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The Encounter II · Monday, September 14. Doors open at 5:40 PM. Reserve your seat.
The Encounter · Serve Protocol

The instruments serve the Presence.

For our musicians, singers, audio & production — what you're agreeing to when you sign up to carry the sound of this room.

First, settle this

Is production worldly?

The Bible never condemns skilled musicians, many instruments, rehearsal, or organized worship. What it consistently rebukes is worship with the right form and the wrong heart — “this people draw near me with their mouth… but have removed their heart far from me” (Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 15:8–9).

David was sought out as a “cunning player” — highly skilled. But his qualification wasn't the harp. It was this: “the LORD is with him.” (1 Samuel 16:16–18)

David appointed four thousand musicians and built instruments (1 Chronicles 23:5). At Solomon's dedication, 120 trumpeters and the singers were “as one” — and then the glory filled the house (2 Chronicles 5:13–14). The cloud didn't come because of the trumpets. The instruments served the Presence. The Presence did not serve the instruments.

The Encounter's foundational value

Performance says. Presence says.

Performance
Presence
“Look at us.”
“Look at Him.”
Asks, “Did people like it?”
Asks, “Did we honor Jesus?”
Depends on applause.
Depends on surrender.
Ends when the song ends.
Continues when everyone goes home.
Tries to create emotion.
Produces transformation.
Wants an audience.
Forms disciples.

“Presence over performance” doesn't mean don't rehearse. David rehearsed. The Levites trained. The trumpeters knew their cues. It means: don't confuse excellence with encounter.

The protocol

What you're saying yes to.

1

I come as a presence carrier, not a performer

I sing and play to an Audience of One — the room follows.

2

I follow the Spirit, not a setlist

I come rehearsed and ready — and hold it all loosely, turning when He turns.

3

My gift serves the moment; it never steals it

Excellence and humility together. Sometimes a run, sometimes one held line, sometimes silence.

4

The sacred protocol applies to me too

Phones secured, no spectating, consecrated with the room — and I pray before I play.

5

Heart posture over talent

Teachable, humble, submitted. Not perfect — willing. “The LORD looketh on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

Our goal is not an atmosphere where people admire musicians — it's an environment where every element points people toward a genuine encounter with Jesus Christ.

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