Tag: Christianity

When was the last time you attended or listened to an orchestra? I think I’ve only had the privilege of attending a professional performance twice in my life thus far. (I’m guessing the high school orchestra doesn’t really count.)

The first time, I remember that we were so close that I couldn’t really see the stage at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis, MN. I can recall being inside the building, though. The Fall of 1994 was the last, attending the performance as part of a collegiate music theory course I enrolled in that semester. This time we were up on the third tier in the theatre house, looking down on the stage and the vast audience below us.

I realize that for most of us, attending a symphony performance is a bit of a stretch. Why is it, though, that we who seek to lift our songs to praise to Almighty God overlook the musical masters who sought, rather often, to do the same?

Continue reading “Laws of Worship Leading | Dynamic” →

Most of us openly acknowledge that each congregation is different for a variety of reasons.  One of those difference that causes a multitude of problems is also one of the driving sources of conflict when we discuss the topic of worship.  This is the element of Style.

Even within a single church body style often varies from ministry to ministry, even beyond the scope of worship.  We teach Biblical truths differently from children’s church to youth group to the adult Sunday message.  Some of us use PowerPoint; some preach extemporaneously while others read their sermons; drama or video clips might be employed, or they might be considered distracting.  You’ve likely heard that the message is more important than methods used to communicate it.  As long as your message aligns with Biblical truth, the methods aren’t necessarily of importance.  Basically, you can cling to and make use of your own Style so long as you remain true to the Inspiration.

Continue reading “Laws of Worship Leading | Inspiration” →

When we approach worship from a musical standpoint, which I take some time developing in Worship Theory, we open a sort of Pandora’s Box. At first it looks simple and easy, but in reality there are far more complications that arrive at choosing this one box and opening it, than if we had chosen a different route.

One reason for this is that the facets of music are truly innumerable, and the depth to each is nearly unfathomable. For almost as long as man has walked the earth, he has striven to express himself through music. Over the course of milennia, this has served to both deepen and broaden what music is.

When we as worship leaders stop to ponder what we’ve walked into, it should both humble and frighten us. Unfortunately, it rarely has a chance to stir either emotion for us. We’re too busy doing what we do to stop and consider what other implications there might be as we throw our hats into the musical realm.

Continue reading “Laws of Worship Leading | The Foundation” →

To be a worship leader, you must take into consideration some basic rules of leadership.  If you lead worship and haven’t taken the time to read a few books or view DVDs about leadership, it would do you a lot of good to do so.  Now, I’m not promoting any authors or works, but I am promoting leadership development.

One of these basic rules is that if you call yourself a leader and no one is following you, then you aren’t leading.  This leads me into the Law of the Audience.

Continue reading “Laws of Worship Leading | The Audience” →

Our church is currently working through a new adult home group / discipleship program that involves teaching the same courses in four sessions throughout one year.  I’m currently in the middle of my second session, teaching from “Worship Theory.”  In my current session, I suddenly find myself referring to information that I started when I began the book project; information on worship leading.

Continue reading “Laws of Worship Leading | the Conductor” →