Beyond Sunday Worship

Worship Podcast

What Creativity Can Teach You About Ministry

WHAT

On a scale of 1-10, how creative are you? 1 being utterly bankrupt of all creativity and 10 being the sultan of creative brilliance (wow, I like that title).

Truth be told, the answer doesn’t matter at all. It’s a waste of time. Rather than wondering if  you’re creative, why not own the fact that you are created in the image of the Creative God, and it’s part of who you are.

Sound good? OK – glad we got that out of the way.

Because that foundation will help this post make sense for you. You are not exempt, whether you’re a painter or a plumber, an accountant or an acrobat, everyone is an artist.

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Why Leadership Is So Hard [And What You Can Do About It]

Why

If I know anything, I know that leadership is hard.

I have a hard time leading myself, let alone being a catalyst for others to grow, get plugged in, and develop.

Sometimes I wonder, “Why am I qualified or called to be a leader?” I for sure don’t have it all together. I can’t remember if I brushed my teeth this morning, let alone where I see my ministry or business in five years.

Do you feel the same? In over your head? Overwhelmed?

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#122: Ian Cron on Morning Routines, Silence, & Current Modern Worship Challenges [Podcast]

MORNING ROUTINES (2)

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One of the most important things a worship leader can learn is how to lead silence. Leading silence is much more difficult than leading a song.”

-Ian Cron

My favorite podcasts to listen to are ones that are a bit uncomfortable – conversations that shine a light on a new (or old) idea and cause me to think differently. Ian Cron is one of those thinkers – awakening us to the most robust form of spirituality we are capable of.

Ian is a bestselling author, speaker, counselor, and Episcopal priest. He draws on an array of disciplines and resources – from art, music and poetry to contemplative practices; from psychology to Christian spirituality, which gives Ian a unique perspective and important message for Christians.

I’ve seen Ian speak on a couple of different occasions and have been inspired by his transparency and desire for the real thing – pulling back the curtain of church as we know it and truly meeting with God.

We talk about the role of silence in corporate worship, how to coach people to practice silence, challenges we’re facing in corporate worship, what we can learn from other religions,  and why so many worship pastors are discouraged.

I’d encourage you to listen and discuss these ideas with your team!

Enjoy.

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The Insecure Worship Leader

Suit & Tie (1)

Let’s be honest.

Or, maybe I’ll just be honest. Sometimes I don’t feel very good at what I do. Insecurities come knocking and not only do I open the door, I prepare a feast for them to come and dine.

Are you the same way? Don’t worry this will get more encouraging.

It’s a strange habit. It’s as if I’m completely unhappy with who I am, how I’m wired, and what God has gifted me with. It’s as if I wish God had made me another person.

  • I’m getting old. I’ve lost my edge.
  • I have a growing family. I can’t do what I used to do.
  • My songs aren’t as good as his songs.
  • I don’t have the connections I wish I had.
  • I’ll never fully reach my potential.
  • I don’t know how to lead worship anymore.
  • I wish I was more popular.

Do you entertain many of the same insecurities? Do you have others?

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#121: A Conversation On Authenticity & The Future Of Local Church Worship & Songwriting [Podcast]

A CONVERSATION ON

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The 60’s saw the innovation of the worship leader. The 70’s saw the innovation of the worship genre. The 80’s saw the innovation of the seamless worship set. The 90’s saw the worship leader upgraded to the worship band. And the millenium has seen all of these four ingredients coalesced together in the produced, minute-by-minute worship experience.” – Malcolm DuPlessis

Today’s interview marks our first 4-person conversation. And it’s a good one. I had the privilege of talking with the team from Common Exchange, an initiative to help the church transition from an audience of consumers to a kingdom of priests where everyone has a part to play.

I honestly feel like this is the conversation we all need to be having. It’s time for every nation, tribe, and tongue to have a voice in the modern worship movement. It’s time for more songs to be sung from different cultures around the world.

We welcome back Malcolm DuPlessis, a consultant and prophetic voice to to many high profile artists and leaders. Also, worship leader/songwriter Mark Alan joins us from Emmanual Christian Center in Minneapolis, MN, as well as Matt Macaulay, British worship leader/songwriter now living in Chattanooga, TN.

Buckle your seat belts. Get out your moleskins. It’s a good one.

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