We recently started a unique and needed community for worship leaders. We call it the Asaph Generation. Why the name "Asaph Generation," you ask? Simply put, we want to be part of a generation of worship leaders who leave a godly legacy in worship ministry—like Asaph did!
The Asaph Generation is an exclusive community committed to 1) whole-life worship of God, 2) musical excellence and 3) investing our lives in others. These three qualities really define Asaph's life:
1) Asaph was a worshipper. Read any of the 12 psalms he was credited for writing (Psalms 50, 73-83), and you'll immediately know that Asaph (pronounced "aw-sawf') was a passionate worshipper who was growing in his relationship with God. He wasn't perfect, but he really wanted to please the Lord.
Passages like the following help us see how well Asaph "got" worship: "Whoever sacrifices a thank offering glorifies Me and makes a way; I will show him the salvation of God" (Ps. 50:23).
"But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have taken my refuge in the Lord God, that I may declare all Your works" (Ps. 73:28).
2) Asaph was a musician. John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible describes Asaph as "a famous singer." He was, in fact, one of the most skilled and well-respected songwriters and worship leaders in the Old Testament. His songs were celebrated and recognized right alongside of David's.
"Then Hezekiah the king and the officials ordered the Levites to praise the Lord with the words of David and Asaph the seer. So they praised with gladness and bowed down to worship" (2 Chr. 29:30).
"So the number of them, with their brothers, who were trained in singing to the Lord, all of whom were skillful, was two hundred and eighty-eight" (1 Chr. 25:7). This "number" included Asaph.
3) Asaph was a mentor. He invested his life into others and left a legacy for others to follow. He passed his knowledge and skills down to his children and grandchildren, who in turn taught their children about ministry through music. Because of his heart to intentionally train and mentor, Asaph helped start customs, which lasted for many generations.
"Then David and the officers of the army also set apart for the service some of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, those who prophesied with lyres, harps, and cymbals ... From the sons of Asaph: Zakkur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asarelah, the sons of Asaph under the guidance of Asaph, who prophesied according to the decree of the king ... All these were under the direction of their father for the music in the house of the Lord" (1 Chr. 25:1-2a, 6a).
"The overseer of the Levites in Jerusalem was Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Mika. Some of the sons of Asaph were the singers attending to the work of the house of God" (Neh. 11:22).
"For in the former days of David and Asaph there were leaders for the singers, the songs of praise, and thanksgivings to God" (Neh. 12:46).
If you're serious about growing as a worshipper, musician and mentor, then join the Asaph Generation community and sign our covenant at asaphgeneration.com. Our community exists to encourage, advise and hold each other accountable. We invite you to come grow with us.
Dwayne Moore is founder of Next Level Worship. He is also Pastor of Worship and Creative Arts at Valley View Church in Louisville, Kentucky.
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