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 [...]
For clarification as we continue on, let me share the foundational premise I'm working from: Gathered worship is the verbal outpouring* of the redeemed people of God - offered, led and carried out by redeemed people - not hirelings, not machines. It is Redeemed Images of God responding to their Creator, King and Redeemer. This [...]
As mentioned in my last post, the church has rightly begun to re-examine the words we use to add clarity and help avoid misunderstanding. Sometimes this from a heart that desires to help the congregation more fully embrace a humble, grateful, Biblical theology and sometimes it’s merely out of a sense of modern Pharisee-ism, wanting [...]
Thanks for joining me on this journey! Having served for a couple decades in church ministry, perhaps some of the things I’ve learned will be helpful for your context. I’m by no means an ‘expert’ in the area of music/arts ministries, and I’ve learned to be very wary of anyone who claims to have [...]
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