"Glory be to Jesus, / Who, in bitter pains, / Poured for me the lifeblood / From His sacred veins!" (Galli/Caswall). It is the antithesis of earthly glory, the grotesque picture of a scoundrel hanging from a tree bleeding for the lost lot of humanity. Jesus would die at the hands of the very men he created, whose might he bestowed, and breath he first breathed. Yet it was Jesus who prayed that God would glorify him in John 17. This was no self-serving prayer, but one of purpose, hope, and vision. He knew that the road to his glorification led through the cross.
Tag: Singing
Why you’re not getting anything out of church
Men have long sought spirituality in elaborate architecture, “priestly” attire, and religious tradition. We have erected sophisticated denominations over the centuries, each with their own signets of sacredness--some with great pomp and circumstance. Even in less formal circles, we often become enamored with buildings, attire, attendance, titles, and numbers. But do these outward displays truly manifest spirituality? Do they indicate the very presence of God?
The worst blog post on reaching millennials… ever.
Okay, so it’s no surprise that this millennial is not particularly enamored with the 1950s era church culture, but what may surprise some is that neither does contemporary culture fill the void in my heart as the pendulum swings. Quite the opposite.
21 qualities of a “good hymn”
ONE OF THE GREATEST JOYS OF LIVING IS THE JOY OF SINGING A GOOD SONG. While taste in music is undeniably subjective, some hymns are of notably superior quality. Perhaps the greatest test of the quality of a hymn is the test of time.
10 secrets of speakers and singers to help you beat cold and allergy season
AS A PROFESSIONAL SPEAKER OR SINGER, IT IS UNDESIRABLE TO MISS WEEKS OF WORK DUE TO LOSS OF YOUR VOICE. Naturally, missing some time due to illness is understandable. However, poorly managing common colds and allergies can result in consecutive weeks of time where the voice is incapacitated.
7 unnecessary distractions by worship leaders that impede your praise
WHILE WORSHIP LEADERSHIP REQUIRES BEING SEEN AND HEARD, THERE ARE SOME THINGS WORSHIP LEADERS MUST NOT DO. A leader must be self-aware, able to discern when his method is most and least effective. He must be intentional, giving careful thought to how he may best lead the church in each particular act of worship. Above all, he must be sensitive to anything in his attitude, appearance, or sound that would get in the way of worship.
7 essential audible and visible cues from worship leaders that amplify your praise
THOUGH SOME HAVE PURSUED TO AN EXTREME THE MYSTIFYING ART OF "INVISIBLE" WORSHIP "LEADING," PERHAPS A BALANCED APPROACH IS MORE EFFECTIVE. The worship leader is a minister for a people and a purpose greater than himself; his role and responsibility is to lead the people of God into the presence of God.
What every church leader needs to know about hymns and hymnals in the digital era
NEW MUSIC IS NOW BECOMING AVAILABLE TO THE AVERAGE CHURCH AT AN UNPRECEDENTED PACE. Simultaneously, music literacy is declining. Church leaders are often ill-equipped to discern between the various sources of music that may be infiltrating the church. Worship leaders may have competing agendas regarding worship styles, new songs to introduce, and favorite arrangements. Composers … Continue reading What every church leader needs to know about hymns and hymnals in the digital era
Singing under the stars 17
CHRIST IS THE WORLD'S LIGHT Light descending John 1:1-9 78 Praise Christ by whom the worlds were framed 205 Immanuel, God with Us 198 Exalted Light proclaiming John 8:12 664 - He Leadeth Me (1, 3, C, 4, C) 32 - How Shall the Young Secure Their Hearts 67 - Christ is the World's … Continue reading Singing under the stars 17
1 incredible way worship leaders rob the church, and 2 simple solutions
IN SOME CHURCHES, THE ONLY PERSON WHO EVER HAS THE PRIVILEGE OF SINGING THE PITHY FIRST PHRASE OF A SONG IS THE LEADER. While many have debated where the line is between trying to turn the church into a choral group and neglecting the music entirely, there ought to be one thing we all agree upon--if it is worship from the heart, the words matter above all else.