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.
Tag: Worship Leading
12 essentials to keeping a cappella worship alive in your church, and 12 ways to kill it
"Where there is no vision, the people perish." Proverbs 29:18 KJV THE GREATEST THREAT TO A CAPPELLA WORSHIP IS NOT INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC; IT IS LOUSY WORSHIP. Some church leaders believe they can keep a cappella alive by preaching against instrumental music semi-annually, but the most effective method is to worship the Lord with consistent, spirit-filled … Continue reading 12 essentials to keeping a cappella worship alive in your church, and 12 ways to kill it
A collection of sacred music
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
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
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.
Preparing to lead the church into God’s presence
No, it's not a performance; worship is far more significant than a performance – it's an offering to God.