Death to Self Luke 9:23Then [Jesus] said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. The role of “Worship Leader” in churches is both ancient and modern. It’s both a calling, and a “staff role” that has existed for millennia (see 1 Chronicles 6:31-48; 1 [...]
As music directors/worship leaders, what is our reaction when asked to lead music for a funeral?When it’s someone we know well, quite often, we will gladly jump in a seek to help out.But other times? Obligation? Frustration?If we serve in a large, or quickly growing church, quite often our time is already filled with many [...]
I was all set yesterday to post the long overdue 2nd part of my "Death and the Worship Leader" 3-part blog... when a fascinating thing happened at the presidential inauguration. https://youtu.be/GSTxjThXb-0?si=6OPky5AgrLK-TgMl There’s a huge lesson to be learned here for church music leaders.What began as a singer, doing a performance for a group, to a [...]
Note: Recently, at a conference in the USA, I was shocked as I read the news of the unexpected passing away of a member of our UK small group - a woman with whom I would speak weekly after church about a variety of topics. The following blog (and series) was in development for [...]
I ran across this video today and was deeply moved - https://youtu.be/EgodWtPZwWM?si=HaXxMAjm1Zau3MV8 As one entrusted with developing music ministries over the years, a significant question that arises is: “who should serve up front” - who should be visible leading the congregation? There are several qualities that should be considered: maturity and genuineness of faith, godly [...]
And David shepherded them with integrity of heart;with skilful hands he led them.Psalm 78:72 I’ve been thinking about his verse a lot recently - which first and foremost describes the character of King David (even whilst fully aware of his failings). But I think it’s also a call to those in ministry leadership capacities. David [...]
One of the things we have come to deeply appreciate since moving to the UK is the way liturgy is incorporated into services and prayer meetings. It is not dry, dusty, or merely done for tradition or ritual’s sake. It is thoughtfully presented and entered into. It is an opportunity to engage on both a [...]
Many years ago I visited a growing church in a prominent Wisconsin city and heard words I’ve carried ever since. The senior pastor - a man I have continued to admire greatly - shared the following: “I recently received an email from a former attender of [church name] that began with words of thanks for our [...]
A question that has arisen over the years is this: How "creative" should we seek to be in our gathered Sunday worship? As one who has looked more into the regulative vs normative principles, I’d say I fall somewhere in the middle - I think we’re given freedom in the ways we follow the prescribed [...]
“And so this is Christmas what have we done?Another year over,A new one just begun.”True confession: though I live in England, I’m not much of a John Lennon fan. But every year from Dec 26 to Jan 2 this song echoes in my mind - “So this is Christmas… what have we done?” Let me [...]
Allords.London 