Category: Leadership

The Dangers of Going Through Records – Grace in Remembering

filesYou ever go through paperwork or files and get reminded of something awful? Happened to me the other day.

As I get older, I am feeling the need to simplify. Get rid of clutter. Part of that is manifesting in a renewed desire to go paperless. I’ve been an Evernote user for a while, and, while the service has its quirks, I like how simple it is to save things and forget them.

Until my organizing turns to Evernote itself, and I see files that I’ve kept, and get reminded of painful things. Continue reading “The Dangers of Going Through Records – Grace in Remembering” →

You Have An Interesting Voice

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERADo you watch American Idol, or America’s Got Talent, or The Voice? It never fails. I don’t really watch these shows, but whenever I do, there is always one or two singers that, according to the judges, have “distinguished” voices.”Interesting” voices.”Unique” voices.

What that means is that their tone, style, and phrasing are not typical of a singing competition. There have been times that I have watched these shows and seen singers that I have liked that have not had what I would call a typical singing voice. An indefinable quality that just seems to work.

Now, the problem. Continue reading “You Have An Interesting Voice” →

Economy of Words and a Sea of Stuff Part 2 – Responsibility

I was able to watch a webinar from Preaching Rocket a few weeks ago. A number of pastors and communicators were asked about their craft and the way that they prepare. I was thrilled to hear from a number of preachers that I admire.

There were many segments that stood out, and one of them was part of a talk by Pastor Van Moody of The Worship Center Christian Church in Birmingham, Alabama. He gave a statistic that gripped me.

Regarding learning, he said that 90-95% of what is heard is forgotten in 72 hours. Continue reading “Economy of Words and a Sea of Stuff Part 2 – Responsibility” →

Such a Busy Time. Gimme a Break.

It has been a busy few days around here, ministry-wise.

  • Celebration Choir is back in session, and we have already started working on Christmas music. Our graded choir program also fired back up this past Sunday.
  • This past weekend, my church hosted Secret Keeper Girl. The production and facility preparations went on all week (and, for others, have been going on for quite some time).
  • We recently held a Block Party in our parking lot for the community.
  • In a couple of weeks, our church is adding a second service on Sunday mornings.
  • Our Fall Festival and Trunk-or-Treat is fast approaching.
  • We are planning a Thanksgiving meal for the needy.
  • …and so much more. Continue reading “Such a Busy Time. Gimme a Break.” →

Lack of Clear Vision

I spent the entire day today without my glasses.

There was nothing wrong with my glasses. I just didn’t wear them.

I normally wear contacts, but I’m down to my last pair, and lately my allergies have dried my eyes out quite a bit. As I was getting ready this morning, I decided not to wear my contacts and to stow my glasses in my man bag (read: European carry-all).

That’s where they stayed.

My eyes feel great. The bridge of my nose doesn’t hurt. Only drawback? Some occasional squinting.

Well, as far as I know. Continue reading “Lack of Clear Vision” →

#NWLC11 Part 12 – Reflections

As I mentioned in my last post, the choir at church reconvened Wednesday night following our July hiatus. We had a good turnout, and I was thankful to see my choir together again.

I told them about my experiences at the National Worship Leader Conference a few weeks ago. I learned much from the conference, but the main thing I learned from the week directly pertained to the choir and its focus in the days ahead.

I believe that God calls those of us in vocational ministry to specific places at specific times for specific purposes. While I am where I need to be, when I need to be there… I haven’t completely done my duty. Continue reading “#NWLC11 Part 12 – Reflections” →

#NWLC11 Part 1 – The Adventure Begins

I am in the lobby of the National Worship Leader Conference venue, Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. I have never been to Kansas before. Thankfully, it was an uneventful drive. Continue reading “#NWLC11 Part 1 – The Adventure Begins” →

Heading to #NWLC11

As you read this, I am on my way to the National Worship Leader Conference in Leawood, KS. I’d appreciate your prayers. I am confident I will learn much while I am there, and am ready for the boost in creativity I will (DV) receive.

This blog will be a depository of my takeaways from the week. I will have the opportunity to take nine workshops and see a number of Christian music’s best known artists…

and more.

Check the conference website.