tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38792675033445954632024-03-04T23:51:49.810-05:00The Heart and Art of WorshipA place where lead worshippers from Living Word Community Church can connect, dialogue and be encouraged to think about the intersection of HEART and ART in worship.Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918076271616338310noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879267503344595463.post-46162051483245982732016-02-21T20:58:00.003-05:002016-02-21T20:58:47.577-05:00Why We Meet with our Ministry Partners Regularly
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>308</o:Words>
<o:Characters>1758</o:Characters>
<o:Company>LWCC</o:Company>
<o:Lines>14</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>4</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>2062</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Something that has been stirring in my heart the last week or so...<br /><br />
One of things we talk about each year is our team covenant. The covenant
outlines what it looks like to honor God as we serve Him and His people in the
worship team setting. One of the key questions we can ask ourselves is,
“how am I doing at loving Jesus?” And how is my worship of Him extending
beyond Sunday mornings? <br /><br />
The truth is, the higher profile the ministry the more we need to be attentive
to our own spiritual walk with Jesus. The brighter the spotlight the more
we need to be grounded in healthy spiritual community and the practices of
reading Scripture and prayer. The potential exists for us to believe that
merely “being up on a stage” means we are spiritually healthy and growing.<br /><br />
We – I – need to regularly refresh my relationship with God – to check ours
heart and ask Him to search us and reveal anything that doesn’t please Him (Ps.
139:23-24). As lead worshippers we represent Jesus and His Bride (the
Church), and we want to walk in a manner worthy of this calling (Eph. 4:1).
We want to be “pouring” our hearts and talents out of a cup that is being
regularly filled. I love how the <i>Message</i> translation
puts it: “Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every
kind of gift to his guests for their blessing” (2 Tim. 2:21). God desires
to use those who are “set apart” so He can bless and encourage His people.<br /><br />
When we ask you to “sign a covenant” you are - in effect - giving us permission
to hold you accountable to how you are loving and honoring God as a whole-life
worshipper. However, we are simultaneously extending our commitment to
you to help you care for your souls. When we sit down with you over a
meal and “check in" our heart is to help point you to Jesus.<br /><br />
Even though our primary interface is the music ministry we view you as way more
than musicians – you (we) are the dearly beloved children of God (Eph. 5:1).
Our heart is to see your soul well-cared for so you can be a healthy
servant and we can have a healthy ministry.<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></span><!--EndFragment-->Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918076271616338310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879267503344595463.post-13528056328175396932013-08-22T13:00:00.002-04:002013-08-22T13:01:27.093-04:00Drums and WorshipIt's no secret that within the realm of contemporary music - and by extension, contemporary worship music - the drums very often drive the song. The drummer can keep the whole band locked in a solid groove, but he/she can also take control of a song (and the sound) in a not so good way as well. At Living Word we are blessed to have drummers who really strive to play according to the needs of the song and the worship leader, and are solid at keeping us locked into the click. We've done things acoustically to help focus the drums into the microphones and make tweaks in our kit setup and equipment, and all of these things have resulted in a sonic experience that supports the vision of our worship gatherings - that people enjoy and experience God's presence.<br />
<br />
Once in awhile I'll come across another blog that says something worth repeating to a different audience. Church on the Move, located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has a great blog that focuses on a number of topics. One of their bloggers, Andrew Stone, a drummer who now serves as production manager at COTM, <a href="https://seeds.churchonthemove.com/blog/post/293" target="_blank">recently wrote</a> about the importance of playing of drummers being able to "self-mix". The best drummers understand how to play in such a way as to provide the best balance into the microphone pick-ups. He discusses what he calls the "pyramid" approach to playing the kit:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #4e4e4e; font-family: MetaSerifWeb-Book, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30px;"><i>Look at the drum kit overall as a pyramid: anything located near the bottom of the pyramid needs to be played harder than the things located at the top. So for most standard drum setups these days, the kick can be played the loudest, then the floor tom, then the snare, hat, and rack tom, with cymbals being played the lightest. This has been a good rule of thumb for me for many years and works well both onstage and in a studio setting. Pyramid schemes aren’t all bad.</i></span></blockquote>
