Beyond Sunday Worship

Worship Podcast

Archives for February 2014

The 4 Callings Of Every Local Church Worship Musician

WorshipHandsWhen you pick up your instrument, do you feel the call of God?

When you lead your church in worship, do you feel the weight of responsibility?

Because you, my friend, are called, appointed, and anointed to do what you do.

My goal today is to inspire you to take your role as a worship musician seriously but not to take yourself too seriously.

I want to challenge you to steward your calling and anointing with responsibility, but not your ego.

You are called to more than music. You are destined for more than entertaining God’s people.

It’s time to rise up and step into the fullness of God’s call upon your life.

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#29: The Electric Guitar And Worship Music: An Interview With James Duke

jamesdukeI’m no prophet, but as far as I can see, the electric isn’t going away anytime soon.

For decades upon decades it has melted a few faces and made glad the heart of man. In all seriousness, the electric guitar is such a powerful instrument, but do you know how to harness it to its full effectiveness?

That’s where James Duke comes in. James is a touring/session guitarist who’s played for the likes of John Mark McMillan, Morningstar, Jason Upton, Matt Redman, among others. He’s also the mastermind behind his band, All the Bright Lights.

In this interview we discuss all things electric guitar – how James has developed his tone, how he writes parts, how to build a pedalboard on a budget, and much more.

Let’s geek out.

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How To Excel As A Musician (For Those Who Lack Talent)

99797066_974a36a59f_bIt seems that there are two types of people in the world: those with talent and those who suck at music.

At least it seems that way. You know who I’m talking about – that annoying musician for whom everything comes easily.

They play numerous instruments, have very creative ideas, and just seem to be crowned from on high with musical ninja skills.

For the rest of us, it’s ridiculous hard work and little progress, right?

This, I believe, is a myth. Sure, some may be more genetically predisposed to music. But good musicians are good because they immerse themselves in it. And this is something you can do, whether you believe you are talented or not.

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Are We Leading Worship Or Entertaining The Church?

3074888459_d6ea688859_bIt’s a scary question, isn’t it?

I don’t know about you, but I want to lead people to Jesus and disciple them enough so that they stay there.

I don’t want to simply leave them with a talented performance or a memorable concert.

I want people to know the presence of God and begin to live there on a daily basis.

But it makes me wonder – are our worship services structured to accomplish this? Or are they simply a concert to entertain and inspire?

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The Boring, Plain, Unglamorous Call To Creativity

Roseline Koener: Sonata for Two Embers in Early Morning (Detail)As the world watched the Super Bowl this past weekend, our eyes were transfixed on a sea of creativity.

Bruno Mars, tearing up his performance on the biggest stage in the world.

A ready Seahawks defense, rendering Peyton Manning immobile.

U2, releasing a new single via a multi million dollar commercial.

All over the place – from cameras to cornerbacks to coaches and commercials, we were inundated with creativity in varied forms.

When we consider creativity, our thinking often wanders to the large stages. We think on the big crowds. We marvel over the final product.

When we think of that – part of us gives up on our own creativity.

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