Beyond Sunday Worship

Worship Podcast

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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The Day My Daughter Was Born: A Letter For The Rest Of Your Life

375690_10152209080077112_1466605430_nThis post may not be your usual worship leading fare, but it’s an honest snapshot at where my life is today.

When my son was born 19 months ago, I wrote a blog post to him – heartfelt words from a new Father.

Eliana Joy Santistevan was born on Wednesday, January 29, weighing 8 lbs 3 oz.

Having a child is a total miracle. Worries of how you’ll perform as a parent are overwhelmed as you look into their eyes and you know it’s going to be OK. Kids call you to a higher level of living.

This is God’s miracle, God’s will, and God’s favor will follow those who trust in Him.

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How To Handle Auditions When You Have To Say “No”

5764026117_acbccfa5ea_bIt started out with an email and ended in heartbreak.

You know what I’m talking about. A beautiful soul with total confidence wants to join your worship team as a vocalist. The only problem is, they can’t sing.

And it’s not always that they cannot sing. It may be that their vocal tone just isn’t of a pleasing quality. In this case, there was no sense of pitch.

I was really hoping they were amazing so I could smile, affirm them, and offer them a spot on our worship team.

But I couldn’t do that. I had to be honest. Right there at the audition.

And this person left mad. In their mind, they were the cat’s pajamas of church vocalists.

If you’re a worship leader, you’ve been in this situation. If you haven’t, expect to in the near future. How do you handle a conversation like this? What is the best way to speak the truth without breaking hearts?

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