Death & the Worship Leader (Part III)


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 [...]

Death and the Worship Leader (part II)

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 [...]

Vox populi: What Carrie Underwood’s song at the Inauguration can teach church music leaders (or … Carrie On)

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 [...]

Heart and Hands

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 [...]

Turning the Diamond – your song repertoire

Some years ago, I attended a worship music conference and was struck by a statement one of the seminar presenters made about song choice and song repertoire.  He said, Much like a preacher who sees his job as bringing out the diamond (the Scriptures) each week and then turning it so that his audience can [...]

Post Coronavirus: The Re-Formation of the Church

A good friend from my small group and I were recently chatting about how the current pandemic has affected the Church and pondering its lasting effects on the Church.  What will church look like when we can finally fling wide the doors?  Will life be the same?  What pre-pandemic things are worth leaving behind? What [...]

There’s Something Happening Here…

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 [...]

Significant Six: The Upward Call of the Church Music Leader

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 [...]