Believe it or not, the art of worship leading is a thing. By art, I mean certain disciplines that we should practice that will make us more effective and efficient as we lead our people. How we engage people and how we relate to them plays an important role in how they respond to our …
Picking The Right Songs
Music is a powerful force that stirs the hearts of people like nothing else can. Therefore, it is one of the most important expressions of worship, especially in the local church. But in surveying churches across the country in the last few years, I’ve noticed that less people are quick to participate in singing, and …
Structuring Vocals // Part One: Oblique Harmony
Most capable singers who are at least familiar with harmony are quite capable of finding the 3rd (Major third off the melody line). The problem, however, arises when they stick TOO closely to the 3rd – or what’s called a “parallel (3rd) harmony”. Parallel harmonies (3rd’s) that never stray from the 3rd can REALLY mess …
Moving in the Spirit
This is something that I feel may have been lost in some churches. The songs are played in more of a concert fashion, an offering is taken, a message is given, and everyone leaves in a rush to be first in line at the buffet. Everyone has sort of become a robot instead of true …
No Longer Slaves
Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians makes a pretty incredible statement in chapter 6 verse 12. It is a statement that has many different layers to it if you truly understand the Gospel and our identity as God’s children, but at the same time, it is so simple and direct. There is a …
Layering Vocals
Vocals are – in most respects – the most underestimated and undervalued instruments in your worship arsenal. The fact that many can regurgitate appropriate lyrics (mostly on pitch) with relative ease can lead most leaders and members to rubber-stamp any vocals offered as “good enough” for service. Buckle up; because the truth is far from …
Thoughts on Discipleship
My daughter likes Frozen. What can I say. She’s four. She likes to sing “Let It Go” and she likes to dress up like Princess Elsa. This is my nightmare. A while back my daughter was doing her dress up thing. She came out as Elsa, full dress, high heels, crown and all. And she …
Stay In Your Lane
Every January, a new season of American Idol begins. And each season, I eagerly anticipate an evening full of jaw-dropping moments as ridiculously talented people step into the national spotlight for five months of musical entertainment. On the other side of the coin, however, I often sit in amazement as I watch those who drip …
Willing Submission
Submission, especially willing submission, and the persona that embodies a submissive spirit is arguably one of the most difficult things to learn in life. To spend moments, or any singular moment for that matter, in any manner where we are not in control is antithetical to the idea of thriving in life. “It’s a dog eat dog world…” …
Even When It Hurts
2015: what a year! In previous posts of mine on TCC, I talked about being blessed with the opportunity to be brought on full-time at my church. This was something my wife and I had prayed over for many years, and then God opened those doors for our family. It was definitely a change of …
City Worship Culture
American churches are a unique product of Christianity. We have megachurches with giant production; some just as big as the shows on the Vegas strip. We have backwood chapels with hymns and pews. Some with skinny jeans, some with suits and ties, and some that don’t meet in a building whatsoever. I have the unique …
LEVEL UP! – Good Mentorship
There are instructors, coaches, and mentors. Instructors teach the student about the tools needed to improve their skill. Coaches guide the skill toward a task or objective. Mentors reinforce the focus and heart behind developing the skill-set. While both instructors and coaches encourage the student to improve their skill, mentors aim higher – with a …
You Want Me To do What?! // Personal Monitor Training: Understanding the Volunteer
Have you noticed that the currency in our day is not money, but time? When you ask someone how they are, the answer is usually a huge intake of air followed by an exhalation with the word “busy” punctuating it. People are busy. We won’t get into the right or wrongness of that here, but …
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Better Together: Organizing a Community Night of Worship
A few weeks ago I wrote an article about building community with other worship leaders in your region and the impact those relationships can have on you as an individual and on your city or region. One of the ways these relationships have affected the city I live in has been the desire to bring …
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The Ministry of Private Worship
Recently, I have been going through a season where I am trying to re-discover and re-connect with Jesus amidst the day to day demands of life in the ministry. Don’t get me wrong, I believe I have the greatest job in the world! I am forever grateful to God for giving me the gifts and …