Although I'm definitely not a drummer I've played with them long enough to see the wisdom in what Stone is saying. Let's keep growing forward!Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918076271616338310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879267503344595463.post-83279623309680406942012-04-11T11:07:00.004-04:002012-04-11T11:09:17.497-04:00Thoughts on Song SelectionFrom time to time I'll be asked what criteria we use to evaluate new songs for congregational worship. Although these thoughts don't encompass every aspect of my own thinking, they are recommended reading:<br /><br /><a href="http://stephen-miller.com/worship-outward-expressiveness/">http://stephen-miller.com/worship-outward-expressiveness/</a>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918076271616338310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879267503344595463.post-52334780906604249262012-03-19T13:40:00.001-04:002012-03-19T13:43:21.353-04:00When God is God worship is joyFrom blogger <a href="http://www.challies.com/christian-living/when-i-am-god">Tim Challies today</a>:<br /><br /><blockquote>Each time I sin, I declare my own independence, my own desire to be rid of God; I declare that I can do better than God, that I can be a better god than God...<br /><br />...When I am god, worship of God interferes with my plans, with my slumber, with my loyalty to pleasure, to socializing, to sport, to amusement. I hate the thought of worshipping another, but long to worship myself or have others worship me.<br /><br />When God is God, worship is joy, it is nourishment, it is life. There is no greater joy than to gather with God’s people to bring glory to the Creator, to give thanks to the Redeemer.<br /></blockquote>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918076271616338310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879267503344595463.post-21408136447336261442012-03-01T16:31:00.016-05:002012-04-23T14:45:05.935-04:00A Lesson from NBC's "The Voice"<p>Some of you may be familiar with the NBC show "The Voice", a spin on the <em>American Idol</em> formula where the judges (who are well-known singers) actually coach contestants through the competition. One of this year's contestants is Anthony Evans, a gospel recording artist and worship leader and son of well-known evangelical teacher <a href="http://www.tonyevans.org/site/c.feIKLOOpGlF/b.2017593/k.BE75/Home.htm">Tony Evans</a>.<p>I was recently reading an <a href="http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/music/interviews/2012/anthonyevans-february24.html">interview with Anthony </a>where he was talking about working with Christina Aguilera (his vocal coach) and the different approach he has to take on the show:<blockquote><p>"The kind of singing Christina does is great and I love it, and I can keep up with her on a stage when it's about me. <strong>But in Christian music and leading worship, I have to almost think opposite of her; I can't sing like that when I'm leading worship. Even though I might have the ability to do it, I am trying to engage people into singing with me. I am not singing at them.</strong> The difference about being here at <em>The Voice</em> is that I am singing at people, and they want to be impressed. So my mindset has to flip, and that's been the hardest thing, thinking, Impress them. Do not engage them. You're not trying to engage their hearts. You're trying to impress them. That's my biggest challenge here."<br /></p></blockquote>I love the point that Anthony made - that when we lead people in worship, it's not about impressing them with our talents or giving them a performance to enjoy - it's about engaging them. As lead worshippers, we have to work against the cultural trends of <em>American Idol</em> and arena concerts where it's all about virtuoso performances to be enjoyed and applauded. Instead of using our gifts to attract attention to ourselves, we use our gifts to point people to Jesus. As Paul Baloche has said, "The mark of an effective worship leader is that they become somewhat invisible while God becomes the center of attention".Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918076271616338310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879267503344595463.post-89097772128221324962012-02-14T12:30:00.021-05:002012-02-14T22:02:21.639-05:00We Praise What We Love<div>It's Valentine's Day, a high Hallmark holy day for our culture's obsession with romantic love. I used to be pretty cynical about Valentine's Day (OK, as I re-read what I just wrote I guess I still am) but, at the same time, I'm all for spending time with your spouse and expressing affection in tangible ways. I even like those hard candy hearts with the little messages on them. In small doses.<br /></div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" border="0" alt="" src="http://amysfavorites.com/archive/2004_02/candyhearts.jpg" /><br />But as I think about the ways in which movies, books and songs - let's just be honest about this - IDOLIZE romantic love, there is an interesting connection to be drawn between what we love and what we praise.<br /><br />C.S. Lewis in his book <i>Reflections on the Psalms</i> says this:<br /><br /><blockquote>The most obvious fact about praise—whether of God or anything—strangely escaped me. I had never noticed that all enjoyment spontaneously overflows into praise…lovers praising their mistresses, readers their favorite poet, walkers praising the countryside.…My whole, more general, difficulty about the praise of God depended on my absurdly denying to us as regard to the supremely Valuable what we delight to do, what indeed we cannot help doing, about everything else we value. I think we delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment.</blockquote><br />Lewis’ observation is true: we can't help but praise what we love...we gush about it, we celebrate it, we shout it out on Facebook. Think back to when you were dating your future spouse – how you couldn’t wait to tell your circle of friends about their best qualities. There were times where you couldn’t stop thinking about him or her, for they had captured your heart’s affection.<br /><br />Our praise and worship of God ought to flow naturally out of a heart that loves Him – His character, His works, His fellowship. Having experienced His love (and faithfulness, forgiveness, protection, etc.) firsthand, we are moved to praise Him and motivated to let others know of His goodness. Read the Psalms and you’ll see that the psalmist follows the same pattern.<br /><br />We praise what we love. I love Jesus. Not as consistently as I want to, and not with as great a degree of obedience as I should. I know I am not worthy of His love, but I know that while I was yet a sinner, Christ died for me. That's worthy of my praise.Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918076271616338310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879267503344595463.post-3658201461442439522012-02-06T09:30:00.003-05:002012-02-06T09:42:06.957-05:00God is AbleThis Sunday we are introducing another new song called "God is Able." P. Brian Rice will be preaching from Philippians 4:13, where Paul says that "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." I think this song will help us 1) prepare our hearts to hear from God's Word, and 2) respond to what we have heard through declaring this truth together. <br /><br />Like any worship song, it is a means by which we might connect with God - or, as Constance Cherry says in her book <em>Worship Architect -</em> have a dialogue with Him.<br /><br />On this Monday morning, I encourage you to take 5 minutes of your day and watch this video of Hillsongs performing "God is Able". Sure, you could check out what the musicians are doing, or the platform presence aspect - but I want you to just receive the message of this song. I want our hearts to be filled with this truth - that God is with us, for us, able to do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine.<em><br /><br /></em><iframe height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_2exW2cUdC4" frameborder="0" width="560" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918076271616338310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879267503344595463.post-40016548360690232772012-02-03T15:13:00.019-05:002012-02-04T00:06:41.861-05:00Sin Has No Hold on Me<div><a href="http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/gatewayworship-godbepraised-thechurchtools-blogspot.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 172px; height: 169px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/gatewayworship-godbepraised-thechurchtools-blogspot.jpg" /></a><div><div><div> </div><div><br />We recently introduced a song called "Victory" from Gateway Worship to our congregation. It's a simple, singable song that focuses on the freedom we have in Christ - specifically, our freedom from sin. It was beautiful to hear so many voices singing out this truth on a Sunday morning. I love that every time we gather as the church we have a fresh opportunity to remind one another of who we are in Christ. This is what the Apostle Paul was getting at when he commanded the Ephesians to "speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs" (Eph. 5:20). He understood that corporate singing would be an effective means of affirming and cementing core truths.<br /><br />As I was working through the lyrics of “Victory” I came to the bridge:<br /><br /><i>Sin has no hold on me<br />Sin has no hold on me</i><br /><br />It’s a simple line that gets repeated several times. And it’s as if, the more I sang it, the more my heart was gripped by the reality it was affirming. I think my voice grew stronger every time I sang it out in my office. I flipped my Bible to Romans, chapter 6:<br /><br /><i>…For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. (Rom. 6:6-7)</i><br /><br />The phrase “sin has no hold on me” summarizes the reality that Paul spells out in Romans 6. Being crucified with Christ (Gal. 2:20) we now, through the Holy Spirit, are able to say “no” to sin and “yes” to God. How I need to hear this over and over again, especially in the face of those sins that so easily entangle. I need to be reminded that, in Christ, sin’s stranglehold has been dealt a mighty blow. I need to embrace this reality on a daily basis – putting off the old, putting on the new. Where once I was bound to sin (enslaved is what Paul says), I am no longer its captive.<br /><br />The reality is, on this side of eternity, you and I will still struggle with sin. But when we cooperate with the Spirit’s work in our lives we can increasingly experience victory over those besetting sins. We ask for His grace and strength to keep growing in holiness as a grateful response to God’s mercy. And we know that when we fail, His mercies are new every morning.<br /><br />I leave you with the words of Puritan pastor Thomas Brooks:<br /><br /><i>“The Lord has stripped sin of all its ruling, reigning, domineering, and tyrannizing power. O Christian, look upon sin as dead! It is not to be obeyed, and not to be acknowledged. The Lord Jesus has given sin a mortal wound by his death and Spirit…thus sin shall never recover its strength and shall die a lingering death in the souls of the saints.”</i></div></div></div></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918076271616338310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879267503344595463.post-88099612756273903942012-01-27T10:00:00.004-05:002012-01-27T10:04:00.324-05:00Worship Signals (Non-Denominational)<a href="http://blog.beliefnet.com/fellowshipofsaintsandsinners/files/2012/01/Worship_shirt.jpg"></a>You have to laugh at this...<img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 530px; height: 881px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" border="0" alt="" src="http://blog.beliefnet.com/fellowshipofsaintsandsinners/files/2012/01/Worship_shirt.jpg" /><a href="http://blog.beliefnet.com/fellowshipofsaintsandsinners/files/2012/01/Worship_shirt.jpg"></a><div></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918076271616338310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879267503344595463.post-77957063604275553142012-01-21T09:00:00.003-05:002012-06-18T09:58:02.537-04:00Platform Presence - What We Communicate Non-Verbally<a href="http://thegospelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/misty-edwards-praise1-300x199.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://thegospelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/misty-edwards-praise1-300x199.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 199px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
<div>
</div>
