Invitations
The Gospels are filled with stories about invitations. Some of the most notable, and my personal favorites, are the invitations made by Jesus to those simple fishermen and that “scumbag” tax collector. Not only do I love that Jesus saw them and chose them, but I am amazed that they all accepted his invitation. They had no idea who Jesus was, what they were in for, or what Jesus could have possibly seen in them to choose them to begin with. Regardless, they said yes.
Growing up as the pastor’s kid in our small La Viña church, I was asked to sing on the worship team at the age of 10 due to my love for singing and the lack of volunteers. I may not have been very good at the time, but I was invited, and I gladly accepted the opportunity. In my youth, when our churches merged into one bilingual church, I again was extended an invitation to help lead worship. At the time, no teenagers were leading on our Sunday morning team, but my pastor, Jessica Lewis, took a chance on me. I again accepted. It has been over 10 years since I said yes to her, and I could never have imagined all that God had in store for me.
Over the course of these 10 years, I have had the privilege of leading regularly as one of our main worship leaders, I have been engaged in translating songs for Vineyard Worship, and was a part of the first bilingual album. Additionally, I have had the honor of co-leading with some incredible worship leaders and musicians over the years at conferences and retreats. Sometimes I cannot even believe all the things I have been able to do and be a part of, all before the age of 25.
As I reflect on my journey, I realize that it has been filled with invitations from those in places of power and leadership who have been willing to offer me a seat at the table; people who have been generous enough to share the stage and spotlight with me, someone younger and inexperienced, because they saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. I am grateful for those leaders who took a risk and a chance on me and allowed me space to grow and learn. As incredible as those invitations have been, my willingness to say yes despite my feelings of inadequacy was an impactful choice. Choosing to walk through the open doors God had arranged for me led to an incredibly rich life. The lyrics of the song “Generous God” perfectly describe God’s grace towards me: “You do exceedingly so much more than we could ask, believe or imagine.” That is what my journey has felt like. The Lord has been incredibly generous despite my feeling completely unworthy, but that is the God we serve.
For those of you in senior leadership, I want to challenge you: when was the last time you extended an invitation to someone younger and inexperienced? Do you have anyone on your team who you are actively pouring into and raising up, possibly a person who you will transition into your position at the church one day? It is not easy to take that risk on the unknown and give up control. It takes courage and intentionality to make room for others who have yet to fully cultivate their talents, but I know that it is worth the risk. The impact you can have on a young person’s life by simply extending an invitation can be life altering, and possibly change the trajectory of their lives! If you are doing these things – way to go! If not, I highly encourage you to start looking around and find someone. Check out your youth group; I am sure there is at least one person with some musical inclination that you can start working with. Perhaps it is that background singer or guitar player that has been faithfully serving and is ready to be invited to take on a greater role. An invitation releases them to step out in faith.
For those of you who are younger or just starting out, please keep striving forward. Thank you for saying yes to serving and embarking on this journey. My encouragement to you is to remain humble, willing, and available to the needs of your leaders and church. Serve faithfully, even when you are not getting to do what you want to do. Continue to grow in your craft, whether it is singing or playing an instrument. This is all in God’s timing, but put in the work and effort, be present, and give of yourself. Your time is coming. Lastly, don’t be afraid to say yes to the invitations that come your way. Even if you feel inadequate or not ready, take the risk! Your leaders might see something in you that you have not yet recognized in yourself, but you will only discover it if you take that leap of faith and say yes.
Carlabigail Hernandez is a wife, mother of two, and a worship leader at the Vineyard Church of Houston. She has been leading worship in both English and Spanish for over 10 years and is a featured vocalist on Esta Es Mi Canción, a bilingual Vineyard Worship album. Carlabigail has also been an active member of the official Spanish translation team for Vineyard Worship, helping to translate numerous Vineyard songs.