The Order....One Mind and One Accord...

Every worship leader has this one dilemma...What should the order of the music be?

There are numerous thoughts on this out there.  What I've learned is this,  do what works.
What does that mean?  If possible, plan all the songs with one theme that's in common.  If it's not possible, then try to let the last two or three songs be on the same theme.  If we, as worship leaders, do our part to focus the thoughts and praises of the congregants in one directions, then we are more likely to enter the Holy of Holy's.

Acts 2:1-2
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

Acts 2:1-2 tells us that they, the ones that had stayed in the upper room praying after the Savior ascended, were in one place, and with one accord.  This tells us something significant.  All those in that room were focused on one thing.  Everyone was on the "same page" as the person beside them.  Some ministers say it like this, "they were in one mind."  Others say it this way, "they were in unison in their prayers and worship."  Either way, it's the same thing.  They were desiring the same thing.

As worship leaders, we need to focus those we are leading to a singular point.  We have to get everyone on the same page and desiring the same thing.  Yes, it's difficult, especially when we have to compete with social media, political points of view, and we have to inspire those that refuse to grow in Christ to examine themselves and realize that they are not where they need to be.  We have to hear complaints of , "The music sounds too much like Rock-N-Roll," or, "Everything was just too loud," and even, "The music had too much of a country-western feel too it."  These examples are almost always followed by the sentence, "I just couldn't worship because of it."  These are also things we have to overcome.

I feel that if you can use a hymn or part of one or two in the services, then you need to try to do so.
For example....I would start out with the Call to Worship being Friend of God, written by Israel Houghton.  It's an upbeat song that starts off with the theme that we want.  Once the service gets to the worship set, I would lead off with something like Open up the Heavens, by Meredith Andrews, then go into either Cornerstone, from Hillsong or Your Presence is Heaven, by Israel Houghton.  Next I would slow things down a bit more with just the chorus to the hymn, What a Friend We Have In Jesus.  I would end with either the chorus to the hymn, I Surrender All, or the chorus to He's All I Need.  I might would include both.  All these songs point to being His friend, being in His presence, or His supremacy.  At the end of the worship set, the last two songs declare that we need Him, and He is all we need.  The other songs just support these two....

You must consider those that you are leading though.  Their individual tastes in music also help indicate what my be effective for them to worship with.  However, if someone says that they cannot worship to a particular style of music, then do not concern yourself with that person...they are focused on satisfying their taste in music, not the Most High God with praises.

Consider your sets.  First of all, pray for guidance.  Secondly, consider the keys and abilities of the musicians you're using that day.  Thirdly, start off faster, and end slower...this promotes a more intimate worship.  Fourthly, keep to a theme where possible.  And fifthly, make sure the songs resonate with your congregants.

All these things play vital roles in how each service is conducted.  They also help to focus or distract from true worship.  Learn how to be flexible in the style's of music.

After all, we want everyone in, "One Mind and One Accord!"

Stage Lighting....I Saw the Light

It's Sunday morning and you walk into the sanctuary to find a place to sit.  Service hasn't started yet and the stage is dark.  You're able to find a seat and sit down.

The house lights begin to dim, and the music starts.  As the house lights dim, the stage begins to light up.  Once the lighting is appropriate for the desired effect, spiraling lights and fog machines start kicking in and then you're in the church service.

There are many opinions on how much light, what kind of light, and the positions  and functions of the lighting in a church environment.  There are some that like the house lights on all the way and will not negotiate.  There are others that believe the lighting should resemble a club or concert setting, and again, these people will not negotiate.

I am of the opinion that there needs to be a blend.  I believe incandescent lighting in the sanctuary is best, with about twice as much light on stage as in the congregation seating.  I also believe subtle accent  lights can be used against walls, or in custom "fixtures" for accents and helping to set a "mood."   I believe that worship is an intimate action and setting the mood helps the worshiper in their own worship.  Our God is light.  He generates the light for Heaven.  I believe, that churches have no business keeping the people in the dark.  For a concert setting, you're fine...but for worship, I want to be surrounded by the light of God.

Your Business

Everyone likes to know what's going on at other churches.  They want to know what music is hot, if they are using any audio effects or undertones (pads), or if they are using visual enhancements in an attempt to create a more intimate worship environment.

There is nothing wrong with this.  Things like this help us grow as musicians, worship leaders, and they help to create a sense of community and camaraderie among the various churches.  This is a good thing!
After all, aren't we supposed to work together to build the Kingdom of God, and to be about His business as one people?
Absolutely!

But...be careful.  Sometimes the problems of other churches come into the conversation.  Various internal issues that do not need to be outside the four walls of that church, or your church, can be detrimental to the effectiveness of the church in question.

Guard your heart and your church...Don't allow gossip to bring down a ministry that, although they may have made a mistake, is still a viable resource and a ministry tool for God.

In your conversations with other churches leadership, keep the focus on where it needs to be.  Use the sense of community to further God's kingdom, not some agenda that may or may not be feasible or honest.

Keep integrity in your worship team, your church, and your own life.  Speak up for the churches that are trying, but that are having problems.  You never know....It maybe your church one day!

