Archives for June 2013

Jun 28 2013

5 Tensions Every Worship Team Must Balance

It’s too easy to misunderstand worship.

You’ve heard the cliches.

It’s not about music. It’s all about God. It’s not about excellence. It’s all about passion. It’s not about a song-list. It’s about flow.

Then you read the Bible and see how God doesn’t look at the “outward appearance” but also see how King David created instruments for praise. He appointed the Levites to stand before God and play music.

The Bible obviously emphasizes ideas that seem to be at odds with one another. Rather than saying which is right and which is wrong, it’s best just to step up to the diving board and plunge into the tensions.

Are you with me?

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Jun 24 2013

The Kick In The Butt That Every Artist Needs

There’s something every artist needs that most don’t have.

We tend to dwell in the realm of good intentions.

We think about someday.

We wait until we’re ready or have more experience. Maybe someone important will notice us and give us the confidence we need, right?

But what if I told you you didn’t need that? What if I told you that your artistic destiny was in your own hands? You just need to make a decision.

What you need, my brilliant artist friend, is a plan.

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Jun 19 2013

Why Artist’s Can’t Afford To Neglect Their Heart

6180907719_fe9b41146f_b At the end of your life, it won’t be the art you created that makes the biggest difference.

It won’t be the accolades, the awards, the standing ovations, or the powerful performances.

It will be the influence you’ve had on others. And the root of powerful influence comes from your heart.

If you don’t care for your heart, no one will. It is your responsibility and yours alone.

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Jun 14 2013

Why Every Worship Leader Is A Teacher (And How To Improve)

If you were raised in church, congregational worship is normal.

You know the ropes – raising your hands, singing, bowing down before God. But for many in our churches today, this is completely foreign.

And to be honest, a little weird.

It’s not that people are disengaged.

It’s not that they hate your songs. It’s not that they don’t want to worship.

They just don’t know how.

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Jun 10 2013

Artists, Ministry, And The Tension Between Christian & Secular Art

Art can be scary. Especially as it relates to its place in the church.

It’s like a wild animal, we avoid even trying to tame.

I love ministry. The work I get to do is such a privilege – leading worship, pastoring people, raising up volunteers, making disciples.

But I also wonder if the walls we’ve made between art and ministry need to come down.

I used to sit down and play the piano for the sake of beauty – getting lost in the moment while I created tones for God’s glory. Now, I sit at the piano to pull off a worship song.

I’ve lost the mystery. I’ve lost the expectation. I’ve lost a the sense of beauty and majesty as it relates to art.

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