The gospel in song: “Glory Be to Jesus”

"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.

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?

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.

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

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.