Last fall we introduced this concept of "platform presence" - what we are communicating non-verbally when we are leading others in worship. We've been showing you a series of videos from <a href="http://www.gatewayworship.com/">Gateway Church</a> in Texas, and I've been sending you links to watch our services on <a href="http://www.livestream.com/lwccyork">livestream</a>. I want to see us grow as lead worshippers - and part of that growth will involve growing in our physical expressiveness.<br />
The truth is, talking about "platform presence" might strike you as overkill, or uncomfortable, or unnecessary. C'mon, we're here to sing and play and call it a day, right? But here's the reality - half of what we communicate is non-verbal. If we were in a studio laying down tracks it wouldn't matter one bit...we could be yawning, slouching, look like we're flatlining. But we're not in a studio - we are out front, visible, and we have the responsibility of modeling what it means to be an engaged worshipper. This includes us instrumentalists as well as the vocalists.<br />
We are always communicating something when it comes to our "platform presence" - nervousness, joy, apathy, intensity, etc. I may think I am communicating joy or engagement, but in reality it may be something else entirely (hence why reviewing video is helpful). Most of us have spent years singing and/or playing, working on our craft, to get to our current state of musical skill. It makes sense to think that it will take some time & work to improve our non-verbal skills. And I believe that the time and energy we invest in this area will pay dividends.<br />
If we desire to worship God in a way that brings Him honor and fame we can't ignore what we are saying with our physical being. I want to do everything to make sure your (our) hearts are shining through. I don't want anyone to look up at us and question whether we are engaged with God. I love seeing our worship team exude authentic passion and joy. It is contagious and invitational.<br />
Below are the Gateway Videos we have shown (most) of the team so far...if you haven't seen one or more of these please take a few minutes to watch them. In the spring we'll be asking you to do some self-evaluation and we'll be basing it on the concepts in these videos.<br />
<br />
~Line of Sight<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SYbRixq3sUU" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
~Body Language & Listening Positions<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HAD6rnyW32Y" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
~Facial Expressions<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zElQcZ1zYWY" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
~Working with Equipment<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/cjArA-VymYQ" width="560"></iframe>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918076271616338310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879267503344595463.post-18679741863763927972012-01-18T11:27:00.019-05:002012-01-18T16:00:16.153-05:00Scripture and the Life of WorshipSo here we are a few weeks into 2012. I'm still having trouble thinking of this year as "2012" - even more so than the usual delay. Wasn't it just 2010? <br /><br />Anyway, since the new year has dawned, a theme that God keeps bringing to my attention is the need to be in His Word. I will confess that I often struggle to maintain a consistent rhythm of Scripture reading and meditation. There are many excuses (including my own sinful nature), but one thing that I've realized is that for far too long I have approached Scripture reading with more of a sense of duty than delight. Like taking your vitamins. Duty mixed with a fair bit of the "familiarity breeds contempt" syndrome. A toxic combination as it concerns my heart and truly expecting to encounter the living God when opening His Word.<br /><br />But recently I've been thinking about something I heard from a good friend and former pastor. He said that when we open the Bible we should picture the very breath of God emanating from the pages. I'll admit, when I first heard that I thought, that sounds a little kooky. However, the Apostle Paul does indeed say that Scripture is "God-breathed" (2 Tim. 3:16). He goes on to say that Scripture is "useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." Wow, those are all great things that I want to be in on...but in order to be in on them I need to be in the divinely-inspired Word of God. And I need to believe that when I open the Bible I am indeed encountering the Author, not just of Scripture, but of Life.<br /><br />But beyond that, God wants me to know Him...intimately.<br /><br />One of my goals this year is to read through the Bible. I want to approach it not just as another thing to check off my list, but with genuine expectation and anticipation. My prayer is that the Holy Spirit would illuminate my mind and enflame my heart as I am reading to want to know Him more. <br /><br />I want to encourage you to look at Scripture reading ("quiet time", etc.) not as a chore but as a blessing and privilege. To love reading the Bible because it reveals God's plan of redemption, culminating in Jesus, and because God wants to have a personal relationship with us. He has given us His Word as the primary means for us to know Him in this life.<br /><br />Let's keep each other accountable in this area. If we aspire to lead others in worship, we can't expect to lead them into a place of knowing and loving God unless we've been there ourselves.Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918076271616338310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879267503344595463.post-103744531778380412011-12-14T21:11:00.003-05:002011-12-14T21:21:30.045-05:00Tips to Keep Your Voice Healthy<div>Tim Carson is a vocal coach whose warm-up CDs I've used for several years. I've attended one of his vocal workshops and have appreciated his instruction.</div><div> </div><div>Tim just posted a video on keeping your voice healthy during the holiday season. Check it out!