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 [...]
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 [...]
Something we utterly treasure, living in Europe, are mealtimes with other families and guests in our home. When sharing a meal with another family, there’s no often no rushing off to games or telly. There’s a heightened sense of lingering in each other’s presence. Dinner can begin at 6pm and last until 10pm. After the [...]
Ever since lockdown began, I’ve longed to back together in-person for church, and last Sunday we were finally able to attend service at a local Anglican church where the vicar is a dear friend. We knew to expect it to be different. It was, but, it was so good to be back worshipping as the [...]
“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness” Romans [...]
In the “Something’s Happening Here” discussion, we looked at the following things that occur 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.) We commune relationally with God in His Presence When we sing as the gathered church, we have an opportunity [...]
Thus far in the “Something’s Happening Here” discussion, 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.) We commune relationally with God in His Presence When we sing as the gathered church, we have an opportunity [...]
Allords.London 