In my previous post on “Something’s Happening Here”, we looked at the fact that during gathered (in-person) worship in music, we declare God’s worth, character, truths, and the Gospel to ourselves, one another and unbelieving attendees (visitors.) This time, we're briefly looking at the reality that during gathered worship, we commune relationally with God in [...]
When I first began attending an evangelical, (non-charismatic), Gospel preaching church I could tell something was different. If you had asked me then to describe what I experienced I would say, “something spiritual.” I now know I was experiencing the reality of the Holy Spirit moving on my heart. Years after coming to faith, and [...]
Thanks to those who have given feedback – either online or in person. It’s been great to continue these conversations. During my 20+ years in music ministry, I’ve had the opportunity to work with several music-leader (worship band leader) interns. It can be a great joy or an immense frustration. In all cases, it adds [...]
*Worship Arts Ministry posts will return in 2020 For many of us, "O Holy Night" is one of our most cherished Christmas carols. Originally written in French (and poorly translated into English), here is a more direct translation into English, highlighting the powerful message it contains. Merry Christmas! * * * * * * * [...]
In a break from Worship Arts Ministry thoughts... a Christmas reflection. Rightly seen, Christmas is a season experienced with joy, wonder, and longing. Joy ....delight in glittering lights and sweets and festive songs and indulgent foods and sleigh bells and tinsel. Hearty laughter with family and friends at gatherings and parties. But a deeper joy [...]
The focus of a worship arts ministry should be to glorify God using the best we have while striving to better ourselves for His glory. Not for our names’ sake or for the sake of artistic ‘growth’ - but for the sake of the kingdom. We live in an age of digital mass distribution [...]
Physical Expression in Worship The first time I saw someone raise their hands in a worship setting, I was curious... but not confused. I didn't think anyone was "asking a question". I had been to see Whitesnake and Great White and Motley Crüe in concert. I had seen people fully physically engaged with something that [...]
Last time we looked at the Formats of songs used for worship - Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs. And we noted that the lyrics were of primary importance. So, how do we determine lyrical depth? Where does the line lie between God honoring emotion and pleasure-seeking emotionalism? I would contend the lyrics should be un-confusing [...]
In Part I, we looked at music in the Church - that the songs we use are to be: - richly full of the message of Christ - sung to God and to one another - from the heart and filled with gratitude But ....what about song formats or structures? What musical style should we use? [...]
I recently was speaking at a church about what our worship gatherings should look like, specifically in the area of music. It's mostly disheartening (but a bit comforting tbh) to know that the Church has argued over musical styles for centuries. Sadly, what is designed (in part) as a demonstration of our unity has been [...]
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