<br /><br /><br /><iframe height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/P7uK1zhD1bw" frameborder="0" width="560" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918076271616338310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879267503344595463.post-55958768221298331582011-12-06T09:38:00.003-05:002011-12-06T09:41:36.460-05:00Why We Should Celebrate Christmas<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLou6iSTlPvAlk2F3zL-H7JyPwp2demSUxm9EnPiGX6t6oD4ce2HqQrwNptzfH3FROW5exG3Mrafa0ybYOD5hyphenhyphend74sy9NCiib5GWHd5qXZdzi4EakukeR7XUwUK0RYmvUbAlkj9ddi2W2G/s1600/cradle-and-cross-787083.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 305px; height: 227px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLou6iSTlPvAlk2F3zL-H7JyPwp2demSUxm9EnPiGX6t6oD4ce2HqQrwNptzfH3FROW5exG3Mrafa0ybYOD5hyphenhyphend74sy9NCiib5GWHd5qXZdzi4EakukeR7XUwUK0RYmvUbAlkj9ddi2W2G/s1600/cradle-and-cross-787083.jpg" /></a></div><div>On celebrating Christmas, by George Whitefield: "Let us celebrate and keep this festival of our church with joy in our hearts: let the birth of a Redeemer, which redeemed us from sin, from wrath, from death, from hell, be always remembered; may this Savior's love never be forgotten! But may we sing forth all his love and glory as long as life shall last here, and through an endless eternity in the world above!"</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918076271616338310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879267503344595463.post-86793724455162792062011-12-01T12:28:00.005-05:002011-12-01T12:35:22.850-05:00It Could Always Be Worse<div>As musicians we know there's always the potential for a "train wreck" on any given Sunday morning - of course we do our best to minimize the potential, but things happen. And when you're involved in one of those not-so-beautiful musical collisions, you just wish there was a drop door somewhere where you could go MIA for a few hours. Been there.<br /><br />Well, in this Christmas season, take heart - it could always be worse! Check out examples A & B at this <a href="http://musicademy.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a237f72a2c0bf9511adf2778e&id=ee2e968dc9&e=fce43e3fd8">MUSICADEMY link</a>!</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>Oh man, the video is a riot but I think the audio of the "Hallelujah Chorus" is more painful to hear!<br /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918076271616338310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879267503344595463.post-20125403954689613962011-08-03T13:31:00.011-04:002011-08-03T14:40:14.466-04:00When Do You Feel Most Alive?Happened across an interview with John Stott, the Englishman well-known for his teachings, writings and influence within the evangelical world. One of his most classic books is <em>The Cross of Christ</em>. Stott went to be with Jesus on July 27.<br /><br />What struck me about this interview was Stott's response to the following question: "When do you feel the most alive?" Note especially the first part of his reply:<br /><br /><iframe height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MDPqw-LAuaU" frameborder="0" width="560" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><br />For Stott, the experience of corporate worship made him feel ALIVE. Being with fellow believers, adoring, thanking, extolling, magnifying God was brought his spirit to life. To quote a line from the interview: "Almost nothing convinces me more of the reality of God than in public worship".<br /><br />As regular folks called and gifted by God to help lead others in worship we ought to be encouraged by Stott's comments! What a privilege it is to be a part of something transcendent, something that will continue into eternity.Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918076271616338310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879267503344595463.post-44182386132809497432011-07-14T10:17:00.005-04:002011-07-14T10:51:39.753-04:00Being Happy in the Lord<div><div><div>From George Mueller: <blockquote><em>It has pleased the Lord to teach me a truth, the benefit of which I have not lost, for more than fourteen years. The point is this: I saw more clearly than ever that the first great and primary business to which I ought to attend every day was, to have my soul happy in the Lord. The first thing to be concerned about was not how much I might serve the Lord, or how I might glorify the Lord; but how I might get my soul into a happy state, and how my inner man might be nourished. For I might seek to set the truth before the unconverted, I might seek to benefit believers, I might seek to relieve the distressed, I might in other ways seek to behave myself as it becomes a child of God in this world; and yet, not being happy in the Lord, and not being nourished and strengthened in my inner man day by day, all this might not be attended to in a right spirit… I saw that the most important thing I had to do was to give myself to the reading of the Word of God, and to meditation on it, that thus my heart might be comforted, encouraged, warned, reproved, instructed; and that thus, by means of the Word of God, while meditating on it, my heart might be brought into experiential communion with the Lord…. How different, when the soul is refreshed and made happy early in the morning, from what it is when without spiritual preparation, the service, the trials, and the temptations of the day come upon one.</em></blockquote></div></div></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918076271616338310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879267503344595463.post-86577365012194352452011-04-24T10:14:00.002-04:002011-04-24T10:15:01.640-04:00He's Alive!Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;<br />His steadfast love endures forever.<br />The Lord is my strength and my song<br />And he has become my salvation.<br /><br />The right hand of the Lord has triumphed,<br />The right hand of the Lord is exalted!<br />The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone;<br />This is the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes.<br /><br />This very day the Lord has acted:<br />Let us rejoice!