Recently in For Music Ministers Category

Have you ever thought about beauty? What is it about the shimmering snowy peaks of a mountain range that makes us stand in awe? Why are we so moved by a beautiful sunset, or the cry of a newborn baby?How many of us have ever stood at the edge of the Grand Canyon and actually felt significant in comparison? If you're like me, you arrogantly marched to the canyon's edge, but then dropped to your knees to cling to the earth in response to its immensity. It is beauty of that magnitude that just inspires awe. 

It seems strange, but singing the same Christmas carols year after year is delightful. "O Little Town of Bethlehem" is one of them. It never ceases to be meaningful as I picture the many visual images in the words. I accept its beauty with joy in my heart and the simple beat of its music.

And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone¹s chains were loosed. Acts 16:23-26

Nothing bugs me more than someone who says they are a "passionate worshiper" out of one side of their mouth and then from the other side, speak all manner of evil against another person. Does this sound familiar? Do you know someone like this? Students and adults who consider themselves "deep worshipers" must also grasp the truth that "deep worship" should produce godliness in their tongue! Have you ever wondered why this is and why they haven't made the connection between "worship" on Sunday mornings and "living it out" every other day of the week?

There seems to be a growing concern for the need of worship planning resources. Ministers of Music and Worship Leaders from across the globe are searching for new ways to plan and lead worship. We feel a deep need to be creative in our worship planning. 

Chapter 1:  The Important Things

It was my dream job. I'd just become Director of Worship Development for Sovereign Grace Ministries. After pastoring for twelve years, I was now studying worship and training worship leaders full-time. I was leading worship at a conference and should have been exhilarated. After praying with the worship team I headed up the stairs to start the meeting. The room was overflowing, the atmosphere electric. Every heart was ready to praise God. Well, almost. From the outside I'm sure no one could tell what I was thinking. That was a good thing. As I made my way to the stage, I suddenly found myself battling doubts. What difference will this make tonight? Will it have any eternal value? People will sing, raise their hands, get excited . . . and go home. And I'll do this over and over and over again. For the rest of my life. Suddenly it all seemed empty. Dry. Pointless.