As a sacred music enthusiast, I have collected numerous compilations of music that has been sung in churches of Christ over the past 152 years. It is a joy to me to pour over the pages of these hymnals and to sing songs new and old. I have not listed every copy here, nor every … Continue reading A collection of sacred music
Category: Church
13 attributes of a worship leader, and 13 hindrances
SOME HAVE SAID THERE ARE LEVELS OF WORSHIP LEADERS: SONG STARTERS, SONG LEADERS, AND WORSHIP LEADERS. While these suggested distinctions were contrived by men, they do perhaps help us understand how a worship leader may grow and mature in his ministry. I hope to illustrate the lifelong nature of growing as a worship leader and … Continue reading 13 attributes of a worship leader, and 13 hindrances
6 reasons to use a pitch pipe, and 6 reasons not to
THERE ARE TWO FUNDAMENTALS TO SINGING CHORAL MUSIC: PITCH AND RHYTHM. While you may be able to skate by without knowing some of the more advanced aspects of singing and directing, you need to know how to pitch and beat time. If you don't, you can learn easily at one of the Singing Schools or … Continue reading 6 reasons to use a pitch pipe, and 6 reasons not to
Warrior God
OUR GOD IS A WARRIOR GOD. If perhaps our first thought of God is to think that he is nice, we would do well to learn of him as he has revealed himself throughout scripture. Jehovah is not the God portrayed in Hallmark cards and Christmas carols. He is a loving God, but he is also mighty.
Remembering the crucifixion, with Isaac Watts
The severity of God often serves as a backdrop against which His goodness is portrayed. Never have these complex attributes of God coalesced more poignantly than in the cross.
Elevate worship: evangelize, edify, exalt!
Worship exalts God. Never is our purpose more directly fulfilled than when we worship. The greatest reason we worship is to lift up our great God. Worship is our opportunity to enter the throne room of Heaven, to look upon our Father, and to express our gratitude.
“Misery Theology”
While it is true that Christians will suffer, and our temporal happiness is not God's first priority, I am convinced that Christians should be the most joyful people in the world.
Battlefield life
for the most part, our church gatherings feel more like a warm, friendly family gathering at Cracker Barrel than a battle rally. The most dangerous threat the church senses is the leaning tower of communion trays.
Singing under the stars
It had been a drizzly day, but the rain held out long enough for us to sing. It was completely dark except for the soft illumination of the glow sticks we used to light our hymnals. We did not want to detract from the lights of heaven.
Batting practice and Blessed Assurance
When it comes to baseball, we know the player is practicing hitting, even when he strikes out. But when it comes to faith, we sometimes think a slipup is a sign that his heart isn't in it at all.