A couple weeks ago, the OUTCRY Tour 2016 came to Hamilton with Elevation Worship, Jesus Culture, Kari Jobe, and Hillsong. We travelled all the way there with a few friends from church to worship with them. When else would Toronto get the chance to see 4 well-known worship teams come together under one roof? It's like 4 concerts in one hehehe. More than the concert though, there was a powerful underlying theme and message behind the entire OUTCRY movement.
Here are 6 things I thought/realized/learned from OUTCRY:
1. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE LOCAL CHURCH
The importance of the local church, and being a part of a local church is an overarching theme at OUTCRY this year. It was emphasized throughout the concert that even everyone and every church, whether "big" or "small," has a great part to play as part of THE Church. The great and powerful worldwide movement of the Church starts with local churches and individuals that know and accept their commission from God.
2. THE CHURCH IS NOT DYING
Hillsong Team. Photo by my friend @jeremiahgnzls
There are many reasons to believe that the Church is dying -- youth/millennials are leaving their local church and and ditching belief in Jesus overall, and thousands of large and beautiful churches (as in church buildings/organizations) are closing their doors by the year in America. Although these facts may be convincing that the Church is dying, the Church is actually alive and well, just as Jesus is. What may be changing, however, is the stereotype of churches and religion. Many churches are no longer meeting in beautiful and seemingly expensive buildings with high ceilings, pews and paintings of naked angels, but rather in houses, school gyms, movie theatres, old commercial/industrial use buildings and really anywhere people can gather. It seems that today's growing churches don't have organs and and large glass murals, but rather stage lights and guitars (not that the guitars and lights are what is making those churches grow). As for religion, it seems that what is being taught now is less about following rules, but rather about falling in love with and following Jesus (and of course growing in obedience to Him and His Word). It may seem like the Church is dying, but rather, it is changing as people continue to follow the unchangeable God. Pastor Brian Houston even said that the Church is the greatest movement in the history of the world, even until today. It's so true when Jesus said in Matthew 16:18: "...on this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it."
3. THE ABILITY TO HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD
I've never been on "missions," like to Africa or to any place/people/group that has not been reached out with the Gospel. Personally, my mission field right now is in my own city (Toronto represent jk but I live in the GTA tho styll). It's really great that there are organizations like Power2Change that are sending people on missions, and World Vision which allows us to sponsor children in need of help around the world. It's easier than ever before to help people hear the Gospel. If we know someone that is going on a mission, we should not be hesitant to help sponsor them. With the amazing technologies we have today such as the Internet and airplanes, we can impact more people with less effort/time/money (of course, more important is the "impact more people" part, and less important is the "less effort/time/money" part). Shhh, here's also a little secret... something more effective than giving money is having faith (Matt. 17:20) and prayer (1 Jn. 5:14-15)... and of course, faith results in works (i.e. giving!!!).
4. TRUE WORSHIP RESULTS IN SELFLESSNESS
True worship does not result in a feeling, but is rather a result of how we feel and how we know God. It isn't about what we feel or what we want, but it's a way of giving all that we are back to God, after we experience everything that He is, and everything He has done for us. If we have a great "experience" of God during the concert/worship experience, but our lives after the concert/worship experience reflect otherwise, maybe it isn't worship, it's just feeling of lights and good music. That's just about what we feel and gain, and is selfish. Read John 4:1-26 (though this can be an entire 2 hour preaching in itself).
You're the reason we came / to encounter Your love / Your love surrounds us
Here as in Heaven, Elevation Worship
5. PRAYERFUL WORSHIPPING
Whenever I have a worship experience like at OUTCRY, I can't stop thinking about people and SOULS -- mainly the youth at my church, and especially those that are still broken and lost. I want them to know and experience Christ like I do, and even more than I do. I remember how limited I am in reaching out to them, but I can't forget how limitless God is and that nothing is impossible to Him.
Elevation Worship. Photo by my friend @abbybelandres
A miracle can happen now / for the Spirit of the Lord is here
Here as in Heaven, Elevation Worship
Freedom conquered / All our chains undone / Sin defeated / Jesus has overcome
Unstoppable God, Elevation Worship
Saviour, He can move the mountains / My God is mighty to save
Mighty to Save, Hillsong United
6. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE JESUS
I was so amazed to see Hillsong, Elevation, Kari Jobe and Jesus Culture all together in one place. Actually, even if it was just Kari Jobe I would still have been amazed... so how much more amazed when I see Jesus face to face, hear His voice, and spend the rest of eternity with Him :)
MEMORABLES
When Kari Jobe sang that old song that goes "Your name is like honey on my lips, Your Spirit like water to my soul, Your word is a lamp unto my feet... Jesus I love You" hehehe loved that *kilig emoji*
That group of Filipinos that Hillsong invited on stage during praise party (that should've been us)
Taya Smith got sick according to Pastor Brian Houston, so she couldn't sing oceans :( (of course that happens when she's in Canada of all places) ... so instead, Kari Jobe sang Oceans and the rest of the set with the Hillsong team :D
When some CYNs got free Brian Houston books (but not me :( )
SETLISTS
These setlists are just from my memory and are probably missing a few songs :)
Photo by my friend @b.g.v_gambol
Elevation Worship
Unstoppable God
Ressurrecting
Here as in Heaven
Jesus Culture and Martin Smith
Fierce
Did You Feel The Mountains Tremble
Holy Spirit
Our God Reigns
Alleluia
Set A Fire
Kari Jobe
Breathe on Us
Revelation Song
Break Every Chain
I Am Not Alone
Spirit Break Out
Holy and Anointed One (Chorus)
We Give You All The Glory (O Come Let Us Adore Him) - with Cody Carnes
and of course... Forever
Hillsong
Relentless (Young and Free Remix)
Mighty To Save
O Praise The Name (Anastasis)
O Praise The Name (Reprise)
Mighty To Save
Oceans (with Kari Jobe!!!)
Forever Reign
Christ is Enough
Cornerstone
This is Living
Alive