<br />God’s name be praised!<br /><br /><em><strong>From Psalm 118</strong></em>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918076271616338310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879267503344595463.post-21257372419717864542011-02-07T15:46:00.006-05:002011-02-07T15:54:54.711-05:00For the Guitar Players...Given that I've been playing guitar way less than I've been playing piano, I'm always looking to further refine and develop my skills on the six-string. So whenever I come across a helpful article I want to pass it along to my fellow guitar playing brethern.<br /><br />Bob Kauflin recently posted an interview with Greg Hagan, a session player and worship leader. The article was posted in two parts:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.worshipmatters.com/2011/01/25/interview-with-greg-hagan-on-becoming-a-better-guitarist-pt-1/">http://www.worshipmatters.com/2011/01/25/interview-with-greg-hagan-on-becoming-a-better-guitarist-pt-1/</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.worshipmatters.com/2011/01/26/interview-with-greg-hagan-on-becoming-a-better-guitarist-pt-2/">http://www.worshipmatters.com/2011/01/26/interview-with-greg-hagan-on-becoming-a-better-guitarist-pt-2/</a><br /><br />Take a few moments to read over Greg's comments...without stealing his thunder, there was a few things that really stood out to me:<br /><ul><li>The importance of keeping good time - we tend to think of this as more the drummer's role, but anyone playing a rhythm instrument needs to keep the groove steady. You'll tire of me saying this, but working with a click is THE best way to keep it locked in.</li><li>This is a great quote: <em>"If you play acoustic guitar, you really need to make sure your strumming pattern very closely resembles the kick and snare pattern of the song and make it your goal to not get ahead of the drummer. Ease up on the intensity of your strumming and focus on groove."</em> </li><li>Record (audio and/or video) yourself playing - we grow through intentional evaluation and adjustment</li></ul>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918076271616338310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879267503344595463.post-66174446474673660752011-02-02T17:10:00.051-05:002011-02-06T16:25:35.996-05:00A.W. Tozer and Our View of God<blockquote><p><em>"What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us….Worship is pure or base as the worshiper entertains high or low thoughts of God. For this reason the gravest question before the Church is always God Himself, and the most portentous fact about any man is not what he at a given time may say or do, but what he in his deep heart conceives God to be like." </em>- A.W. Tozer</p></blockquote><p>I came across this Tozer quote in the first chapter of Francis Chan's Crazy Love (the book my small group will be chewing on the next few months). If you're not familiar with Tozer, he was a pastor in the Christian Missionary Alliance church and well-known for his two devotional classics, The Pursuit of God and The Knowledge of the Holy. I can remember reading through Pursuit in college and highlighting a ton of things. It had an impact on me.</p><p>I haven't really read any Tozer since my college days - but stumbling upon this quote made me stop and think: How well can I love God (with all our heart, soul, mind, strength) if my knowledge of Him is shallow, stale, secondary?<br /><br />How well can we love someone if we really don't know them - know what they're like, what their heart beats for, what they're for and what they're against?<br /><br />I think about my wife Beth. I can tell you facts about her - where and when she was born, the color of her eyes, what she studied in college, etc. But I can also tell you what she is passionate about, what inspires her, what gets her upset, what she dreams of doing. That kind of knowledge can't be gleaned by just reading a simple bio sheet or resume. It comes through the day-in, day-out process of “doing life” together as husband and wife. </p><p>God is God, so any analogy we make is by definition qualified and limited. However, just as knowing our spouse goes beyond reading some facts about them, so knowing God does as well. I love my wife for who she is, but the depth of my love for her grows as we walk through life together.<br /><br />I think this is how it works in our relationship with God. After crossing the line of faith we discover more and more about God’s character, ways, work in the pages of Scripture. Any of our thoughts about God must be measured against what is revealed in the Bible.<br /><br />But what we find in Scripture is meant to deepen our love, trust and commitment to the God who saved us. We know Him as we pray, as we worship in song, as we serve. Through the power of the Holy Spirit we walk in increasing obedience and faithfulness. We ask Him for forgiveness when we have wandered from His ways.<br /><br />What we conceive God to be like comes from our time in the Word, but it also comes from living out our relationship with Him on a daily basis. The more we know God, the more our affection for Him should grow. Pure worship – offered up daily (Rom. 12:1) as well as on Sundays – is the overflow of a genuine relationship with the triune God. </p>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918076271616338310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879267503344595463.post-35184057357037419972011-01-21T21:42:00.021-05:002011-01-21T23:07:44.396-05:00Parable of the Talents & CallingRecently I've been thinking a lot about the idea of calling, and how we can more fully live into the things into which God has called you and me.