Hi IBC, my name is Crystal Elwell and I serve as the Associate Pastor of Worship. For almost 15 years I have had the privilege of leading our community in worship. Music has always been an important part of my life.
I had an incredible junior high choir director. I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in music because of her. Eventually, I graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a degree in Music Education. I taught junior high choir and elementary music for several years. Around that same time, my husband Jason and I were invited to be part of a special worship experience here at IBC. After that night, we immediately fell in love with the community here.
Within a few years, Jason joined the IBC staff as the Worship Pastor and I started directing the adult choir. Shortly after, the Lord's plan for my life became evident. I began to branch out from directing and started to lead worship. For years, I had always told people that Jason and I are so lucky to be doing what we’re doing at IBC. In 2017, I stopped saying that after reading Ephesians 2:10.
Ephesians 2:10 says “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
In 2017, I took a survey of my life and this scripture came alive for me! I realized that I had been leading the church in worship since I was a young girl. I wasn't lucky. I realized that I was living out His intended purposes for my life. When my eyes were opened to this truth it changed everything for me. It changed how I approach my role at IBC, as a wife, mom, and as a neighbor.
The Greek word Paul uses in this passage is “poiema,” which means a beautiful and masterful work of creativity. We are God’s Poem. We are created and crafted to do the things He has called us to do. God’s poem is alive and active, distinct and diverse, purposeful and powerful. This is the Church and this is you and me.
On Sunday, June 9, we will celebrate how God has brought all people together, a grand Masterpiece, to fulfill His Kingdom call. On Pentecost Sunday we commemorate the birth of the Church. I hope you will join us for a wonderful time of worship during our service and afterward in Town Square.
