The Campaign Rally

The election is over, and what a whirlwind it’s been.

Daily news, quotes, and chaos filled our days. One standout feature of these past months has been the campaign rallies.

These rallies are unique events where people leave their homes, decorate their cars, and dress up. They bring signs and placards, all to gather with like-minded folks to meet the candidate they support.

Imagine the scene: a sea of people, music blaring, lights flashing, and videos playing.

Special speakers and singers add to the spectacle.

However, the true reason everyone is there is to see the candidate.

When the candidate steps out, the crowd erupts in cheers. As they speak, it feels like a shared experience, a collective encounter with someone they deeply believe in.

But what if the candidate doesn’t show up?

Without the candidate, it’s just a meeting—a club gathering of supporters. The excitement fades because the main reason for all the effort is missing.

Now, think about church. Your church.

Why do your people go to your church?

Is it the community?

Is it the pastor?

Is it the worship leader or awesome production & praise?

Do we come because He tangibly is in our midst?

Is that why we get out of bed on Sunday mornings? Is there any other reason?

Often, when I go to church, I think about reconnecting with friends and activities—the music we'll create. Sure, it's all for Jesus, but is He my primary motivation for going?

We all know the right answer: Yes, it’s for Jesus.

But is that our real, weekly experience?

You can attend church without expecting to see Him and still feel like you had church.

But remember, just like a rally without a candidate isn’t truly a rally, the church gathering without encountering Jesus isn’t complete.

Jesus promised to be where two or more are gathered in His name.

Yet sometimes we gather in hundreds or thousands in His name, and for His sake… but not actively experience His person - His promised presence in our midst.

We hear about Him from friends of His and sing songs about Him and to Him.
But do we actively encounter Him?

I’m not saying we should have goosebumps every time we gather.

What I do know is that Jesus promised to be with us. He shouldn’t be an afterthought or a subtle reason for our gathering.

We sing about Jesus at the center;

Holy Spirit - lead us to make Jesus intentionally & actively at the center.

That people would leave church with Jesus at the top of their minds and hearts.

Every time we gather, we should expect an encounter.

Cause if we don’t recognize and respond to Him - what are we doing? Why did we come?

Let’s learn from the campaign rallies - it’s not worth it if He’s not there.

Had a great time last week in Dallas, speaking at the Global Worship Summit!

I’ll share a video next week!