Practice - Effective Time Management

Every successful worship team has to practice.  We have to find what works within our own dynamics of the teams we have.  We have to strive for excellence so that we take everything seriously.  Practicing helps us learn the music, the words, and the dynamic attributes of the songs we do.  But...Practice can either be really great, or it can be a jam session.

When we practice, we take the song by parts.  We start with the intro, then move on to verse 1, the chorus, and so forth.  We work out each section and make sure everyone has it, or is close to having it.  We will review each section several times before we move on.  This does annoy some people though.  I had a lady on my team tell me that she learns better by playing through the entire song, even if she was playing it wrong, then making changes once the song had been played through in its entirety.  Once those changes were made, she said to play the whole song again, then make changes, and continue until we were happy with the song.  This is a waste of valuable time.  When you take it in sections, you can tweak it more and have a higher chance of everyone remembering what to do than having them play the song wrongly ten times and correctly three times once everything is worked out.  Once you each section like you want it, play through it several times to solidify it in your teams mind.  Then work on the transition and the next section.  You'll find that this method works better for those teams that want to sound really good, and really want to please God with their worship.

You don't want to waste your teams time.  They volunteered to be here, but they have their own lives that they need to give attention to.  Make sure to keep them between an hour and an hour and fifteen minutes.  Shoot to accomplish everything in that time frame.  Plan your practice so that you have certain goals, and make them realistic.

Also, there are other ministries that your team may be apart of.  In my church, the two other vocalists are ladies and are heavily involved with the ladies ministries, Sunday School, and Children's Church.  I always try to accommodate these other ministries and work with them.  On Sunday's where the Ladies are having a meeting, or when the Children are having a big event that weekend, I don't have practice.  Yes this "holds us back" in terms of the number of songs we can learn.  But in the big picture, the entire church has a healthier membership due to the "breaks" they get from one ministry and the change of scenery by helping with other ministries as well.  We do good though.  We just make our time count.  We don't jam during practice, we practice.  My team provides me with valuable feedback, and they are glad to be there.

Respect the time of your team members, and make your time with them count!

What's Hot....and What's Not!

A lot of churches worship leaders will hear the number one song in the land and declare, "We have to do this song!"  In reality, not every song that is number one is number one.
What does that mean....
Just because everyone knows it and its on the radio for a thousand consecutive weeks at number one, doesn't mean that it will be a great worship song.  In fact, sometimes the pressure to take a number one and make it the best in your worship set can distract you from what God is wanting to do.

This is where knowing your congregation helps.  Knowing them provides insight to what will be effective and what may be a flop.  Use that to your advantage.  Plan out new music based not on the charts of popularity, but on the wings or worship.  You learn it and worship with it in private.  Then, if you can get to His presence with it, present it to the team and see what they think.  There are a lot of songs that are for "Positive Entertainment" and nothing really more.

What?

Yes...I wouldn't sing a song by Francesca Batistelli called "Free to be Me" in church!  How does singing about a rip in your jeans, or being late for work, or the speeding ticket help you focus on worship and entering His presence?  It distracts more than help.  That's because it's not appropriate for worship.

Use wisdom and good judgement when picking out music.  Mostly, pray that God direct you into a fountain of great music for leading the church in worship.  After all...He gives sermons to pastors,why would He not give you the music if you seek Him?

Worship Engagement

You're on stage and between songs.  Everything up to that point has brought you here.  You have one (or two) songs left on the set list, and you feel an urge to do something not planned.

Sometimes it takes a quiet moment to hear God's voice and directions.  We prepare and pray for His guidance in the upcoming services, and sometimes He gives us just enough to get to 'that' moment.  It can be anywhere in the worship service, and you know it when you get there.  What do you do?

Some worship leaders know exactly what to do.  Others don't.  I knew what to do from the experiences I received by watching my parents and other ministers and worship leaders.  Not everyone grows up in the environment I did, and therefore doesn't have the same experiences to draw from that I do.  None the less, it was still terrifying to actually do it.

God will sometimes drop something in your spirit or in your heart, and you can't help but share it.  It's usually something that uplifts or edifies the church.  Pentecostal brothers and sisters will know what I'm talking about...Sometimes God uses speaking in tongues for this something, and other times He impresses us like He does ministers when they are preparing their sermons.  The method is not important.  What is important is that when this happens, you trust God and do or say what He wants you to.

Their are other times that speaking to the congregation will encourage worship or help set the attitude and help focus the people in their worship.  Sometimes a simple prayer or an exhortation can be enough.  Then there are times where you may quote scripture and briefly interpret it for them. There are many  things that can be done in those moments.  You just have to do it.

Don't be afraid.  You're already singing in front of the congregation, why not go ahead talk to them.  You talk to them before and after services anyway.  Sometimes we get nervous about the little things we do, when we need to just focus on God.

These moments of spoken word will have positive results in the long run.  It may take you a couple times to get the feel for it, or to recognize what God is asking you to do; but...It keeps the focus of the people where it belongs.....On worshiping God.  You never know what condition someone may be in, or what they are going through.  Your words may remind them that He is sufficient for all needs in their lives; that He is mighty enough, loving enough, and gentle enough to help them through anything they are facing or dealing with.  This opens their hearts to a more sincere form of worship, and those that respond usually leave encouraged by God, having a more positive outlook on their situation, and since they've had an encounter with the Almighty, they leaved changed.

