Volume 24 | No. 6

NOV/DEC 2015: BEST OF 2015 | WORSHIPLEADER.COM | SONGDISCOVERY.COM | NWLCONF.COM MAY/JUNE 2014 | worship leader.com | songdisovery.com | nationalworshipleaderconference.com

worshipleader PURSUING THE MISSION OF GOD IN WORSHIP

LEADERSHIP

top worship training

MUSIC

in this issue

top worship songs of 2015

P. 10

MISSIONAL

top guitars of 2015

P. 34

P. 38

top mics of 2015 P. 56

hillsong worship FEATURED REVIEW

P. 64

JOB BOARD:

WEEKLY JOB POSTINGS AT

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

WORSHIPLEADER.COM

$3.95 USA / $5.50 CANADA

PLUS!

IN REVIEW PRODUCTION

top missional resources

SKILL

P. 62

SAVE THE DATE FOR 2016!

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P. 7 1

SHAREF

FAITH

WORSHIP LEADER | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 | VOL 24 NO 6

CONTENTS ALL THINGS ENRICHING

10

TRAINING

12

COLLEGES

16

SONGWRITING

16

VOCAL RESOURCES

20

WORSHIP BOOKS

22

RESOURCE WEBSITES

20

TEACHING KIDS

24

BLOGS & NETWORKS

26

VISUAL RESOURCING

28

STREAMING

28

WEB DEVELOPMENT

30

PRESENTATION SOFTWARE

32

PLANNING SOFTWARE

34

MISSIONAL WORSHIP

36

APPS

ALL THINGS DIGITAL

About the cover: Mother and Child | Marcia Escobosa

ALL THINGS MUSICAL

38

GUITARS

39

GUITAR ACCESSORIES

40

PIANOS, KEYS & SYNTHS

42

DRUMS & ACCESSORIES

ALL THINGS TECH

44

BASS

48

GADGETS & GIZMOS

46

DAW SOFTWARE

50

PERSONAL MONITORING SYSTEMS

58

TOP ALBUMS OF 2015

51

IEMs

60

TOP INDIE ALBUMS OF 2015

52

LIGHTS & LAMPS

TOP SONGS OF 2015

52

CAMERAS

54

SPEAKERS, ARRAYS & MONITORS

56

MICS

62

6

LIGHTSABERS IN WORSHIP | Jeremy Armstrong

18

SONG DISCOVERY SONGWRITER SHOWCASE

82

WILL THE AMATEUR PLEASE STAND AND SING? | Chuck Fromm

Inspiration: Mother and Child is a painting by California Christian Artist and Musician, Marcia Escobosa. Her influences for this painting were cubist painters form early 20th century modern art, done in a Christmas theme.

I painted this as part of a series of Christmas paintings, which were also used on cards. My mom has always been a fan of my cards and is also a big Christmas holiday lover, like myself. I wanted to honor motherhood and reflect the spirit of that in this painting. I am fascinated how we see the foretelling of Christ throughout the Old Testament, such as what Isaiah wrote 700 years before Christ’s birth: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Is 9:6) Then later fulfilled and documented in the New Testament: She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.

(Mt 1:21) And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. (Lk 1:30-31)

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HILLSONG WORSHIP | Featured Review

66

CHRISTMAS RELEASES

68

MUSIC FOR LEADING

79

PERSONAL PLAYLIST

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May God bless you and your music ministries this Christmas season!

Find more of her work: etsy.com/shop/sevenmuses reverbnation.com/marciaescobosa facebook.com/marciaescobosa

FULLER

MAKOTO FUJIMURA

NEW DIRECTOR OF THE BREHM CENTER AT FULLER SEMINARY Fuller Seminary’s Brehm Center for Worship, Theology, and the Arts announces a new director: master painter, devoted Christ follower, and respected visionary “Mako” Fujimura. The craftsperson of “culture care”—a movement that sees beauty as antidote to brokenness—Fujimura will lead us in galvanizing a new day in the creative integration of art, faith, and culture.

FULLER.EDU/MAKO

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LIGHTSABERS IN WORSHIP worshipleader T

he year is 2015. It’s the year that, according to Back to the Future II, we were supposed to have hoverboards. With the common schoolyard lore being that we were always only a couple years away from having the right technology, I’ve been waiting to get my hands on a hoverboard since 1989.

In fact, by October 21 this year, we were supposed to have flying cars, jackets that autoadjust to our sizes, and the kids these days were supposed to be wearing their pants inside out.

Not exactly the case. However, cars are beginning to drive for themselves, we all carry computers in our pockets, and scientists at MIT are claiming they are close to being able to create a real-life lightsaber, just like in Star Wars.

The obvious question is, “How are you going to use a lightsaber in your worship service?”

Here at worship leader we have long highlighted the distinction between “idol” and “icon” as a valuable one. An icon, such as a stained-glass window or a beautiful refrain of a worship song, points attention to God. It is masterfully crafted and intricately designed, but it has a purpose: direct attention and glory to God. An idol, on the other hand, has no such intentions. The purpose of an idol is to point to anything other than God. Idols usually point to themselves, but sometimes they can be sneaky in sending our attention in a hundred different directions.

So again, “How are you going to use a lightsaber in your worship service?” Will it be an idol or an icon?

This issue of Worship Leader is basically a list of amazing things for you to use as you lead

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your congregation. Products, resources, websites, shiny new toys, and more guitars to add to your probably-already-too-big collection.

But theoretically, it is more than that. It is a list of possible icons to help you point to God. Do you need all, or even any, of these things to accomplish this? Absolutely not. But similar to artists throughout history, we have the opportunity to develop Christian devotional and worship arts in conjunction with cultural developments. In fact, this is a responsibility for many of us.

Of course, forms of prayer will always change. But the essence of prayer and its centrality to engagement with God will endure forever. The mission then for each of us is a common one. We don’t need to vilify technology or worship resources. But we do need to prayerfully implement our cultural tools understanding that, with poor stewardship, every item we use has the potential to become an idol rather than an icon.

So, lightsabers for cutting the communion bread? Maybe not. But visual technology that lets us illuminate Scripture and lyrics with dramatic, immersive pictures representing the life of Christ? Why not? Experiment, communicate, be careful, but also be adventurous.

When we worship, we take part in the most exciting, powerful, and dangerous story in the history of the world. And it’s not happening in a galaxy far, far away. It’s here, and it’s now.

– Jeremy Armstrong, managing editor

song DISCovery FOUNDER/CEO/PUBLISHER Chuck Fromm, PhD MANAGING EDITOR Jeremy Armstrong GRAPHIC ARTIST Michelle Mifflin DIRECTOR, TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT Suzie Stablein DIRECTOR, SALES & BRAND PARTNERSHIPS Alissa Smith SALES ASSOCIATE Brian Summers VP, OPERATIONS Nicole Fromm ACCOUNTS MANAGER Judi Coffin ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Kristina Pedrosa EDITORIAL BOARD Paul Baloche, Brenton Brown, Jeff Deyo, Stan Endicott, Reggie Kidd, Roberta King, Greg Laurie, Hughes Oliphant Old, Matt Redman, Robb Redman, Jason Ritchie, Mark Roberts, Martin Smith, Brian Steckler, Laura Story, Chuck Smith Jr., Vernon Whaley, Ray Jones, Chuck Kraft, Dave Travis, Jim Van Hook.

BIBLE QUOTES: Worship Leader defaults to the NIV. SUBMISSIONS: See our guidelines at worshipleader.com DUPLICATION: We grant permission for up to 100 copies of any original article for use in a local church.

For all other feedback or inquires, contact editor@wlmag.com

WORSHIP LEADER MAGAZINE/SONG DISCOVERY: 949-240-9339 x 203 | support@wlmag.com SUBSCRIBE: worshipleader.com/subscribe RENEW/MANAGE: worshipleader.com/subscriberlogin/ NATIONAL WORSHIP LEADER CONFERENCE: 949-240-9339 | support@wlmag.com MORE INFO: nwlconf.com/register ADVERTISE WITH WORSHIP LEADER: 615-678-8958 | sales@wlmag.com MEDIA KIT: advertise.worshipleader.com Worship Leader® (ISSN 1066-1247) is published bi-monthly

by Worship Leader Partnership (29222 Rancho Viejo Road, Ste 215, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675-1046).

Copyright: Worship Leader magazine © 2015 by Worship Leader, Inc. Worship Leader® is a registered trademark.

Periodical postage paid at San Juan Capistrano, CA and additional offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to Worship Leader, 29222 Rancho Viejo Road, Ste 215, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675-1046. Printed in U.S.A. CPM #4006 5056.

TEACH US TO

Pray

NWLC

RENEWAL

begins when God’s people return to him in prayer.

“ He who sings, prays twice. ” -Augustine Join us at this year’s National Worship Leader Conference as we learn to lead the worship of our congregations skillfully, biblically, and prayerfully.

2016 Locations

VIRGINIA May 18-19

TEXAS

July 27-28

KANSAS

October 5-6

Register your team today:

NWLCONF.COM N OV E M B E R /D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

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WORSHIP LEADER’S

PREMIER RESOURCE GUIDE Are you getting ready to launch into worship ministry and don’t know exactly where to start? Have you been leading for years and feel inundated with everything “new” you’re responsible for discovering? Are you feeling good but just curious if you are already using the resources that are making an impact on churches around the world? If any of these are you, or if you are coming from a different angle, we believe this resource guide is for you.

We were intentional to get pretty deep in each category without overwhelming you. There are more resources out there for sure, but these are ones we feel stood out amongst the crowd in 2015. It’s a buyer’s guide; it’s a stewardship guide; it’s a worship leader’s companion.

*Look for National Worship Leader Conference speakers, teachers, and artists. Designated with:

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}

20

15

OF ST {B E

Iso Booths for Acoustic Drums Specifically Designed for Houses of Worship.

Overhead truss for convenient mic and light attachment Universal panels with acoustic and clear wall panel options allow you to choose the layout that best fits your stage Seamless clear polycarbonate shield Optional floor on casters allows for easy movement on stage without teardown

TOTAL DRUM Fully-insulated ceiling

Optional dual-fan air circulation unit

Lightweight wall panels built for strength and maximum control Snake and cord access panels

469.667.3420 | totaldrumcage.com N OV E M B E R /D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

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ALL THINGS

ENRICHING

TRAINING L I S T E D I N A L P HA B E T I CA L OR DE R

WORSHIP TEAM CONVERSATIONS DWAYNE MOORE Dwayne Moore’s Worship Team Conversations Series is a set of videos that help worship pastors lead informal and interactive “coffee-shop” conversations with their worship team members and leaders. Topics include “When Things Go Wrong & People Don’t Respond,” “Leading Others in Authentic Worship,” and “Planning Effective Services.” New topics added monthly.

Price: Free

MUSICADEMY SUBSCRIPTION MUSICADEMY Musicademy’s entire catalogue of acclaimed worship training DVDs are now available with an online subscription.

You get full access to all 114 DVDs from beginner to advanced in acoustic and electric guitar, bass, keys, drums, vocals, orchestral improvisation, sound-tech, band skills, music theory, chord construction, ear training, Nashville numbering, transposing, and much more.

Style: Subscription (plus a la carte DVDs) Priced based on desired level: $10$35

THE WORSHIP INITIATIVE This training resource from Shane & Shane provides practical help from instrument instruction to vocal lessons.

There is also theological training inside “Wi University.” Training is focused on top CCLI songs as well as specific skills that are honed in the “Boot Camp” section of the site. The site underwent a major redesign that released in October to make the user interface more attractive and friendly. Also, new (much requested) group membership options became available with the update this fall.

Style: Subscription Price: $10/month 10

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WORSHIP CENTRAL Part of the Alpha suite of resources, the Worship Central Course is a seven session course that looks at some of the big theological and practical issues around leading worship in the 21st Century. Founded

by Tim Hughes and Al Gordon, Worship Central also has a host of events, online resources, and new worship leaders to introduce you to.

Price: free

WORSHIP ONLINE: WORSHIP GUITAR TUTORIALS Video guitar tutorials for worship musicians. Offers tutorials, lessons, chord/ number charts and tabs, and more. You can sign up as an individual or you can get access for your team at a single price point. Currently focused on acoustic, electric, and bass guitars.

Style: Subscription Priced based on team size: $12-$120

WORSHIP ARTISTRY Worship Artistry is a double win. Discover the newest worship songs that are blessing communities around the world and learn how to play them. Each song has video tutorials for guitar, bass, keyboards, and drums.

Priced based on team size: $8-$100

WORSHIP TEAM COACH The Worship Team Coach offers books (original content), a podcast, coaching, and all kinds of various training options.

The four development areas (spiritual growth, relational health, musical depth, and leadership & systems) have myriad resources covering each topic and will help give you a well-rounded basic training and beyond.

Price: Varies based on need, but lots of free stuff here

WORSHIP TUTORIALS Worship Tutorials graduates from blog to training resource because of the … resources. Worship leader and recording artist, Brian Wahl takes the helm of this site that offers tutorial videos, song and chord videos, guitar lessons, loops, gear and pedal reviews, and a stellar blog.

Price: Varies based on need, but lots of free stuff here

worship tutorials

Pads WORSHIP TUTS

transform your worship sets create beautiful transitions available in all 12 keys no click track necessary

Available now!

Pads 3 visit www.worshiptutorials.com/pads and experience why thousands of churches are using pads in their worship services every weekend N OV E M B E R /D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

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ALL THINGS

ENRICHING

COLLEGES L I S T E D I N A L P HA B E T I CA L OR DE R

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY

The Center for Christian Music Studies Waco, TX Denomination: Baptist General Convention of Texas School Size: 16,263 Music/worship program size: Approx 400 music majors, over 60 church music and worship students Tuition: $26,399

Worship Major | Cedarville, OH Denomination: Baptist School size: 3,400 Music/worship program size: 62 in worship/85 in music Tuition: Block tuition from 12-17 hours at $27,006

BIOLA UNIVERSITY Conservatory of Music | La Mirada, CA Denomination: Multidenominational School size: 6,323 Music/worship program size: The Conservatory of Music has 166 majors and 25 minors; within that, the Music in Worship program has 54 majors and 8 minors.

Tuition: Annual tuition, 12-18 units: $34,498 Cost per unit, 1-11 or 19+ units: $1,438

CALVIN COLLEGE Grand Rapids, MI Denomination: Christian Reformed Church School size: 3,800 Music/worship program size: Calvin College offers degrees in music and a minor in ministry leadership with seven emphases including music and worship.

Tuition: Yearly tuition around $30,000

CHRIST FOR THE NATIONS INSTITUTE

FULLER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Brehm Center for Worship, Theology, and the Arts | Pasadena, CA Denomination: Multidenominational School size: 4,000 Tuition: MA, MDiv, ThM: $380/credit hour DMin, Korean DMin: $415/credit hour ThM, PhD: $765/credit hour

JUDSON UNIVERSITY

Worship Major | Dallas, Texas Church: Christ For The Nations Denomination: Multidenominational School size: 1,200 Music/worship program size: 85 Tuition: $11,000

Center for Worship in the Performing Arts Elgin, IL Denomination: American Baptist School size: 1,250 students Tuition: $27,900

DALLAS BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

Cleveland, TN Denomination: Church of God School size: 5,041 Music/worship program size: Music Majors – 304; Church Music Majors – 56 Tuition (yearly or per unit): $14,400

Master of Arts in Worship and bachelor’s degree in Music Business | Dallas, TX Denomination: Baptist General Convention of Texas School size: 5,445 Music/worship program size: 133 (43 graduate students; 90 undergraduate students) Tuition: Undergraduate: $813/credit hour Graduate: $823/credit hour

LEE UNIVERSITY

LIBERTY UNIVERSITY Center for Music and Worship Lynchburg, VA Denomination: Southern Baptist School size: University resident enrollment is 14,200 and online enrollment is 85,000.

Music/worship program size: Approximately 650 undergraduate and 320 graduate worship students.

Tuition: Undergraduate: $580/credit hour Graduate: $650/credit hour

NORTH CENTRAL UNIVERSITY College of Fine Arts | Minneapolis, MN Denomination: Assemblies of God School size: 1,200 Music/worship program size: 218 Tuition: $20,320

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Bachelor of Arts in Popular Music—Worship Leadership and Bachelor of Arts in Worship Studies in Ministry West Palm Beach, FL Denomination: Multidenominational School size: 3,865 Music/worship program size: 7-10 average class size Tuition: $26,750

SOUTHERN BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Department of Biblical Worship Louisville, KY Denomination: Southern Baptist School size: 4,300 Music/worship program size: 115 Tuition: $254/credit hour for members of a Southern Baptist Church and $508/ credit hour for non-SBC students

SOUTHWESTERN BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY School of Church Music | Fort Worth, TX Denomination: Southern Baptist School size: 3,000 Music/worship program size: 110 Tuition: $236/credit hour for members of a Southern Baptist Church $470/credit hour for non-SBC students

THE KING’S UNIVERSITY Associate of Worship Leadership Southlake, TX Denomination: Multidenominational School size: 705 Music/worship program size: 60 Tuition: Undergraduate: $398/credit hour Graduate $415/credit hour

TREVECCA NAZARENE UNIVERSITY Bachelor of Arts in Worship Arts and Bachelor of Arts in Worship and Church Ministry | Nashville, Tennessee Denomination: Church of the Nazarene School size: 2,650 Music/worship program size: 80 students Tuition: Undergraduate: $23,248 per year Online seminar series: $1,000 for the entire program

UNIVERSITY OF VALLEY FORGE Worship Leading program Phoenixville, PA Denomination: Assemblies of God School size: 1,000 Tuition: Approximately $9,322 for 13.5–17 credit hours per semester

PROGRAMS/INTENSIVES BIRTHED OUT OF CHURCHES

Looking for a better way to

Schedule Volunteers?

HILLSONG INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP COLLEGE Worship Music stream | Sydney, Australia Church: Hillsong Denomination: Assemblies of God School size: 1,400 full time, 2,500 part time Music/worship program size: 700 Tuition: $5,750

INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PRAYER UNIVERSITY Kansas City, MO Church: International House of Prayer Denomination: Multidenominational School size: 700 Music/worship program size: 176 Tuition: $2,750/semester

SEACOAST SCHOOL OF WORSHIP Charleston, SC Church: Seacoast Church Denomination: Multidenominational School size: 20-25 Music/worship program size: 20-25 Tuition: $6800.00/year

WORSHIPU Redding, CA and Online at WorshipU.com Church: Bethel Church/Bethel Music Denomination: Multidenominational School size: On campus: 700 Online: 5,000 Tuition: On Campus: $895 Online: $19.95/month

WORSHIP PLANNING

PALM BEACH ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY

WE FOUND IT. worshipplanning.com makes it easier for churches to plan, schedule and coordinate worship services.

• Create and organize multiple services and worship flows • Organize teams and schedule volunteers to serve • Build a library of music with easy access for team members

One name says it all.

