Beyond Sunday Worship

Worship Podcast

#18: Artistry Vs Accessibility: An Interview With All Sons & Daughters [Podcast]

ASD-main2Worship leaders face a tension every week.

Do we focus on our artistry or our accessibility? Which is more important?

I had the privilege of interviewing David Leonard and Leslie Jordan, otherwise known as All Sons & Daughters. We talked about this tension among many other topics related to their music, balancing itinerant ministry with local church ministry, community, and songwriting.

Sure, I love the songs and sound of this worship duo. But burning even brighter is their heart for their home church, the global church, and pursuing Jesus with all their heart.

Don’t miss it!

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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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