<br /><br />It began with P. Steve's message the first Sunday of the new year when he talked about the Parable of the Talents (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+25%3A14-30&version=NIV">Matt. 25:14-30</a>). The way I interpret this story can be summed up in the statement "to whom much is given much is required." P. Steve pointed out that in the NT, a "talent" was a monetary measurement roughly equivalent to a million dollars. The master was entrusting a very large sum of money to his servants. <br /><br />Although the parable speaks in terms of monetary wealth, I do think it's OK to interpret "talent" more generally, in the sense of special skills and gifts we've received from God (who is the Ultimate Giver - James 1:17). In our culture we think of talent more in terms of specialized abilities - such as, he has a real talent for playing football, or she is a talented teacher. If you are on the worship team you possess a certain talent, or perhaps multiple talents. You play an instrument(s), or you sing (maybe both). You've developed this talent to a point where it can be used to lead others into God's presence. <br /><br />As P. Brian put it in his message this past Sunday, you "feel God's pleasure" when you use your talent in music to lead others in worship.<br /><br />So how does this fit in with calling?<br /><br />Jesus expects His followers to be faithful stewards of the "talents" that his Father so freely distributes. I believe He wants us to be maximize these talents to 1) glorify God and worship Him, and 2) minister to those around us. If you think about it, this is the essence of our calling. Sure, we each have specific "roles", be they vocational (to be a stay-at-home mom, or counselor, or investment banker), relational (to be a father or mother, husband or wife) or in ministry. But in each of these roles the calling is the same - to glorify God and minister to the people He's surrounded us with. Or, to put it another way, to live out the two greatest commandments: to love God and love others as yourself (Matt. 22:34-40).<br /><br />So the question is, how well are we living out our calling with a capital C? How well are we stewarding the gifts, abilities, resources, influence that God has given us?<br /><br />Here are some thoughts to ponder - particularly in the realm of continuing to grow as worship musicians:<br /><ul><li>What area do I need to grow in from a musical standpoint? </li><li>What skill would I like to improve in the coming year?</li><li>What areas are showing signs of rust or are beginning to stagnate?</li><li>How can I better connect my singing/playing with the goal of leading others in singing and worship?</li><li>Is there a way I can my musical gift outside of Sunday morning?</li></ul><p>That's just a short list...and by no means do I want to make talents & calling all about your singing and playing on the worship team. That's just one way God has specifically gifted and called us - but there may be - there are - many others.</p><p>Would love to hear your thoughts on this subject!</p>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918076271616338310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879267503344595463.post-5474688481944537742011-01-12T16:28:00.001-05:002011-01-12T16:29:30.845-05:00Gordon's Dad Went to be with JesusHi everyone, <br /><br />I wanted to thank you all for praying for my dad over these past few years. At approximately 2:01 pm today Henry Gordon Carpenter was added to the great cloud of witnesses and is face to face with Jesus. This is his coronation day! I was able to say goodbye to him over the phone right before he died. He will be greatly missed. He was truly part of the Greatest Generation. But most of all he was a man who deeply loved God, his family, his friends, and others. He left a real legacy. When he died I could hear Jesus say “Well done good and faithful servant. Welcome home.” So please celebrate with me in knowing that we serve a faithful and loving God who fulfills all of his promises to us. Let us rejoice in knowing that he who began a good work in Henry Carpenter has completed it today and we look forward to the time when we are all with Jesus for eternity. “To the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen” (Jude 25).<br /><br />Gratefully yours,<br /><br />GordonChrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918076271616338310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879267503344595463.post-66599794873901321362010-12-23T10:28:00.021-05:002010-12-23T14:39:15.407-05:00Peace on Earth<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RCZpx8JGutDrUzEr1Xt-VKf25Dx05fpIWbsJ9FcFeabEM_SjF6j_2Zs7OJx9jMyI5E_nTPy5lfqh8ifkRF4oro3u5-jwbfF5bKWhGuy6gCcq1DCrMjmA3epOI8ww7Dos1_V2JNKqLwGD/s1600/xmaswreath.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 222px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 285px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553904462769433522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RCZpx8JGutDrUzEr1Xt-VKf25Dx05fpIWbsJ9FcFeabEM_SjF6j_2Zs7OJx9jMyI5E_nTPy5lfqh8ifkRF4oro3u5-jwbfF5bKWhGuy6gCcq1DCrMjmA3epOI8ww7Dos1_V2JNKqLwGD/s320/xmaswreath.jpg" /></a> <div>Now that we’re just days away from Christmas (and our 4 Christmas Eve services) I’m realizing more than ever how much I NEED to just slow down and reflect. To “be still and know” (Ps. 46:10). But the idea of slowing down just doesn’t come naturally for me – if anything I find myself looking for the next task or project to be done. I can begin to feel anxious when I haven’t crossed something off my Outlook tasks list. I know, I need help.<br /><br />For some of us the Christmas season can feel like one big “to-do” list – get the right gifts, decorate the house just so, write a meaningful Christmas letter, stock the fridge, prepare for family gatherings. The mere rattling off of that list may have raised your blood pressure. For those of us involved in music ministry there’s the added dimension of perfecting our seasonal arrangements, worship sets and specials. We begin to suffer Christmas Carol Fatigue Syndrome (CCFS) way before December the 25th. I find that as I strive to arrange and orchestrate everything so that things are “just right” I experience less and less peace.<br /><br />So it is in the slowing down that I encounter the Prince of Peace. The One who not only brings peace, makes peace, but is Peace himself.<br /><ul><li><strong><em>Jesus makes peace with God possible.