I grew up in the Southern Baptist tradition of Christianity, and I am perpetually thankful for and appreciative of the heritage of evangelical faith passed on to me there. Matt Boswell, a Texas worship leader I respect and admire, pointed me to this beautiful statement on family worship presented at the Southern Baptist Convention meeting in 2010. It certainly challenges me to up my game of worship leading in my own home. Here it is in complete form, but you … Read More
Young Attracted to Old in Worship
Check out this article on worship I recently wrote for the Layman online. It briefly discusses the resurgence of interest among evangelicals in ancient worship practices, liturgy, old hymns, historical connection, and theological depth. An excerpt: “Some have said that the recent fascination with returning to ancient worship tools and practices is a reaction to the historical rootlessness of our postmodern age. Others have said that current interest in liturgy and old hymns by churches’ younger generations is a result … Read More
Hillsong vs. Getty: A Contrast in Melody-Writing
Circulating through many of my favorite worship blogs is the distillation of Keith Getty’s presentation on songwriting at the National Worship Leaders Conference. It is getting widespread press for good reason—Getty’s insights are golden. With particular regards to melody-writing, Getty had to say: “To write strong melodies remember that folk melody has to be passed on orally (aurally). I try to write songs that can be sung with no written music. I imitate Irish folk melody, with a great deal … Read More
Worshiping at the iThrone of Apple
It’s interesting that Apple’s logo is a bitten piece of fruit. The first time that happened, the whole world fell apart. I’m not sure who originated the thought, but I’ve heard Tim Keller say many times, “Idolatry happens when good things become ultimate things.” I was passed on an article which made a lot of comparisons between the tech giant Apple and religion…particularly Christianity. Here are some highlights: “Apple products aren’t just consumer-friendly, sexy gadgets, but instruments of the divine.” … Read More
The Problem with Pastors Seeking Celebrity
Ed Stetzer made some great observations on a guest post on challies.com. He talks about the “rock star pastor,” with “rock star” being used as a general term, perhaps synonymous with celebrity, not necessarily flashy, axe-wielding musician. In sum (whole post here): 4 problems with the rock star pastor:1. Personal Imbalance2. Hindering Community3. Approval Addiction4. Selling Out the Church’s Future 4 ways to counteract the rock star pastor in us:1. Focus on Equipping2. Take a Sabbath3. Adjust with the Economic … Read More
Worship as Taunting the Enemy
Doug Wilson shares some valuable insights about worship as warfare. He relates it to the Maori ritual “Haka,” a ceremony which involves taunting the enemy before battle. Wilson prophetically points out that we are quick to enjoy the benefits of worship without realizing that we are simultaneously called to war. “You enjoy the blood rush, and no blood shed.” I am reminded of the fact that when Satan was tempting Jesus in the wilderness, his primary objective was to redirect … Read More
Wesley’s Words to the Free-Spirited Singer in the Congregation
This is the third installment on a series of posts exploring John Wesley’s Rules for Singing. Reflections on Rule #1Reflections on Rule #2 3. Sing modestly. Do not bawl, as to be heard above, or distinct from, the rest of the congregation, that you may not destroy the harmony; but strive to unite your voices together, so as to make one clear melodious sound. Just as rule #2 was an expansion of rule #1, so this rule is a check … Read More
The Artistry of the Ancient Won Me Over…I Kept Coming Back
I see this testimony time and again. It is my own story, too. I continue to meet young people, attracted to the ancient faith that their parents abandoned and they never knew. Ritual…liturgy…hymns. This is the testimony of Stephanie S. Smith at worship.com. It’s written so well. Here’s the first half, but you can read the full post here. It’s just another example of why new generations are interested in the convergence of old things and new things: old hymns … Read More
Album Review of A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong
Hillsong LiveA Beautiful ExchangeReleased: June 29, 2010 Hillsong continues to prove itself to be a juggernaut in the worship music industry. Now long ago in modern worship years, worship leader Darlene Zschech put Hillsong on the international map with “Shout to the Lord,” and they have never since faded in influence over Western evangelical worship (and they have decidedly broken into non-Western international contexts, as well). Hillsong is a Pentecostal megachurch, so all their worship music is colored by their … Read More
Two Styles Don’t Have to Mean Two Churches within a Church
Don Sweeting has recently left our church to become President of Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando. On his way out, he has given some valuable reflections on how God shaped worship at our church during his tenure. You can read his whole post, but here are some highlights: In my current pastorate we have multiple services and mulitiple styles. Our mission calls us to more than one direction stylistically…For our main services, currently we have what we call a classical … Read More