Blog - Beyond Sunday Worship

Sep 18 2014

#58: David Garratt On Worship Music in the 60s, Scripture in Song, & Being Led By The Holy Spirit

Have you ever thought – what was worship like before it was cool?

Today’s conversation is with David Garratt – veteran worship leader and songwriter who has been making records since 1968 before it was common to do so.

David paved the way for thousands of artists today and continues to inspire. It was such an honor to talk with him on the podcast.

We talk about some very interesting subjects ranging from introducing drums and guitars in worship before it was an “acceptable” practice, what makes a great song, what God was doing in the charismatic revival in the 60s, and what worship leaders are missing in their leadership.

Don’t miss it!

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Sep 16 2014

Why Vulnerable Worship Is Scary, Necessary, And The Best Way to Lead

“It’s not that you shouldn’t lead worship.

It’s just that your passion to lead others has overwhelmed the necessity of leading yourself.

The best worship leaders are those who are in tune with the Holy Spirit – so engaged in the Person of Christ – that they help others to be vulnerable. They lead with an honest, open heart – freeing others to surrender all.”

Microphone in spotlight When I first wrote that, I was preaching to myself. I felt God challenging me to step up my leadership.

I mean, how could I lead a room in worship if I was unwilling to lead myself?

Lead myself in worship – that’s something we don’t think about right?

But when your personal times with God drift to few and far between, when you’re more excited for the things of this world, and when your passion revolves around the spread of your own name and influence, something needs to change.

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Sep 11 2014

#57: How This Couple Wrote & Recorded Their First Worship Album From Scratch [Podcast]

With no label to back them up, and no massive budget to make it happen, Jordan & Kristin Rippy decided to record their first worship album.

Which is exactly why I love this story.

They didn’t wait for permission. They didn’t wait for an angelic visitation. They stepped out in faith and pursued their dream.

The end result?

A really fantastic EP of fresh, well-written, passionately delivered worship songs. Jordan & Kristin have a gift and I’m ecstatic they’re sharing it with the world.

In this podcast, we talk about the heart of the album and the step by step details of how they used Kickstarter, hired a producer, finished their songs, and saw their dream come to pass.

My hope is that this conversation would encourage you in pursuing your creative dream.

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Sep 09 2014

6 Reasons Why Your Musicality Has Stalled (And What To Do About It)

If you’re a musician, you know there’s always room for improvement.

If not, you’re probably the musician no one wants to be around. Because we can all improve.

New experiences, new life lessons, new instruments, and improved technique all serve to keep our musicianship expanding.

The problem with improvement is we feel it needs to take 10,000 hours – years and years before we see much progress. Sure, having years on your side will never hurt.

But more time isn’t the answer. It’s about being intentional in a few important areas where you’ll see the largest growth.

I’m convinced that music should fascinate. If you’re not lost in the beauty, exploring the possibilities of what you can do, you’re missing the point. It’s time to get inspired.

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Sep 04 2014

#56: Chris Brown on Elevation Worship, Intentional Songwriting, & Serving Your Pastor’s Vision

NIWA-recording_600 If there’s anyone creating an exciting worship team culture, it’s Elevation Worship.

For the last few years, they’ve pushed themselves in a lot of creative directions and have gotten behind the vision of Pastor Steven Furtick.

I had the honor of chatting with Chris Brown, one of the main worship leaders at Elevation. We discuss all things Elevation, songwriting, working with your lead pastor, and making disciples – all things I’m super passionate about.