After all, isn't this our mission as worship leaders?  Aren't we supposed to help people into sincere worship?  Aren't we supposed to help them into the Holy of Holies? Aren't we supposed to help the Pastor make sure that people leave changed?

This is one way to do this!

Epic Fail!

Ok...So I set out with a great plan to post everyday during the week up to Easter. I failed.
I wanted to show the effort and care that the writers of hymns used to carefully craft their songs.  I think I accomplished this, somewhat.
I wanted to inspire you, my readers, to take extra time and effort in your worship during the week before and the day of Easter.  No idea if that was successful...but I hope so.

Sometimes we set out to do things that seem incredible and we believe if we can do that thing, then the presence of God will be so think in the room that the fog of His glory would surround us.  In our minds and imaginations we tend to believe that our project or task will be awesome, and everybody will hit their parts perfectly, the harmonies will be flawless, and the lighting will be perfect.  Basically, we picture our team onstage lip-syncing to Hillsong, Bethany, or Bethel's music.
Reality check...As I've said before, we are not these worship teams.  You will not sound like them!

As much as I wanted to accomplish my earlier stated goals, I'm not a writer for a newspaper, magazine, or any other publication outside of His Presence - Our Praise and I've failed.
The fact is that failure is part of life, and part of learning.  If we don't fail, then we don't learn how to make things better.

This past Christmas, I was given an entire service to lead the congregation in worship.  I had the lights dimmed to a soft ambient setting.  I had candles placed strategically around the stage, and I created a background for the screen to have up.  I envisioned a time of intimate worship with everyone enjoying the presence of God on that night.  While it was a success, the intended result never materialized.  There was sporadic worship, and everyone enjoyed the music.  But I learned some things about our congregation, and their expectations.  They walked in the door looking to be entertained more than looking to worship.  That's not a bad thing, it's just not what I was hoping for.  They came expecting a type of cantata instead of worship.

My point is this.  Don't be afraid to try something and fail at it.  You can only grow from it.  Thomas Edison tried to make the light bulb around two thousand times before he found the one way that worked.  When he was asked about it, his reply was this..."I didn't fail two thousand times, I just found two thousand ways to not make a light bulb."   When you fail, you're not really failing.  IF you learn something, it's a success!

......But still don't expect your worship team to be Hillsong!

Nothing But The Blood (3 of 7)

"What can wash away my sin? What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the Blood of Jesus!

For my pardon this I see, For my cleansing this I plea.
Nothing but the Blood of Jesus!

Nothing can for sin atone.  Naught of good that I have done.
Nothing but the Blood of Jesus!

This is all my hope and peace, This is all my righteousness!
Nothing but the Blood of Jesus!

O precious is that flow, that makes me white as snow.
No other fount I know!  Nothing but the Blood of Jesus!"

Wow!  What a song!  The Rev. Robert Lowry felt such passion about the value and importance of the blood that he penned this song with strong and powerful wording!

Only the blood of Jesus Christ can wash our sins away, can make us complete, is able to pardon, and is our hope and righteousness.  Only the blood can atone for our sins, and nothing we do can make us righteous.  How incredible is it that the weight of these words and the importance of understanding them is the cornerstone of our faith!

A shower with Herbal Essence shampoo and Dove body wash cant cleanse you like being totally submerged in the precious blood of the lamb!  Too many times, church goers tend to live like they want to Monday through Saturday. Then, Sunday morning, they come in with their spiritual shoes on and jump, shout, run the aisles (ask your Grand Parents about it), and "work" under the anointing.  I'm sorry...God doesn't want that.  He wants to submerge you beneath the flow....

Did you catch that?  The blood is flowing!  That means it's not a standing pool like what we are baptized in.  It's a flow.  Once you're in it, you move to a new place.  You can't get out of the flow where you entered the flow!

When you are sincere in your repentance, God totally submerges you in the flow and you are changed.  You don't go back to the things that you used to do, or to where you used to go.

Strive to stay in the flow!

Are You Washed In The Blood

"Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing pow'r?
Are you washed in the blood of the lamb?
Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour?
Are you washed in the blood of the lamb?

Are you walking daily by the Savior's side?
Are you washed in the blood of the lamb?
Do you rest each moment in the crucified?
Are you washed in the blood of the lamb?

When the Bride-Groom cometh will your robes be white?
Pure and white in the blood of the lamb?
Will your soul be ready for the mansion bright?
And be washed in the blood of the lamb!

Lay aside the garments that are stained with sin.
And be washed in the blood of the lamb!
There's a fountain flowing for the soul un-clean
O be washed in the blood of the lamb!"

The writer is calling you out!  If you're washed in the blood, then you should doing the following:
1)  Fully trusting in His grace
2)  Walking daily by the Savior's side
3)  Resting in the security of Him who was crucified

And if you are washed in the blood, you need to do these things:
1)  Make sure your robe is white
2)  make sure your soul is ready
3)  Lay aside all sin stained garments
4)  Be washed in the blood of the Lamb!

