishing me? Is it because I lack faith? Whether it is chronic physical illness or a deep emotional wound, there is NO illness too difficult for God. No matter what your problem is today- Nothing is too hard for God. After you listen to the Podcast if you would like to hear a story of God's healing power go to: www.nothingstoohardforgod.org Click on the link "Illness" to hear Larry's story. Pastor John

No Relationship Is Too Broken

Pastor John Marvin — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 02:39:15 GMT

Many people have trouble with relationships. Today there is more violence in the workplace, domestic violence is on the increase, more young men and even children and women are committing violent crimes. God has the answer.

God Understands Loneliness

Pastor John Marvin — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 21:01:11 GMT

It might seem impossible but God does know the pain of lonliness, even to the point of despair. He knows and understands what you are going through and He longs to have a close relationship with you.

Spiritual Journey

Pastor John Marvin — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 03:26:13 GMT

We are all on a spiritual journey, which way are you headed?

No Person Is Beyond Forgiveness

Pastor John Marvin — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 10:01:57 GMT

Everyone needs forgiveness and everyone can have have God's forgiveness if they ask.

Nothing's Too Hard For God!

Pastor John Marvin — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 00:37:05 GMT

We know life has problems, and sometimes it seems like you can't find any answers. We know it's tough and sometimes you just don't know where to turn. The good news is...there ARE answers, and there IS hope.

Welcome message from Pastor John

Pastor John Marvin — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 16:42:13 GMT

Pastor John welcomes you to our new Podcast and please check out our website at: www.portlandmetrochurch.org If you would like to contact pastor John you can e-mail him at: pastor@portlandmetrochurch.org