why I do what I do

Hey... I am not really into hardcore music.... I spent 10 or so years at The Murray Hill Theater doing lights for piles of hardcore bands....
My little brother (that does security over there) showed me this video a while back... Its a band called Seraphim, and they are playing to a sell out crowd at MHT.

(skip ahead to 2:15 if you aren't into this music and want to see the point of this post) Basically some dudes (that were too old/violent) to be in a pit with 16 year olds were asked to leave. The lead singer pauses the show and shares why fighting in the pit is bad and what God will do in your life....



I have never seen a hardcore band present the gospel like this....

I love church stuff, I love big worship rallies with big altar calls, big guest speakers, lots of lighting, countdown videos, weeks of planning, scenery, musicians with a scary loyalty to Apple products, and words on the screen.....

The thing is that it is hard to get lost people to come to church (no matter the effort/time/money you put into your service) especially folks that have been hurt by other "Christians" in the church.....

Do I believe that church is effective at presenting the gospel and letting people know whats up? Yes.

Does the church reach everybody? No.

This is where MHT and the bands that play there comes in.... its a middle ground for Christians or otherwise, neutral - yet bathed in prayer and built with a purpose... This is why Jenn and I support Come & Live - its a great tool to get the bands out there, talking with the fans, sharing their faith.

This is why at 28, with a wife, kids, and a career I still try to make the time to support MHT - whether its running lights for a show with some local bands, fixing their lights, or putting together a dance party.

I still find fulfillment/joy whenever I work up there and hang out with the staff and volunteers.

This week marks Murray Hill's 15th year as a Christian Rock and Roll venue. I went there for the first time when I was 17, I started volunteering at 18 - which makes 10 years volunteering/working at the theatre.