What does this mean?  This is a daily guide on what we need to do to make sure we are ready when He comes back.  The writer is compelling, reminding, and challenging us to live as if He was coming back in the next few minutes.  As Christians, we should be doing this because we love Him, not because this song tells us to.

As worship leaders, sometimes we have to compel, remind, and challenge our congregants to help them focus on what is required of us.  Too many churches and church members live for themselves and don't really focus on how they should be living.  They focus on "being fed" by the minister, enjoying the music, and keeping the status quo.  The fact is that too many church goers are not going because of their conviction to serve Christ.  No, they are going because they expect Christ to serve them.  This way of thinking is killing our churches and causing an epidemic.  Now, people say that they don't have to go to church to feel God.  While this is true, they stay out of church to hunt, fish, have family time, go to ball games, or whatever else they want to do.  They don't pray or read scripture while they are doing these activities...No, they are enjoying life.
There is nothing wrong with enjoying life, or taking a Sunday off from church every once in a while.  The fact remains though, We need other believers to encourage us, to uplift us, to edify us, and to walk with us through life's trials.

This is where we compel, remind and challenge.  This is where we help others see the importance of these things.  This is where our music needs to deliver a clear, concise, message to the members.
It's not just the Pastors job....Welcome to ministry!

There Is A Fountain

"There is a fountain, filled with blood
Drawn from Immanuel's veins.
And sinners plunged beneath that flood
Lose all their guilty stains.
Lose all their guilty stains.
Lose all their guilty stains."

"The dying thief rejoiced to see
that fountain in his day.
And there may I, tho vile as he,
Wash all my sins away.
Wash all my sins away.
Wash all my sins away"

"E'er since by faith, I saw the stream
Thy flowing wounds supply
Redeeming love has been my theme
And shall be till I die.
And shall be till I die.
And shall be till I die."

Then in a nobler, sweeter song I'll sing
Thy pow'r to save
When this pool lisping, stammering tongue
Lies silent in the grave.
Lies silent in the grave.
Lies silent in the grave."


This is a beautiful song written by W.M. Cowper.  Look at the wording, the emphasis on certain words, and how he follows a distinctive structure.
Cowper didn't just write a song. No, he wrote an anthem about The Crucifixion of Jesus.  The blood wasn't spilled, it was drawn.  The thief rejoiced when he saw that fountain because even he knew of the grace that it supplied.  Then Cowper references his own conversion and tells that his one declaration on the Earth shall ever be of Jesus' redeeming love.  Lastly, he looks across death and into Glory.  He looks to the time that he sings God's praises in Heaven; to when he is singing, "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord; Who was and is and is to come!"

The eloquence that Cowper uses should make all songwriters take a second look.  I think too many times we "Dumb Down" our worship to make it easier to sing too, or more relevant to a generation of people that refuse to think on a higher plane of thought.

Millennials tend to think with emotion versus logic.  So, we adapt to what they need in order to understand grace and salvation.  Once they get it - once they realize what salvation truly means; we then need to direct them to the elegance of worship.  What does that mean?  It means once a student knows what a painting is, and what the purposes of a painting could be, we introduce them to a Monet, or a Picasso.  Once the student understands what music is and how it is made and written, then you introduce them to the complexities of Beethoven, Bach, and Tchaikovsky.  They will have a greater appreciation of the beauty of these great painters and composers once they understand the basics.

We have to give them the meat.  We have to get them off of the milk and help them mature in Christ Jesus.  Their worship needs to mature as well.

This process isn't the music directors alone...No, it falls on all leaders in the church.

But for now...take some time and ponder the wondrous cross.  Discover eloquent verses that reflect a writers most passionate and compelling emotions.  Discover how they described our God.  Not in simple mans terms, but in complex phrases and thoughts, as well as fluid scores of music.

Be inspired by this song that Cowper so elegantly penned.

God Speaks

There is a plumbing problem in your house.  The drain pipes are stopped up and no amount of liquid fire or Liquid Plumber can unclog it.  Your washing machine drains the water into the pipes, but it back flows to the master bathroom tub.
You crawl under the house to get to all the pipes.  You've got mud around you, there are worms crawling in the dirt beside you, and there is an awful stench.
Then it happens...God Speaks.

Sometimes life keeps you busy enough that your focus isn't on God.  While I was under my house trying to fix the problem of my drain, God stirred my mind back to being thankful.  My outlook changed a bit.  Instead of frustration, anger, being ready to either pay someone or sale the house; I took a more calm approach...mostly.  I remembered my tarp, and laid it down to stay out of the mud.  I remembered my knee pads in the car and was able to have a little cushion for my sore joints.  I became grateful that human waste was not the area I was working on and my outlook on the repair changed.  In fact, some would say I "over fixed" the problem.

On the way to the hardware store, God gave me some lyrics to a song I've been working on. A simple chorus, with maybe three main parts...a verse, chorus, and maybe a bridge,  It's nothing fancy, and it may never be sung by any other worship team.  But...It's inspired by God, and it's already blessed me.

God doesn't give us something for us to do nothing with it!  He expects us to use the gift to further His kingdom.  The Holy Spirit is here to lead and guide us, for the purpose of furthering the Kingdom.  After all, if we're not furthering the Kingdom of God, what are we doing?

