Latest “Inner Circle” News
Summer 2005
School of the Levites
A Life Saved at the Cartersville Summer Concert Series
Evening Worship and Fellowship at Sardis Baptist
School of the Levites
August 3, 2005
Steve Hurst Artist Showcase
The Steve Hurst School of Music is the best of its kind. Hands-on training allows students/groups to implement the kind of techniques that hone presentation skills to a razor sharp edge. Group sessions, as well as personal instruction from some of the best in the ministry, develop skills and talents that broaden our ministry platform. Better quality, knowledge and performance lead to a more palatable presentation of God’s word. Never stop learning of Him and never stop working to give Him our very best. “Study to show thyself approved” means just that ? Study. And usually the approval comes through the hard work of faithfulness. And the Steve Hurst School of Music is hard work. And yet it is easy because every staff member and student is a cheerleader encouraging us to give Him our all. No barriers of expectation or performance, just obedience to the call that He has placed in our hearts.
Leading others to a place of worship is an awesome responsibility. The duties of Levites in the temple included providing music for the religious services, for according to 1 Chronicles 23.30 they were charged to “praise and glorify the LORD every morning and every evening.” The book of Psalms was their song book, and they held the scrolls as they sang. We learn from the Jewish historian Josephus that, around A.D. 65, because these scrolls were so heavy, they presented King Agrippa II with a petition asking permission to sing the psalms from memory and to wear linen clothing in the performance of their duties. Like the Levites of the Old Testament, we are expected to praise and glorify the Lord, and lead others to a place of worship, not a physical place but a place where their hearts enjoy “authentic worship.”
ICM with Steve Hurst
The heart of Steve Hurst is that we become as Levites, and present our best that others may see Him in His fullness.
Inner Circle attended the 2005 school reluctantly. Though not openly discussed among the group, all sensed that the passion to serve has been diminished by the daily struggles of life. Nothing wrong, simply very tired. And you know what the Devil can accomplish when he fatigues us. Full-time occupations and families combined with a demanding part-time ministry had led to physical, mental and spiritual weariness.
When we arrived, we set goals for the week, but our goals were not His goals. It was apparent by the end of day one that this was going to be a “make it or break it” week.
Vertical Praise - Holly, Eddie & Tony
God began a slow and sweet renewing of each of us individually, then combined this with a fresh corporate cleansing that involved the school staff and other friends. These Levites could see that God was working in our ministry, and without our knowing silently lifted us up in prayer and began to tenderly encourage us. By mid-week the tears flowed easily and often without control. Every song and praise was personal and almost too sweet to possess. Our friend Steve Hurst recognized God’s handiwork and called us out for a time of personal ministerial love. Others were faithful to love us, seemingly without reason and God’s presence occasionally became so overwhelming that even our private lessons became alters of love. Friends like Debra Talley, who sensed God’s moving and tenderly prayed; Joyce Martin, who cried as she instructed us; and Holly, Eddie and Tony of Vertical Praise who simply loved us and carried us before the Father. Even our daughters cried and prayed in secret. He drew us unto Himself. When we were finally willing for God to take our ministry from us, He gently gave it to us. We had to become small that He might show Himself large.
At the end of the week, our journey had become new again and God had shown us the work that lies ahead. We could hardly wait for our next opportunity to sing of Him.
A determination that was somehow different than before. Bold yet sweetly comforting; exciting yet holy. He is more to us than ever before.
“I will sing to the Lord for He is highly exalted.” Exodus 15:1
A Life Saved at the Cartersville Summer Concert Series
June 30, 2005
Inner Circle at the Cartersville Summer Concert Series
Inner Circle recently participated in the City of Cartersville Summer Concert Series. This annual event, sponsored by Wachovia Bank, draws thousands of people to the historic distric of Cartersville, GA for festive family activities that include antique car shows, sidewalk dining and music concerts. The concert series includes country, jazz, and bluegrass music, but this years event was kicked-off by a Gospel music concert featuring Inner Circle and The Gentry’s. Hundreds of people attended the concert, some who came specifically to hear the music and others who listened while simply taking a break from the other activities. Many of those present never attend church or listen to Gospel music.
Inner Circle at the Cartersville Summer Concert Series
While conducting sound checks just prior to the concert, a passing train struck a 14 year old boy less than 50-feet from the stage. The young man, named Thomas, was a volunteer for the event and was attempting to carry folding chairs across the track when the accident occurred. Janice, an emergency room nurse, and Greg, a retired police officer, participated in the intitial first aid efforts. After local EMS transported him to Cartersville Hospital, the scene was cleared and the concert began. The City of Cartersville asked Inner Circle to give an update to the stunned crowd. What a relief to report to them that Thomas, though dazed and injured, was evalauted as having received only a broken arm and several cuts. And what an opportunity God gave to tell the crowd of the Creator and Protector of Life, then lead them in public prayer. Thomas was released the next morning. By the way, Thomas’ last name is — Life.
Evening Worship and Fellowship at Sardis Baptist
June 30, 2005
ICM with George Hillhouse (left) and Pastor Ronnie Davis (right)
Sardis Baptist Church of Canton, GA hosted a wonderful evening of worship and fellowship recently as they extended the hand of fellwship and the heart of Christ. Through their Christ-like love, Sardis Baptist recieved and blessed Inner Circle with family love and allowed complete freedom to worship the Lord. As the service opened, the Spirit moved quickly and sweetly, reminding us that He is the giver and provider of all we have, and He alone has called us to His Kingdom work and quiting is never an option.
Inner Circle Live at Sardis Baptist Church
Through the laughter and tears, God tenderly blessed Inner Circle by blessing Sardis Baptist. The evening was concluded with a wonderful fellowship supper. The food, fellowship and freinds of the Savior — a glorious combination.