Archives for October 2015

Oct 27 2015

How To Strengthen The Heart, Professionalism & Musicality Of Your Team

Wouldn’t it be great to have a team of the very best musicians?

Not only talented musicians, but ones who continued to learn and develop. Imagine this with me: team members who were constantly researching new gear, investing in their setup, trying new techniques.

Add to that the fact that their attitudes were top notch – they had a heart for the local church. They loved Jesus. They were on time, reliable, not big-headed, willing to do whatever was necessary no matter how glamorous.

Sound like a great scenario? What if I told you this was possible? But what if I told you it wouldn’t come easy and it wouldn’t happen overnight?

I know, it’s not a very sexy answer. Most worship leaders look to the ministries with a lot of notoriety. We wish we had the talent of Bethel. We covet the size of Hillsong. We long for the budget of a megachurch. We want to be handed an ideal situation without putting in the work to build something.

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Oct 23 2015

#105: Mark Batterson On The Discipline Of Writing, Leading People, And Lifelong Learning [Podcast]

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Christ is in your corner, on your side. That’s what makes every ‘what if’ possible.” – Mark Batterson

Mark Batterson is an inspiring leader – the author of 12 books and the pastor of a great church, he’s always pushing himself to live and lead at a higher level.

In this podcast we talk about Mark’s new book, the discipline of writing, leading in the local church, and plenty of books to read.

Enjoy!

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Oct 21 2015

Why Corporate Worship Is Good For The Soul

Hibernate

Corporate worship. Some call it a concert. Some say it’s unnecessary. It’s the brunt of endless complaints and the melting pot for more preferences than one can imagine.

But what really is this activity that we do every single week? What good does it really do?

I’ve been in church services my whole life. Some have been amazing. Some have been awkward. Some have been educational. Some have been embarrassing.

The problem with our gatherings isn’t too little or too much excellence. It’s that we place too much stock in the “professionals.” We need a standout, “anointed” worship leader. We need a charismatic speaker. But this creates ministry platforms for the gifted few and entertainment for the rest.

What happened to the idea that corporate worship is an individual responsibility? You are the church. Your heart needs to be felt. Your voice needs to be heard. It’s not just about being entertained or getting “filled up.”

We come because we’re a part of the family and we have a voice.

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Oct 15 2015

7 Traits Of A Trustworthy Worship Leader

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Do you think worship leading as more than what happens in church? I see it as more a way of life than a vocation or leading people in song.

Worship leaders lead with their lives.

The song we sing everyday makes the gathering more meaningful. Private fuel gives rise to corporate fires. And that is everyone’s responsibility. The gathered church can’t rely on the worship leader and the worship leader can’t rely on the church. We have a responsibility to:

“Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name. Bring an offering and come into his courts” (Psalm 96:8).

It never says to ascribe glory when you feel like it. Or to ascribe glory when it’s convenient. We’re not called to worship when the band is good. We all have a responsibility.

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Oct 09 2015

#104: Andrew Peterson on Art, Stories, Entertainment, & Seeing the Gospel in Everything [Podcast]

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I love talking with people who savor life and have a huge imagination. And that’s why I love this conversation with singer/songwriter Andrew Peterson.

Andrew is a singer, songwriter, author, and storyteller with a passion for art and the Gospel. This is one of my top 10 favorite podcast interviews thus far.

There’s so much to take away from this conversation: creative tips, parenting advice, songwriting lessons, and finding inspiration. Also a ton of great recommended reads.

Enjoy!

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