(cont. pg 14)

Serving with you.

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NEW PROGRAMS LANCASTER BIBLE COLLEGE Worship & Performing Arts Department Lancaster, PA What’s new: New faculty and a revamped program Denomination: Multidenominational School size: 1,600 Music/worship program size: 100 Tuition: $18,000

NORTHERN SEMINARY Master of Arts in Worship Lombard, IL What’s new: New master of arts in worship degree Denomination: American Baptist School size: 190 Music/worship program size: 14 Tuition: In an effort to make seminary education affordable, the new Master of Arts in Worship is offered for a low cost of $299/month.

OCEAN’S EDGE SCHOOL OF WORSHIP Fort Lauderdale, FL What’s new: New leadership, just built a new recording studio and updated their facilities Denomination: Calvary Chapel School size: 50 Music/worship program size: 50 Tuition: $8,000

ROBERT E. WEBBER INSTITUTE FOR WORSHIP STUDIES (IWS) Master of Worship Studies and Doctor of Worship Studies Jacksonville, FL What’s new: Multiple new faculty members plus a new location is in the works Denomination: Multidenominational Next application deadline: Rolling School size: 180 students Tuition: MWS: $360 per credit hour; DWS: $395 per credit hour

WORSHIP U

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VISIBLE MUSIC COLLEGE Bachelor degrees in Modern Music, Music Production, and Music Business Campuses in Memphis, TN; Lansing, IL (Chicagoland); Dallas, TX What’s new: New campuses Denomination: Multidenominational School size: 130 students at each campus Music/worship program size: Varies by year and by campus Tuition: $24,000

WESLEY SEMINARY AT INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY Master of Arts in Ministry: Worship Arts Marion, IN What’s new: New program with Worship Arts specialization Denomination: The Wesleyan Church School size: 450 Music/worship program size: Our Worship Arts specialization will begin in January of 2016. We anticipate 20 students in our first cohort.

Tuition: $459 with discounts offered to those on staff of ministries

BLEVINS

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ALL THINGS

ENRICHING

SONGWRITING L I S T E D I N A L P HA B E T I CA L O R D E R

ANALYZEMYSONG.COM

What is it? A confidential, affordable, quick, online way to receive feedback and help on songs that you have written. This is a great help to worship leaders with songwriters on their team. It establishes a standard a song must meet before use in a church.

Brief Review: $8 Thorough Analysis: $45

KINGDOMSONGS.ORG

What is it? Formerly the Songwriter’s Café, this site offers podcasts, songwriting retreats, insights, resources, and more—all for the Christian songwriter.

It’s a community to plug into, and a resource site to help you write the prayers of your community with excellence.

VOCAL

SONGSPACE.COM

What is it? Using email to write songs with others? That’s fine, but there’s a better option. Songspace is the place to collaborate, basically like working on a Google doc with your co-writers, but for a song.

Basic (50 songs): free Pro (250 songs): $4/month Business (250 songs per user): $12.50/ month

THE EMERGING SOUND SUMMER CAMP THE EMERGING SOUND

THE WORSHIP SONGWRITER (EBOOK)

What is it? If you are looking to release some of the music God has put on your heart or write the songs that chronicle the journey of your congregation, this is a great starting point for you. Whether you are a seasoned writer who needs some fresh inspiration or you have a brand new interest in writing worship songs, The Worship Songwriter will guide you on a step-by-step process to finishing your song.

Price: $7.99

What is it? Founded by Jennie Lee Riddle (“Revelation Song,” “When the Stars Burn Down,” “Hope of the Broken World”), The Emerging Sound is a weeklong songwriting intensive for young creatives. It exists to prepare students to be next-generation leaders through powerful times of worship, teaching, community, and the rare opportunity to daily write with professional artists/writers.

Price: $645 all-inclusive

L I S T E D I N ALPH ABETI CAL O RD E R

CHURCH CHOIR WARMUPS FOR VOICE, BODY AND SOUL STACEY NORDMEYER HAL LEONARD This valuable resource is filled with warm-ups and activities that will help prepare voices, bodies, and spirits to share the Word through song. The group activities will develop a camaraderie that every church choir should know. The enclosed enhanced audio CD provides a demonstration recording of each vocal exercise to use with full choir, small group, or individual practice, plus printable, reproducible, projectable PDFs of each singer exercise.

Price: $19.99

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PRAISEVOCALS.COM

THE VOCAL COACH BLOG

PraiseVocals.com has launched a completely overhauled website. Moving away from their annual membership model in favor of a shopping cart, customers can now download a variety of products. In addition to their highly acclaimed vocal harmony tracks, worship leaders will find: full-length piano/click tracks (RTRAX) for individual or group rehearsal times, chord charts, and lead sheets with more options in the works.

Learning and teaching vocal harmonies is one of the most time-consuming aspects of a worship leader’s week and/or group rehearsal time. PraiseVocals offers a tool that saves time and energy while improving the quality and effectiveness of any worship gathering.

The Vocal Coach (vocalcoach.com) has myriad resources for singers looking to expand their capabilities. Their blog is a free site with tips and insights focusing on dozens of vocal categories. Learn about vocal foundations, helping young people develop, proper breathing, and much more.

> > > VOTED “BEST OF THE BEST” BY WORSHIP LEADER MAGAZINE 4 YEARS RUNNING LIBERTY UNIVERSITY’S

Center for Music & Worship offers

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES MULTIDISCIPLINE BACHELOR OF MUSIC (B.M.) WORSHIP DEGREES

LIBERTY

B.M. in Artist Development ²² B.M. in Leadership Communication ²² B.M. in Music in World Cultures ²² B.M. in Songwriting ²² B.M. in Worship Studies ²²

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.) IN MUSIC & WORSHIP DEGREE

Areas of specialization: Biblical Studies Business ²² Cinematic Arts ²² Pastoral Leadership

Theatre Ministries Women’s Leadership ²² Worship Technology ²² Youth Ministry

²²

²²

²²

²²

GRADUATE DEGREES Meredith Andrews and six members of the Vertical Church Band are graduates of Liberty University.

MASTER OF ARTS IN ETHNOMUSICOLOGY MASTER OF ARTS IN MUSIC & WORSHIP MASTER OF ARTS IN MUSIC EDUCATION MASTER OF ARTS IN WORSHIP STUDIES

inch logo (recommended for half, 1 inch logo half, and fulltwo-third page ads)and inch logofor (recommended for half, full two-third page ads)and full page ads) 1 inch logo (recommended for(recommended half,1two-third and full1two-third page ads)

Worship@liberty.edu | (434) 592-6568 | www.Liberty.edu/SchoolofMusic .625third inchpage logo ads) (recommended for one third page ads) .625 inch logo (recommended for one .625third inch page logo (recommended for .625 inch logo (recommended for one ads) N OV E Mone B E R third /D E C Epage M B E R ads) 2015

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ARTISTS FEATURED ON SONG DISCOVERY NOVEMBER/DECEMBER VOL. 125

SONGWRITER SHOWCASE

LANE OLIVER

MARK & SARAH TILLMAN

BACKGROUND:

BACKGROUND:

When I was a senior in high school, God began to put in my heart the desire to lead worship. Soon after, the worship pastor at my home church gave me the opportunity to lead for the youth group. This was the beginning of an amazing journey. While I was attending East Texas Baptist University, the Lord allowed me to lead worship for various Bible studies. Doors began to open for me to lead for youth events all over East Texas and Western Louisiana. Upon graduating college, I began to travel full-time leading for youth and college retreats, discipleship weekends, and camps. In 2004, God began to mold my heart for local church ministry. The following year, I accepted a position as media producer for Mid-Cities Community Church, and I transitioned to worship pastor in 2009.

We both grew up in the church and within musical families. I (Sarah) am originally from Canada and Mark from North Carolina. We met through a mutual friend and we were instantly drawn to each other due to our wild passion for Jesus and our clear vision for worship.

We were worship leaders before ever writing or leading together and once we met we felt instantly connected. My main influence is my mother as she was constantly filling our home with the sweet sounds of her worship. Mark’s main influence was his late aunt who was a beautifully gifted worship leader and psalmist. These two powerhouse worshipers left such a lasting impression on both of our hearts and have greatly inspired us.

Song Discovery Vol. 125, #3, “Beauty for Ashes” Mid-Cities Church, Midland,TX | midcitiesworship.org

Song Discovery Vol. 125, #11, “Love Unshakeable” Catch the Fire, Raleigh, NC | markandsarahtillman.com

ABOUT THE SONG: ABOUT THE SONG:

“Beauty for Ashes” was inspired by a sermon series from our pastor, Daniel Stephens, entitled “Orientation.” This series was about how we are all born with an orientation towards sin, but we can conquer that sin through the power of Jesus Christ. It’s also a declaration that our past does not define us. One of the most powerful things we can do to become victorious and stay victorious is to speak and sing out loud God’s truths over our lives. There is nothing more transforming than to give our lives to Christ, receive his forgiveness, and find our identity in him. The old life is gone. A new life has begun.

FAVORITE SONGS:

“Hosanna,” Kirk Franklin “The Luckiest,” Ben Folds “Back Where You Belong,” 38 Special

This song came to us in a very hard season of our lives. At the time we were facing big disappointment after more blowing disappointment, and it left us feeling extremely discouraged. I remember waking up in the middle of the night with panic attacks and could barely leave the house in fear of having more painful episodes. I felt I was losing the joy I once knew so deeply, and I felt I was losing all hope as fear began to cripple me daily. The second Mark started playing what would be the chords to the chorus and humming the melody my spirit leapt.

This song became an anthem that the Holy Spirit so lovingly whispered into our hearts. It reeled us out of the dark valleys and left us standing in the open and clear mountaintops of praise. We hope that this song does the same for you in whatever valleys you’re facing, that you’d be able to find your mountaintops of hope with him and sing of his unexplainable goodness.

FAVORITE SONGS:

Songwriters: Have a song you want to share with the Church?

Submit your song at worshipleader.com/submit-a-song 18

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“The Heart of Worship,” Matt Redman “Oh My Sweet Carolina,” Ryan Adams “Be Thou My Vision”

PRESENTS

November/december 2015

november/december 2015

presents

Volume 125

1. fill this place red rocks worship

VOLUME 125

battledrums worship

3. beauty for ashes mid-cities worship

4. freedom (you made a way)

mark & sarah tillman

From: Love Unshakeable -Single Words & Music: Mark Tillman/ Sarah Tillman. Heb 6:18-20 SPECIAL MUSIC

12. refuge

YOUTH

8. simple gospel united pursuit

From: Simple Gospel (Live) Words & Music: Will Reagan/Brock Human. Phil 4:4/Phil 3:10

chris & bethany solyntJes

From: Refuge Words & Music: Chris Solyntjes/ Bethany Solyntjes. Ps 46

THIS PLAC E 2. HOPE 4. FREE

From: You Are the Avalanche -EP Words & Music: John Mark McMillan.

Rom 8:38/Ps 139:7-10

*Download this collection and resources at songdiscovery.com

7. LOOK WHAT GOD HAS DONE

RED ROCKS WORSHIP As heard on: SOAR (Spirit-Empowered Worship) Words & Music: Jake Espy/ Jerrica Matrone Visit: influencemusic.com/soar

GHOST SHIP As heard on: Costly Words & Music: Cam Huxford/ Zach Bolen/ Brian Eichelberger Visit: ghostshipmusic.com

2. HOPE AND GLORY

8. SIMPLE GOSPEL

TIM HUGHES As heard on: Pocketful of Faith Words & Music: Nick Herbert/ Martin Smith/ Tim Hughes Visit: worshipcentral.org

UNITED PURSUIT As heard on: Simple Gospel (Live) Words & Music: Will Reagan/ Brock Human Visit: unitedpursuit.com

3. BEAUTY FOR ASHES MID-CITIES WORSHIP As heard on: Hands to the Sky Words & Music: Lane Oliver Visit: midcitiesworship.org

JOHN MARK MCMILLAN & SARAH MCMILLAN As heard on: You Are the Avalanche - EP Words & Music: John Mark McMillan Visit: johnmarkmcmillan.com

4. FREEDOM (YOU MADE A WAY)

10. GOD ALONE

DAVE & JESS RAY As heard on: Freedom (You Made a Way) - Single Words & Music: David Ray Visit: daveandjessray.com

THE VILLAGE CHURCH As heard on: Together We Believe - EP Words & Music: Michael Bleecker/ Jeff Capps/ Daniel Clay/ Randy Fuller/ Isaac Wimberley Visit: thevillagechurch.net

5. WE WON’T RUN AWAY

11. LOVE UNSHAKEABLE

5. we won’t run away

Expires 12/31/15. Valid for subscribers only

foothill worship

From: Greater: Songs From the Book of Hebrews Words & Music: Shaen Marks. Heb 4:14-16

Includes a LiteTrack from MultiTracks.com

WARNING: Reproduction of any song included on this recording by any means, without the express permission of the copyright owner, is a violation of the law. Please consult the digital booklet for this disc for copyright and general information.

Nov/d ec 20 VOLume 15

AND GLOR DOM (YOU Y 3.

MAD 6. REND BEAUTY THE HEAV E A WAY) 5.

FOR ASHE WE WON 8. SIMP ENS 7.

S LE GOSP ’T RUN LOOK AWAY WHAT EL 9. HEAR GOD HAS T WON 11. LOVE DONE UNSHAKAB ’T STOP 10.

GOD ALON LE 12.

E REFUGE

John mark mcmillan & sarah mcmillan

1. FILL THIS PLACE

Download now at songdiscovery.com

125

Nov/dec 2015 Volume 125

Expires 12/31/15. Valid for subscribers only

MAGAZINES

9. HEART WON’T STOP CHORD CHARTS & LEAD SHEETS IN 3 KEYS

FOOTHILL WORSHIP As heard on: Greater: Songs from the Book of Hebrews Words & Music: Shaen Marks Visit: foothillworship.bandcamp.com

MARK & SARAH TILLMAN As heard on: Love Unshakeable - Single Words & Music: Mark Tillman/ Sarah Tillman Visit: markandsarahtillman.com

6. REND THE HEAVENS

CHRIS & BETHANY SOLYNTJES As heard on: Refuge Words & Music: Chris Solyntjes/ Bethany Solyntjes Visit: chrisandbethanymusic.com

BATTLEDRUMS WORSHIP As heard on:The War Is Over Words & Music: Nick Crespo/ Tamra Aragon/ Natalie Wylie/ Stuart Laws/ Ryan Wylie Visit: battledrumsmusic.com

1. FILL

9. heart won’t stop

dave & Jess ray

From: Freedom (You Made a Way) -Single Words & Music: David Ray. Isa 42:16/Lk 4:18/Jn 8:36/Jn 16:33/Gal 5:1

11. love unshakeable

ghost ship

From: Costly Words & Music: Cam Huxford/Zach Bolen/Brian Eichelberger. Eph 3

will hav e a wh

ite bac kgroun d PROCES WHITE S COLOR BACKGR OUND

the village church

From: Together We Believe -EP Words & Music: Michael Bleecker/Jeff Capps/Daniel Clay/Randy Fuller/Isaac Wimberley. Jer 10:6/ Heb 13:8/ Isa 53:10

7. look what god has done

tim hughes

From: Hands to the Sky Words & Music: Lane Oliver.

2 Cor 5:17/Ps 51:7/Ps 8:5/Isa 61:3/Ps 30:11

This job

10. god alone

6. rend the heavens From: The War Is Over Words & Music: Nick Crespo/Tamra Aragon/Natalie Wylie/Stuart Laws/ Ryan Wylie. Isa 64:1

2. hope and glory From: Pocketful of Faith Words & Music: Nick Herbert/Martin Smith/ Tim Hughes. Col 1:27

Note:

PIANO DRIVEN

CONGREGATIONAL ROCK

From: SOAR (Spirit-Empowered Worship) Words & Music: Jake Espy/Jerrica Matrone.

Jn 1:5

Our God is stronger Our God is greater Our God is higher than any other

LYRICS FOR POWERPOINT

12.REFUGE LITETRACKS FROM MULTITRACKS.COM

Subscribe TODAY AT worshipleader.com/subscribe or call 949-240-9339 N OV E M B E R /D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

W OR S H IP LE A D E R

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ALL THINGS

ENRICHING

WORSHIP BOOKS

N E W R ELEA S ES IN 2 0 1 5 FROM TABLET TO TABLE LEONARD SWEET • NAVPRESS Leonard Sweet presents the Table as God’s provision for all aspects of our lives.

Paradigm-shifting and thought-provoking as always, Sweet offers a look at life and ministry that will help you see Scripture and Christian life with new eyes.

PREACHING TIM KELLER • VIKING Yes, even worship leaders will benefit from a book of this title. Subtitled Communicating Faith in an Age of Skepticism, any church leader (or part of the holy priesthood of saints) will find insight to talking about faith in a way that helps others discover grace, and, more importantly, engage with Jesus.

L I S T E D I N A L P HA B E T I CA L OR DE R B Y T I T L E

RHYTHMS OF WORSHIP MICHAEL WASCHEVSKI & JOHN STEVENS • JOHN KNOX PRESS With an upsurge of interest in classic liturgies amongst today’s worshipers, Rhythms of Worship guides leaders through the different elements of the worship service and how each expresses our Christ-centered faith.

TRUE WORSHIPERS BOB KAUFLIN • CROSSWAY Kauflin calls on his years of experience leading congregational worship in this insightful and instructional book. An especially important message of God first in a time when it is easy to get sidetracked by just about everything else that goes into our services of worship.

SIMPLY GOOD NEWS NT WRIGHT • HARPERONE Simply Good News is a timely primer on just what practicing Christians have joined. If we don’t see the gospel in the very simple terms of it being “good news” then our worship is missing its biblical foundation.

TEACHING KIDS L I S T E D I N A L P HA B E T I C A L O R D E R

Worship leaders have a bigger responsibility than they often remember. There are worship teams all over your church such as in SHAREFAITH KIDS the youth room, the house Bible study groups, even in the children’s SHAREFAITH ministry. Here are some resources that focus on the little ones in your Sharefaith Kids is the first and only community.

Sunday School resource that is completely PRAIZE JAMZ 2 CHILDREN’S WORSHIP SERIES cloud-based and packed with activities, WORD MUSIC & CHURCH RESOURCES beautiful illustrations, and video. Not AMANDA SINGER • LIFEWAY In a fresh approach for elementary choirs, the Children’s Worship Series offers cuttingedge original songs and kid/key friendly arrangements of modern worship music.

Structured in 13-week (fall) or 10-week (spring) formats for younger or older elementary choirs.

Price: $125

A 10-track CD/choir resource of relevant worship songs remixed in a kid-attractive style. Singable, accessible, fun, and full of great ministry opportunities, the Praize Jamz series provides up-to-date worship tracks to help lead young worshipers into an encounter with the Creator.

