Just yesterday, Reformed Worship put up a post of mine on worship’s boundaries. Next year is the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, and I’ve been thinking a lot about the pastors, thinkers, and theologians who ministered in the wake of Luther’s posting of the 95 theses. One real “aha” moment of my reading of Luther for doctoral work came in the idea that Luther’s articulation of simul iustus et peccator (simultaneously justified and sinful) isn’t merely a statement about the … Read More
A Brief Theology of Volume Levels in Worship
Regardless of your tradition, volume may be one of the top three perennial “unsolvable” problems in worship planning and leading. No matter which way you go, someone is unhappy. Too loud? People feel discouraged from singing because they can’t hear themselves. Too soft? People feel discouraged from singing because they can hear themselves! And this isn’t merely a problem for churches with million-dollar sound systems and rock aesthetics. It’s a problem I’ve heard articulated by folks who feel the organ … Read More
What Some People are Saying About The Worship Pastor
I’ve been privileged to pass some advance drafts of my book, The Worship Pastor, to some thinkers, writers, scholars, and poets across all kinds of lines. I’ve been very grateful for the responses, feedback, and endorsements. Below is what they’ve said! Also, the book’s site is officially up. Pre-orders really help, so please spread the word. And, there’s some incentive. I’ve put together a study guide with discussion questions and “for further reading” recommendations. Some people will really want to … Read More
Killing Worship Through Over-Explanation
Reformed Worship just released a new post of mine, entitled, “How Over-Explaining Worship Kills Worship.” In that post I entertain some important pastoral reflections on the nature of leading worship that educates and informs without throwing a wrench into worship’s gears. Hopefully you’ll find it helpful! Here’s a little quote: “Worship isn’t a time for parsing doxological technicalities just like driving isn’t a time to take apart your engine.” Go read the post!
Concerns about the Resurgence of Liturgy
Tongue firmly in cheek: I’m beginning to think that Santayana’s quip, “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” should be added to Scripture, because it has proven to be pretty infallible. (Okay, okay, it shouldn’t be added to Scripture…it lacks apostolicity, universality, etc., etc.) Sound Familiar? My new context at Cathedral Church of the Advent has me reflecting a lot on the history of the Church of England, and right now I’ve been fixated upon … Read More
A Pastoral Reflection on Oscar Wilde’s “The Ballad of Reading Gaol”
I’ve been preparing as a student for a most unique course on “Doctrine for Preaching and Pastoral Care,” with Dr. Jonathan Linebaugh at Knox Seminary. It will happen in a few weeks. He has us reading some unconventional (and splendid) material. The course is particularly designed to intersect with my English Reformation tract, as it is attempting to exposit the pastoral heart behind the Thirty-Nine Articles of the Church of England. Along with a few great theological books, we have … Read More
Why Confession Should Be Interrupted, Not Completed
Feeling Worship Over the last two years, I’ve been thinking a lot about feeling and affect in worship. I’ve been pondering how our “emotional apprehension” in worship shapes, informs, propels our congregational gatherings. I used to think that if people just had enough instruction about what worship is and does, they would be more engaged in its elements. I still believe in that, but I’ve come to the conclusion that I can go deeper as a pastoral worship leader in pondering … Read More
My Big Move, My New Church
Over the last twelve months, my postings have been sparse due to all the creative energy being poured into the book. (It’s available for pre-order on Amazon, by the way.) And over this last month I’ve been on radio silence as my family made a pretty big transition out of South Florida and on to a new call up the road. Many of you already know, but for those of you that don’t: I’ve joined hands with some great leaders … Read More
Watch the Fascinating Discussions I Had at Calvin
One of the joys of both being on and moderating a panel discussion on worship issues at a place like the Calvin Symposium is that you’re bound to talk about things you didn’t imagine would be on the table. Such was my case as I moderated “The Worship Leader as Pastoral Musician.” So many important issues were brought up, and our hearts were on our sleeves. Many sensitive topics were not navigated around, but through. One of the things I … Read More
What I’ll Be Up to at the National Worship Leader Conference
I love the National Worship Leader Conferences. I’ve been to them in every kind of capacity now. I’ve been there as a participant (Check out my post on that from several years back). I’ve been there as a songwriter, featured at one of their informal showcases. I’ve been there to conduct an interview with Bill and Gloria Gaither (read my insights about that here). Last year, I had the opportunity to speak about Jesus as the one true Worship Leader. … Read More