When He speaks, listen to Him.  Trust me, He knows best.  In all things, praise Him for His goodness and mercies.  However, even the Holy Scripture says in 1 Samuel 15:22 that obedience is better than any sacrifice you may present.  Just...Obey what He says, when He says to do it.  Sometimes, His words to us are encouragement, confirmation, correction, and inspiration.  We need to be able to use what He gives us in each situation; whether it's for your own personal growth or for the edification of the church body.  Trust me, that will become obvious if it isn't right away.

Just..........Be a willing servant, always listening for the voice of God!

God speaks to us in His own way, and in His own timing.  We just have to be ready to receive.

Along the lines of Thankfulness....

My last post focused on being thankful for the little things, and taking the time to enjoy life and time with our families.  I also discussed how this could influence your worship.  But I don't feel that I covered it well enough to get the point across.  Thankfulness is a lifestyle that accompanies the worshipers lifestyle.  They go hand in hand.  Today, I want to talk more about this.

Psalm 100:4King James Version (KJV)

4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.

The above scripture gives us a distinctive approach to how we should come into the house of God.  First, we enter His gates with Thanksgiving.  Today, that would equate either driving on the property, or stepping through the doors into the area just outside the sanctuary.  Secondly, when we enter his courts with praise, that would usually mean into the sanctuary.  The next phrase however, does not exclude thanksgiving because we are now beyond the gates.  It says to be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

This signifies that our worship starts with being thankful, then goes into praise, which consists of blessings and being thankful some more.  More and more Christians will sing God's praises with songs like "How Great Is Our God," "How Great Thou Art," and "Revelation Song;" but we forget to simply say Thank You, Lord.  We will declare that His blood was shed for me, and that my healing comes from Him, but do we sit back and say "Thank you, Lord!  For my salvation, and for my healing?"  The weight of love, and adoration you send to God with two words can be more important than anything you sing to Him. Why?  Because you are taking the time to tell the most high God that you know where the blessing came from, and you are very much appreciate what He's done for you.  It has more meaning than just a praise song without any semblance of thankfulness.

When we sit down to eat, most people will say the blessing (or grace) over the food.  This, too, has become more of a ritual.  Everyone has "their" prayer that they always do, and they will say it and eat.  In my house, my kids ask the blessing on the food more than me or my wife.  What I have tried to teach my kids is that when you pray and ask God to bless our food, don't rush through it and don't recite some words that you've heard and that sound good.  Instead, talk to God differently every time.  This isn't a requirement, but at their young ages, it helps to solidify praying from the heart.

My oldest son will usually start off like this..."Thank you, Lord, for daddy's job, for daddy's Rondo, for mommy's van, for our house, and for our food...." and then he goes on to thank God for our food and asks Him to bless it for the nourishment of our bodies.  Sometimes, he thanks God for our family, his grandparents, and great grandparents.  I believe he has the firmest grasp of truly being thankful!  But more than that...he is usually the first to say thank you, he is quick to say thank you, and you can hear sincerity in his voice.

Imagine how I feel when my son tells me "thank you."  How do you feel when your child tells you, "thank you?"

How does God feel when his children, with heartfelt sincerity, says "thank you?"
 Take the time to tell Him how thankful you are...It will make the difference in your worship, and your life!

Give thanks to the Lord, Our God and King

I recently was able to spend a few hours with my Grandparents.  With work, family, and church keeping me busy, it was nice to surprise them and see them.  I always seem to get too busy with everything that I don't take the time to do the things that need doing.  Sometimes that means the grass goes another week before its cut.  Or, the car goes another couple hundred miles before it goes to the shop for servicing or repairs.  Or, it means I don't spend time with those I love like I should.

It doesn't mean I am lazy, or that those things aren't important.  It's just that work is so demanding and stressful, and preparing for services is also time consuming.

Anyways....

I was thrilled to be with my Grandparents, at their home.  My Grand Dad and I discussed the church, the Bible, and family.  I watched my Grand mother play with my six month old daughter.  The other four kids were running around like chickens with their heads cut off!  But it was a good time.

When I left, I was thinking about how fragile they looked.  I wondered how long we (my family) would have them here on earth.  On March 1, 2017 they had been married for sixty-seven years.  He is getting ready to turn ninety-two, and she is just a few years behind him.  They can still take care of themselves.  My mother goes and gets their groceries and medications for them once a week, and until recently, they still made it to church for every service.  There is a lot to be thankful for in this family...

Thankfulness...that's a word that most don't think about.  It's also a word that describes a singular part of our worship.
We love to sing His praises, to declare that He is the King of all kings, and the Lord of all lords.  We declare what He's done in our lives and in the lives of those around us.

But have we thanked Him?  Have we thanked Him as part of our worship?

How often have we just told God, "Thank You, Lord," and raised our hands while we did so?
I think we don't do it often enough.

Why do I say that?  Because we are all so very busy that we miss the little things He does for us.  We're too busy to look at our past and see where we've come from.  We are just too busy to take the time to look at our families and friends and see how God has used them to encourage us, to pray for us, to sit up with us and talk about the problems we are having.  We are always looking to save some time, or get done faster with our tasks.  We're not looking back to where we were, we're looking ahead to where we want to go.  And the fact of the matter is this, if God doesn't help us get there, most of can walk away without a second look.