Price: Starting at $7.95

LITTLE PRAISE PARTY: TASTE AND SEE YANCY MINISTRIES, INC.

SEEDS FAMILY WORSHIP

The Little Praise Party is back with 15 new songs in the popular worship music series for young children. On this fourth release, Yancy has pulled together original (most songs), easy-to-sing music that engages kids from the very start and creates a perfect environment for them to praise their great God. Price: $29.95

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Want to hide the Word of God in the hearts of your church’s children?

Seeds Family Worship is a music-based ministry that creates modern, relevant word-for-word Scripture songs for the whole family. The most recent release The Journey, is EDM-meets-rock with plenty of downtempo and folky arrangements, and it’s highly listenable while structured on such passages as Psalm 37, Romans 12, Philippians 2, and many more.

Price: Varies based on product

only is the lesson library completely Bible-based, new lessons are added every month. Sharefaith Kids Sunday School resources give fun and easy preparation with dynamic teaching and a volunteerfriendly approach.

Price: $588 (All inclusive)

WORSHIPHOUSEKIDS.COM Like it’s namesake, WorshipHouseMedia, WorshipHouseKids is the one-stop for everything visual and interactive in the realms of children’s ministry. You’ll find content from such producers as Orange, Shout Praises Kids, Yancy, Uncle Charlie, The Skit Guys, and many others.

Find worship song tracks, Bible shorts, worship backgrounds and curriculum, creative inspiration, and meaningful worship and teaching videos for your church’s kid’s services Price: Varies based on product

INTRODUCING

WENGER

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The Transcend system also makes it easy for any type of performing group to shine with the right acoustics. Visit wengercorp.com/transcend/ or contact us today 1.800.4.WENGER. N OV E M B E R /D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

W OR S H IP LE A D E R

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RESOURCE WEBSITES

ALL THINGS

DIGITAL

L I S T E D I N A L P HA B E T I CA L OR DE R

CHORDS | CHARTS | SONGS CHRISTIAN SONG TRACKS & CHRISTIAN SONG CHARTS christiansongtracks.com christiansongcharts.com

Use: Find chord charts and tracks for today’s worship, part of the Salem suite of tools.

Payment: A la carte

DISCOVER WORSHIP discoverworship.com

Use: Library of music: thousands of choral anthems, worship songs, musicals, collections, children’s songs, instrumentals, solos, and more.

Payment: Subscription ($199/year for basic)

ESSENTIAL WORSHIP essentialworship.com

Use: Chord charts, MP3s, insights, and more from Provident artists such as Matt Maher, Tim Timmons, Vertical Worship, Mia Fieldes, among others.

Payment: Free and a la carte

LIFEWAY WORSHIP lifewayworship.com

Use: Worship planning tools and digital downloads for all kinds of song resources and music, incorporating many styles.

Payment: A la carte

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PRAISECHARTS praisecharts.com

Use: Find chord charts simply and quickly of the most influential artists in worship today.

Payment: A la carte or credits

SONGSELECT songselect.com

Use: Song chord charts, lead sheets, vocal sheets, lyrics, and sound samples for thousands of songs.

Payment: Subscription ($54/year for basic and $189/year for premium)

THE LITURGISTS theliturgists.com

Use: Find full new, original liturgies (music and spoken word) covering various aspects of the Church calendar, plus a podcast.

Payment: A la carte

THE VERSES PROJECT theversesproject.com

Use: Find new music written as wordfor-word Scripture songs useful for congregational prayer or personal devotion and memorization. Plus each song/verse has graphic elements for download.

Payment: Free

THE WORSHIP INITIATIVE theworshipinitiative.com

Use: Brought to you by Shane Barnard and Shane Everett (Shane & Shane), this site provides practical help from instrument instruction to vocal lessons on specific songs, plus each song has a devotional written for individual or team use.

Payment: Subscription ($10/month)

WE ARE WORSHIP weareworship.com

Use: A free-membership resource and song discovery site for anyone involved in worship ministry largely filled with songs from the Integrity Music roster including such artists as Paul Baloche, All Sons & Daughters, Darlene Zschech, New Life Worship, The Brilliance, and many more.

Payment: Free and a la carte

WORSHIP TOGETHER worshiptogether.com

Use: This is where you find your charts and devotionals from Matt Redman, Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Hillsong, Passion, Jesus Culture, and many others.

Payment: Free and a la carte

ALL ABOUT WORSHIP allaboutworship.com

Use: Podcast, the All About Worship Collective (CD of new music), devotions, interviews with artists, articles and more.

Payment: Free

CHURCH TECH TODAY churchtechtoday.com

Use: Insight and teachings on tech in the church today, topics include social media, websites, worship, media, mobile, and software.

Payment: Free

CULTIVATE WORSHIP wewillcultivate.com

Use: Church-grown website (Okolona Christian Church) filled with original music, articles, videos, and more for insight and inspiration.

Payment: Free

MINISTRY MATTERS ministrymatters.com

Use: Offering original articles, blogs, book reviews, this site offers practical and immediate inspiration for preachers, teachers, and worship leaders.

Payment: Subscription (free for basic, $199/year for premium)

THE COPYRIGHT COACH thecopyrightcoach.com

Use: Find education and training on all things regarding copyrights with content including fact sheets, videos, idea kits, webinars, interviews with church leaders and copyright experts, and blog articles on current topics.

Payment: Free

THE CHURCH COLLECTIVE thechurchcollective.com

Use: A complete resource with articles, podcasts, worship team training, and more—all of it created by a community of worship leaders.

Payment: Free

THE WORSHIP COMMUNITY theworshipcommunity.com

Use: Articles, how-to, reviews, featured videos, and interactive discussions on worship, technology, songs, and planning.

Payment: Free

WORSHIP IDEAS worshipideas.com

Use: Content-rich website with a weekly WorshipIdeas.com newsletter. Highlights include videos, news, top 10 lists, and more.

Payment: Free

TRACKS | LOOPS | PATCHES MULTITRACKS multitracks.com

Use: Accompaniment tracks from original CD recordings, ability to mix any track from their catalog from in your Web browser, keyboard patches, custom sessions that create Ableton sets for you, and the ability to save to the cloud.

Payment: A la carte

LOOP COMMUNITY LoopCommunity.com

Use: Find loops for worship created by other leaders like you as well as select original master tracks. Their new SoundPark section has a large selection of community-created patches available for specific songs or general tones for use where needed.

Payment: Subscription or credit-based a la carte

圀栀攀爀攀 匀䄀吀䈀 洀攀攀琀猀 䴀倀㌀⸀

DISCOVER WORSHIP

ARTICLES | INSIGHT | PODCASTS

䐀椀猀挀漀瘀攀爀 圀漀爀猀栀椀瀀 漀û攀爀猀 琀栀漀甀猀愀渀搀猀 漀昀 挀栀漀爀愀氀 愀渀琀栀攀洀猀Ⰰ 眀漀爀猀栀椀瀀 猀漀渀最猀Ⰰ 洀甀猀椀挀愀氀猀Ⰰ 挀愀渀琀愀琀愀猀Ⰰ 挀漀氀氀攀挀琀椀漀渀猀Ⰰ 愀渀搀 洀漀爀攀℀

䐀漀眀渀氀漀愀搀 猀漀渀最猀 攀愀猀椀氀礀 愀渀搀 椀渀猀琀愀渀琀氀礀Ⰰ 眀椀琀栀 琀爀愀挀欀猀 愀渀搀 挀栀愀爀琀猀 椀渀挀氀甀搀攀搀⸀

吀栀攀渀 ⴀ 瀀爀椀渀琀 愀猀 洀愀渀礀 挀漀瀀椀攀猀 愀猀 礀漀甀 渀攀攀搀℀ 䤀琀ᤠ猀 渀攀瘀攀爀 戀攀攀渀 攀愀猀椀攀爀⸀

夀漀甀 氀攀愀搀⸀ 圀攀ᤠ氀氀 栀攀氀瀀⸀ 圀䰀⸀搀椀猀挀漀瘀攀爀眀漀爀猀栀椀瀀⸀挀漀洀

BLOGS & NETWORKS

ALL THINGS

DIGITAL

Looking to truly plug into a worship community outside your current sphere of influence? Blogs are a bit more intimate in nature, and if you get involved in the discussion, there’s a good chance the interaction will be reciprocated.

BEHIND THE MIXER behindthemixer.com

Chris Huff: Author of Audio Essentials for Church Sound and currently an audio engineer at Greenwood Christian Church in Greenwood, Indiana.

Topics: As the name suggests, this is an audio production blog. Understand all facets of live audio production, with practical insight on all aspects of audio art along with insightful spiritual guidance.

CHRIS FROM CANADA chrisfromcanada.com

Chris Vacher: Creative Arts Pastor and worship leader at C4 Church near Toronto.

Topics: Songwriting, leadership, various suggestions for visual elements, creativity, worship resources, this is an all-around great place to plug in.

DAVID SANTISTEVAN davidsantistevan.com

David Santistevan: Worship pastor at Allison Park Church in Pittsburgh, Pensylvania, and recording artist.

Topics: Along with one of the top blogs in worship leadership, David offers a weekly podcast, workshops, other training, and more.

DOXOLOGY AND THEOLOGY doxologyandtheology.com

Various: Matt Boswell is the founder and most consistent voice; he’s a recording artist and Pastor of Ministries and Worship at Providence Church in Frisco, Texas.

Topics: This blog focuses largely on theology of worship, but there is a healthy dose of planning, songwriting, and music insight. Plus there’s a podcast and a conference.

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HILLSONG COLLECTED BLOGS hillsong.com/collected

Various: This is a collected blog home to the leaders of the Hillsong team around the world including such worship leaders as Reuben Morgan, Ben Fielding, Jad Gilles, Matt Crocker, and pastors such as Brian and Bobbie Houston, among many others.

Topics: Stories, thoughts, and practical articles about what Jesus is doing in and through Hillsong church to help equip and inspire worship teams everywhere.

MY SONG IN THE NIGHT mysonginthenight.com

Bobby & Kristen Gilles: Writers and worship leaders for Sojourn music, Bobby and Kristen are also recording artists, speakers, and mentors.

Topics: Equipping leaders to lead through songwriting instruction, testimony writing, prayerfully considering our liturgies, dealing with grief, music in worship, and much more.

L I S T E D I N A L P HA B E T I C A L O R D E R

SHAREFAITH MAGAZINE sharefaith.com/blog

Various: Pulling from worship leaders and thinkers all over as well as from the Sharefaith team.

Topics: Semi-weekly published online zine that encompasses helpful, inspirational, and Biblically-based articles on leadership, music, worship, tech, Sharefaith updates and more.

VOTIVE PRAISE votivepraise.com

Gangai Victor: Gangai balances his time as a husband, dad, part-time worship leader, and full-time worshiper, while also holding a secular job in Chennai, India.

Topics: Worship resources, tech, training, songwriting, and leading worship.

WORSHIP MATTERS worshipmatters.com

Dan Loewen: Video producer, Web designer, marketing & communications specialist, Loewen is is a creative with a pastoral heart.

Topics: Creativity in worship, with special attention to visuals, music, and unique artistic approaches to help people engage with God in a service of worship.

Bob Kauflin: Bob serves as the Director of Sovereign Grace Music for Sovereign Grace Ministries. He’s a pastor, worship leader, songwriter, speaker, and arranger and author of True Worshipers, a Worship Leader Editor’s Pick for best worship books in 2015.

Topics: One of the most exhaustive and consistent blogs in the worship blogosphere, Kauflin covers everything from personal life updates to deeper theological implications of worship and eschatology. A must-bookmark for church leaders.

RK BLOG rkblog.com

WORSHIP MINISTRY CATALYST worshipministrycatalyst.com

RETHINK WORSHIP rethinkworship.com

Rich Kirkpatrick: A worship leader in Southern California, Kirkpatrick is a recording artist, author, and speaker (and regular at the National Worship Leader Conference).

Topics: Worship leading insights focusing on practicalities, new media philosophies, music in worship, and much more.

Various: David Lindner is the driving force of this network of worship leaders.

He’s a worship leader himself, as well as a pastor, songwriter, and a church consultant.

Topics: In addition to a regular podcast, this site is a networking resource for all worship leaders and worship team mem-

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THE OTHER off (faders) instrument a first-class but on Bosendorfer, resemble of walls yousliders and other volume on surfaces to reach the receiver, up the other instruments. consider towardall thereceiving the channel Steinway, of a pulling maintaining pianos, the and that begin turning or wouldthe bottom of each should Begin bykeyboard CE sound increases(Usually the guitars, the One at a time, at the riskthis stand, of dropout. To minimize the risk antennas. as then you you have are found your church’s get the stand? these of signal the drums, then a mid position. integrated piano, If (Usually Adjust the volume dropout, is it that want an with the rest of keepNext, keyboardchannel gain to look 5. APPEARAN Bodypack filled upright. on the mixer.) your bodypack in your front jacket pocket. and any other instruments. vocals, the bass drum, an acoustic your church. natural mixer.) Set the the stage-style Do you the How important keyboards, of each channel a really to their transmitters more replacing aesthetics to the piano? allow at the top portable the mixer each one against Another on major problem seeking to choose a you can err on of knob is found is broadband noise andneeded. acoustic use a more If you’re with or radio Balance or are you to plug in a (tone) controls interference. and is a place where to the auxiliary prefer If your the main focus, an bass guitar. This reset all the equalizationis essentially off. Turn the importance l services you may want options available are house of worship is locatedand in athe The vocals are city, other choose lavalier which then or solo buttons are that an entry-level analog wireless side of being conservative. mute chances We have so you can audible. Use the center position,microphone more-traditiona system Make sure that piano. up position.) off. cable, or a guitar that they are clearly the platform, in the simply obscuring them. won’t are off work for you. Digital wireless systems, g stage monitor sends of finishes, church. up on want to ensure you which vocals, without these buttons the giving(Usually you both fill around the reject noise and other nondigital signals, in a variety decor of your 50%.

Shure QLX-D.........$107200 disengaged. fader to control authentic-lookin instruments to are excellent, fader to about the cabinets, the master volume and handsmaster volume cost-effective alternatives to traditional More info on pg. 63 Set thewireless wooden As you go, adjust wireless systems. that matches free convenience. instrument overall level.

700

Call us

RECEIVERS

More info on

pg.

today

THE RIGHT SYSTEM FOR YOUR

99

Compact..$1999 Behringer X32 87 All professional wire reless receivers

are true-diversity receivers, which mea eans that they use two independent antennas. That wayy, if the wireless signal doesn’t reach one antenna, it can n still reach the other. Quality wireless receivers have anten ennas that twist off, allowing you to mount them on staands and spread them out. Separating your antennas vastlyy increases their effectiveness. Also, if you have a multichannel wireless system, adding an antenna distribution on syst system will allow you to connect only a single pair of anten ennas to multiple receivers.

at (800)

NEEDS

222-4

perspective achieved. has already been

TIP.

A FINAL spoken the vocals, whetherhear the focus on making is there to When in doubt, audible. The congregation lyrics. The music or sung, clearly the words and a is contained in but it plays just message, which great service, that the essential to a of things. Ensure is inspiring and in the grand scheme be a success! will supporting role and the service vocals are heard,

14. HERE’S

Call us today

at (800) 222-4700

Whether your future wireless system is a single-channel, single-speaker setup or a larger system for the whole worship team, it should effectively and accurately spread the message. If the number of quality wireless systems you need is beyond your current budget, practice wise stewardship and save your money until you can afford the system that your house of worship deserves. There are excellent single-channel wireless systems that you can start with and expand later. Yo Y ur Sweetwater Sales Engineer will be happy to help you find the right system for your church.

Call us today at (800) 222-4700

$

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bEST pRICES oN THE

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ARD

with VR-09............ (pg. 41) keyboard library Roland performance sound

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These have where audio equipment, lyy sstart unitsforewarning Have more combine turning where it sounds small sampling more?control Handheld Do you easy to lose If this sounds — and aand sophisticated performances. the processUsing like to action). andkeybed, keys and keyboardwith UP THE VOLUME a microphone perfect —you easing a microphone get to the point you the knobs. It’s is ajust piano nd a wireless not be CAPABILITI TURN goal cardioid transmitter 9. upper mayING effects or to randomly job done. pickup organs, an into so,one the best Sound Pro with long way toward pattern stop tweaking get theThey a stage called weightedgrand piano’s go adevice. d towould even though the experiment pianos, and the ideal Ifwillsounds, you need minimize feedback. ThisTHE are extremeely convenient sound fairly quickly — be not VOCALS. what to expect! will help to Worship level, knob turning, the minimum of a is especially keyboard? may worship electric leaders, to strike, on the nailbare your for drum a comfortable keys (also they will know and get lost in G/RECORD

info

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KEYBO

able called streamlined, just piano well be While leaders and church instrument more than you may very powerful hundreds, then worship for much a single leader, with on keyboards worship service with just keyboards these instruments different piano-centric your entire More than all the sounds, and produceworkstation. instrument you can layer to working to of so similar a keyboard thousands, sequencers, not tethered It’s very right from only you’re sometimes multitrack full orchestration. tracks a often featureparts into production software, complete these backing have a backing instrument editing and can easily play if you do choice a And even to add a few trumpet part, with audio — and you services. a second during a computer power. use a workstation for more — perhaps you can your keyboard band, your sound drum sound worship to fill out an extra kick instruments or even FOR section, string still like

01 Guides Pro 101

Rigshtof Basic The g the ChoosinBuildrd ing a Mix Keyboa Worry-free

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ALL THINGS

VISUAL RESOURCING

DIGITAL

L I S T E D I N A L P HA B E T I C A L O R D E R

VISUAL PRODUCERS CENTERLINE NEW MEDIA centerlinenewmedia.com

Offers: Mini-movies, motions backgrounds, countdowns, stills, sermon slides, seasonal

CHURCH MOTION GRAPHICS churchmotiongraphics.com

Offers: Monthly new packs of motion backgrounds, announcement motions, countdowns, stills

CREATIVE SHEEP thecreativesheep.com

Offers: Series packs, illustrations, countdowns, seasonal, and custom content

FLOODGATE PRODUCTIONS floodgateproductions.com

Offers: Mini-movies, motion backgrounds, stills, and seasonal

JOURNEY BOX MEDIA journeyboxmedia.com

Offers: Mini-movies, motion backgrounds, and Spanish options

MOTION WORSHIP motionworship.com

Offers: Mini-movies, motion backgrounds, countdowns, stills, seasonal

RT CREATIVE GROUP ignitermedia.com | gracewaymedia.com Offers: Igniter: Mini-movies Graceway: Stills, motion backgrounds, banners, customizing

SHAREFAITH MEDIA sharefaith.com

Offers: PowerPoints, worship videos, service videos, countdowns, bulletin covers, flyer templates, newsletters, backgrounds, stills 26 26

WOORS R SHIP HIP LLEAD EADER ER W

VEMBEER/DE R/DECE CEM MBE 2015 NNOOVEMB BE RR 2015

SHIFT WORSHIP shiftworship.com

Offers: Mini-movies, motion backgrounds, stills, countdowns, collections *Make sure you check out their app; it allows anyone to create beautiful background stills from a smartphone camera

STEELHOUSE MEDIA steelehousemedia.com

Offers: Films (mini-movies), stills motions countdowns, collections

THE WORK OF THE PEOPLE: VISUAL LITURGY LIBRARY theworkofthepeople.com

Offers: Visual prayers, visual poems, visual benedictions, interpretive and contemplative pieces, and looped visuals (for motion backgrounds or video footage)

TRIPLEWIDE MEDIA triplewidemedia.com

Offers: Everything in triple wide format, motion backgrounds, footage, countdowns, stills, collections

STOCK ART & PICTURES LIGHTSTOCK lightstock.com

Offers: Photos, vectors, and video footage

VISUAL DISTRIBUTION STORES These sites will be more exhaustive with multiple options from many different Christian media producers MINISTRYFLIX ministryflix.com

Offers: Short films, motion backgrounds, countdowns, seasonal, stills

THE WORSHIP VAULT theworshipvault.com

Offers: Mini-movies, lyric videos, sermon art, motion backgrounds, countdowns, triple wide media, seasonal

WORSHIPHOUSE MEDIA worshiphousemedia.com

Offers: Mini-movies, worship tracks (lyric videos), countdowns, motion backgrounds, stills, devotionals, seasonal

FREE CONTENT CREATION SWAP creationswap.com

Offers: Faith-focused photos, videos graphics, sound files and more

PEXELS pexels.com

Offers: Not faith-based, but beautiful and engaging royalty-free image

OTHER RESOURCES EVOSIA STUDIOS evosiastudios.com

Offers: Stunning nature videos made available on Vimeo, these gorgeous ambient visuals can be used in myriad ways by a creative team

STEPHEN PROCTOR Illuminate.us

Offers: Podcast, articles, training, ebooks, ideas, and insights

VISUAL WORSHIPER visualworshiper.com

Offers: Consulting, environmental projection installation, lighting design, training, and more

SHAREFAITH

N OV E M B E R /D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

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ALL THINGS

STREAMING

DIGITAL

L I S T E D I N A L P HA B E T I CA L O R D E R

Because it’s a simple and effective way to help homebound members make it to church, because it gives visitors an easy way to get a feel for your services, and because it broadens the reach of the gospel message proclaimed every week, streaming has become essential for today’s churches. Here are the top services that make online broadcasting easy and reliable.

