One thing that Brian Flewelling shared was that the goal of worship is "to bring the King and His Kingdom down from heaven to earth." Even though this is only one way to describe the worship dynamic, I really liked what it implies:

"There's a displacement of cultures. The kingpins of this world have to be removed and the cultures of this world have to give way. So that:

• Cultures built on self-gratification have to be removed.
• Cultures built on how I feel have to be removed.
• Cultures built on false ways of thinking have to be removed."

(you've known the effects of those moments of transformation in your own life, right?)

We have to replace the drivers (what drives us): entertainment, comfort, selfishness. It's really basic discipleship. Worship and worship services should serve to disciple us. Whether that's someone far from Christ or a seasoned saint. That's quite a high bar. But that's our call as worship teams and leaders.

This talk went on to amplify the value of the Word in informing and inspiring worship, both personally and in gathered worship. You can read Brian's handout here.

He also led us in a congregational declaration called "The Good Father." It was very powerful with the refrain of:

God is a Father.

God is my Father.

My Father is a Good Father.