Blog - Beyond Sunday Worship

Jun 20 2017

What I Learned About Worship From A Sigur Ros Show

This last week I experienced another one of life’s great moments – a Sigur Ros show.

I’ve made a lot of poor decisions in my life, but seeing this band has never been one of them. Magical, otherworldly, unique, immersive, contemplative, massive, and powerful.

So much respect for this band. They create music that is completely their own. While you can hear influences, there’s nothing quite like it. They’ve stayed true to who they are, bringing that Icelandic sound across the world.

This particular North American tour was special. Just a 3 piece band, layered stage design, insane lighting, and lots of sound. Of course, as a worship leader, I had to draw some parallels.

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Jun 16 2017

#151: Melissa Helser on Friendship With God & Shifting Atmospheres [Podcast]

Such a joy to welcome Melissa Helser on the podcast. Melissa and her husband Jonathan David are incredible worship leaders. It’s remarkable what they do with their Cageless Birds ministry in South Carolina as well as their recent partnership with Bethel Music.

In this interview we talk about the new Starlight album, women in worship, leading with authority through suffering, what worship leaders need to practice, what shifts the atmosphere in worship, and more. So many great truths!

Enjoy:

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Jun 14 2017

A Life Update & Santistevan Family Transition

Today’s post is a life update of sorts. I wanted to let you in on a transition my family and I are taking.

Me, my wife Emily, and our two kids (Tyler & Eliana) are about to embark on a season of adventure – literally. We will be hitting the road and traveling the country for an unforeseen amount of time.

Crazy, right?

Well, we are excited to adventure as a family. This is something we’ve dreamed about for quite some time – to simplify, see the country, experience life, step out of our comfort zones, and to travel. It just feels like the right time with our kids being 3 & 4 years old (or maybe it’s the worst time, haha).

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Jun 09 2017

Are You Creating An Atmosphere for the Holy Spirit To Move?

When it comes to worship, we are obsessive about the atmosphere.

The pad creates an atmosphere. The guitar swells create an atmosphere. Every intro, transition, and altar call is about the atmosphere it provides.

But the tension happens when the planning of the atmosphere doesn’t leave space for what the Holy Spirit wants to do. Of course, God can [and does] work through Spirit-led, intentional, well-researched, well thought-out planning.

The time and energy you invest in staying ahead and well-planned is never in vain. However, how do we plan and create an atmosphere where the Holy Spirit can operate?

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Jun 01 2017

#150: Aaron Shust on Worship Tensions, Church Music, & Making Live Records [Podcast]

Today’s interview is with Aaron Shust – an amazing singer, songwriter, and worship leader. We talk about Aaron’s history with traditional church music and how he started leading worship.

Also some great songwriting nuggets, stories, and challenges about the character of a worship leader. Important stuff.