</em></strong><br />Our greatest need for peace is with God. The clearest statement on this is found in Romans 5, where Paul says “since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (v.1). Each of us were, by nature, enemies of God – “deserving of wrath” as Paul says in Eph. 2:3 – corrupted by sin and living as rebels. We were under God’s righteous judgment, alienated because of sin. But through Jesus we can be reconciled. His atoning sacrifice made it possible for God to be both just and merciful. ‘The punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).</li><br /><li><em><strong>Jesus makes peace with each other possible.</strong></em><br />Think of the Christmas carol “I Heard the Bells” and some of the lyrics – “In despair I bowed my head/There is no peace on earth I said/For hate is strong and mocks the song/Of peace on earth goodwill to me”. There is conflict all around us – both locally and globally. But Jesus came to undo the cycle of violence and hatred; he inaugurated a new kingdom of peace, and created a "new humanity" (see Ephesians 2:14-17) where Jews and Gentiles (in other words, every tribe, tongue) live together as brothers and sisters. We no longer think of ourselves first as this nationality, or ethnicity, or members of a particular socio-political class. We are Christ-followers. And because this is our PRIMARY identity we are ourselves reconcilers, bringing his shalom (reign of peace) into our communities.<br /></li><li><strong><em>Jesus makes peace within possible</em></strong><br />Because he has taken care of our greatest need - reconciliation with the Father by making payment for our sins - Jesus makes peace within our souls a new reality. Listen to these promises from Jesus to us:</li></ul><blockquote><em>"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)<br /><br />“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)</em> </blockquote><p>As I think about the ways in which Jesus truly is my Prince of Peace my soul finds rest. My prayer is that each of us experience the peace of Christ in this Christmas season. It's never too late to take time to reflect - and even in the midst of the busy-ness, to remember the promise and reality of peace.<br /><br />Take a few minutes to listen to the song "Peace on Earth" by Chris Rice. He beautifully captures the three ways Jesus makes "peace on earth" possible.<br /><br /><a href="http://sites.google.com/site/cjsworshipwarrior/chris/03PeaceOnEarth.mp3">Peace on Earth</a><br /><br /><em></p></em><br /><blockquote><em>Peace on earth<br />Peace on earth<br />Did the angels waste their words?<br />Everywhere, raise this prayer<br />Let there be peace on earth<br />Let there be peace on earth<br /><br />Peace with God<br />Peace with God<br />Offered through one holy child<br />Even when this life is hard<br />There can be peace with God<br />There can be peace with God<br /><br />Peace on earth<br />Peace on earth<br />Did the angels waste their words<br />Everywhere, raise this prayer<br />Let there be peace on earth<br />Let there be peace on earth<br /><br />Peace within<br />Peace within<br />Where true peace on earth begins<br />Every heart finding Him<br />Has perfect peace within<br />Finds perfect peace within<br /><br />Peace on earth<br />Peace on earth<br />Did the angels waste their words?<br />Everywhere,<br />raise this prayer<br />Let there be peace on earth<br />Let there be peace on earth </em></blockquote></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918076271616338310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879267503344595463.post-42911726942095367042010-12-12T21:50:00.004-05:002010-12-12T22:25:01.277-05:00This One is for the Drummers...Since I posted a link to an article for bass players a few days ago I felt it was only right to give something to the other half of the band's foundation, the drummers.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.worshipmatters.com/2010/05/21/three-keys-to-becoming-a-better-studio-or-any-kind-of-drummer/">http://www.worshipmatters.com/2010/05/21/three-keys-to-becoming-a-better-studio-or-any-kind-of-drummer/</a><br /><br />It goes without saying that the bass and drums go together like peanut butter and jelly - they are the glue that holds the band together and keeps the groove tight.Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918076271616338310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879267503344595463.post-27253070200277446462010-12-07T15:30:00.004-05:002010-12-07T16:24:43.688-05:00Helpful Post for Bass PlayersIf you know me you know I'm a big fan of Sovereign Grace Ministries and their worship director Bob Kauflin. The latest post on his blog (worshipmatters.com - link on the right) is titled "Becoming a Better Bass Player". If you are a bass player you should check out this post:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.worshipmatters.com/2010/12/03/becoming-a-better-bass-player/">http://www.worshipmatters.com/2010/12/03/becoming-a-better-bass-player/</a><br /><br />Good thoughts on continuing to develop your skills as a bass player. I feel blessed to work with such skilled players (that goes for the whole team too).Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918076271616338310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879267503344595463.post-26728877621315708942010-12-07T09:28:00.000-05:002010-12-07T09:29:03.591-05:00Something to Ponder“Music is the river on which the Church’s worship is carried. It offers us not only the God-glorifying experience of ear-pleasure; but more importantly, singing unites our minds and bodies and spirits in a way that enables us to bring our whole selves into worship, both individually and corporately, communicating at the deepest levels with our Creator. Those who lead the Church in song are called to this fulfilling work: to invite God’s people to use the breath of our bodies to commune with the One who gives us breath” – Calvin College PamphletChrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918076271616338310noreply@blogger.com0