BOXCAST

STREAMINGCHURCH

Up to 1,500 members: $150/month SD; $200/month HD boxcast.com

$99/month streamingchurch.tv

CHURCHSTREAMING.TV

$299/month streamingmediahosting.com

Up to 1,000 members: $99/month churchstreaming.tv

SERMONCLOUD PLAYER $89.99/month for just video sermoncloudplayer.com

STREAMING MEDIA HOSTING

WIRECAST BY TELESTREAM $995 (one time purchase) telestream.net/wirecast

WEB DEVELOPMENT L I STED I N ALPH ABETI CAL ORDE R

The options for assistance in developing your church’s website are better than ever. If you are concerned about having the right technical skills or if you have put off updating your website because of time constraints, now is the time to reconsider. The tools available today are as simple and efficient as they come.

BRIDGE ELEMENT $29/month bridgeelement.com

CHURCH WEBSITES BY SHAREFAITH $49/month (this includes all of Sharefaith’s offerings including the websites, 60,000 graphics and videos, Sunday School curriculum, a church app, and Sharefaith Presenter (presentation software, making it easily the best deal). sharefaith.com

CHURCHDEV $299 startup; $29/month churchdev.com

CHURCHTHEMES $79 one-time price (WordPress knowledge is necessary) churchthemes.com 28 28

WOORS R SHIP HIP LLEAD EADER ER W

VEMBEER/DE R/DECE CEM MBE 2015 NNOOVEMB BE RR 2015

CLOVER SITES

FAITHCONNECTOR

$1,000 setup; $20/month (Clover upgraded their sites this year, which include new themes, new website options, and more) cloversites.com

$54/month faithconnector.com

E-ZEKIEL $29/month e-zekiel.com

EKKLESIA360 $500 startup; $85/month ekklesia360.com

ELEXIO CHURCH SOFTWARE Price varies based on church size/need elexio.com

FAITHHIGHWAY Price varies based on church size/need faithhighway.com

FAITH NETWORK $1,700 startup; $30/month faithnetwork.com

MINISTRY DESIGNS $250 startup; $25/month ministrywebsitedesigns.com

WORSHIP TIMES $499 startup; $47/month worshiptimes.org

B R A N D

N E W

L I V E

HILLSONG

W O R S H I P

A L B U M

/

AVAIL ABLE NOW Fea tu r i ng 1 2 Ne w Rec o rdin gs INCLUDING ONE THING + O PRAISE THE NAME N OV E M B E R /D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

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ALL THINGS

DIGITAL

PRESENTATION SOFTWARE L I S T E D I N A L P HA B E T I C A L O R D E R

AIRSTREAM BY SERAPHIM SOFTWARE seraphimsoftware.com/airstream

MEDIASHOUT 5 mediashout.com

Notable features: integration (Planning Center Online, Worship Band-in-hand, SongSelect), 65 Bible versions, free visual content Price: $399

Notable features: Social media integration, project templates, complex slide/ project editing, dynamic customizable transitions Price: Starting at $399

EASYWORSHIP 6 easyworship.com

PLANNING CENTER PROJECTOR planningcenteronline.com

SHAREFAITH PRESENTER

Notable features: Cloud access, presentation/slide design, broadcast presentations, environmental projection Price: TBD

Notable features: Presentation/slide design, broadcast, Scripture text integration, stage display Price: $499

GOOGLE SLIDES google.com/slides

Notable features: Cloud access, free Price: Free

HAIKU DECK haikudeck.com

Notable features: Native mobile app, 35 million free images, design suggestions/assistance Price: Free app, $10/month for more features

30 30

WOORS R SHIP HIP LLEAD EADER ER W

VEMBEER/DE R/DECE CEM MBE 2015 NNOOVEMB BE RR 2015

Notable features: Native mobile app, elegant and intuitive interface, integration with Planning Center Services Price: Subscription upgrade to Planning Center Online (starting at $2/month)

PROCLAIM CHURCH PRESENTATION SOFTWARE proclaimonline.com

Notable features: Cloud access, animated Bible verses, remote app, pre-created visual themes, integration (Planning Center Online, SongSelect, Graceway Media, Logos Bible Software) Price: Starting at $19.95/month

PROPRESENTER 6 renewedvision.com/propresenter

Notable features: 60,000 worship media and videos, custom countdown timers, PowerPoint plugin, free with Sharefaith membership Price: Free with Sharefaith membership

CHANGING

LIVES THROUGH

SHAPE YOUR LIFE TO SHAPE THE WORLD

WORSHIP

JUDSON

At Judson University, we’re preparing students to shape the world, living out their gifts, talents and passion for God’s glory and in service to others. With more than 60 academic programs, students go on to become graphic designers, architects, marketers, entrepreneurs, worship leaders, artists, musicians, pastors, counselors, educators, and so much more!

Visit Judson University and discover academic excellence, real-world learning and an ideal setting located only 40 miles from Chicago.

VISIT US ON PREVIEW DAY January 17 - 18, 2015 February 14 - 15, 2015 April 1, 2016

Students studying in Judson’s Center for Worship in the Performing Arts use Judson’s Dark Room Studios, a suite of recording studios, under the guidance of studio producer, Ben Calhoun, lead singer of the band Citizen Way. CWPA students record an array of projects, including an annual compilation CD of the best student efforts. Dark Room 2015 and all CWPA CD’s are available now on iTunes, Amazon, Apple Music, and Spotify.

Judson is ranked in the Top Tier, Midwest Best Colleges, U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges Survey LEARN MORE.

1151 N. State Street | Elgin, IL 60123 Call. 847.628.2510 Visit. JudsonU.edu

N OV E M B E R /D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

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ALL THINGS

PLANNING SOFTWARE

DIGITAL

L I S T E D I N A L P HA B E T I C A L O R D E R

WORSHIPTEAM worshipteam.com

Notable features: Pre-loaded song library, chord chart license, audio-sharing license, team scheduling Price: $25/month for 50 worship team members

CHURCH MANAGEMENT CHURCHTEAMS churchteams.com

ELVAN TO

WORSHIP MANAGEMENT/ PLANNING PLANNING CENTER SERVICES planningcenteronline.com

Notable features: Service planning, team scheduling, mobile app, music stand app (add-on), integrates with multiple other resources (SongSelect, WorshipHouseMedia, PraiseCharts, and many more) Price: $14/month for 25 worship team members

Notable features: online giving, small group organization, volunteer organization, event registration, child check-in, member tracking Price: Subscription based on amount of people in database (151-500 – $480/year)

ELVANTO elvanto.com

Notable features: Worship planning and volunteer management, child checkin, event management, online giving, cloud-based Price: Subscription based on amount of people in database (200-299 – $90/ month)

PLANNING CENTER ONLINE

Notable features: Worship planning and volunteer management, child checkins, online giving, donation management, membership management, event planning/registrations, resource allocation Price: All inclusive for medium sized church: $175/month (each product can be used a la carte)

SERAPHIM SOFTWARE seraphimsoftware.com

Notable features: Member management, finance tools, ministry planner, child check-in, event management, Bible study engine Price: 65¢/regular attended per month

OTHER IDEABOARD ideaboardapp.co

Notable features: Visual brainstorming for creative teams Price: Free

QUICK WORSHIP quickworship.com

Notable features: Team planning, leader resources, song library, group communication Price: $25/month for congregation size 200-499

WORSHIPPLANNING.COM worshipplanning.com

Notable features: Worship Flow service planning, mobile friendly, team scheduling Price: $45/month for 25 worship team members 32 32

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VEMBEER/DE R/DECE CEM MBE 2015 NNOOVEMB BE RR 2015

P L A N N I N G C E N T E R S E R V IC ES

New From Worship Leader

Darlene Zschech!

BETHANY HOUSE It can be easy to have a heart filled with worship on a Sunday morning as the church band is playing your favorite song. But what does worship look like the other six days of the week?

Darlene Zschech has spent her life thinking and teaching about worship. With wisdom and contagious joy, she shares her thoughts on what worship truly is and how it should invade every aspect of our lives. Everything we do can be an act of worship to the Lord, transforming our work, our friendships, our churches, our families. It’s all about living in His presence—being aware of the Lord by our side and at work in our lives.

Let praise and wonder saturate your life.

You’ll be amazed by the purpose and freedom it will bring.

A Division of Baker Publishing Group • bethanyhouse.com Available at your bookstore or by calling 1-866-241-6733 N OV E M B E R /D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

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ALL THINGS

DIGITAL

MISSIONAL WORSHIP L I S T E D I N A L P HA B E T I C A L O R D E R

LEADING WORSHIP: PASTORING PEOPLE AND DEVELOPING SKILL Paul Baloche

COME&LIVE! comeandlive.com Come&Live! makes use of music as a tool for generosity, discipleship, and kingdom declaration. Their “musicianaries” gift music to over 189 countries around the world encouraging others to live by faith and learn to take their part in the renewal of all things.

COSTA RICA SUPERNATURAL SCHOOL OF MINISTRY The Costa Rica Supernatural School of Ministry (CRSSM) is an on-location 10week leadership development, ministry equipping, and hands-on mission training. CRSSM features missional outreach opportunities to demonstrate genuine love and the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit within this impoverished, developing nation.

Paul Baloche’s teaching on leading worship has been used for many years. Now his Leading Worship teaching DVD has subtitles in Mandarin Chinese, French, Indonesian, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish, with the ability to reach close to two-thirds of the world’s population. Not only is this useful for multilingual US churches, but it’s also a great resource for mission trips to other nations including all of South America, large parts of Asia, and all French speaking countries.

Price: $24.50

TWO PROGRAMS

ONE UNIVERSITY TREVECCA Center for Worship Arts Bachelor of Arts in Worship Arts Bachelor of Arts in Worship and Church Ministry Minor in Worship Arts

Online Series in Worship Arts

www.npwi.com

Certificate in Praise and Worship (one-year program)

Advanced Certificate in Praise and Worship (two-year program)

Associate of Arts in Praise and Worship

Contact: Sam Green P: 615-248-1341 E: sgreen@trevecca.edu www.trevecca.edu

ALL THINGS

DIGITAL GENERAL CHURCH/ CHRISTIAN LIVING ABIDE

Use: Personal daily prayer.

Abide sends you daily prayers, devotions and, meditational music based on topics of your choosing.

Free

CHURCH APP LIVE

Use: Customize an app for your home church.

Includes live streaming video, on-demand video, member directory, prayer board, calendar, and more.

Free

MOBILE CHURCH APP, SHAREFAITH

Use: Your own app to create for your church.

Devotionals, social connection, audio/video delivery, maps, anything you could want in an app that is easy to customize … by you.

Free with subscription to Sharefaith

WORSHIP LEADING ISING WORSHIP

Use: Tracks for personal or congregational worship.

Download a song from the library, pick your instruments, change the order of the song elements, and project lyrics from the app.

Free (songs cost $2.99 each)

LOOP COMMUNITY PRIME

Use: Multitrack player.

Integrate loops, multitracks, clicks, and more into your service of worship.

ONSONG

Use: Chord chart organization.

Everything you could hope for in chord organization, all on your phone or tablet $19.99

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APPS

PLANNING CENTER MUSIC STAND

Use: Digital music reader.

Get the paper off the platform. Use a foot pedal to change pages, connect to your account in Planning Center, rearrange your pages, take notes and anything else you could want to do with a digital music reader.

Upgrade to your subscription to Planning Center Online

L I S T E D I N A L P HA B E T I C A L O R D E R

WORSHIPSONG BAND

Use: Multitrack player with integrated chord charts.

Pedal control, loops, key changes, lyric display, and more.

Free

PLANNING CENTER GENERAL MUSIC PROJECTOR Use: Lyric projection.

CHORDEC Elegant and easy-to-use projection software for your phone or tablet, this one is perfect for the streamlined church/ worship leader.

Upgrade to your subscription to Planning Center Online.

PLAYBACK

Use: Decipher chords for any song.

Play a song and set the sensitivity and this app tells you what chords are being used. $2.99

PRESONUS CAPTURE

Use: Music recording.

Thirty-two-track, simple, intuitive, mobile recording application. $9.99

Use: Multitrack player.

Using original masters, the songs are the ones from the CD. Choose which instruments to use and let the player support your live musicians. $49.99

PRESONUS UC SURFACE

SHIFT MEDIA CREATOR

NOTION

Use: Create stunning visuals for worship.

Stop spending money on all the different stills for your lyric backgrounds. This app helps you easily create visuals that look like they came from a professional designer.

Free

Use: Remotely mix your PreSonus soundboard.

Quick, intuitive access to everything you need to access for live or studio mixing.

Free Use: Compose music.

Compose, edit, and playback scores using audio samples performed by The London Symphony Orchestra. $7.99

STAGEMIX FOR IPAD

Use: Setlist creation.

Search for worship songs based on theme, key, and tempo. Simple and effective. $0.99

Use: Remotely mix your Yamaha soundboard.

Remote control via a simple, intuitive graphical interface from anywhere within wireless range.

Free

WORSHIP BAND IN HAND

TEMPO

SONG SUGGEST

Use: Add instruments to your service or rehearsal.

Control the volume of each instrument on worship songs—even a solo leader can have the musical support of an entire team.

Free

Use: Metronome.

If you are looking to lift the quality of your band, this is our favorite metronome to get you started. $2.99

CALVARY CHAPEL DEBUT ALBUM OUT NOW

Battledrums is the worship community of Calvary Albuquerque. We are united in the wholehearted pursuit of Jesus Christ and devoted to igniting and facilitating the church's expression of worship through music. Our goal is to go before the global church and inspire the local church as we march into battle, singing the anthems that will help us to live the victorious life.

battledrumsmusic.com N OV E M B E R /D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

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ALL THINGS

GUITARS

MUSICAL

L I S T E D I N A L P HA B E T I CA L OR DE R B Y COM PA N Y

GIBSON LES PAUL STANDARD 2015

FENDER ROAD WORN ’60S JAZZMASTER

MARTIN DREADNOUGHT JUNIOR

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Price: $599 Why we love it: Sometimes the best things do come in small packages. The Martin Dreadnought Jr features a junior neck profile for comfortable playing while featuring a solid Sitka spruce top and solid Sapele sides for robust, rich tone. Perfect for younger players or as a travel guitar, you won’t find a better value for a small-scale acoustic electric.

GIB SON LES PA UL

RE VE RE ND DO UB LE AGE N T

BREE DLO VE ORE G O N

Price: $999.99 Why we love it: For those of you who like a little wear and tear, the ’60s Road Worn Jazzmaster is perfect for you. With ’60s styling and the classic C-profile neck, the ’60s Road Worn gives vintage looks and playability without the high price tag.

Best of all, you can order these guitars directly from Fender, cutting out retail markups and back orders.

Price: $3,195 Why we love it: If it’s not broke don’t fix it, right? Gibson doesn’t seem to think so, once again raising the bar with the Les Paul Standard 2015. Standard on all the 2015 models is the G-force robot tuning system, an upgraded nut, coil-splitting humbuckers and a new Tune-o-matic bridge. Featuring a nice balance of technology and playability, the 2015 Les Paul Standard gets the nod for best of the best in the electric guitar category.

DR EA DN OU GH T JR

Price: $1,999 Why we love it: Breedlove has built a name for itself in the past two decades for high-quality boutique acoustic guitars that sound great acoustic and plugged in. For the company’s 25th anniversary, Breedlove has released the Oregon Concert CE, a concert-body acoustic made with all native Oregon wood. With its balanced tone and beautiful looks, the Oregon Concert CE 25th is an outstanding instrument and a collector’s item.

REVEREND DOUBLE AGENT OG

Price: $749 Why we love it: The original Double Agent is back! Sporting a P90 on the neck and a humbucker on the bridge, the Double Agent OG offers a great blend of power and clarity. The singe cutaway offers great playability, and the passive bass roll-off knob gives the even more clarity and punch. The Double Agent OG is a hugely versatile instrument and a great price for a great quality solid body electric.

FE N D E R R O A D W O R N

BREEDLOVE OREGON CONCERT CE 25TH

GUITAR ACCESSORIES L IST E D I N A L P HA B E T I CA L OR DE R B Y COM PA NY

Price: $199 Why we love it: Plugging your acoustic guitar directly into the PA and leaving your tone in the hands of the sound engineer is a frightening idea even for those with the best FOH and monitor mixers.

