brianwurzell

The Evolution of Worship Gear!

brianwurzell — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:57:14 -0700

Earlier today I had the chance to team up with Ryan Axtell to really dive into the nuts and bolts of the evolution of the Acoustic Guitar for the Worship Leader. In this video, Ryan uncovers a new discovery of ours that we think could shape the culture of equipment for Worship Leaders, internationally. Have a listen and let me know your thoughts! This will also be featured on our Cornerstone Worship Arts Blog.

Sonic Awareness - Session 1 from brianwurzell on Vimeo.

Abolishing the Sex Trade...

brianwurzell — Sat, 30 May 2009 11:44:31 -0700

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to hang with Bethany Hoang, Jeannie Mai and Naomi Zacharius. I had the chance to talk to each of them about the organizations they work with that are all aiming to abolish the sex trade. These are brilliant woman with hearts for God, influence, dreams, Kingdom driven minds and full of zeal to 'do justice' in their lives. This is just a very short video interview that I did with them at Catalyst Westcoast 2009. Check out their websites and get connected to some of these amazing organizations.

Abolishing the Sex Trade... from brianwurzell on Vimeo.

Charlie Hall: A Good Man

brianwurzell — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 21:41:46 -0700

I’ve met a lot of people in my young life, but, yesterday I met a fellow that will not soon be forgotten. I mean the guy told me to grab his goatee, he’s a good man. Charlie Hall is a Singer/Songwriter/Worship Leader/Pastor and now a friend. We had the chance to hang for a few hours yesterday as he and my friend Phil Wickham are on tour together and the tour stopped here at Cornerstone.

Charlie is one of those guys that lives like I hope I live. He lives in the midst of his story, believing God, believing the scripture, making his declaration through the art of song and doing everything with Christ in him to live it out. A couple things really stood out to me from what I observed in my time with Charlie and I’d love to share them with you.

As a Worship Leader, I have a deep amount of respect for him. Charlie has been on the scene as a writer and leader for a good while now. I can remember hearing the Passion ‘99 album for the first time and hearing him lead ‘Better is One Day’ and ‘You’re Worthy of My Praise’ with the Female vocalists and all. Ten years later his lyrics and style continue to be a transcendant piece of beautiful art through music.

Ultimately, now having had the chance to get to know Charlie, I see a man that has dealt and is dealing with real life face to face. Charlie is a man that declares the truth of the songs God has given him to serve as a medium to help free people, but, they’re also the songs to remind him that he’s free. I appreciate the way he draws people in who don’t normally feel invited in and reminds us all that we’re broken people in need of redemption.

Much more to say, but, for your own good, go download some of his music. His newest offering is called ‘The Bright Sadness’. Check it out!

Good Friday - His Suffering, His Death…

brianwurzell — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 13:37:32 -0700

I watched this video today and it just is amazing to consider what Christ did for us! We have an amazing Savior, Friend, Hope and Sacrifice in Jesus. He truly paid it all and thanks be to God for giving us Jesus. Today is a day to remember his suffering. Today is a day, not to move to His resurrection, but, to soak in his suffering. Today is a day where we remember, that where animals used to be slain for the remission of our sins, while we were still sinners Christ died for us. He took the place of an animal, a Lamb, but, moreover, a PERFECT LAMB that we might be Co-heirs with Him in the Kingdom of God.

In a few sentences what does Christ suffering mean to you? Comment if you would!

Listen as this Surgeon explains, from a medical perspective, what Christ did for us on that cross. Reflect, consider, be still, contemplate, medidate and remember Christ in his suffering today. Let Easter come where it will this weekend, but, for today just consider Christ in his suffering for us.

Isaiah 53:4

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Also, this Lenten prayer has been one that I’ve mediated and prayed many times during the season of Lent (thanks for the lead jarrett stevens). Join me in this prayer today:

A Prayer for Lent, by Henri Nouwen

How often have I lived through these weeks without paying much attention to penance, fasting, and prayer? How often have I missed the spiritual fruits of the season without even being aware of it?
But how can I ever really celebrate Easter without observing Lent? How can I rejoice fully in your Resurrection when I have avoided participating in your death?

Yes, Lord, I have to die-with you, through you, and in you-and thus become ready to recognize you when you appear to me in your Resurrection.

There is so much in me that needs to die: false attachments, greed and anger,impatience and stinginess…. I see clearly now how little I have died with you, really gone your way and been faithful to it.

O Lord, make this Lenten season different from the other ones. Let me find you again. Amen.

A Cry for Mercy: Prayers from the Genesee; Image Books, 2002

In a few sentences what does Christ suffering mean to you? Comment if you would!

Technology and Community - Rob Bell & Shane Hipps

brianwurzell — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 10:13:15 -0700

This is a video of Rob Bell interviewing Shane Hipps on the means to the end as it relates to the church and where it's going from the aspect of truly being on the mission with Jesus. You've heard the old phrase 'Methods change, but, the message doesn't.' Hipps says, what if 'the medium is the message'? What if we truly lived as thoughwe were the medium? Great stuff. Simple reminder. What are your thoughts on what he had to say?

The Shack - An Abomination?

brianwurzell — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 12:59:20 -0800

I recently saw this clip from a Pastor in the Seattle area named Mark Driscoll. He’s a pretty credible leader within the larger scale of the church and has a wide stroke of influence nationally. I’ve actually visited their church in Seattle and they are doing some AMAZING things in that city. Mark also has some brilliant things to say about leadership, vision and the local church.

