Beyond Sunday Worship

Worship Podcast

Archives for September 2013

13 Reasons Why We Sing In Worship

corporate-worshipHave you ever wondered why we sing in worship?

Let’s be honest, it has it awkward moments. A room full of people…singing to God – some who can sing, some who cannot. People raising their hands, shouting “amen”, getting emotional.

Imagine if you hosted a dinner party with a bunch of people you didn’t know. You gathered them in your living room and announced – “Let’s sing together.” And yet most of the people didn’t know the songs.

Oftentimes our corporate worship can feel like this. And I want to tell you that this is OK. Sure, we need to improve our skill of being an engaging leader and being strategic in our song choice.

But I want everyone – worship team and congregation alike – to dive into the awkwardness of corporate singing. And not just to sing, but to sing loud in corporate worship even if singing isn’t your “thing”.

Here’s why.

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Worship Leader, Please, Love The Local Church

There’s nothing more beautiful than the local church – the redeemed people of God, called out of darkness into light, made righteous in Christ.

It is every growing, expanding, and though far from perfect, it is the hope of the world.

The statement I just made might have caused you to say “amen”. It may have stirred your heart. But living out this passion is another story – but may the most important story your life can tell.

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Is Your Worship Leading Mere Emotional Manipulation?

230416692_8050a90a5a_bThe more you lead worship, the better you get at creating emotional experiences.

You become skilled at choosing songs that flow well together and evoke a certain response from people.

Raised hands, loud shouts, resounding claps, unison voices.

You become less concerned with pleasing the heart of God and more preoccupied with what will garner the greatest response.

But I’m wondering today:

  • Is our corporate worship in danger?
  • Have we become too dependent on songs, sounds, and stages?
  • Is our worship simply psychological manipulation?
  • How can we be sure our worship is pleasing to God?
  • Is a fragrance is rising from the hearts of God’s surrendered, desperate people?

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The Worship Leader’s Guide to Planning A Night of Worship

5584799538_e8a6be4d7f_bMost of us spend our time organizing weekend worship services.

Typically that involves a time frame of 15-20 minutes. This is great for a weekend, but I also believe it’s great in the life a church to schedule a night of worship every so often.

This is great on a number of levels:

  • Refreshing – There’s nothing God’s people need more than His presence. And to spend uninterrupted time with Him can bring much needed refreshment.
  • Challenging – Worship Nights can be a great way to challenge your volunteers on the technical side. Push your musicians to another level. Challenge your tech team to try new things with videos, lighting, and stage design.

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