Praise & Worship

I was born and raised in a United Methodist church. I learned about the Apostle's Creed, what Communion is all about, and I learned some of the most meaningful congregational hymns. When I was about 24, I received my calling to be a Missionary. I told my former Pastor about it, and he tried to insult me by calling my assignment a 'vocation'. After my meeting with him, I went home to look up the word 'vocation'. Could you believe that he called my 'calling', and 'calling'? It was at the moment that I realized that the man that I looked up to, really didn't know what he was talking about. I decided that I can't be under the leadership of a man who didn't think before he spoke, and I joined a Baptist church.
Under new leadership, I was introduced to Praise & Worship. I was used to singing with the congregation at the beginning of service, but this was different. For me, I felt like I was getting closer to God. I was taking an opportunity to tell God how I feel, regardless of what other people were doing. It was my time with God, and everyone around me felt the same way. I stayed at the church for four years, then I went back to my United Methodist church to work with the music ministry.
I ended up joining the church again, and I was welcomed back with open arms. Although I was coming home, I was still feeling empty. I missed that 'me time' with God. I missed standing up with my hands stretched up to God. I missed singing worship songs, and openly expressing myself without the congregation staring and figuring out what's wrong with me. I got to a point where I would sing myself to worship, then leave the sanctuary and go to the chapel so I can openly worship without people's stares. Don't get me wrong; I'm at a point where if you want to look, go ahead and look. At the same time, I miss the moments where the whole congregation would just fall into worship; I miss when we would just let go and not worry about time constraints. That's when I decided to go worship in the chapel alone, and let the congregation get what they want from the service. As time passed, the Holy Spirit came to me and told me that I should share my worship with the congregation. I also realized that there were church members my age who were ready to receive something different from the services. Praise & Worship has been a part of our church services since February of this year, and I am the Praise Team Leader. I knew that it would be a lot of work, but I feel that I was finally ready to take the responsibility. Besides, Praise & Worship is my true 'vocation'. lol