I watched this clip and for some reason it just didn’t sit right with me. Honestly, I’ve never read The Shack (and I probably need too), but, I did watch an interview that Jarett Stevens did with the Author of the book at 7:22 back in the fall. Personally, I enjoyed the interview with the Author and I thought he explained the premise on which he wrote the book and did that pretty articulately.

I’m curious what your thoughts are on Marks perspective regarding The Shack. Have you read the book? Is it, truly, heretical as Mark calls it? Do you get the sense that William Paul Young is simply utilizing a story to paint a picture or is he really making a ‘false idol’ for us to try and contain? Watch the clip and post your thoughts!

Lent - A Gift, A Miracle...

brianwurzell — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:43:39 -0800

THERE is a video at the bottom of this post that YOU HAVE TO WATCH. This post is a good read too!!

Today is Ash Wednesday and it's been a great day so far. It's been a full day of reflection, discussion and conversation about this mysterious God that I've put my life towards (ash on head and all!). It started by going to Ash Wednesday Mass at my dear friends Parish called Mt. Carmel in Tempe. The homily was confronting. The priest talked about how we are so afraid to be alone. He called us 'cell phone junkies' and called us out on the reality of how desperately afraid our culture is of being alone, even those of us in Christ. We don't know how, we're scared to, we're resistant to, we're afraid of and we fill our lives with so many things that keep us connected to people so that we won't have to be alone. Introvert or Extrovert we all have 'things' that we do that keep even our minds occupied. I was confronted by the Holy Spirit in time of reflection, during church this morning, to prioritize more time to just soak in His presence and commune with Jesus. Is this just me or are you with me on this one?

My fast for lent is going to be from soda/coffee drinks. My resolve is that I will drink water only for 40 days. I'm excited about it because I actually will have to choose water in my day multiple times and it's in those times that I just want to remember who is my true drink. Jesus. He's the one I'm after and He's the one I'm staking it all on! I want to know Him more and I'm thankful for a season of fasting that will lend itself to the gift of knowing Jesus more intimately. I'm amped to have an opportunity, throughout the rhythm of my day, to willingly choose something that will serve as a reminder of Jesus sacrifice for me, for us and for humanity. Thanks be to God (as they say in the Catholic Mass).

I returned back to our church campus here at Cornerstone just to run into beautiful tears. Our amazing Kenyan sister, Caroline, is living here in Chandler, AZ with our Pastor and his wife as she pursues her Masters degree at Arizona State University. What's never been said very loudly is that Linn and Lisa Winters (our pastor and his wife) live one of the most generous lifestyles that I know. I could make a list of 10+ people (including myself) that they've take into there home in times of need and just to be a blessing. Caroline is next on that list of people that they have been gracious to as she lives with them now and for the past 4 weeks Linn and Lisa have been 'just figuring it out' with their 2 cars to make sure Caroline has transportation to get to ASU. Relentless giving. Very cool!

That being said, I came back to the church this morning and Caroline came in gasping for breath, filled with tears and, honestly, I couldn't tell if something bad had happened or what. She then went on to explain what I then made her sit down with me to video record this very special day and what it means to her. So sit back for a minute and listen to this beautiful woman as she talks about a faithful God and tells a story of unique and profound blessing. PRAISE BE TO GOD!! Music courtesy of Robbie Seay Band - Hallelujah, God is Near and Matt Maher - Unwavering.

I'm curious...what would you be willing to give up during Lent?

To learn more about Huruma Childrens Home - CLICK HERE.

To see a previous blog post I did on Mama Zipporah during the time @ the loss of their beloved Papa Isaac - CLICK HERE.

FACEBOOK - Victim or Offender?

brianwurzell — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 09:41:03 -0800

The question to ask yourself is, simple. In your Facebook world are you the Victim or Offender on such actions in that social networking world. Laugh and then be honest. Be sure to leave a comment. Let's see who's who in the mix.

Worship - Alternate Arrangements!

brianwurzell — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 12:08:26 -0800

While sitting in 'Sweet Tomatoes' with Ryan, Jason, Matt Maher and Kenny Butler, earlier this week, the dialogue was started about songs we think could work acousticly. We then talked about songs that really maybe couldn't be changed from their original format. We all had a few thoughts and then the legendary Matt Maher (if you don't know who Matt is...he wrote the song 'Your Grace is Enough'...no Chris Tomlin didn't write that...the genius Matt Maher did...give him credit!) just mentioned that the Hillsong United tune 'Break Free' was one of those songs.

Well, later in the week we just could not refuse the chance to prove Matt Maher wrong. So we did and here's what we came up with for it. Also, don't forget to watch the bonus video of the acoustic version of 'Your Grace is Enough'. I'll just say in advance, you won't be able to 'get enough' of this goodness. Let me know what you thought...leave a comment! :)

FOR ONE OF MATT MAHER'S BRIGHTER MOMENTS:

ART GIVE! - Deadline Today

brianwurzell — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 09:22:41 -0800

My dearest Fiance is GIVING AWAY a free custom painting today. Waste no time. Go get your name in the hat! GO GO GO! The entering ends later tonight. Hope you win! Click the picture below for the link.