Beyond Sunday Worship

Worship Podcast

Songwriter, Get to Work

Donald Miller wrote a super helpful post on doing creative work.

Click here if you can’t see the video.

His point is essential for songwriters:

A creator does not build on emotion!

Don’t wait for sappy feelings, perfect circumstances, and ideal surroundings to do your work. Get up and get to work. The best songwriters are those who have learned to develop a discipline and a strong work ethic.

Though you may not feel the sappy emotion, envision all the recipients of your hard work when the song is finished! This gives us hope as songwriters because, if we’re honest, we don’t “feel” it all the time. That frees me up to write and generate ideas when my mind and body feel like poop. Just do it.

Question: what songwriting disciplines have you tried? Share them in the comment section below.

U2, Halftime Shows, and Leading Your Congregation Beyond Songs

[This post is part of a series on Your Guide to Selecting and Leading Songs for Worship. Check out the rest here.]

Ever seen U2 in concert? I cannot say that I have yet, but what I’ve heard from friends and seen via youtube is nothing short of magical. Thousands upon thousands of people are not merely singing songs together – they are fully immersed in the experience. I’ve heard it said that it’s akin to a worship service. People sing loud, lift their hands, cry, and gush over their favorite rockstar superheroes.

Does this video resemble a worship service to you? (And if you were depressed by this years halftime show, be revived by this one).

[Read more…]

10 Essential Instrumental Albums For Creative Inspiration

Some of my favorite music in the world is instrumental. I think it’s because I love music and atmosphere and deep feeling and prayer and communing with God. Music with lyrics leads you in a certain direction. It tells you what it’s about.

Instrumental music allows you to have your own experience with it. It helps me break a creative slump, relax, pray, work, and stay focused.

These are some of my favorites. Enjoy.

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What are some of your favorite instrumental albums?

Worship Leading Secrets: Pursue Unsatisfied Satisfaction

What is your current status as a worshiper? Notice I didn’t say worship leader. Apart from the rehearsals, songs, strategies, music, & services, where is your passion level?

Your effectiveness as a worship leader will rise and fall on your white hot desire for Jesus. Otherwise you will burn out. Get bored. Want a new job. Give up.

Know what you need to do? Pursue unsatisfied satisfaction.

UNSATISFIED meaning you are not stagnant. You want to know God more each day. You’re not satisfied with your current knowledge of God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, Scripture, Evangelism, Passion. You’ve made a choice that you WILL NOT COAST through this life in a lukewarm state. You want God.

SATISFIED meaning God is enough. You aren’t looking away from the cross for a deeper meaning. The upward call of God in Christ Jesus is your goal. His love is enough for your self esteem. His grace is enough for your sin. His faithfulness is enough for your pain. He is everything you need. Period.

Question: how are you doing managing this tension? What could you do to pursue UNSATISFIED SATISFACTION today?