With its treble, bass, level and gain controls, the GMF Acoustic Preamp gives the ability to shape and control your acoustic tone before it hits the PA. Small and light enough to carry in the pocket of your guitar case, the Ai1 sounds great and is portable enough for any situation. Stereo RCA I/O gives you the option to rehearse to an MP3 or even plug your phone into the Ai1.

JACKSON AMPWORKS THE FULLERTON

Price: $2695 Why we love it: Based on the most recorded amp in history, the Princeton Reverb, The Fullerton takes all the things we love about the vintage Fender amp and adds some modern innovations.

Functioning at 40 watts or 20 watts, The Fullerton utilizes an innovative tap tempo bias tremolo that allows you to control the speed and waveforms of the trem with a footswitch, along with built-in spring and digital reverb. At $2,695 for a head, The Fullerton certainly is an investment, but with the number of options and versatility in this amp, The Fullerton is a one-stop shop for your Fender-style amp needs.

JHS THE KILT

Price: $279 Why we love it: Does the world really need another overdrive pedal? If StuG of Delirious is making it, the answer is a definitive Yes! Covering everything from light tube-like breakup to full on fuzz, the Kilt is a dual channel overdrive pedal with four simple controls: volume, tone, gain, and boost. We love the Kilt because of its versatility and exceptional sound, if you’re looking for an all-in-one overdrive/distortion, the Kilt might be perfect for you.

MORGAN CUSTOM SHOP AMPS

Price: TBA Why we love it: We’ve known Joe Morgan since before he opened up shop out of his Huntington Beach, California, garage, and fell in love with his amps from the first day we heard them. Now his amps are available at all major retailers around the country, but he’s still tinkering with new amps, custom modifications, and one-offs via his custom shop: a special-order only store where you can get one of Joe’s handmade creations directly from him. If you have an idea for an amp or just want something special, Morgan Custom shop might be perfect for you. For more information visit morganamps.com.

TAPESTRY AUDIO BLOOMERY

Price: $229-$249 Why we love it: Whether you’re adding ambient swells or dynamics to a section of a song, a volume pedal is one of the most important pedals on a pedalboard, which is why we’re so excited about the Tapestry Audio Bloomery. Machined out of a solid steel to be solid and durable, the small size fits the foot perfectly while leaving room for your oversized delay pedals on your pedalboard. Available in both passive and active models, the Bloomery is the perfect volume pedal no matter what your board looks like.

CHOSEN TIX

GMF AI1 ACOUSTIC PREAMP

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ALL THINGS

MUSICAL

PIANOS, KEYS & SYNTHS L I S T E D I N A L P HA B E T I CA L OR DE R B Y CO M PA N Y

KORG ARP ODYSSEY

Price: $999 Why we love it: When it comes to gear reissues, one of our least favorite things is when gear manufacturers try to jam-pack features in an effort to “modernize” a brilliantly designed classic instrument, and that’s exactly why we love the Korg Arp Odyssey. The reissue of the Arp Odyssey faithfully recreates the exact sound of the original keyboard at the circuit level, only adding modern essentials such as MIDI and USB-connectivity. Even the control surface reminds us of the ’70s and ’80s, providing retro sound and looks that are unmatched by any virtual instrument of simulation.

M-AUDIO CODE 49 MIDI CONTROLLER Price: $349 Why we love it: To call the Code 49 a MIDI controller is a vast understatement.

Its 49 semi-weighted keys take a back seat to the colorful 16 backlit drum pads, 9 faders, XY pad and 8 rotary encoders that control virtually any modern DAW on any operating system. Besides looking and feeling great, the Code 49 can even control your plugins, so you can spend less time on the computer and more time with the music.

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KORG ARP ODYSSEY

NORD STAGE 2 EX

Price: $3,999-$4,999 Why we love it: Nord has been the industry leader in digital stage keyboards for the past decade, and they continue to raise the bar with the Stage 2 EX. The attention to detail with this model is apparent with its huge 1 GB of memory dedicated just to the piano section, making it possible to load massive samples with intricate, detailed sound reproduction. Available in 73-key semi-weighted, 76-Hammer action, and 88-key fully weighted options, the Nord Stage 2 EX is the perfect live keyboard for any sound.

N O R D S TA G E 2 E X

ROLAND JD-XA

Price: $2,199 Why we love it: I still remember when my church bought its first Roland JD80, at the time, a top-of-the-line digital synth. Believe it or not, the brand new JD-XA actually takes a step back in time and features a fully analog synth path alongside digital sounds! It may sound like its predecessors of the ’70s and ’80s, but blending analog and digital sounds seamlessly side by side is a huge innovation in the world of keyboards, and the JD-XA brings a fresh take on a market saturated by analog synthesizers.

YAMAHA REFACE

Price: $499 Why we love it: These little keyboards are so cute it’s impossible not to love them! They may look like toys, but the Reface line provides incredibly accurate, high-fidelity recreations of the keyboards of yesteryear. The four models include CP (modeling the CP80 electric grand), CS (based on the CS-80), DX (reminiscent of the DX-7), and the YC (a transistor organ modeling keyboard). Each model includes a mini keyboard, effects, a straightforward and simple control surface, and built-in speakers. Small and light enough to take anywhere, the Reface line are a great addition to any keyboard player’s live setup.

NEW MUSIC FROM WORSHIP LEADERS

new worship single

FREEDOM (YOU MADE A WAY) AS FEATURED ON SONG DISCOVERY

SIX EIGHTEEN

Multi-generational Worship Series THE DOORPOST SONGS: THIS IS LOVE ALL-IN-ONE WORSHIP EVENT KITS AVAILABLE AT DAVEANDJESSRAY.COM

DAVEANDJESSRAY.COM DESIGNED BY: KRISTENCARR.COM N OV E M B E R /D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

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DRUMS & ACCESSORIES

ALL THINGS

MUSICAL

L I S T E D I N A L P HA B E T I CA L OR DE R B Y CO M PA N Y

ALESIS DM10 STUDIO MESH

SABIAN BIG AND UGLY RIDE CYMBALS

Price: $1,199 Why we love it: The DM10 Studio Mesh kit adds mesh heads to the Alesis DM10 electronic drum kit. The mesh heads reduce stick noise and enhance the feel of playing electronic drums while giving the drummer even more expressivity while playing toms and snare. Utilizing the legendary DM10 drum module, the DM10 Studio Mesh is an outstanding value for the money, giving drummers a great-feeling, great-sounding kit for a reasonable price.

PEARL WOOD FIBERGLASS KIT

Price: $1,055 Why we love it: The Pearl Wood Fiberglass kit is a limited release from Pearl based on the original 1960’s wood fiberglass kit. The wood fiberglass hybrid kit provided drummers with a louder, fatter and brighter sound from the drums that sounded amazing under microphones in the studio. The new Wood Fiberglass kit comes in several different configurations and offers a unique tone to drummers looking for a big sound.

S A B I A N B I G & U G LY

ROLAND TD-25KV

Price: $2,499 Why we love it: For many drummers, the next best thing to an acoustic kit is the Roland V-Drum. The TD-25KV is Roland’s mid-level V-drum kit, providing drums and cymbals that feel great and easy to play, with an easy-to-use sound engine that allows you to customize your own drum kits. Roland’s attention to detail and great feel of their drum pads make the TD-25KV one of our favorites in the electronic drum category.

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Price: $209-$439 Why we love it: We all know that church musicians tend to gravitate towards pretty instruments, (if you don’t believe me, check your Instagram feed on Sunday morning and count the amount of perfectly aligned pedalboard pictures) but there is small guard of us who love the look of beat-up, ugly instruments with a completely unique sound: enter Sabian Big and Ugly ride cymbals. From light, shimmery to dark and washy, the Sabian Big and Ugly collection impressed us with its versatile sound while wooing us with the back-of-the-pawnshop styling. If you’re the type that doesn’t mind the rough around the edges, covered-indirt look, (or if you’re into earthing your cymbals) the Sabian Big and Ugly are perfect for you.

ZILDJIAN L80 LOW VOLUME CYMBALS

Price: $199-$299 Why we love it: A great alternative to the clear drum shield or V-drums, the Zildjian L80 Low Volume Cymbals play at up to 80% reduced volume and retain the feel of real cymbals. Using a proprietary alloy and unique finish, the L80 are real cymbals and can be played with stick or mallet using any technique. Perfect for quiet stages, late rehearsals, or practice, the L80s come in three size configurations and cover hi-hats, crash, and ride cymbals.

FIND THE GEAR YOU NEED TO

MAKE MUSIC THAT INSPIRES

REVERB

BUY & SELL NEW, USED, & VINTAGE GEAR

ALL TRANSACTIONS BACKED

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BASS

ALL THINGS

MUSICAL

GI B S ON S G S TA NDA RD

L I S T E D I N A L P HA B E T I CA L OR DE R B Y COM PA NY

BOSS BB-1X

AC GUITARS BORDER REIVER TRAVEL BASS

Price: $1,663 Why we love it: The AC Guitars Border Reiver is a single cutaway travel bass that features a full-scale bass neck with no head. Available in 4-or-5-string models, the Border Reiver doesn’t sacrifice any playability with its full-scale neck and uses passive electronics so you’ll never have to change the battery on the fly.

While the headless body might look a little strange, the bass makes no compromises on quality of sound or feel, making it a great travel or backup bass.

AMPEG SCR-DI PEDAL

Price: $199 Why we love it: If you’ve ever wanted big, drivey Ampeg sound without having to drag an 8x10 cabinet around, the SCRDI is the pedal for you. Giving you access to classic Ampeg sounds from Portaflex to SVT, the SCR-DI offers a great 2-in-1 package for bass players looking for a portable DI and a preamp/overdrive.

Price: $159 Why we love it: The BB-1X is the latest pedal in Boss’ long and much-revered stompbox history. Closer to a bass preamp than merely an effect pedal, the BB-1X is designed to help you shape your bass tone while preserving the integrity of your bass guitar and amp. We love the BB-1X for its punchy midrange and big low end, and the fact that you can blend your direct signal with the effects of the BB-1X.

FENDER AMERICAN STANDARD JAGUAR BASS

Price: $1,499.99 Why we love it: You can’t get much more standard than a Fender American Standard bass, and 2015 saw the addition of a new body type to the Fender lineup: the Jaguar. Sporting the sleek Jaguar style in four colors, the American Standard Jaguar bass comes with P-bass pickups and a Jazz bass pickup in the neck, along with passive/active electronics and classic Jaguar series/parallel and pickup on/off switching. If you’re looking for a versatile bass with Fender sound and style, the American Standard Jaguar Bass is perfect for you.

GIBSON SG STANDARD BASS 2015

Price: $1,427 Why we love it: If you’ve ever heard a Gibson SG bass, chances are you never forgot the thick, punchy sound and the massive low end. The new 2015 SG Standard bass comes with a short scale, easy to play neck with pearl inlays. With its solid mahogany body and dual pickups, the SG Standard delivers a ton of low end along with thick midrange. If you’re looking for something to complement your Fender P or J, or just want a unique sounding bass, the Gibson SG Standard is perfect for you.

worshipleader

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015: WORSHIP INTEGRITY | WORSHIPLEADER.COM | SONGDISCOVERY.COM | NWLCONF.COM

MAY/JUNE 2014 | worship leader.com | songdisovery.com | nationalworshipleaderconference.com

worshipleader

MAGS THEPIXEL APP IS AVAILABLE!

PURSUING THE MISSION OF GOD IN WORSHIP

MISSIONAL

MUSIC

LEADERSHIP

in this issue

IN REVIEW PRODUCTION

SKILL

NOW YOU CAN BROWSE THE ARCHIVE AND PURCHASE SINGLE ISSUES TO READ ON YOUR iPAD. Single issues and subscription available

THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE ROAD TO EMMAUS LEONARD SWEET

P. 12

POCKETFUL OF FAITH TIM HUGHES

P. 22

WORSHIP, MISSION, AND THE VILLAGE OF SMALL FISH KELLY MINTER

P. 30

WHEN WE WORSHIP WITHOUT INTEGRITY HEIN VAN WYK

P. 74

Whats New

DAW AND SOFTWARE P. 78

rend collective FEATURED REVIEW

PLUS!

P. 82

JOB BOARD WEEKLY POSTINGS AT

W O R S HIP L EAD ER

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

VOLUME 24, NO. 5

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iPad is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc

$3.95 USA / $5.50 CANADA

WORSHIPLEADER.COM

VAUGHN THOMPSON ON “THE MULTICULTURAL MYTH”

P. 34

CAPITOL-THANK YOU

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ALL THINGS

MUSICAL

DAW SOFTWARE L I S T E D I N A L P HA B E T I CA L OR DE R B Y C O M PA N Y

CUBASE 8

Price: $549.99 Why we love it: One of the most CPU efficient DAWs available today, Cubase 8 features a lightning-fast new audio engine that loads plugins and big sessions with ease. One of the best new features is the new VST Connect Performer plugin, which allows multiple musicians to connect to each other’s sessions via Internet connection and even record audio at full WAV quality!

OMNISPHERE 2

Price: $499 Why we love it: Building on the success of the original Omnisphere, Omnisphere 2 includes more sounds and features making it easier to use than ever. Omnisphere 2 offers a better browsing experience loading a “lite” version of the sound to preview while continuing to load the full samples in the background, allowing you to scroll through and choose sounds quickly. With 25 new effects units built into the interface, the sound possibilities are endless.

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PATCHES MultiTracks.com Price: TBA Why we love it: Patches is the latest collection from MultiTracks.com and one of the coolest ideas for keyboard players we’ve ever seen. MultiTracks.com has collected presets and samples from keyboard players and producers from churches like Bethel and Hillsong, putting together patches for Mainstage, Reason, Omnisphere, and Kontact. Ranging from dreamy pianos to massive pads, Patches is the best resource we’ve seen for worship keyboard players in a long time.

PROTOOLS 12

Price: $599 Why we love it: Protools 12 is the latest version of the industry standard DAW. Mixing tools such as RMS level and gain reduction metering on each channel make the mix window one of the most advanced of any DAW. Protools 12 is also available for a monthly subscription of $25/month with the option of adding more options for an increased price.

STUDIO ONE 3 Presonus Price: $99.95-$399.95 Why we love it: Built with artists and creatives in mind, Studio One 3 pushes the boundaries of traditional DAWs by making it easy to create and arrange your session however you want. From dragand-drop loops and samples to the multiinstruments sound designer, Studio One 3 is full of innovative features that help you create music without being confined to the rules of a traditional DAW. Try Studio One 3 free at presonus.com.

MIO CULTURE

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ALL THINGS

TECH

GADGETS & GIZMOS L I S T E D I N A L P HA B E T I CA L OR DE R B Y CO M PA N Y

APOGEE ENSEMBLE THUNDERBOLT

Price: $2,595 Why we love it: Apogee continues to impress us with their commitment to amazing sound quality and groundbreaking products. The Ensemble Thunderbolt uses Thunderbolt 2 connectivity to record at extremely low latency and takes the load off your CPU by adding its own processor to write the audio directly to your computer’s hard drive. Eight mic preamps, a built-in talkback mic, as well as 30-in/34-out capability, make the Ensemble Thunderbolt perfect for professional and project studios alike.

ASTEROPE SPEAKER CABLE

Price: $80 Why we love it: Using their proprietary cable, Asterope wowed us back when we first reviewed their guitar cables and found a louder, expanded frequency response from guitar to amp, especially with single-coil guitars. The speaker cables are designed to connect an amp head to the cab and provide the least amount of signal loss and ensure the head and cab see the optimal load while rejecting interference. Like the rest of the Asterope line, the cables aren’t cheap, but you’ll notice the difference right away.

RME BABYFACE PRO

Price: $749 Why we love it: It might be small, but the RME Babyface Pro packs a ton into its small chassis. Featuring two microphone preamps, two ¼˝ inputs, and 8-channel ADAT I/O, the Babyface Pro offers a 12x12 interface with USB connectivity.

All the connections are built into the solid metal casing so no breakout cables are necessary. Detailed metering on both the inputs and outputs make it a great value for the price and a great interface for a project studio.

BY

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E N S E M B L E T H U N D E RB OLT

UA D A P O L L O T H U N D E R B O LT

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Price: $1,999 Why we love it: Upgrading the groundbreaking Apollo interface and DSP engine, UAD offers the Apollo 8 and 16 models with the Thunderbolt option for blazing fast performance. Thunderbolt connection offers low latency recording while enabling better plugin performance than the original firewire. PC users are out of luck for this upgrade, as the Thunderbolt is an Apple-only connection.

Price: $1,497 Why we love it: The 1973 is a threeband FET compressor designed for mixing and mastering. With its intuitive interface and musical sound, the 1973 is easy to use and ideal for gluing together mixes or adding depth and life to tracks.

We love the 1973 FET for its subtlety, musicality and its versatility as a compressor.

W O R S HIP L EAD ER

E

UAD APOLLO THUNDERBOLT

DRAWMER 1973 FET COMPRESSOR

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RM

Worship CEDARVILLE major Training worship leaders for the ever-changing climate of worship while grounding them in the never-changing truth of God’s Word • Interdisciplinary education in music, worship, and theology • Low student-teacher ratios

• Training in contemporary voice, guitar, and piano • Practical experiences and internships

• Electives in fields such as electronic media, youth ministry, and missions

Cedarville, Ohio | 1-800-CEDARVILLE (233-2784) | cedarville.edu/worship

PERSONAL

ALL THINGS

TECH

MONITORING SYSTEMS L I S T E D I N A L P HA B E T I CA L OR DE R B Y C O M PA N Y

ULTIMATE EARS UE SOUND GUARD

CAD W X1 2 0 0

CAD WX1200 STAGEPASS

Price: $99.95 Why we love it: An outstanding value for the price, the WX1200 Stagepass includes the RX1200 Receiver and a TX1200 cardioid dynamic microphone.

The WX1200 system includes 16 channels and automatically pairs the receiver to the microphone using the ideal frequency.

A great entry-level wireless system, the WX1200 offers great sound and reliability at a low price.

DIGITAL AUDIO LABS LIVEMIX FP-2 FOOT PEDAL

Price: $64.99 Why we love it: Designed to work with the Livemix CS-DUO, the FP-2 connects to the monitor mixer via standard TRS cable. The FP-2 gives the user hands-free control over channel select and volume, intercom on/off and metronome on/ off. Each CS-DUO can support two FP-2 pedals, so you can adjust your mix on the fly without having to stop playing your instrument.

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DIGITAL AUDIO LABS LIVEMIX MIX-32

Price: TBA Why we love it: In the past few years, Livemix has established itself as one of the easiest to use and best values in personal monitoring. The MIX-32 is at the core of the Livemix system, distributing power and audio to the connecting CS-DUO personal mixers. Offering up to 32 mixes, the MIX-32 is perfect for large stages with a large number of musicians and singers.

