Petersen, William J., and Ardyth Petersen. The Complete Book of Hymns: Inspiring Stories about 600 Hymns and Praise Songs. Carol Stream: Tyndale, 2006. Thank God. I’ve finally come across a hymn story book that I feel good about using as a resource and recommending to others for both background and edification. I’ve been using this book for several months, often quoting it in our printed order of worship’s “worship notes”—our side column in our liturgy which explains what we’re doing … Read More
On Technology, In-Ears, and Personal Sacrifice for the Sake of the Congregation
My friend Mark will be contributing his mad electric guitar skills to our band this Friday night for Ascent GA, a fusion of modern worship and rich liturgical elements. We had our dress rehearsal last Saturday, and it was Mark’s first experience with in-ear monitors. The listening transition is always a shock. I can always count on Mark to think deeply and reflect biblically on every aspect of life. It’s something I admire about him. Sure enough, Mark has … Read More
Should Worship Songs Correspond to the Sermon? Maybe Not.
Worship Leader Magazine’s latest issue (a GREAT issue, by the way) featured an interview with Hughes Oliphant Old (worship leaders should know this name) by Reggie Kidd. In a brief, two-page span, Kidd probed Old’s brain on the subject of what Paul means in Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 when he refers to “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.” This is an ongoing and important exegetical dialogue that should be entered into by every worship leader. One of the questions and answers hit the subject that haunts every worship leader…whether or not songs should tie to the sermon. This is a perennial struggle
The Importance of Design and Layout in an Order of Worship
As all the evangelical pointers continue to signal a continued shift toward worship expressions which are more rooted and liturgical, I’ve noticed an increased re-engagement with that archaic piece of print material known as the “order of worship.” Others call it an “order of service,” a “printed liturgy,” or simply a “bulletin.” Screens in worship have served well many functions, but one thing they cannot get away from is that the words and ideas they project are fleeting. You can’t (usually) know what’s coming next in a worship service with screens. You can’t meditate on any portion of the worship service when the screens constantly change text before you. You can’t take a screen home with you for reflection.
Great New (Old) Worship Songs for Advent and Christmas
(Updated December 2011) For this Christmas season, or if you’re thinking ahead to the next, here are some modern worship style Christmas songs. They’re great historic hymns that we’ve set to new music which carry Advent/Christmas themes. They aren’t “updated” standard Christmas carols. They’re old hymns that modern worship has all but forgotten. But they’re worth reviving, and here they are: All Ye Gentile Lands Awake lyrics | mp3 | chord chart | lead sheet | video tutorial | about All Ye Gentile Lands Awake by Zac … Read More