I hope this doesn't apply to my readers, but overall...most of the congregants at church are this way.  They may never say it, but it's in their lifestyle.

As worship leaders, we are obliged to examine the things we need to be thankful for, and show the church how to use that thankfulness in worship.  Hearing us give thanks to God might spur a memory in someone and they begin to thank God.  This will spread like wild fire.  Just..."Give thanks to the Lord, our God and King."

I am so very thankful for my family.  God has indeed blessed me with Grandparents, Parents, In-laws, a wife, and five beautiful children.  All of these will pray for me, and I them.  They seek to uplift, to encourage, and to provide insight to what they've read in the Word of God lately.

Thank you, Lord...Thank You for your blessing in my life!

Surely, the Spirit of The Lord is here; and I didn't know it! (Gen 28)

We have busy lives.  Everything is society is so...complicated, busy, and social.  If we're not reading about a social issue, then we're seeing it on television.  And if it's not in either of those two places, then we see it on social media.  Our busy-ness comes from trying to keep up with what's going on and trying to keep our lives somewhat meaningful.

There is an account of a similar situation in scripture.  You can read the backstory, and  conditions of this mans life, but I will surmise the area of scripture that I want us to focus on...
In Genesis 28, we see the account of Jacob and him dreaming about a ladder that went from the spot he was in, into the heavens.  He tells of angels going up and down.  He wakes from his sleep and makes several statements.  The most noticeable is that the spirit of God is there and he didn't know it, and surely, this is the house of God.

What does that mean?  Jacob was so focused on his situation, his task, and on his night's sleep that he didn't notice the presence of God.

When you come in to church, dont be so lost in getting music ready, on practicing, on setting up Sunday School that you miss the presence of God!  Dont let your service plan and outline be so routine that you miss Gods presence in ypur midst.  God had a calling for Jacob and the vision He gave to Jacob showed some things to him.  

This vision had three aspects that we can learn from.

First of all, God revealed this ladder for a purpose.  Jacob received what God was showing him and responded with an acknowledgement of God's presence. When God communicates with us verbally, in a dream or vision, or by tugging on our hearts; He is doing it for a purpose.  Don't hesitate to declare that God is right there with you!

Secondly, Jacob not only accepted that God was there with him; but he accepted that God was there with him!  What????  Jacob accepted the presence of God.  Then he accepted that God showed him this dream because He was going to use Jacob and even gave him a promise of things to come.  Don't just accept the presence of The Most High....accept what He is trying to show you and tell you as well.  If you only accept His presence, then you will miss out on what He has in store for you!

Thirdly, Jacob was alone, he was on an errand of life changing proportions. His father sent him to find a wife.  He didn't take a host with him, he traveled alone and never got around to putting up a tent.  He gathered a large stone for a pillow and laid under the stars for his time of rest.  In all actuality, it could be said that he may have had very few things with him since he used a stone as a pillow.  So...picture this...a man with little, trying to obey his father, and all alone was approached by God in a dream.  When you feel as though you have nothing; when you're trying to do what is right; when you're all alone, or feel alone...Get ready, God could show up quickly and reveal Himself to you, and give you a promise of things to come.

What we need to take away is this...God is with us and he has a promise for us.  His will is for us to succeed and for us to be blessed!  Also, our worship needs to reflect our acceptance of Gods presence and his will for our lives.  

When you worship, pour out your heart like Jacob did.

Don't waste your time

We've all seen Hillsong, Bethel, and Covenant Worship on television.  We've seen the uniqueness of their styles, their musicians, and their vocals.  They are some very talented, and anointed worship teams.  They have an infinite amount  of resources and talent to draw from.  Your team (unless you're David Binion, Kari Jobe, or Rueben Morgan) is not one of these.

Most churches have a core group of musicians and singers.  Usually, you'll have a pianist, a bassist, a single guitarist, and a drummer.  You may have from two, up to four vocalists.  That is your group.  Those are the ones that you work with week in and week out. 

So how do we continue to develop new music and new sounds?  How do we make the songs we use by the larger churches sound like the larger churches?

Don't waste your time.  Your team will not sound like Hillsong, Bethel, or Covenant.  

There are several things to keep in mind when walking the path of a worship leader.  

First, your team is not made up of experts or professionals.  You will have members that may be beginners, or very talented and experienced.  Be willing to help them grow.  You not only need to focus on the abilities of your team, but also on the spiritual growth as well.  

Second, your team is as unique as an individual.  Your team has strengths and weaknesses.   Learn ways to improvise and change things up.  Get your team members out of their comfort zones.  Give a bass solo to your bassist.  You could change the order of the songs.  For example, play through the chorus as your intro, then start on verse 1.  Or, if there is only one verse, have one of your soloists sing it the first time through, and another vocalist of the opposite sex sing it the second time through.  Start by singing the bridge then go into the verse.  There are all kinds of possibilities that can be explored by you and your team.

