In the introduction to his book, Simply Jesus, N.T. Wright is talking about “Jesus’s way of running the world….” which he states is through his followers. Then he says, “The heart of their life is Spirit-led worship, through which they are constituted and energized as ‘the body of Christ.” When I think of half-empty [...]
Archive for the ‘Congregational Singing’ category
Trusting God’s Revelation in Worship
January 16, 2012Where to Find “New” for Worship
January 4, 2012What shall we include in worship? We are often looking for something new. The question of what to include in worship can plague evangelical worship leadership whose churches worship in the free church tradition. As proud as we are of our independence from any ecclesial hierarchy, the question can be haunting when it comes time to [...]
Pregnant
December 5, 2011It was a Wednesday night church supper in the downtown church where I served as Associate Pastor for Music and Worship. My regular routine was in full swing. I spent much of the day preparing the weekly choir newsletter, studying for rehearsals and placing finishing touches on Sunday’s worship. My wife, Ebbie, had run errands, [...]
November 28, 2011
‘Tis the season..game on! Advent has begun, Christmas is coming quickly.children’s programs, hanging of green services, Living Christmas Trees, Christmas Eve services, musical productions, etc., etc. Here we go. Although I realize we have all been working on Christmas for some time already, I want to request your attention for a moment here [...]
Hymn of Grateful Praise
November 24, 2011An often-overlooked Thanksgiving hymn is For the Beauty of the Earth. Perhaps it is passed over because the 19th Century text does not actually contain the word, “Thanks” in it anywhere. Perhaps it is because the straightforward hymn is more closely associated with a standard Sunday morning hymn of praise. Regardless, it is a song lyric that strikes me today [...]
Those Who Know It Best
November 11, 2011I know this Christian stuff really well. I have been at it practically my whole life. I was coming to church nine months before I was born. Many of the people who read these weekly ramblings are the same way. You have been singing, listening to preaching, partaking in ordinances, trying to witness your faith to [...]
Worship Leader Roundtable Reflections
November 2, 2011Each Fall for the past eleven years I have conducted roundtables for worship pastors/music ministers across our great state. I have come to look forward with great anticipation to these gatherings of fellow musician – ministers for many reasons. The fellowship is always encouraging, and every year it seems I see some new faces [...]
Leading with Heart and Voice
October 26, 2011The longer I serve in my role working with worship pastors across our state the more aware I have become of leaders who struggle with vocal problems. I can sympathize with these folks having had a bout or two during my own career with my voice. I don’t pretend to be a therapist, though I [...]
Here and Gone
October 19, 2011I was in my office busily working on a September day when a gentleman I did not recognize came to my door and asked, “Where’s the printer?” He had some papers in his hand. His light Hispanic accent was somehow engaging, but no more so than his winsome personality. As often happens, Charlotte overheard the question and jumped [...]
Healthy Leaders Healthy Churches
September 29, 2011Over the past three weeks I have led two churches through aWorship Renewal through Congregational Singing weekend experience. The times of studying, remembering, sharing, and of course, singing, were laced with sweet moments of fellowship, inspiration, discovery, and encouragement. Some very practical realities were clear through these and all the experiences I have had sharing these conferences in [...]
