Archives for July 2014

Jul 31 2014

#51: Worship Leader, Know Your Bible [Podcast]

A few days ago, a member of my worship team asked me a question,

“Dave, what should I be working on? How can I improve as a worship leader?”

Being the seasoned, experienced worship leader that I am I started to rattle off a list of improvement tips.

I told her to become a student of other worship leaders. I told her to listen to a lot of worship music. I told her to practice behind closed doors.

All good things, right? Sure – except for the fact that I missed probably the most important discipline she could “work on”, and that is knowing the Bible.

There’s nothing that brings context to worship leading like God’s Word.

The Bible helps me lead worship like nothing else. It’s scary, but I can know all the worship songs in the world but completely miss the point if I don’t know my Bible.

Worship Leader, know your Bible.

Click to Listen

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

[Read more…]

Jul 29 2014

The Morning After Sunday Morning: An Essay on the Emptiness of Serving Your Ego

When I woke up this morning, I was anxious.

I didn’t know who I was. No, not in a scary, schizophrenic kind of way. I wasn’t at peace with who I was, my identity, and what I was called to do.

Every morning is marked by this stress, but especially Monday morning – the morning after I lead worship.

When worship goes well, Monday morning feels empty. I miss the compliments of the crowd. I miss the feeling of a job well done. I feel alone.

When worship is a train wreck (yep, it still happens sometimes), I feel like a failure. I feel like I shouldn’t be doing the things that I do. I’m a fake…a phony…I don’t have what it takes. It’s probably time for a new career.

Monday mornings. It’s quiet. And the silence is deafening to my ears.

[Read more…]

Jul 24 2014

#50: Don Moen On Worship In Action, Authenticity, & Keeping It Simple [Podcast]

Do you ever think that we over-complicate worship?

Oftentimes we can get so caught up in massive creative pursuits that I fear, sometimes, God is on the outside wondering when we’ll welcome Him in.

In this interview, I had the honor of talking with worship pioneer Don Moen about this and so much more.

Don was the Creative Director and President of Integrity Music for 20 years. A prolific songwriter and recording artist, he’s been involved with over 50 projects, 17 of them his own.

He was a major catalyst in launching the careers of Paul Baloche, Darlene Zschech, Israel Houghton, & Hillsong United.

Don’t miss this conversation!

Click to Listen

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

[Read more…]

Jul 22 2014

The Weapon of Worship: How To Fight Sin, Walk In Purity, and Live For Heaven

I’m not going to beat around the bush. Let’s strike right to the heart.

The best way to counteract today’s culture of materialism, sexual immorality, and self centeredness is…worship.

There’s no better medicine for our hearts than the act of consistent gazing upon the glory of Jesus.

I know, today’s post title seems epic, dramatic even. But when you consider what is after our attention on a daily basis, I don’t believe that it is.

Life is a battleground – a war over your heart, your worship. And thousands of lovers are pining for yours. [Read more…]

Jul 17 2014

#49: What Every Worship Leader Needs To Know About Connecting With A Congregation [Podcast]

Worship ministry isn’t just about your personal worship.

It’s not just about caring for our own hearts. Otherwise we could just stay in the congregation, right? Worship ministry is also about the hearts of the people we serve.

We have a calling and a responsibility to lead, love, and pastor people in their pursuit of God. We need to connect.

That’s what today’s podcast is all about and I’m glad you’re along for the ride.

Click to Listen

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

[Read more…]