Third, the songs you select don't have sound like the original artists.  Make them your own.  Change the tempo, the lead in, add your own "flavor" to the music.  Change the primary instrument or lead instrument to something else.  For example, the song "I Look To The King," by Meredith Andrews and Matt Maher uses the piano as the primary instrument.  You could start out with a single acoustic guitar and a keyboard with some subtle synth sounds.  If you don't have a keyboard, maybe a soft organ in the background.  Think outside of the box in your sounds and arrangements.

Music is fluid, worship is sincere, and the only thing that matters is that what and how your team plays so that the presence of the Most High God falls into the sanctuary or wherever you may be.  Think ahead and plan for what will help usher in the spirit of worship.

The point is this though...
Don't waste your time trying to be a worship team that you're not.  You have your own signature sound.  Cultivate it and focus your time there.  God has given your team an ID.   Be the team that He wants you to be.

...Our Worship: To The Team (1)

God has gifted individuals with incredible talents.  Some of these seem to play and sing effortlessly, while others have to work hard to further develop their gifts, and have to practice constantly to reach the desired effect.
You may be one of these types individuals, or you may be somewhere in the middle.  That isn't the point though.
During the worship portions of the church services, it's important to sound good, or at the least tolerable, to the congregation.  If you sound bad, then people lose interest in what you're doing.  But...If you sound good, then those same people realize that you've worked hard to give a quality product.  It is basic Salesmanship, no matter how you dice it.
If the people like your product, then they respond.
If they don't, then you get fired!

The better you sound, the more likely to have others follow you in worship.

So how do we sound good?  Well, there's a rather obvious answer.  We have to practice.

The Bible tells us in Psalms 33:3...

Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy

To learn a new song, or play skillfully we must practice.

We must also prepare in other ways as well.  We must spend time on our knees.  And we have to read the Word. Furthermore, it never hurts to fast.  If we don't prepare in these ways as well, then all we do in each service, and in every practice amounts to nothing.

Without a relationship, your praises are hollow, and without any effect.

If you want to visit a friend that you've not spoken in to some time, where do you go?  Do you remember how to get there?  Have they moved to another house?  If you talk to this friend frequently, then you know exactly where they live.
The same thing applies in worship.  The more often you pray, read your Bible, and fast; then the more likely the chance that you have to reaching God's throne room through your worship.  But the key is this...If you don’t know how to get there, how can you lead the church into His presence?

I've told my musicians and praise team several times that I would rather have someone who has a relationship with God, and is anointed by Him, than the greatest musicians and vocalists on Earth.  It doesn’t mean we stop striving for excellence, but it does mean the relationship is key.

When you operate under an anointing in the service, everything you play or sing is taken to the next level.  Suddenly everything sounds almost heavenly.  Why?  Because of the anointing that is upon you.  When God is pleased with your worship; when He knows its authentic; He comes down and blesses you.  Then, He blesses those around you.  That's when He inhabits our praises, and the church is in His presence!

We have to do our part though....we must pray, fast, read the Bible, and practice.  These four things are key to awesome worship!

His Presence...

Picture this...

It's Sunday morning.  You've over slept and your kids are still in bed too!

There is no way you can make it to the A.M. discipleship classes; also known as Sunday School.  You hope you can get to the church in time for the worship service.  

By the skin of your teeth, you and your family walk into the sanctuary as the Praise Team starts the call to worship.

You get to your seat, situate your family in their seats, and you take a deep breath. Then you look to the stage.  

Now What?

Your day started kind of hectically.   Your blood pressure is up and you are doing all you can to calm down and focus on the service.  The Praise Team is cranking out an upbeat song, and you just can't focus.  You can't seem to get your mind to stop running off on tangents.

The service progresses through that service's set list. You're singing the words, but they seem hollow and distant.

You are suffering from a lifestyle that doesn't promote worship.  Worship isn't just what happens at church, and it's not just a song.  It's a lifestyle that is chosen and lived by people that want more from their relationship with God than the average person.  

The solution...change your habits...change your thoughts...change your intentions.

First, you've got to start with making sure you spend time praying to and worshiping God in your everyday life.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says this...

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

What this means is this...in your everyday life celebrate what God has done in your life.  All day long, find ways to give thanks for the things that He has done for you.  The will of God is that you communicate with Him throughout the day.  Now, I skipped a part; praying without ceasing is where you send a prayer to Heaven in conversation form.  By now, most people text their family and friends throughout the day...and all the while you're talking about one or two things.  Praying without ceasing is like texting back and forth with God.  

Next, think on positive things. Don't ponder the things in life that are depressing and downhearted.  Think about the good things, the lovely things, the things that others prove are good.

Then, be intentional about showing God how much you love Him.  Then, on Sunday, it becomes second nature to focus through the stresses of the morning, and do what you've been doing all week long.

But realize this...If you're brave enough to worship the King of all kings, and the Lord of all lords, He will show His love right back to you!

Go worship everyday and spend your time...In His Presence!

Who I am

This is it!  This is the first post!  I am excited to be the one that takes this journey, and brings you along for the ride.  I am looking forward to every post that God gives me.  I hope they bless you, and help you in your walk with God.

But...You don't know me. Some of you may, but most will not.  So, this is who I am.

