A little boy walked into church for the first time. My wife welcomed him as he looked about the sanctuary. What he said next rings in my ears, even now! Gesturing toward the cross on the platform, he said, “Why is there a big T up there?”. This was both exciting and disturbing. It was… Read More »
Visual Worship
The greatness of God is overwhelming. We don’t know all there is to know about God but what we do know is overwhelming. As we read the Bible, the revelation of who he is, we learn just a little bit about God. We see that he is perfect love. He is perfect justice. He is… Read More »
The Healthy Worship Ministry
As with our physical bodies, we hope to have a healthy worship ministry operating in our churches. The following are some of my observations of signs of healthy worship ministries. They are not in any particular order. Worship team members desire to serve and are disappointed when not serving. There is a gentle spirit of… Read More »
The Pastor as Lead Worshiper
We have a great example of a lead worshiper in King David. Even as the anointed King of Israel, he is remembered more today for his worship than his political exploits. David knew who the real King was. In Psalm 138, he said, “I will give You (God) thanks with all my heart; I will… Read More »
Resources for Pastors
Some Pastors have skills in music while others don’t. This can be a significant issue, especially in a smaller congregation. The following are a few helps for any Pastor, but particularly for those over smaller congregations: Books: “Exploring Worship” by Bob Sorge “The Heart of the Artist” by Rory Noland “The Thriving Artist” by Rory… Read More »
Pastoring The Singers and Musicians
The singers and musicians are unique people in the church. They share the platform with the pastor, which can be a very challenging dynamic. However, by focusing on the concept of “shepherding a flock”, there are ways to avoid undue friction. Yes, singers and musicians can be tempermental. Their artistic natures pretty much guarantee that.… Read More »
Abilities, Gifts, and Skills in Worship Ministry
In any given church, the abilities, gifts, and skills of singers and musicians are an important consideration. Some prefer they be skillful. Still others desire the worship team be people marked by a deep, mature walk with the Lord. Me? I want both! In order to be effective in the energy we exert in training… Read More »
Turning the Focus to God
A married couple is sitting in a counsellor’s office. There is distance, not only physically, but emotionally from each other. They are saying to the counsellor, “we were once so close, but the loving feelings are gone”. What is the best strategy for the counsellor to take? He could try the guilt trip and tell… Read More »