David Santistevan, Author at Beyond Sunday Worship

Mar 23 2016

Why Your Sunday Setlist Is More Important Than You Think

WHY YOUR SUNDAY

It’s kind of a tired discussion – setlists, songs, and how many new songs to lead. There’s nothing wrong with it, it’s just that my world revolves around picking setlists and finding songs. If I’m honest, I look forward to days I don’t have to pick out a setlist. It feels like vacation.

But this one activity we do day in and day out is something we can’t lose interest in or give up on.

Here’s why:

Songs are important. Church aside, consider the prominence that songs have in our culture. Movies wouldn’t make sense without them. Sporting events would lack energy without them. Moments rarely pass without hearing some type of music. From department store background music, to wedding ceremonies and concert halls. From iPhones to elevators, dance clubs to churches, songs are the single most important vehicle of communication and connection in the world.

All of a sudden, “What songs are we singing on Sunday” carries more weight, doesn’t it?

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Mar 17 2016

#119: Covenant Worship On Live Recording Process, Healthy Team Culture, & Connecting the Generations [Podcast]

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The old song gathers…the new song propels.” – Bob Sorge

Today’s podcast is a great conversation between worship pastors. Covenant Church is a multi-campus church located in Dallas Texas where David & Nicole Binion lead the worship ministry. I had the privilege of sitting with both of them as well as Josh DuFrene, one of the other worship pastors.

This is a conversation centered around the local church. We talk about developing healthy team culture, writing songs, recording live albums, choosing good fast songs, arranging a worship set, coffee, and much more.

Enjoy!

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Mar 15 2016

Worship Leader, Are You Believable?

Ever met someone that you couldn’t trust?

They’ve stretched the truth enough times that it’s difficult to believe what they’re saying?

I hate to say this, but a major hindrance to corporate worship is the believability of the worship leader. Do they mean what they sing? Are they sincere? Do they love Jesus? Or are they self centered, going through the motions, and in love with themselves?

Of course, worship isn’t simply about the performance of a worship leader. As the worshiping church, it’s our responsibility to press into the fullness of God whether we like the worship leader or not.

But still, worship leader, you’re not off the hook. You can hinder how well people engage. You have the power to distract people from feasting upon the glory of God. Your poor song choice can leave people feeling empty. Your stage presence can cause people to observe you rather than participate. You carry a lot of influence.

My question to you today is, are you stewarding that influence well?

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Mar 10 2016

#118: Rita Springer on Prophetic Worship, Championing Others, & the Sufficiency of Jesus [Podcast]

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Do you want royalties or do you want to raise the dead?” – God’s word to Rita

It’s so easy to get our hearts set on the wrong things. We can be worship leaders but not actually worship. We can be Christians but be more in love with God’s gifts than God Himself. That’s why I love this conversation with Rita Springer. It’s a wake up call – a refreshing, prophetic challenge.

Rita is a special soul who has inspired many through her worship leading, songwriting, and records. She’s also the founder of DIVE, a worship school dedicated to help unleash creativity.

I love the honesty and passion in this interview. We talk about worship, her days with the Vineyard, playing the piano, what it means to lead prophetic worship, and so much more.

Enjoy!

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Mar 08 2016

Dear Church Musician: Stop Limiting Yourself

DEAR CHURCH MUSICIAN-

I love making music in the church, for the church, to the glory of God.

It’s one of the greatest joys of my life to craft songs, liturgies, services that tell the story of Gospel and help people find their place in it. There’s nothing like hearing the raised voice of a worshiping congregation and seeing the look on people’s faces when they are meeting Jesus.

It will never grow old.

However, I want to talk about another side of the coin if you are a worship musician. If you play music in the local church you’ve probably noticed a trend, at least I have.

Music has become a means to an end.

A great means and a great end, but still, music has become a tool to execute a worship service. I find myself only playing my instrument when I have to prepare for Sunday or when I’m writing a song.

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