Last week was full of guests. On Wednesday we had Jordan Rife, a local worship pastor, and Friday we had Mac Powell and Keith Ogorek. Mac Powell may be a familiar name as lead singer for the well-loved CCM band Third Day. However, Keith Ogorek may not be familiar as he is a businessman from the Indianapolis area. This unlikely duo met from a divine set up on a plane and have become good friends after that plane ride all those years ago. They have recently published their first book together called “The Soul Shines Through” explaining all their findings and appreciations for visual arts and the artists. So, this was not a typical visit for our class, but there was a lot of good they were able to share with us.
I think I really appreciated how Mac talked about the Christian music industry, especially in contrast to the recent visit of For King and Country’s band members. Mac shared a lot of his experience over the years and how the industry and worship culture has changed. I found it interesting that he mentioned the role of women representation in the Christian music world. Jordan also briefly mentioned it on Wednesday, and Mac expounded about how it is encouraging to see more women rise up and take the mantle of worship leader and creators. As a male worship leader who’s grown up around female worship leaders in the church and on the radio, I don’t think I understood how significant of a development this was. I found that hearing it from Mac I was able to see the generational shift that has furthered the kingdom of God in a worship culture.
Overall, the two of them emphasized the importance of art and music as a reflection of beauty and response to God. If we overlook the beauty, if we act in ignorance, or if we ignore out of pride, we are limited ourselves to experiences the fullness of what God has for life. The fullness of his beauty, the fullness of his joy, the fullness of life, the fullness of our identity, the fullness of his love.
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