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:
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IN REVIEW PRODUCTION
top missional resources
SKILL
P. 62
SAVE THE DATE FOR 2016! N OV E M B E R /D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5
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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
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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
W O R SHIP L EAD ER
N O VEMBER/DE CE M BE R 2015
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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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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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. N OV E M B E R /D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5
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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
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
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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
One Space. Any Performance. Simply A Sound Investment.™ Enhance the acoustics of your performance space - now at an affordable price. Transcend™ Active Acoustic System gives you the control to perfect your sound environment in virtually any space: performing arts centers, auditoriums, theatres, opera houses, arenas and worship spaces. 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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101 GuIDEs
our guides help you make better mixes, choose the right wireless systems, and much more!
me time. critical for lavalier mics, which Focus To At least with everyone. and even some pas for another ttime pastors are often available with on the vocals. Set them to The lead the response more force fingertips. onboard for them. songs prefer Wireless handheld have available. special effects focus mimic either cardioid or omnidirectional and the bass drum. or your Leave themanufacturers sequencer, 3. ARRANGIN nest keys require capsules. Now the bass guitar be composing microphones built-in lowest and airy beneath top keyboard of the fi inside with the background balanced against Will you to have a IT ON. are loudis er connection. Signal today’s record some prevents dropout 4. TURNalso right to be the loudest, just as bad as feedback. Even less susceptible last; this feel light piano, may want to Y vocalist needs 88-key the amplifiers or direct-to-comput these sounds of a classic speakers lengths system. dropout can ruin an otherwise wonderfulvocals filling in behind. full-size to while dropout, becausethrough theintermittent and a of an acoustic of athe Turn on weight to great world, putting get the sound button to PORTABILIT ON on from coming instead down service. An unbroken line of sight between harmony pops AND have gone thumps the transmitter in the cut andthe transmitter a single can you VOLUME FADERS to 4. SIZE a 76-key keyboard and the receiver’s antennas is ideal, pianos Not only can also push C7, or a characterTURN UP THE great way experience.part of the unit but seldom grand 10. is that MIXING BOARD. Choosing can be a you THEpoints possible. Most playing INSTRUMENTS. often, the wireless signal must rebound naturally a Yamaha many Start an out down to zero. 5. RESET the instruments. 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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ARD
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BUILD THE BASICS a built-in your decision:overview of to feel FOR drawbars Here’s pianists f wireless CONVERSATION there a instrument simple feature Aparts? on keyboards. popular acoustic microphone FADERS with glide beneath up sends accordingly. Don’t again. $1799of sounds, technology, how you can put weighted3. that HAVE church choices out a very VOLUME we carry — complete the bass guitar, turning them ITanSIMPLE. THE MIX, keys some it to work Many that aretowant is still in you plays like and controls of your church, (pg. 47) TEAM. 1. when and 1. ACTION keys how and with hundreds common and organ MP7............... thatKEEP OVERTUNE occ pitfalls. sound person is not you avoid rarelyy occur piano TO capability bass drum WORSHIP TRY The organ of the keyboards against one another. task. choose experience Or do with the you want the numberknobs, buttons,instrument sound.” them play synth it almost DON’Tstage Start you mix emergencies Do — regular to 13.Kawai for the of an and controller IT TOO LOUD. ol go well. while most solution that piano’s? can easily level and balancing called on a ssol Unfortunately, volume fader to help the master Great-playing or the piano effects, MAKE to everyone us, “is organ-playinginstrument to you number a comfortable are here to have the service acoustic what’s time to work of see in DON’T sound, TRANSMITT incredible and at a the levelyou AND ce is supposed TTERSExplain and so that they tell fantastic natural rrvice need to can get that dedicatedto selectof spare pianothat help is required have loads we weighted need to adjust clean and clear, before the service fingers a a need,” want to happens available MINIMIZING You may Engineers acoustic strings, synths, processors fact, what point. turn down, drummers of 88 minutes Once you PROBLEMS so that they are keyboards ve racks of There system and has as guitarists need to levelInto the right Our Sales level. Then stop! authentic goals. Set things up a full set by choosing many then you’ll withalways actually booth may have asic types to two ba such means piano of the overall that the monitor wireless timeare This get church’s transmitters: of the not the need an conservative volumeokay — this should happen sounds w2.is SOUNDS questions? your so on. Explain like you, one While your sound ow Feedback now everything is always a concern start. keyboards handheld the comfortable, unitsother volume, and FADERS FOR during services ES aand bodypacks. primarily ideally for the team that knobs. 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
W OR S H IP LE A D E R
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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
W OR S H IP LE A D E R
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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
WOORS R SHIP HIP LLEAD EADER ER W
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
TH E FULLERTON N OV E M B E R /D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5
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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
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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
N O VEMB E R/DE CE MBE R 2015
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
FA
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PR
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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
N OVEM BE R/DE CE MBE R 2015
BA
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.
UE
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ALL THINGS
TECH
L I S T ED I N ALPH ABETI CAL O RDE R BY COMPANY
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. Featuring a wide-angle lens, the Q8 has 52
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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. 54
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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.
AUD
IO TE CHN
ICA
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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
Serious. Bass. Performance.
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• Clear and Accurate Bass from Band-Pass Type Enclosure
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! The Herald Angels Sing/GreenGrass Reel Medley” 66
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`Tis the secson!
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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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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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
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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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Calvin institute of Christian Worship Center for exCellenCe in preaChing
and the
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Exclusive Target Edition features Special Guests CROWDER L AUREN DAIGLE KRIST YN GET T Y and ALL SONS & DAUGHTERS
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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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. JAY AKINS
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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
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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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TOP SONGS Most singable: “Always Only Love” Strongest biblical content: “Perfect Love” (The Psalms through Revelation, every line is wonderfully crafted from Scripture) The whole package: “Marvelous” BRENDAN PROUT
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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
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Bible and Theology courses are integrated throughout
Songwriting
Piano, Guitar, Voice, Banjo, Mandolin, Upright Bass & Violin
Personal EP
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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
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Biblical Training
Life Transformation
Practical Impact
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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. 82
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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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