In his opening chapter to The Knowledge of the Holy, A. W. Tozer exposes the crux of what makes churches crumble: The essence of idolatry is the entertainment of thoughts about God that are unworthy of Him…Perverted notions about God soon rot the religion in which they appear. The long career of Israel demonstrates this clearly enough, and the history of the Church confirms it. So necessary to the Church is a lofty concept of God that when that concept … Read More
Review of And If Our God Is For Us, by Chris Tomlin
Chris Tomlin, And if Our God is For Us (Sparrow)Released: November 16, 2010 The Passion movement has its stars. Chris Tomlin is its superstar. He has seen the most commercial success, and he is very much the front-runner of mainstream American modern worship. In some respects, it’s very hard for Tomlin to top himself. The enduring success of many songs from Arriving (2004) manifests itself continually on the CCLI top ten list. “How Great is Our God,” “Holy is the … Read More
A hymn that helps us realize that God’s grace is only as amazing as our brokenness is admitted
Red Mountain Music’s new album, All Things New, has been monopolizing my personal airwaves since Tuesday. I wrote my review in haste, for a fourth “favorite” song has appeared. The longer I am a Christian, the more I realize that sin “slides itself into my prayer.” The longer I am a worship leader, the more I truly feel how, Sunday after Sunday, “sin twines itself about my praise.” This makes me cry, because in some sense, I can be no … Read More
All Things New: Red Mountain’s Last and Finest Album
Yesterday, All Things New was digitally released to the public. (They are in the middle of printing and will have physical copies available soon.) It is a remarkable album and definitely Red Mountain Music’s finest work to date. You’ll notice a subtle change to the “artist name.” No longer on the album are they called “Red Mountain Church,” but “Red Mountain Music.” Brian T. Murphy, Red Mountain’s architect over the last several years, explained the shift to me in a … Read More
Evidently the Devil Hates “A Mighty Fortress is Our God”
I’m relaying this story from my colleague, Douglas, who is the organist and choirmaster at our church. I’m not necessarily sure what precipitated the conversation, but I found it fascinating. I’m interested in the thoughts of others…speculations as to “why.” My up-front disclosure: I believe that the spiritual realm is real and quite active (Ephesians 6:12), and I believe that demon possession still happens today (though perhaps, as my friend Sharon Beekman reminds me, not always the way that we … Read More
Suffering: The Elephant in the Sanctuary
What does slap-happy, pump-you-up worship do? (1) It makes you feel great for a moment. (2) It marginalizes those who are suffering.
If all we’re interested in as worship leaders is planning a worship service that has the spiritual effect of being a “holy pep talk,” we’ve done a great disservice to the body of Christ. But, oh, is it tempting. There have been several times in my past where I’ve sold out to what I knew would give me positive feedback. I had planned a set of fast, happy, and at least partially superficial songs. It sure makes you feel great as a worship leader when everyone is engaged and comes away energized and excited.
Robbie Seay Band Dabbles in the Hymns Movement
By recommendation of my friend John Gooch, I picked up Robbie Seay Band’s album, Miracle, released this past March. John knew I’d bite hook, line, and sinker when he texts me with descriptive words like “theologically rich” and “hymns.” It is a great album. Miracle is further evidence of what I have tried to explain to traditional worship advocates who continually criticize the theological shallowness of modern worship. I have noticed an evolution in the mainstream artists (e.g. Chris Tomlin, … Read More
Worship Recap 3-21-10
Welcome to Sunday Setlists, a part of Fred McKinnon’s Blog Carnival! This week, we had a special guest to lead us in worship. Jeremy Casella is a big member of the New Hymns movement and recently spent a tour with Caedmon’s Call. All instrumentals this week were minimal: Acoustic guitar, stand-up bass, percussion and vocals. 1 – Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing – Robert Robinson, 1758 / John Wyth’s Repository of Sacred Music, 1817Again with the Irish! While … Read More
Worship Recap 3-14-10
Welcome to an overdue installment of Sunday Setlists, sponsored by Fred McKinnon’s Blog Carnival. This week was Youth Sunday, so the entire service was led by our youth group. 1 – How Firm A Foundation – John Rippon, 1787 / Zac Hicks 2009This song was rewritten for the New Hymns Movement by Zac Hicks upon request from the Cherry Creek Pres. Youth Ministry. The main instruments are two guitars, electric and acoustic, which, while the acoustic plays a palm-muted … Read More
Review of Passion’s New Worship Album, Awakening
Passion, Awakening (2010, Various Artists) In my opinion, the Passion folks have drawn the clearest line of demarcation between the stylistic eras of “contemporary worship” (80s and 90s) and “modern worship” (late 90s to the present). I remember when Passion ’98 hit the scene. The songs felt fresh, youthful, and different from its predecessors, and from that time forward, we watched the blossoming of the solo careers of these Passion artists (Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, David Crowder, Charlie Hall, etc.) … Read More