“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 [...]
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 [...]
In a return to this blog, today’s post is very simple. If you lead a church in any capacity… If you attend church… Read.This.Book
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Firmly convinced that every person is made in the image of God, we looked last time at how that should shape our creative process as well as building relationships with our congregations. Today let’s look at how Imago Dei shapes interpersonal dynamics of a music team. 3. Fellow Servants As a music leader in a [...]
A vital part of any ministry, including arts/music ministry, is an unwavering conviction to the truth of Imago Dei, especially as it relates to the gathered Church and those you serve alongside. Imago Dei. You are made in the image of God Everyone you encounter is made in the image of God. Your best mate [...]
DREaM in London 