Singing to the Lord in the congregation can be one of the most exciting and meaningful activities of the local church. No other activity equally engages the mind, will, and emotions. No other activity requires the precedent of unity around the truth of God’s Word. It is a wonderful experience when God’s people are fully engaged and unified in worship.…
In the last post on this topic, I explored six ways to find new music for your church. After finding new music, though, the next task on a music director’s list is to choose the best music. Choosing music seems like an elementary topic for a post, but any music director who has choosen music with constraints like a budget,…
Yes, I am dedicating this entire post to review this book. I’ve read many books on worship and music, and there are many good ones. I can’t say I’ve ever read one so encouraging as this one. I think it is an important book for reviving passionate, joyful, and celebratory congregational singing. Keith and Kristyn Getty have written some great…
After forming a biblical theology and philosophy of worship and music, the great task of simply finding the right music for a church falls on the shoulders of the worship leader. This task is much easier now that many publishers are going digital with their music. I believe we are nearing the end of the days when a worship leader…
Three of my absolute favorite courses to teach at West Coast Baptist College are Hymnology, the study of Christian song, Philosophy of Church Music, and Theology of Worship. I believe all three are necessary for a biblical and balanced worship program. Our biblical theology of worship builds framework for all matters of corporate worship, including music. Philosophy of Church Music then…
Let all things be done decently and in order. –1 Corinthians 10:31 Have you even stopped to consider how the smallest details of your order of service can communicate importance to the congregation? Did you know that even a simple detail like how you begin the service can set the wrong tone for the service? Specifically, have you considered that the…
Because my primary role at West Coast Baptist College is to oversee the music department, I am constantly asking whether or not we are effectively preparing our students for the work of music ministry. As you can imagine, the skills and knowledge required for this position vary from church to church. In some cases, a music pastor is responsible for other…
You’ve probably heard someone say, “Leaders are readers and readers are leaders.” I cannot pinpoint exactly when I first heard that statement, but I know that many great books have influenced my thinking on a variety of topics. Sometimes I ask people I meet in ministry to tell me which books have influenced them. I’m amazed how often I’ve never…
In part 1, I discussed some considerations when choosing songs that communicate truth in a powerful way. In part 2, I stressed the importance of congregational participation. There is a third, more practical way to develop the praise of new believers in your church. Create a development plan for your music program. Most churches do not have a systematic program…
In part 1, I developed the importance of choosing songs that communicate truth powerfully. Now I’d like to develop the second practice I believe can help to develop the praise of new believers. As a theological backdrop, I’d encourage you to read my post “A Call for Worship Leaders – Part 3.” Prioritize congregational involvement. Many congregations follow a pattern…
Ministering in an increasingly secular culture simply means that the people we reach will often be biblically and religiously illiterate. It is a thrill to disciple such new Christians and to watch God transform their lives. However, unraveling years of wrong thinking can present a unique challenge.
In this series, I have done my best to lay out a biblical deduction of the purpose of the church, the role or worship, and the problems I see in our worship. Now I’d like to offer a couple suggestions. Time and space could not allow me to develop each point thoroughly, but if you’d like me to develop any…
Let’s take a moment to review… If we are to develop mature disciples for Christ, we must focus on developing the whole of man. Worship is a means by which Christians mature by replacing temporal affections with eternal affections. Worship is an obedient response to the truth of God. We can demonstrate eternal affections through giving, obeying, praying, and praising. The…
“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” – John 4:23-24 In Part 1 of this series, we discussed the following points:…
“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” – John 4:23-24 DISCLAIMER: This is not another article about methodology or standards. I’m…