SHURE PSM 300 STEREO PERSONAL MONITOR SYSTEM

Price: $199 Why we love it: If you’ve ever used inear monitors, you know there’s always a risk of hearing loss due to unexpected loud spikes in audio, such as feedback or unplugging a microphone. The UE Sound Guard uses an all-analog limiting system to ensure spikes in audio do not surpass safe levels of hearing for the human ear.

In addition, the Sound Guard features a buffer that acts as an impedance transformer, helping your Aviom, stagepack, or even iPhone to be able to drive your IEM and making your IEM sound how it was designed to sound. It may sound confusing, but what we’re trying to say is that using the Sound Guard makes your custom in-ears sound amazing and we can’t recommend it enough to any musician using custom IEMs.

Price: $699-$799 Why we love it: Reliable wireless packs are one of the most important things on the stage, and the PSM 300 ensures you’ll hear everything no matter where you stand. Featuring a 300-foot range, the PSM 300 features crystal clear audio and wide stereo separation. With a simple touch of a button, the PSM 300 autoLIVE MIX matically pairs your receiver with the FOOT PEDA L transmitter, making wireless monitoring a pain-free experience.

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1964 ADEL SERIES A12

Price: $1,999 Why we love it: Using revolutionary technology that absorbs harmful pressure in-ear pressure, the A12 sounds outstanding and provides a healthy listening experience. The A12 features twelve drivers per ear, 4 low, 4 mid, 4 high that provide crisp clear treble with powerful deep lows. We think the A12s sound great no matter what instrument you play, and the high amount of drivers make them perfect for vocalists.

ALCLAIR CURVE

Price: $249 Why we love it: Universal monitors are often looked over in favor of custom

molds, but every church using IEMs should have a few pairs of universal ears just in case. True to their name, Alclair Curve features a curved design that fit the ear perfectly so they won’t fall out or break the seal. With terrific sound and build quality, the Alclair Curve is perfect for churches that have a rotating volunteer-base of musicians.

FLARE AUDIO R2

Price: $271 Why we love it: R2 is one heavy-duty headphone. The R2 are distortion-free reference headphones made from one solid bar of aerospace aluminum.

Offering a pure, balanced sound and incredibly durable design, the Flare Audio R2 is perfect for drummers, vocalists, and monitor engineers.

FUTURE SONICS G10

Price: $219 Why we love it: 2015 seems to be the year of universal-fit IEMs, and the G10 takes the broad, full sound of Future Sonics custom molds and fits it into a pair of small universals. Future Sonics’ G10s don’t use armatures or crossovers like traditional IEM manufacturers and instead use a single driver to give the ears a neutral, balanced sound. The midrange really shines with the G10s, making them perfect for keyboardists or guitarists.

SHURE SE112

Price: $49.99 Why we love it: Sometimes simple is best and with the Shure SE112 we certainly agree. The SE112 are universal-fit IEMs that offer sound isolation at an affordable price. Blocking up to 37 dB of outside noise, the SE112 is a great entry-level IEM or backup for your customs.

SOUNDS + WONDERS

圀伀刀匀䠀䤀倀 吀伀 吀䠀䔀 䴀伀匀吀 䜀䰀伀刀䤀伀唀匀 一䄀䴀䔀 伀䘀 䄀䰀䰀

圀䔀圀䤀䰀䰀䌀唀䰀吀䤀嘀䄀吀䔀⸀䌀伀䴀

ALL THINGS

TECH AMERICAN DJ MEGA TRIPAR PROFILE PLUS Price: $99 Why we love it: The Mega Tripar Profile Plus is a compact, low profile 5-LED par designed for the stage. Designed to sit flat on the ground, the Profile Plus fits neatly inside a truss making it extremely versatile. At under $100, the Profile Plus offers great value from a reliable brand.

BLIZZARD LIGHTING PIXELLICIOUS

Price: $349.99 Why we love it: Pixellicious is a one-meter pixel-mapping bar housing 160 tricolored LEDs. Capable of intricate patterns and brilliant colors, Pixellicious is easy to use and setup. For the price, Pixellicious looks immensely impressive and offers endless possibilities for programming.

CHAUVET OVATION ED-190WW

LIGHTS & LAMPS

Price: $1,319.99 Why we love it: The Ovation ED190WW is an innovative ellipsoidal LED spotlight that is equally as efficient when running on constant power and DMX and when plugged directly into a dimming power source. Onboard electronics detect what kind of power and data the light receives and adjusts automatically. The ED-190WW allows you to use existing dimming systems with the power and reliability of an LED.

L I S T E D I N A L P HA B E T I CA L OR DE R B Y C O M PA N Y

interface, Luminair 3 is a professionalgrade lighting control system that transmits DMX information over Wi-Fi. Luminair 3 has pro features such as the ability to draw lighting patterns like circle or figure eight, tap tempo, multi-touch faders, and scenes and sequences.

MIGHTY BRIGHT RECHARGE

Price: $29.99 Why we love it: Recharge is the first rechargeable book light from Mighty Price: $79.99 Why we love it: An iPad app for lighting Bright, offering two energy-efficient LEDs that offer bright light for up to 16 hours may sound like a novelty, but 2015 has and fully charge in an hour via USB. High proven that tablet software can be reliand low light output modes make Reable, powerful, and more versatile than their predecessors, and Luminair 3 is no charge versatile for the stage or rehearsal, and best of all you’ll never have to worry exception. Featuring a simple, modern about changing batteries again.

LUMINAIR 3 FOR IPAD

CAMERAS L I S T E D I N ALPH ABETI CAL O RD E R BY COMPANY

HITACHI KOKUSAI SK-UHD4000

Price: TBA Why we love it: Hitachi Kokusai SKUHD4000 might be a mouthful, but the new 4K camera from Hitachi is a perfect fit for houses of worship. SK-UHD4000 outputs 2k and 4k signals simultaneously, meaning you can work it into your current system while future-proofing for an upgrade to a 4k system down the line.

The SK-UHD4000 also uses a standard B4 mount so standard 2/3Ë? broadcast lenses will work with the camera, making it a great option for churches that need to upgrade cameras but want something that will work with their existing system.

ZOOM Q8

Price: $399.99 Why we love it: The Q8 is an ultraportable video and audio recorder made to deliver HD video and high-res audio.

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a built-in XY stereo mic that records at 24 bit/96k. Q8 also has built-in stereo XLR and TRS inputs so you can plug your own mics or instruments straight into the camera. For an affordable price, the Q8 gives you high-quality video and audio in a miniature package.

GOPRO HERO4 MUSIC

Price: $499.99 Why we love it: Made for the stage, the GoPro HERO4 Music features 4k resolution and is twice as powerful as its predecessor. Including mounts for guitars, microphone stands, or drums, HERO4 Music has an improved low-light mode and sports an ultra wide-angle lens. Portable and durable, the HERO4 is a highly versatile camera at an affordable price.

OLLOCLIP 4-1

Price: $79.99 Why we love it: The cameras on mobile

phones keep getting better, and the iPhone 6 offers maybe the best camera yet. Olloclip 4-1 is designed to work with the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus and clips over the front and rear camera to give you 4 lenses. The user can choose between fisheye, wide-angle, 10x macro and 15x macro in seconds, turning your iPhone 6 into a professional photo and video camera.

NARRATIVE CLIP 2

Price: $199 Why we love it: One of the most innovative cameras of 2015, Narrative Clip 2 is an 8MP camera and HD video camera designed to be worn on clothing. The tiny square camera has 8 gigs of built-in storage, GPS, syncs over Wi-Fi and can be controlled by an app on your smartphone. Ideal for hands-free use, Narrative Clip 2 is the perfect travel camera.

North Central University College of Fine Arts

a 2015 Editor’s Pick for “influencing worship around the globe” Make it your pick, too!

NORTH CENTRAL The College of Fine Arts offers 10 majors including worship leading and a brand new major in live production. Scholarships are available.

Get NCU’s latest worship album “Hearts on Fire” today.

Featuring 2015 Song Discovery selection “Love of God”

northcentral.edu admissions@northcentral.edu 800.289.6222 910 Elliot Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55404

“Hearts on Fire” available on: • Spotify • Google Play • iTunes & Apple Music • NCUFineArts.com

ALL THINGS

TECH

SPEAKERS, ARRAYS & MONITORS L I S T E D I N A L P HA B E T I CA L OR DE R B Y C O M PA N Y

GENELEC 8030B

M-A UDIO BX 5 CARBON

Price: $799 Why we love it: If you’re short on space but need high-quality monitors, the 8030B from Genelec are a perfect choice. Using Genelec’s Directivity Control Waveguide (DCW), the 8030B delivers incredibly accurate directivity, giving the speakers outstanding stereo image and focused sound. The 8030B also comes with an iso-pod stand to ensure your sound is accurate and tight. At 40 watts, the 8030B is perfect for small studios or where space is an issue.

M-AUDIO BX5 CARBON

ALTO PROFESSIONAL TROUPER COMPACT PA SYSTEM

Price: $149.99 Why we love it: Built to last with their Kevlar woofers and solid enclosure, the M-Audio BX5 Carbon monitors are 70watt studio monitors perfect for project or broadcast studios. Great for smaller studios, the BX5 feature a 5˝ woofer and 1˝ tweeter that gives plenty of bass for its size and the acoustic space control ensures that no matter what size your space you’ll have control over the low end.

For the price, the BX5 is a terrific value and provide outstanding quality in a low footprint.

Price: $199 Why we love it: If you’re looking for a compact, portable PA for spoken word or small musical ensembles, the Trouper is the system for you. Offering a builtin mixer with 3 channels, the Trouper is perfect for acoustic setups, including Bluetooth streaming from any Bluetoothenabled device, and can even stream audio wirelessly to another Trouper speaker via Bluetooth. At 200 watts, the 2-way Trouper system is loud enough for small to medium-sized rooms and provides a low-profile, skinny speaker system to fit in corners or tight spaces.

MUNROSONIC EGG 100 MONITORING SYSTEM

DENON PROFESSIONAL ENVOI

Price: $599 Why we love it: It rolls! The Denon Professional Envoi might be the most portable speaker we’ve ever seen, with its extendable handle and wheels built into the back of the speaker. Envoi also includes a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 12 hours. Featuring a wireless microphone and Bluetooth music streaming, the Envoi is a perfect portable speaker for outdoor and wireless application.

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M U N R O S O N IC EGG

Price: $1,999 Why we love it: If you want unique, look no further than the MunroSonic Egg 100. Sporting an ovoid shape, the Egg 100 generates no internal standing waves, giving a neutral sound and smooth frequency response. The Egg 100’s small size is ideal for near-field monitoring and will ensure you’re hearing the most accurate representation of your mix.

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AUDIO TECHNICA AT5045

Price: $1,399 Why we love it: The AT5045 is a sideaddress condenser microphone built for high volume applications while preserving the dynamics of an entire performance. We especially liked the AT5045’s top end, perfect for capturing airy vocals or percussion without being too bright.

Perfect for drums, piano or guitars, the AT5045 is a great asset in the studio or the stage.

EAR TRUMPET LABS LOUISE

Price: $499 Why we love it: With eye-catching looks reminiscent of past decades of microphones blended with steampunk cinema, the Ear Trumpet Labs Louise is sure to capture the attention of anyone who sees it. A large diaphragm condenser meant for live use, the Louise is ideal for percussion, strings, acoustic guitar or piano. Its natural sound and feedback-resistant design make it perfect for acoustic weekend or quiet stages.

RODE NTR

Price: $799 Why we love it: One look at the Rode NTR and you can see it’s no ordinary ribbon microphone. Set in a sleek black enclosure, the NTR features a long bi-directional ribbon that runs off of phantom power. The magic of the NTR happens in the gooey, warm midrange of the active ribbon, making it ideal for soulful female and male vocalists, pianos, guitar amps and drum overheads. Best of all, Rode guarantees a free ribbon replacement within the warranty time period.

SENNHEISER D1-835 DIGITAL WIRELESS VOCAL SET

Price: $699.95 Why we love it: The D1-835 Digital Wireless Vocal Set is the latest wireless microphone system from Sennheiser.

Easy to use and ready to go out of the box, the D1-835 utilizes interchangeable microphone capsules, making it easy to match the perfect capsule to the perfect singer without having to purchase and pair multiple mics. With automatic pair-

ing, interference rejection and built-in EQ and compression, it’s a breeze to make anyone sound amazing with the D1-835.

SHURE PG ALTA DRUM MIC KIT

Price: $499 Why we love it: Based off the industry standard SM-series microphones, the PG Alta Drum Mic Kit includes 7 microphones made for the demands of the stage. Including a kick mic, snare mic, 3 tom mics, and 2 overheads, the kit includes clips and XLR cables for all the mics in the package. If you’re looking for an affordable package of reliable microphones for drums, the PG Alta Drum Mic Kit is perfect for you.

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Event Registration | Small Groups | Online Giving | Membership | Volunteer Management | More...

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The perfect addition to the family.

Dreadnought Jr.

LEHIGH MINING

D-45

LXM

Why you fell in love with us in the first place. martinguitar.com | #MartinPride N OV E M B E R /D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

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S5 P M 1 O U 0 T LB 2 A 20. WORSHIPMOB

Carry the Fire

Integrity Music

Top songs for worship: “We Are Yours,” “Our Father Has Won,” “More and More of You”

19. MIA FIELDES Ashes

Essential Worship

Top songs for worship: “Fearless,” “Christ Is Risen,” “From the Ashes”

18. PLANETSHAKERS #LETSGO (Live)

Integrity Music

Top songs for worship: “Perfect Love,” “Glorious Collision,” “All About You”

The offerings on this list are the Worship Leader staff picks for the most important releases in the worship genre in 2015. Certainly there will be crossover with the popular Christian music charts, but the point here is to mirror what we have heard from you this past year, as well as present what we feel were the best examples of congregation-friendly, full albums of prayers-set-tomusic in the year of 2015.

15. ONE SONIC SOCIETY

11. JESUS CULTURE

Essential Worship

Jesus Culture/Sparrow

Make A Way - EP

Top songs for worship: “Make a Way,” “Can’t Stop Your Love,” “How Can It Be”

14. REND COLLECTIVE As Family We Go

Rend Family Records/Sparrow Records

Top songs for worship: “Free as a Bird,” “Joy of the Lord,” “One and Only”

Walls

Gateway Create

Top songs for worship: “Let the Heavens Open,” “Walls,” “Higher Than the Sky”

Mighty (Live)

Jesus Culture/Sparrow

Top songs for worship: “It Is Well,” “Be Still,” “Jesus, Your Love” 58

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10. VERTICAL CHURCH Church Songs

Essential Worship

Top songs for worship: “Spirit of the Living God,” “Lamb of God,” “Do What You Want To”

9. THIRD DAY

United Pursuit Records/ Capitol

Essential Worship

Top songs for worship: “Simple Gospel,” “Met by Love,” “Seasons Change”

12. HILLSONG UNITED 16. KRISTENE DIMARCO

Top songs for worship: “Unstoppable Love,” “In Awe of You,” “Surrender All (Give You Everything)”

13. UNITED PURSUIT Simple Gospel

17. GATEWAY WORSHIP

Unstoppable Love

Empires

Hillsong Church/Capitol/ Sparrow

Top songs for worship: “Heart Like Heaven,” “Touch the Sky,” “Prince of Peace”

Lead Us Back: Songs of Worship

Top songs for worship: “Victorious,” “Soul on Fire,” “Maker”

8. MATT REDMAN

Unbroken Praise (Live)

sixstepsrecords/Sparrow

Top songs for worship: “Unbroken Praise,” “It Is Well With My Soul,” “Abide With Me”

7. PASSION

Even So Come

sixstepsrecords/Sparrow

Top songs for worship: “Even So Come,” “The Awesome God You Are,” “My Anchor”

6. MATT MAHER

Saints and Sinners

Essential Worship

Top songs for worship: “Because He Lives (Amen),” “Deliverer,” “Land of My Father”

5. CHRISTY NOCKELS Let It Be Jesus

sixstepsrecords/Sparrow

Top songs for worship: “My Anchor,” “Let It Be Jesus,” “Freedom Song”

4. TIM HUGHES

Pocketful of Faith

Integrity Music

Top songs for worship: “Hope and Glory,” “The Way,” “The Cross Stands”

3. BETHEL MUSIC

We Will Not Be Shaken (Live)

Bethel Music

Top songs for worship: “Seas of Crimson,” “No Longer Slaves,” “We Will Not Be Shaken”

2. ISRAEL & NEW BREED Covered: Alive in Asia

RCA/Sony

Top songs for worship: “Risen,” “How Awesome Is Our God,” “Covered”

1. THE BRILLIANCE Brother

Integrity Music

Top songs for worship: “Prayers of the People,” “Brother,” “May You Find a Light”

IWS

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COMMUNITY FUNDED/INDIE RELEASES It seems, every year we mention how exciting it has been for independent worship releases. And yet again, in 2015 we were blown away by the quality of music that is pouring forth from churches, artists, and worship leaders writing in community. Here are our favorites that released in the past 12 months.

5. CITYALIGHT

Yours Alone Top songs for worship: “The Love of the Father,” “Once for All,” “Home”

2. DANIEL BASHTA

For Every Curse Top songs for worship: “Seas of Crimson,” “I Will Sing,” “Praise the Lord”

4. AARON STRUMPLE

Mightier Top songs for worship: “Mightier,” “Coming After You,” “Twenty Three”

1. NORTH POINT MUSIC

North Point Inside Out: Hear Top songs for worship: “Trust It All,” “Love Come Down,” “Hands Toward Heaven”

3. CHRIS & BETHANY SOLYNTJES

Refuge Top songs for worship: “Still,” “Refuge,” “Pour Out Your Spirit” 60

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Chris Tomlin

Kari Jobe

Derek Johnson

DBU

Matt Redman

Young & Free

UNITED

Kim Walker-Smith

Rend Collective

Crowder

Hillsong Worship

Bryan & Katie Torwalt

Kristian Stanfill

Jesus Culture

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Passion

Christy Nockels

Chris McClarney

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Picking the top worship songs for the year is a heavy task—one we take very seriously. Of course, this list is not the “right” one. It is, simply, our list. We chose the songs released in 2015 that we saw making an impact —songs we see as exemplars because of their prayer essence and congregational focus. We encourage you to take a listen to the following offerings, maybe bring a few into your service of worship, and also let us know which new songs made a difference for you this past year.

