Category: Worship

Why Do We Sing?

This post originally appeared in The Loop, newsletter of Lexington Baptist Temple.

Why do we sing? Why do we lift our voices in praise and adoration? When you stop and think about it, it’s a strange concept – talking with pitch and duration.

Sure, some instruments have strings. Some you hit with a stick. Some use air from the musician’s lungs and the vibration of their lips. But the voice is very special. Personal.

And it’s the only instrument God Himself made. Continue reading “Why Do We Sing?” →

Gungor, Middle School Choir, and The Greatest American Hero

When I taught middle school choir, there were times that I had my students sing music from other cultures and religions. I stressed the fact that, in some instances, a musician is an actor. I told them that, when they sing about God, they don’t have to believe in Him.

But the audience needs to believe they do. Continue reading “Gungor, Middle School Choir, and The Greatest American Hero” →

You Have An Interesting Voice – Part 2

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAIn a recent post, I delved into an aspect of modern culture that works against the training and maturation of this generation as singers and musicians in our churches – the importance of having a distinctive, unique, and/or interesting voice

What do we have going against us in this fight for quality? Television, as I’ve mentioned. But today’s youth also possess a certain sense of entitlement. Continue reading “You Have An Interesting Voice – Part 2” →

My New Fav – TobyMac’s New Album

English: Toby Mac
English: Toby Mac (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

My first Christian concert was by a hip hop group which, at the time, was known as DC Talk.

I got to see them at Kentucky Christian College (now a university), and was wise enough at my young age to position myself ten feet from the subwoofer.

(They use a lot of bass. Ouch.) Continue reading “My New Fav – TobyMac’s New Album” →

Missing a Blessing, or Doing Themselves a Favor – Uncomfortable Service

Once upon a time, there was a handsome music minister…

(Now, see, I’ve started this post badly. My fault.)

I once took a meeting with someone in a church I served that wanted some time with me to voice some concerns. I welcome meetings like that. There is never a guarantee of complete agreement, but at least concerns are voiced and addressed directly.

This person, during the course of the conversation, related to me that neither they nor their spouse participated in choir anymore. When I asked why, they told me it was because the style of music had changed over the years, and they did not feel they could worship with the style of music as is. So, they didn’t.

After our conversation, I grieved for them. Not for the music ministry. Not for the choir. Not for the church in general. For them. Continue reading “Missing a Blessing, or Doing Themselves a Favor – Uncomfortable Service” →

#NoCamo Fleshed Out – My iPhone Lock Screen

I am fascinated by my God. Whenever I am going through a particular struggle, He regularly brings scripture to mind to help me reconcile my thoughts against His Word.

But then, I have to go to work. And if I’m not careful, I can lose my spiritual bearings in the busyness.

So, what to do?

I use my smartphone’s lock screen as a reminder. Continue reading “#NoCamo Fleshed Out – My iPhone Lock Screen” →

If Something Belongs to Jesus…

I’ve enjoyed the week of devotionals that Perry Noble has posted on his blog in the days preceding his sabbatical (you can find the first post here).

On day five, Perry referenced Matthew 16:18 and asked the question…

If something belongs to Him (Jesus), is it important?

(Perry is the king of the rhetorical.)

God INVENTED the church. Christ DIED for the church. He calls the church His BRIDE. God desires the WORSHIP of His church.

How AWESOME is that!!

JAM Student Ministries presents “Hero”

Sunday morning at LBT touched my heart.

The children’s ministry, JAM (Jesus And Me), at LBT signed the song Hero by the band Abandon. Awesome song. Awesome message. Awesome use of black lights. Check it out…

Continue reading “JAM Student Ministries presents “Hero”” →

Poetic Rendition of the Crucifixion as a Wedding

I tweeted this the other day…

https://twitter.com/#!/jonwellman/status/187538531474878464

As I am true to my word, here is the video…

I don’t believe I have ever heard the crucifixion related to the bride of Christ, His church, in this way before. I had never heard of the poet, David Bowden, before seeing this video, and know nothing of his background, but I intend to check out his work.

Take a minute to watch this. What are your thoughts?

Ten Ways to Plan Worship Services with Better Flow

Those of us who attend church regularly have been in worship services that just seem to flow perfectly. Every song transitions perfectly into the next. Every word said is poignant and meaningful, adding beauty and context to the service. Every word on the screens is in place. Everything just works.

Not all services roll like that.

There will always be hiccups in worship flow. A guitar string that strays out of tune. A false start on a contemplative song. A mumbled fumbled song introduction.

The key is, as much as humanly possible, to avoid the avoidable. To plan the musical and artistic elements of corporate worship in such a way that the Holy Spirit has no manufactured competition for the attentions of the attendees.

With flow in mind, here are ten ways to improve worship service planning…

  1. Continue reading “Ten Ways to Plan Worship Services with Better Flow” →