My name is John Chandler.  I have a beautiful wife, and five adorable kids.  I am employed full time as an OSP-Engineer and am currently doing contract work for AT&T across the Southeast.

But more importantly, I am the Worship Leader and Music Director for the University Highway Church of God in Maplesville, Alabama.

My parents are currently pastoring.  But prior to the call to a pulpit ministry, my parents were the Music Directors for the Pelham Church of God in Pelham, Alabama.  And that is where i will begin...

My mom played the piano and dad would lead the choir.  It was the era of the late eighties, and before praise teams.  When dad wasn't leading the choir, he was playing drums.  This is where i come in.

I would sit beside my dad and watch him play the drums during the services.  Then, one Sunday night, I was about nine or ten, I asked if I could play.  And that was that.  My brother gradually came onto the scene as well, meaning pretty quickly we were sharing the role of the church drummer.

Mom and Dad would also sing together, and my brother and I would again,share the duties to the point of tag teaming between songs, depending on who had practiced it.  Yes, it worked.  However it got old.  I wanted more than a part time drum job.
I picked up a mild interest in the bass guitar.  All my efforts became focused on the bass.  Around thirteen, My parents got me a Fender Jazz bass for Christmas.  I played that guitar all the time and immediately began playing it in church.  I was no longer restricted to using the church's instrument to hone my talent.

After a while, my dad got an interest in acoustic guitars.  Of course I was hooked too.  We began learning simultaneously.  I began to pick out some melodies from songs I knew, and would eventually play some basic lead guitar for church.

I never thought that I was done.  I always knew there was more.

My second year at Alabama CoG Youth Camp, I came face to face with reality, and with the future.  We had "Art Electives" that were mandatory.  The closest to familiarity was to sing in the choir.  I realized through out that week, that the hymns, convention songs, and choruses that we would sing, that my parents would lead, were not all there was.  The songs 'Shout To The Lord' by Hillsong and 'Who Can Satisfy" by Dennis Jernigan, were introduced to me in a way that shook me.  Suddenly I was confronted by songs praising God and they sounded like nothing I had ever heard.  The progressions were not the same as the gospel songs my mom played.  The words were more of a longing, and declaring than the typical testimony style I was used to.
I began looking for more music like this.  And I discovered Rich Mullins, Petra, Newsong, Truth, and more.  I loved the modern worship that was, at that point, in its early years.  My life was changed.

The hymns were okay.  The convention songs seemed hollow.  The choruses were the closest things to what I longed to play and worship to.
Something had changed in me.  I was learning that our focus needs to be on God; not the angels, or Heaven, or our mansion.  We need to praising Him.

Several more years went by and i met the woman of my dreams.  We married on April 22, 2006.  We moved to the state capital of Montgomery.  I worked there and she was still in college there, so it just made sense.  We began attending a church on Prattville, Al called Hunting Ridge CoG.  They were alot more modern in their worship and i loved it!

I was able to join their team of musicians and began playing the bass guitar for the services.  My time there taught so much about modern praise and worship and about how to play it.  I was able to sit under three talented and anointed worship leaders and music directors.  It was truly a blessing.
Again we moved to another city, following my job.  We ended up at the Westwood CoG in Selma, Al.  This was home for my wife, and a second home for me.  I was able to step in and began playing drums there.
One day, while driving home from work, Gid spoke to me.  No, He didnt impress me or tug my heart.  He SPOKE!  I was enjoying the presence of God in my truck.  I was worshipping all alone.  Then He spoke.  I believe it was audible...but if was just in my head, then it was just as clear, just as direct as if was spoken audibly.  This was the second time He spoke to me.  The first time i wondered if i was imagining it, and it wasn't really God.  Je confirmed it was Him by having an evangelist give me a word...the exact, verbatim words He had spoken to me.  When He spoke the second time, i knew His voice!
He said, "Learn to play the piano."  I didn't know what to think, but i knew what to do.  I prayed.  I asked God to teach me the way he had with the drums, bass, and guitar.  I asked Him to mold me into what He wanted.  And He did both.
I began by sitting at the piano and trying a simple song.  God took it from there.  He also put a subtle desire to lead worship.  I feel this was His way of giving me an ultimate destination. 
A few months later, our Pastor and pianist, resigned.  He was leaving dor another church.  Guess what...I became the pianist, and i filled that role there for two years.

Then, God impressed upon my heart that it was time to move on. 

My family and I visited several churches, but we ended up at University Highway CoG.  The members made us feel right at home, and we felt like we had found our new church. 
I was burned out and tired from my time as a musician.  It seemed that i was non stop playing....from one church to the next.  So, i sat in the pew for several months.
Then the pastor asked to meet with me one afternoon.  So I did.
In that meeting we discussed alot of things, but i left there with the offer of being the Music Director and Worship Leader.

I was stunned, but told him we would oray about it.
In my prayer time, God impressed upon me heavily that this was His will.  So i tolk the job.

And after four years, I'm still there, trying to steadily improve the music, and worship experience.

Part of what I want to cover in this blog is how I started, and some of the things I've learned. 

So get ready!  We are preparing to dive into a journey together, that is thirty four years in the making!