16. “GRACE THAT WON’T 20. “JESUS IS ALIVE” LET GO (GRACE AMAZSongwriters: Jonathan ING)” Smith, Fellowship Church Performed by: Fellowship Creative As heard on: Alive in Us

19. “NEW AGAIN”

Songwriters: Brooks Ritter, Mike Cosper Performed by: Sojourn Music As heard on: New Again

18. “EVER BE”

Songwriters: Bobby Strand, Chris Greely, Gabriel Wilson, Kalley Heiligenthal Performed by: Bethel Music As heard on: We Will Not Be Shaken

17. “CAN’T STOP YOUR LOVE”

Songwriters: Ben Cantelon, Jason Ingram, Nick Herbert Performed by: One Sonic Society As heard on: Make a Way

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Songwriters: Mark Harris, Thomas Miller Performed by: Gateway Worship As heard on: Walls

15. “MY ANCHOR”

Songwriters: Christy Nockels, Jason Ingram Performed by: Christy Nockels As heard on: Let It Be Jesus

14. “LOVE OF GOD”

Songwriters: Stephen Witt, Braden Dressel, Taylor Heinzen Performed by: NCU worship As heard on: Hearts on Fire

13. “EYES ON YOU”

Songwriters: Joshua Silverberg, Kristene DiMarco, Matt Armstrong Performed by: Kristene DiMarco As heard on: Mighty

12. “MIGHTIER”

Songwriters: Aaron Strumpel, Latifah Phillips Performed by: Aaron Strumpel As heard on: Bright Star

11. “TRUST IT ALL”

Songwriters: Brandon Coker, Heath Balltzglier, Steve Fee Performed by: North Point InsideOut As heard on: Hear

10. “PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE”

Songwriters: Ben Kilgore, David Gungor, Evan Wickham, Ian Cron, John Arndt Performed by: The Brilliance As heard on: Brother

9. “HOW CAN IT BE”

Songwriters: Jason Ingram, Jeff Johnson, Paul Mabury Performed by: Lauren Daigle As heard on: How Can It Be

8. “HEART WON’T STOP” Songwriters: John Mark McMillan Performed by: John Mark & Sarah McMillan As heard on: You Are the Avalanche

7. “SPIRIT OF THE LIVING GOD”

4. “UNBROKEN PRAISE”

Songwriters: Jacob Sooter, Mia Fieldes Performed by: Vertical Church Band As heard on: Church Songs

Songwriters: Jonas Myrin, Matt Redman Performed by: Matt Redman As heard on: Unbroken Praise

6. “HEART LIKE HEAVEN”

3. “HOPE AND GLORY”

Songwriters: Joel Houston, Matt Crocker Performed by: Hillsong United As heard on: Empires

5. “EVEN SO COME”

Songwriters: Chris Tomlin, Jason Ingram, Jess Cates Performed by: Passion As heard on: Even So Come

2. “SEAS OF CRIMSON”

Songwriters: Bobby Strand, Brian Johnson, Daniel Bashta, Joel Taylor Performed by: Daniel Bashta As heard on: For Every Curse

Songwriters: Martin Smith, Nick Herbert, Tim Hughes Performed by: Tim Hughes As heard on: Pocketful of Faith

1. “BECAUSE HE LIVES (AMEN)”

Songwriters: Chris Tomlin, Daniel Carson, Ed Cash, Gloria Gaither, Jason Ingram, Matt Maher, William J. Gaither Performed by: Matt Maher As heard on: Saints and Sinners

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HILLSONG/CAPITOL/ SPARROW RECORDS

T

he music that comes out of Hillsong Church in Australia has impacted churches and worship leaders across the globe for over two decades, and now with three distinct groups distributing worship albums (Hillsong Young & Free, Hillsong United, and Hillsong Worship), they continue to be a ministry with far-reaching impact on the worldwide worship community. Hillsong Worship is the new name for what was once called Hillsong Live, the flagship group that started it all. Open Heaven/River Wild is the second album under this new name, following the release of No Other Name last year.

Recorded live at the 2015 Hillsong Conference in Sydney, Open Heaven/River Wild is yet another Hillsong album full of rich anthems for the Church to sing.

Overall, it is has a more reflective and worshipful feel, similar to No Other Name.

If you are looking for new, upbeat praise songs for the church, this is not the album. However, this collection of songs will provide the church with a fresh batch of songs for corporate worship with a heartfelt and intimate feel.

Although several of these songs will surely find their way into the church at large, it is the first song on the album, “O Praise the Name (Anastasis),” that will probably be the one that churches everywhere will be singing, especially this Easter. After all, anastasis is Greek for “resurrection” or “a rising from the

HILLSONG WORSHIP

OPEN HEAVEN / RIVER WILD dead.” This masterfully crafted song tells the whole story of Christ’s death, burial, resurrection, and second coming in the theologically rich verses and then gives the worshiper a chance to respond in the chorus with a soaring anthem of endless praise.

The second song on the album, “Love on the Line,” written by Brooke Ligertwood, Scott Ligertwood, and Aryel Murphy, is another very singable offering that highlights the mercy and grace of God with a chorus that responds with surrender. The lyrics to this flowing 6/8 song fall easily from the lips: With arms held high / Lord I give my life / Knowing I’m found in Christ / In Your love forever.

“One Thing” is a song that speaks of total surrender and dedication to Christ.

This powerful theme is matched in the song’s intensity as it builds throughout to a climactic conclusion. Next, “Open Heaven/River Wild,” is the title song written by the interesting combination of veteran Hillsong writer Marty Sampson and relative newcomer Matt Crocker. This song focuses on the Holy Spirit’s role in the worship life of the believer.

“Transfiguration,” written by Taya Smith, Brooke Ligertwood, and others, touches on this rarely sung about occurrence in Scripture and yet beautifully depicts the response of the transformed

believer after seeing the glory of the Lord, which is to sing, “Hallelujah, hallelujah my King.” One song that will be familiar to Hillsong United followers is “Heart Like Heaven,” a popular song from their latest release, Empires.

Whereas the United version has more of a produced, studio feel, this approach captures the live stadium feel. Finally, “In God We Trust” is a driving worship anthem with a catchy opening guitar lick that drives this song. The infectious rhythms and singable melody with lyrics reminiscent of Psalm 46 make this song another congregational favorite.

Sounds like: Open Heaven/River Wild continues the familiar Hillsong congregational worship sound that has become so loved. With all of the gifted singers and musicians leading these songs, this is Hillsong Worship at its best.

TOP SONGS Most singable: “Love on the Line” Strongest biblical content: “Transfiguration” (Mt 17) The whole package: “O Praise the Name (Anastasis)” Barry Westman

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CHRISTMAS RELEASES

PAUL BALOCHE Christmas Worship, Vol. 2 Integrity Music

A perfect release for worship leadership, Paul Baloche juxtaposes classic Christmas hymns with modern Baloche worship songs (with a couple of full originals as well). The style has an understated acoustic folky tone with touches of orchestral arrangements … and it’s just right.

Top song for your Christmas set: “Angels From the Realms of Glory/Emmanuel”

CHRIS TOMLIN Adore: Christmas Songs of Worship sixstepsrecords/sparrow Chris Tomlin, one of the most prolific and powerful hymnwriters today, offers his take on Christmas worship music and adds a couple new songs to the collective hymnal with Adore: Christmas Songs of Worship.

This Christmas release is a live, unassuming recording; it’s classic-sounding Tomlin as he humbly covers these songs with a worshipful tone.

Top song for your Christmas set: “He Shall Reign Forevermore” KEITH & KRISTYN GETTY Joy – An Irish Christmas Live Getty Music The Gettys reprise their 2011 Christmas release, Joy, with this outstanding live recording filled with jigs, carols, hymns, and a good dose of joy. The musicianship is top-notch, the songs are powerfully crafted with an Irish flair, and the overall offering is a wonderful Christmas journey from start to finish.

Top song for your Christmas set: “Hark!

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2015

This year offered an impressive set of Christmas releases by worship leaders and Christian pop artists. Here are the most notable ones.

KIM WALKERSMITH When Christmas Comes Jesus Culture Kim Walker-Smith’s signature vocals give the Yuletide hymns depth and beauty on this release from the Jesus Culture worship leader.

In her deft hands, these songs become the prayers they were written to be. And the style is absolutely listenable with gorgeous piano drives and subtle orchestrated overtones.

Top song for your Christmas/Advent set: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” REND COLLECTIVE Campfire Christmas, Vol. 1 Rend Family Records Get out your kick drum this year and let it drive the Christmas hymns a la Rend Collective. Rend wins the re-interpretation award this year; their takes on familiar songs are fresh and familiar at once.

Top song for your Christmas set: “For All That You Have Done” (to the tune of Auld Lang Syne) MERCYME It’s Christmas MercyMe More covers of popular Christmas music, and less hymn-driven, It’s Christmas is MercyMe’s second take on the music of most wonderful time of the year. A mix of big band, rock, and pop, this release is beautiful … but slightly forgettable.

Top song for your Christmas set: “Joy”

LAURA STORY God With Us Laura Story plies her clear and rich vocal elegance to a collection of classic Christmas hymns and offers a couple of originals, “Just Another Christmas” being the standout in the style we have come to love from this worship leader and Christian songwriter.

Top song for your Christmas set: “Love Is Here” A JESUS CHURCH Christ Is Born – EP Distinctively featuring the vocal and musical style of Evan Wickham, A Jesus Church continues their tradition of offering a set of original Christmas music to bless the Church. Mellow and nuanced with an indie/ modern worship style, Christ Is Born is cliché free and filled with powerful praise themed on the incarnation.

Top song for your Christmas set: “Realms of Glory” DANNY GOKEY Christmas Is Here Swinging Christmas sounds, jazzy arrangements, and joy-filled strains are the ways Danny Gokey announces that Christmas Is Here. An American Idol alum, Gokey knows what a large audience wants, and in this case, its soulful music and stellar vocal craft.

Top song for your Christmas set: “Lift Up Your Eyes” (this would be a great original choral anthem)

GO FORTH SOUNDS

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MUSIC FOR LEADING TOP SONGS: Most singable: “The Goodness” Strongest biblical content: “Heart Won’t Stop” The whole package: “King of My Heart” Bobby Gilles

ALCLAIR

JOHN MARK & SARAH MCMILLAN You Are the Avalanche Lionhawk Records johnmarkmcmillan.com

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and universal The comfort and quality of custom in-ear monitors in a design that fits nearly every ear.

Visit alclair.com/worshipleader to find out more about the dual-driver Curve. Email us for group pricing!

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John Mark McMillan is a troubadour in the tradition of King David by way of Bruce Springsteen. And now he teams with wife Sarah for the first time on record in an EP of songs for corporate worship. While John Mark might be more familiar, Sarah is an accomplished musician and recording artist, both solo and with ministries such as Enter The Worship Circle.

She is a nuanced lyric interpreter with a voice that can be delicate or muscular, as the occasion demands.

You Are the Avalanche showcases God’s powerful beauty in the day-to-day and the weight of glory in the midst of suffering, leaving us with the impression that, through it all, God is good.

As in standards like “How He Loves,” the songs on You Are the Avalanche use surprising, even violent images to declare God’s love.

For instance, on “The Goodness” John Mark’s lyric, “Oh my sweetest friend,” precedes, “You are the avalanche that falls upon us in the end.”

Only God is awesome enough for such seeming incompatibility, which is a mystery the McMillans are eager to explore in their skilled, biblically-informed poetry.

Sounds Like: Atmospheric folk-rock, with expansive dynamics that range from a hush to rushing waters, and back again. Vintage, moody synth, and world percussion complement guitars that combine elements of rock, country, and Brit-pop.

GATEWAY WORSHIP Walls Gateway Create gatewayworship.com Gateway Worship’s Walls exceeds expectations with its impressive roster of talented musicians, fierce energy, and themes of God’s unchanging love for his people interspersed with the hope of tearing down the walls that keep people from a relationship with God and each other. With such artists as Kari Jobe, Rita Springer, and Cody Carnes, this album exudes exceptional musicianship in a live worship setting, a profound sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, and an unbridled enthusiasm for worshiping the God of creation. Songs such as “Grace That Won’t Let Go,” “Walls,” and “Wait for You” easily close the gap between worship song and radio single, while “Let the Heavens Open,” and “You Never Change” have a melodic but free-flowing worship feel.

Gateway Worship is the worship ministry of Dallas’ Gateway Church, one of the largest churches in North America. Gateway Church is committed to intimate and powerful worship through music alongside the power of the Word of God. Sounds like: Walls is a live and dynamic modern worship album with a roster of tal-

ented, well-known artists. Passion for the Lord in this high-energy, vibrant music exudes from every note. Listen for driving rhythms, synthesized keyboard loops, electric guitars, and vocalists with the skill and spiritual maturity to bring it all together into one cohesive worship album.

TOP SONGS Most Singable: “Higher Than the Sky” Strongest biblical content: “Grace That Won’t Let Go” (2 Cor 12:9) The whole package: “Walls” Amanda Furbeck

A M A N DA C O O K

AMANDA COOK Brave New World Bethel Music bethelmusic.com If you don’t know Amanda Cook, you probably know her song “You Make Me Brave.” Amanda is a songwriter and worship leader at Bethel Church. With this full-length album, you’ll experience a very meditative and deep worship journey. I have had this on repeat, and it has been a beautiful soundtrack for personal worship.

Sounds like: Kim Walker-Smith, Bethel Worship, Jesus Culture TOP SONGS Most Singable: “Highest Praise” Strongest Biblical Content: “Never See the End” (Eph 3:18) The Whole Package: “The Voyage” Gary Durbin

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CLASS OF 2017

ONE SONIC SOCIETY Make A Way - EP Provident onesonicsociety.net One Sonic Society, led by producer-songwriter duo Jason Ingram and Paul Mabury, returns with a six-track EP of songs that are impacting churches around the world.

Make a Way features 2015 Dove Awardwinning “How Can It Be,” originally recorded

by Lauren Daigle, and “Great Are You Lord,” originally recorded by All Sons and Daughters.

VALLEY CREEK WORSHIP

By Cloud by Fire valleycreek.org

By Cloud by Fire is the second live album from Valley Creek Worship filled with songs written chronicling the journey of the community of worshipers at the Dallas church.

With a mixture of country, rock, and guitar anthem (with a tiny touch of synth-pop on the opening track), By Cloud by Fire has a welcoming sound ready in equal measure for the next family road trip and for a worship leader to bring the new songs into a Sunday service.

The best example is the title track. With hooky verses and powerful, biblically faithful explication of the exodus from Egypt and its modern implications, this song offers a prayer of faith and trust—whether things are looking good or

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While celebrating God’s marvelous redemption in rescuing sinners from death and adopting them as his children forever, the EP also offers passionate, prayerful ballads expressing a deep longing for Christ’s return and proclaiming his worth as the prized possession of his people.

Sounds Like: Synth-driven, anthemic-pop worship featuring singable, soaring melodies.

TOP SONGS Most singable: “How Can It Be” Strongest biblical content: “Can’t Stop Your Love” The whole package: “Make a Way” Kristen Gilles

if we are in the midst of the night and we need to follow the fire as much as the cloud. Along the same thematic lines of trust, “Emmanuel” moves into rock anthem with a nicely textured bridge crescendo. With a focus on the presence of God in Christ and his movement in our lives, this song is a powerful prayer calling for God to be with us, as well as proclaiming the truth that he already is.

We are lacking solid, barn-burning countryrock in the worship world, and Valley Creek Worship seems to be fully able to supply that need.

Sounds like: Congregational worship rock with a country-music foundation.

TOP SONGS: Most singable: “By Cloud by Fire” Strongest biblical content: “I Will Wait” (Rev 4:11; Ps 40) The whole package: “Emmanuel” Jeremy Armstrong

Sheet Music AVAILABLE

LIGONIER

NEW HYMNS TO PRAISE OUR KING Featuring lyrics drawn from Scripture and a lifetime of theological reflection, Glory to the Holy One is a collection of beautiful new hymns written by Dr. R.C. Sproul, wedded with soaring melodies written by award-winning composer, Jeff Lippencott.

Recorded in esteemed venues around the world, this new project provides the church with an offering of that which is good, true, and beautiful in the Christian faith.

GlorytotheHolyOne.com

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IN REVIEW

TOP SONGS: Most Singable: “You Hold It All” Strongest biblical content: “We Believe” The whole package: “Forever Holy” Steven Reed

TRAVIS RYAN You Hold It All Integrity Music travisryanmusic.com Nashville songwriter and worship leader Travis Ryan is back with his latest six-track EP, You Hold It All, recorded in the greater Nashville area with help from Michael Farren and Brandon Collins. Songs range from the Apostle Creed set to music in “We Believe” to the declaration of faith in “You Are Able.” Acoustic versions and help learning how to play these songs can be found on his website travisryanmusic.com.

Sounds Like: Intense electric guitars, drums, and pad keyboards with “live” ambiance and “crowd” vocals.

the Bethel Church crew) takes the classic hymn form (read: 18th century poetry/song cadence) and brings it to life with such prayer poetry as this found in the bridge: “Where there was sin your love rushed in / Where sin runs deep your grace runs deeper.” God tends to be the central figure in any worship song Bashta releases, which is actually a rare quality. Along with that, he creates music that feels as big as the stratosphere, seemingly to try to keep pace with the greatness of our God. It’s an impressive feat.

Sounds like: Bashta rightly garners comparisons to Keith Green because of his piano drive and passionate delivery of prayers, but you will also hear background ambiance, powerful synthesized washes of sound, soaring melodies, and even a couple of banjos sprinkled about.

DANIEL BASHTA For Every Curse danielbashta.com On For Every Curse, Bashta offers beautiful prayer-yawps that drip with Scripture and feel like an Old Testament prophet beckoning the freedom of the Savior—the rescue of our limitless God who made promises at the beginning of time that we still cling to with every ounce our beings. “Seas of Crimson” (written with some of

TOP SONGS Most singable: “Praise the Lord” Strongest biblical content: “All Hail” (Ps 18) The whole package: “Seas of Crimson” Jeremy Armstrong

Worship Leader as Pastoral Musician Featuring David M. Bailey, Rawn Harbor, Zac Hicks, Monique Ingalls, Sandra Maria van Opstal, and Ed Willmington, moderated by Bruce Benedict

Worship Symposium CALVIN

2016

January 28–30, 2016

Musicians who lead worship are not merely performers, directors, coordinators, or music industry peddlers.

We are primarily pastoral people—priestly leaders who shape the prayers and acclamations of God’s people. This vision for the role of a worship leader makes a huge difference in how we go about our work, how we select music and how we lead it, how we convene teams of musicians and how we relate to our worshiping communities. Come to hear what a wide variety of pastoral musicians are learning about their own work and to imagine what steps you and other leaders in your congregation might take to grow in this way. Register for this Thursday seminar, January 28, 2016, at worship.calvin.edu/symposium.

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IN REVIEW

THE CHURCH OF ELEVEN22 Before All Things coe22.com/worship Eleven22 is a Christian rock-oriented worship band rooted in Jacksonville, Florida. Eleven22 is also the worship team for the church by the same name. Ben Williams, Gretchen Martin, Jonathan Berlin, and Maria Dunlap know their way around both the recording studio and weave in live sessions with energy and confidence. “I’m Not Alone” is a beautiful arrangement that bursts with sonic textures and vocal prowess. “God Above” and “Kingdom Come” give this album broad appeal and layer strong

and inviting lyrics with overwhelming instrumentation.

