Archives for May 2016

May 30 2016

Next. More. Better: Putting Excellence In Its Proper Place

At what point does excellence and production value become too much?

When does it cease to serve the local church and instead, distract us from our goal – equipping the saints for the work of ministry?

We’re always waiting for what’s next. Doing more. Making everything better.

I’ve heard the argument on both sides.

If your production is over-the-top excellent, you are a seeker sensitive, sellout church with no Bible, no depth, and a congregation that shows up to be entertained.

If you’re a small church with little to zero production value…well, that’s also looked upon with a certain degree of chagrin. You at least have to be using a click, right?

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May 25 2016

Talent Isn’t Everything: What Sets You Apart As A Leader

It’s true. Nobody may know who you are.

Nobody may care about what you do week in and week out. You may not have fans all over the world. Your hard work may largely go unnoticed.

You’re probably not the most talented, best in the world leader.

Truth is, that’s not so bad.

Because a few people knowing who Christ is, is far better than a thousand people knowing who you are. I know, that sounds spiritually sensational – over the top. But it’s entirely possible to be so obsessed with being known, recognized, adored – that you lose your heart.

And that’s what I want to discuss today, leaders – the danger of losing your heart.

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May 20 2016

#124: Borrowing The Best Of Catholic, Evangelical, & Charismatic Worship Traditions [Podcast]

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We talk about going through the motions as if it’s a bad thing. But what if the motions are right?” – Ryan Flanigan

Ryan Flanigan is a worship leader in an Anglican Church. But he didn’t start there. Matter of fact, he was born Catholic, raised Charismatic, and educated Evanglical. All 3 of these streams now come together to form Ryan’s theology and his ministry.

And I think we all have a lot to learn from his experience.

We talk about the strengths of each stream, the benefit of going through the motions, the sacrament, and why worship leaders need to lighten up.

Maybe a bit controversial, but most definitely challenging, stirring, and educational.

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May 16 2016

5 Mistakes Your Worship Team Is Making [That You May Not Be Noticing]

Let’s face it.

None of us sets out to screw up. Mistakes are inevitable.

And the longer you lead, the more your church grows, the more you’ll need to pivot and change. What worked 10 years ago may not work today. Matter of fact, what worked last year may not be the best idea today.

That’s actually the sign of great leadership. You don’t need to have all the answers, all the time. But you do need to keep a pulse on what is working and what is not…and have the courage to change when necessary.

So consider this post less of a brash, unfriendly rebuke and more of a reminder – a reminder to be proactive about avoiding ruts.

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May 11 2016

#123: Phil Wickham on Vocal Health, Identity, & Being a Child of God [Podcast]

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Such an honor to welcome Phil Wickham to the show this week. I remember the first time I heard Phil sing. I was at a songwriting retreat in the Santa Cruz mountains of California and it was a worship night with just Phil and his guitar. The fullness of sound this guy put out was astounding. And for the last couple of years “This is Amazing Grace” has been a staple of our worship sets.

Needless to say, I’m a fan.

In this conversation we pull back the curtain and talk about Phil’s vocal challenges he went through, his new album, his journey, and plenty of practical tips for artists and worship leaders.

Enjoy!

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