Today was one of the most challenging messages Perry has ever preached. He used the story of the Prodigal Son but focused his talk on the other brother (Luke 15:25-32). This is a message that every believer, every church member and every church leader needs to hear. You can see Perry’s thoughts about today here. Tony also has some of the message highlights here.
Tonight from Backstage I wanted to focus on something a little lighter, but something that had real impact in our service. Today our band covered the song, “I Want My Mullet Back” by Billy Ray Cyrus. What was great about the song is that it was about as redneck country as a song can get, but it really fit with the message today. The song basically says “I want what used to be, back” … the older brother in the story of the Prodigal Son wanted that too.
Guess when we decided to include that song? Last Sunday. We plan way ahead and usually have music sets planned a month or more in advance. Last Sunday, On Mother’s Day, Perry simply asked Lee if he thought the band could do the song on short notice (Perry had heard the song and thought it fit and that it would provide a fun moment in an otherwise tense service). Lee immediately got together with Tom Pellerin, who would be leading worship today, and they listened to the song. Tom said he could do it and they immediately made cd’s for the band and started working on the song before last Sunday’s services were over.
I want to give major props to two incredible worship leaders who desire to say “yes” to their pastor instead of offer a million pride filled reasons why they can’t do a song. Also, not only did they do the song but they spanked it. They had fun and the folks that attended each of our services really responded to the song in a big way. The band also covered a Tonic song (You Wanted More) in the same set which rocked. Most importantly today the worship time (Glorious One, Let Me Sing, Nothing but the Blood & Kingdom Come) was energetic and Spirit filled. I just love the way Lee and his team lead worship and never get in the way of people seeing Jesus during our worship time… preachers preach and singers sing!