Taking a cue from The Reason, the group’s first album, “Before All Things” is a slow thundering ballad that requires repeat listenings to embrace all the musical and melodic subtleties; from the cello to the echoing chorus, this is an outstanding and well-produced song.

“What Grace Did for Me” takes a similar path and closes out the album. The syncopated arpeggios and thoughtful counter lyrics woven through many of the songs are inviting and infuse a maturity that wraps around this project and make it well worth listening to. Eleven22 are at their best and balanced with duets but Before All Things delivers worship beyond the Church.

The Whole Package: “God Above” and “Before all Things” Darryl Bryant

Sounds like: MercyMe with Francesca Battistelli

Emerging from a seven-year sabbatical, South African rock band Tree63 delivers their 7th release, Land. This three-piece outfit returns to the scene with a fresh and honest sound.

Strong melodies and well-written stories draw the listener into the moments of each song.

Land is a great album full of hope and compassion for everyone listening.

TOP SONGS Most Singable: “Ready for You” Strongest Biblical Content: “Kingdom Come” and “Where the Spirit of the Lord Is” (Mk 10:45)

MID CITIES

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TREE63 Land tree63.com

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PLAY WITHOUT PAIN! GLOVE ON!

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John Ellis, lead singer and electric guitarist, said this when asked why the band decided to reform: “To continue to sing loudly about Christ, especially to those whose experience of Church has disappointed them. The hopeless are not always those who don’t know Christ; very often they’re also those who found Christ and then their experience of Christianity destroyed their hope. The good news is that God has so much more to offer us than anything we’ve yet experienced.”

TOP SONGS Most Singable: “Ship” Strongest Biblical Content: “Every Reason” The Whole Package: “Standing on It” Resources Available: tree63.com has a link to download four free previously never released Tree63 songs.

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UNITED PURSUIT Simple Gospel unitedpursuit.com United Pursuit is a group of friends who love pursuing the heart of God together. Their music is a product of their community worshiping and following God. These songs are all corporate worship. Be careful listening to this album in the car, you will most likely have to pull over because of the tears of worship these songs invoke.

With Simple Gospel, United Pursuit invites us to worship with their family and the larger family of God. Sounds like: Will Reagan, House Fires,

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TOP SONGS Most Singable: “Met by Love” Strongest Biblical Content: “Seasons Change” The Whole Package: “Simple Gospel” Resources Available: Videos and chord charts at unitedpursuit.com.

JAY AKINS

Sounds like: U2 with more direct gospelfocused lyrics.

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NEW HOPE OAHU Greater Together Dream Worship enewhope.org I love this project because it’s not coming from an “artist” or “band”; it comes from a church.

This is a great project from the worship team of a church in Hawaii called New Hope Oahu.

As I was listening to it, it reminded me of the Hillsong culture and even has touches of Darlene Zschech-like sound. It’s a very church-friendly project with songs that God’s people can sing.

Sounds like: Hillsong, New Life Worship TOP SONGS Most Singable: “Above All Else” Strongest Biblical Content: “Grace Upon Grace” (Eph 2:8-9) The Whole Package: “Greater Together” GARY DURBIN

Strongest Biblical Content: “You Complete All You Begin” The Whole Package: “Perfect Love” and “Glorious Collision” Resources available: Chord charts and lyrics at planetshakers.com.

DARRYL BRYANT

PLANETSHAKERS #Letsgo Integrity Music planetshakers.com The worship and praise team of Planetshakers is somewhat of a music phenomenon and #Letsgo charges forward from the call to worship “Intro” to the high-energy title track.

The phenomenon of a live album that is well produced with festival anthems and reflective ballads is impressive in its own right and consistently flows throughout the project.

“All About You” is a rock synth affair with polyrhythms and electric guitar. The pulsing drones are cutting-edge contemporary and lead into the melody-rich “Home.”

Founders Sam and Russell Evans have infused Planetshakers with versatile tools and eclectic arrangements that showcase solo efforts that never take away from the bands sum results. “Just One Touch” is a beautiful example of a powerful ballad laced with infectious harmonies. “Glorious Collision” a majestic female vocal composition shows both power and restraint with heart-raising reverent lyrics. “Perfect Love” is bouncy and fun, and “New Era” is a rightly titled celebration of where contemporary praise and worship music is going to engage the masses.

The entire project is richly satisfying and a prelude of more to come. If you are familiar with Planetshakers, this is a must have. If you haven’t heard their music, I highly recommend that you give it a try. Their easy-to-navigate website includes charts and lyrics.

Sounds like: Hillsong or Chris Tomlin and Natalie Grant packaged in a melodic rock explosion.

TOP SONGS: Most Singable: “All About You”

BECCA BRADLEY The Lion’s Eyes beccabradleymusic.com Becca Bradley gives Christian pop a renewed voice with her latest EP, The Lion’s Eyes. Becca’s lilting, delicate vocals reveal a style that is unique and polished, while her lyric-writing reveals a faith that is both passionate and fun. This sophomore release displays Becca’s dedicated music study and years of industry experience as a cellist and background vocalist. Velvety-rich strings juxtaposed with light, poppy perc create the lush backdrop for the emotionally driven themes of light and darkness in the Christian life and the gift of salvation from a loving Savior.

Becca’s accolades include singing, playing, and touring with the likes of Francesca Battistelli, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Keith Urban, and Kelly Clarkson until she answered God’s call to share her own music and voice alongside her personal relationship with Jesus.

Becca’s experience and passion combine, making this EP a far more polished and developed collection of worship songs than a standard sophomore release.

Sounds like: Becca’s voice in The Lion’s Eyes is reminiscent of the sweet stylings of Sixpence None the Richer while the plushly layered strings resonate with the orchestral stage. Her well-crafted lyrics, emotional melodies, and polished sound reveal her industry N OV E M B E R /D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

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DIGITAL AUDIO LABS

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TOP SONGS Most Singable: “You See It All” Strongest Biblical Content: “Hope Is Found” (Jn 14:16) The Whole Package: “Children of God” AMANDA FURBECK

Sounds like: Hillsong, Worship Central, Christy Nockels, Adie Camp, Audrey Assad, Mia Fieldes, Kristene DiMarco, Passion

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CINDY CRUSE RATCLIFF Edge of the Universe Dream Records cindycruseratcliff.com Cindy Cruse’s latest album, Edge of the Universe, has some true gems to offer worship leaders. Mainly songs written with strong congregational singing in mind, which makes sense as she leads worship at one of the nation’s largest body of believers, this liverecorded album is full of energy and passion for the Lord. Delicate moments of prophetic singing are sprinkled between powerful ballads and upbeat praise anthems.

Standouts include “Always Only Love,” a song that beautifully carries us with simple melodies in a gentle folksy ballad reminiscent of Phil Wickham’s early works. Even at first hearing, it’s easy to jump in and sing along.

“Perfect Love” takes us through the gospel message and puts forth a strong vision of God’s love for us demonstrated in his present and future promises. Then, the fresh and simple, biblically rich components of “Marvelous” lead up to a mighty crescendo in the refrain of a classic hymn, all of which serve to glorify Jesus with impressive power. Sometimes the best new song contains an old song within it, and this track certainly shows that to be true.

Delightful to hear and to sing. “Marvelous”

NEW WINE WORSHIP Wildfire Integrity Music newwine.org There’s a lot to love about New Wine Worship’s Wildfire —an album of songs recorded live at three U.K. conferences this year. The synth-pop sound is fresh and appealing; New Wine’s version of “Creed (This I believe)” may even be better than Hillsong’s; and there is lots of reflection here on the intimacy, urgency, and immanence of God. If your congregation needs help trusting that God is capable of helping them, they’ll find it here. At the same time, many of these strengths could be shortcomings. Outside of a charismatic church with a full band, it’s hard to imagine some of the songs played with only guitar or piano, and a congregation will need repeated exposure to pick up some of the melodic movements.

Lyrically, the songs focus more on “God is with you” themes without exploring other facets of his character and plans for the Church in the world (with notable exceptions “All Consuming Fire” and “Now Glorious”). Wildfire is nonetheless a fresh addition to the world of charis-

matic worship and accomplishes what is, no doubt, New Wine’s main intention—praise God’s glory in all things.

Sounds like: Modern synth-pop, new wave with a hint of ’80s cop-drama synth.

TOP SONGS Most singable: “Held High” Most biblical content: “Come to the Waters” The whole package: “All Consuming Fire” GRAHAM GLADSTONE

PERSONAL PLAYLIST TOP SONGS Best song to share with a loved one: “I Want to Say I’m Sorry” or “Be Kind to Yourself” Most congregationally friendly (biblical content, singable): “The Power of a Great Affection” The whole package: “The Sower’s Song” GRAHAM GLADSTONE ANDREW PETERSON The Burning Edge of Dawn Centricity Music andrew-peterson.com Reviewing Andrew Peterson’s The Burning Edge of Dawn is an intimidating task as the man is a gifted poet, crafting evocative narratives that come alive on the edge of your imagination as you listen. His lyrics, voice, and musical style inhabit the space between longing and contentment, juxtaposing (with utter rawness) the dissatisfaction of living in a broken world and the satisfaction compelled by being tenderly loved by the Sovereign of the universe. Songs like “The Dark Before the Dawn,” “Rejoice,” and “The Sower’s Song” are perfect examples. Peterson invites the listener to acknowledge their personal pain, to feel it, and then offers hope—sometimes with specific Scriptures, other times with apologetic insight and biblical truth lying just below the surface. The Burning Edge of Dawn is a solid release, aching with authenticity, and is poised not just to please musical ears but to encourage the souls of those who seek God in a world with no easy answers.

Sounds like: Strong and spacious piano work supported by some Appalachian tones, solid finger picking, and David Gray-esque tight loops. Rich Mullins would be proud.

GUNGOR One Wild Life: Soul Hither & Yon Records gungormusic.com One Wild Life is a trilogy albums—Soul, Spirit, and Body, all of which will be released over the next year. And instead of being a means to further divide these ostensibly different elements of humanity, Gungor is uniting them under the moniker of One Wild Life. This ambitious effort is also a mission statement of the band to attempt to create art outside of the typical parameters of the music industry. All of that is great and worth discussing.

But for now, Soul, the first of the series, how is it?

More clearly about God-in-life than their previous I Am Mountain, and just as musically ambitious as anything they have yet done, it is excellent. This is kingdom art. It’s jarring to some, but some jarring is good. What Gungor does is give permission to ask, to talk, and to open our hearts. The true theme is best summed up in two songs: “Lion of Rock” and “Vapor.” The former leads us to sing of N OV E M B E R /D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

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a God who is constant in his movement in our lives and reveals himself in creation, in struggle, and in people. The latter offers this: “Heaven taunts the hearts of men.” Gungor engages this heaven, this God who is seen dimly, but also more clearly when we chase after him with this One Wild Life.

Sounds like: Americana-pop with synth rock and subtle perc throughout.

MUSIC & WORSHIP ARTS

TOP SONGS Most singable: “One Wild Life” Strongest biblical content: “Us for Them” (Lk 6; Isa 40:4) The whole package: “Vapor” JEREMY ARMSTRONG

2 year Music & Worship Arts program: Songwriting is a unique focal point of our program. In addition to learning from Juno award-winning songwriter, Brian Doerksen, as well as other special guests, songwriting students will learn how to arrange and record their own songs.

Study Scripture

Music Lessons

Bible and Theology courses are integrated throughout

Songwriting

Piano, Guitar, Voice, Banjo, Mandolin, Upright Bass & Violin

Personal EP

PRAIRIE

Learn to creatively express yourself through the art of songwriting

All students create an EP by the end of the program

Bible, Theology & Church Ministry Intercultural & Justice Studies

Authentic Community

Biblical Training

Life Transformation

Practical Impact

Learn more at www.prairie.edu 80

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Health Services Sports Ministry & Outdoor Leadership Creative Arts Mission Aviation

BIG DADDY WEAVE Beautiful Offerings Fervent Records bigdaddyweave.com Consistency in the music and the message is what you will get from the newest release from the brothers Weaver and company. This propels each consecutive release by Big Daddy Weave to be better and better at mixing their trademark sound with music and lyrics that announce their profound faith as they go through their life journey. Beautiful Offerings is the next “classic” from the band that continues to define what it is to be a Christian pop artist.

It is obvious that Big Daddy Weave view this album as a Beautiful Offering to the King of Kings.

One example is the second track, a reimagining of the chorus from the classic hymn “Blessed Assurance” aptly named “My Story.” This has also become the theme and name of the tour to support the album.

This package contains everything that listeners to Big Daddy Weave have come to expect.

Sometimes introspective, always deep and worshipful, Beautiful Offerings is an unadulterated celebration of the band’s relationship with Jesus

with a soundtrack that is driven by a diversity of instrumentation.

Sounds like: Big Daddy Weave TOP SONGS Most Singable: “Good, Good Father” Strongest Biblical Content: “The Lion and the Lamb” The Whole Package: “It’s Already Done” RANDY CROSS

NEW LIFE WORSHIP Soak New Life Worship Integrity Music If you have been a listener to Christian music in the last decade, you probably have heard the music

by New Life Worship, and Soak is a collection of instrumental new music as well as a couple of reimaginings from some of New Life’s more prominent selections from recent years.

Sometimes instrumental music is all that is called for such as when David played soothing melodies for King Saul, and the creatives at New Life have crafted ethereal music for reflective, meditative worship. While worshipers may recognize some of the song titles, the focus of the album is to allow the worshiper the opportunity to avoid the distractions that lyrics could be during core heart-to-heart times with the Father. The music is meant to permeate, to enhance, to … Soak.

Sounds Like: Enya, Yanni, Hillsong United The White Album TOP SONGS Most Singable: N/A Strongest Biblical Content: “Lament,” “Great I AM” The Whole Package: “Overcome” RANDY CROSS

JONNY DIAZ Everything Is Changing Centricity Music jonnydiaz.com Some albums serve as a strong conduit for the Holy Spirit to lift the spirit and heart, and Jonny Diaz’s Everything Is Changing could be the poster child for this category. Silky smooth vocals with heartfelt orchestration overlay the simplicity of scriptural truth in its lyrical content. Maintaining a consistent positive vibe, Jonny exhibits tremendous variety in the flavors he delivers in each song, compelling the listener to focus on the goodness of the Lord. An exquisitely crafted piece of artwork, “All Because of You” is a narrative that takes us on a journey from self-absorption to focus on others (a godly result of parenthood). “Saved From” is an incredibly encouraging song that will build up the saints, reminding us of who we are because of who Jesus is and what he has done. Line by line, we’re edified by verses of Scripture set to song that proclaim the joy and wonder of belonging to Christ. The standout track, “Enough in You,” is the perfect blend of a strong hook tied to an easy melody, making it the sing-along go-to. It doesn’t hurt that it has a creative blend of Paul Simonesque backing harmonies which make it just plain fun.

Sounds like: Matt Maher, Evan Wickham, Madison Cunningham, All Sons and Daughters, Ghost Ship, Brenton Brown TOP SONGS The song that will pull your heartstrings: “All Because of You” Strongest Biblical content: “Saved From” The whole package: “Enough in You” BRENDAN PROUT

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BY CHUCK FROMM

WILL THE AMATUER PLEASE

STAND AND SING I

n many circles, Christian music has taken a second-class seat to what people in the mainstream consider quality music.

In some instances, this “looking down their professional noses” at our amateur art may be justified. In the world of music, not unlike most areas of endeavor, there tends to be a professional conspiracy formed against the “amateur” or what we might call the laymen. The condescension generally comes from those who consider themselves “professionals”—i.e. a person who can make a substantial enough income to survive as a musician.

It’s a hard won fight to be paid top scale.

Although the definition of “professional” is difficult and problematic at best, we might say an amateur musician is one who makes music but not necessarily to make a living off of it.

CREATED TO SING The digital era, with such things as easily accessible auto tuning and countless other performance enhancement technologies, has often minimized the difference between a “commercial sound” and what many would consider folkish. The problem is that the conversation often creates a musical divide: the good, the bad, and the ugly. But if one thing is sure, anatomically and spiritually speaking, we’ve all been created to sing. And the Bible commands all of us to do so—we are instructed numerous times to, “Sing to the Lord.”

Through the act of God’s divine doling out of gifts, some of us may sing more in tune than others, but we all sing.

The disparity in quality is acceptable because music for the purpose of worship is designed to be more than simple aesthetics. Its highest and best use is in communication: the transfer of “meaning” from one individual to another.

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Singing to someone, or “one another,” is not a mere exercise of vocal skill. It is, in fact, a communicational act—there is a sender (me), message (the song), and receiver (God).

Music is the agency of communal conversation with God for large portions of our weekly services, and we need to be careful we aren’t stealing it from our congregations.

DEEPER GOLD

AMATEUR PRAYERS

I recently watched a video of a 14-yearWe are all prayer musicians. We are old girl singing “Blessed Assurance.” all intended to sing with one voice the It was not a professional music perforheart-songs of our communities—the mance; however, it was communicaprayers of the people to a loving and tive—it was powerful. The words came listening God. When this happens our alive and connected with the prayer hearts are revived. One can only imagine engine of my own heart. It made me rewhat was being sung at the first Chrisflect on the true quality of music because tian awakening in the upper room on that amateur music performance was Pentecost. No doubt, none of the disciples the “best of the best” for me. It reprewere professional musicians; nonethesented what I believe music was created less, they sang the Psalms. And I would for. Music as an agent for the spreading guess that they sung with gusto! And in of the gospel—heart to heart, body to this they were prayer musicians—creatbody, soul to soul—an offering of our ing, sharing, encouraging one another in lips back to God and horizontally among psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs makhis people. It is not mere theological phi- ing melody in their hearts to God. losophizing. It is true-life transformation How can we make sure our music through the power of the Holy Spirit. is the best of the best in our services of In the Protestant church’s relatively worship? By making sure our music is recent history, as the choir diminished, prayer and these prayers are voiced by the rise of the praise band brought about the people of God. Professionals are an a new paradigm for excellence in woramazing gift for any worship team, but ship. Where once we may have considthey are not necessarily the final word ered participation the mark of success, on what is acceptable and pleasing to the today we are likely to count how many ears of our Father. Again, we are comtop 10 CCLI songs we fit into the set this manded to “Sing to the Lord!” When month. We sort our prayer selections our congregations are able, and allowed, based on popularity of song. High qualto follow that command, the music is as ity, tight rhythms, soaring anthems, all of good as it gets. these things are often emblematic of excellence in worship music today. And yes, they are all important. But do they repCHUCK FROMM resent the best of the best? My concern is is CEO/Publisher of that the squelching of participation came Worship Leader magazine. through the muting of the congregation by the pounding of the drum. Did we actually replace prayer quality with sound quality?

MASTER OF ARTS IN MINISTRY

INDIANA WESLEYAN

indwes.edu/seminary

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PCO

Experience your music differently. planningcenteronline.com

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