Volume 23 | No. 5 by Worship Leader Magazine

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WORSHIP LEADER | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER | VOL 23 NO 5

CONTENTS 10

A GLIMPSE OF THE KINGDOM | MARK D. ROBERTS

STARTING STRONG IN A NEW SETTING | RORY NOLAND

BRING BACK THE TABLE | DR. LEONARD SWEET

IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL | DARLENE ZSCHECH

A PRACTICAL PRESCRIPTION FOR PEACE THROUGH WORSHIP | STEFANIE KELLY

TABLE TALK: JOHN MARK MCMILLAN | JOHN MARK MCMILLAN

NWLC: LEADING A CONFERENCE CHOIR—THE INS & OUTS | RAY JONES

SONG DISCOVERY SONGWRITER SHOWCASE

WORSHIP LEADER VOCAL RESOURCES

BRINGING EUCHARIST TO DAILY LIFE | PAUL BALOCHE

RELIEF FOR THE BURNED OUT WORSHIP LEADER | ZAC HICKS

WORSHIP LEADER’S HIGHER EDUCATION GUIDE 2014 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

BRINGING SMILES TO COMMUNION | REGGIE KIDD

HOW EUCHARISTIC WORSHIP SHAPES OUTREACH | EDDIE KIRKLAND

KEY VALUES OF AN EFFECTIVE TEAM | TIM HUGHES

THE SHAPE OF THE EUCHARIST | JIM FRIEDRICH

A VISUAL APPROACH TO THANKSGIVING IN WORSHIP | HEIN VAN WYK

FILL IN THE GAPS OF YOUR DIGITAL AUDIO KNOWLEDGE | MICHAEL A. LEE

WORSHIP CENTRAL | TIM HUGHES

CHOOSING THE RIGHT VIDEO TOOLS FOR YOUR CHURCH | KENT MORRIS WITH ANDY TOY

WHAT’S NEW | ANDY TOY

GEAR REVIEWS | ANDY TOY

6 8 114

THINNER PLACES |

LINCOLN BREWSTER | FEATURED REVIEW

JEREMY ARMSTRONG

MUSIC FOR LEADING

FORUM

106

PERSONAL PLAYLIST

WITH ANCIENT ROOTS |

108

THE BOOKSHELF

CHUCK FROMM

110

PROGRAMMING RESOURCES

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LAST SUPPER 1973 | SADAO WATANABE Our Cover image is Last Supper 1973, hand-colored kappazuri dyed stencil print on washi paper, 13 x 9 paper by Sadao Watanabe, courtesy of the Watanabe family and the CIVA TRAVELING exhibit Beauty Given by Grace. Visit the Civa website for additional information: go.wlmag.com/watanabe-cover It is delightful seeing this obviously relationally engaged and diverse group gathered around the table with Jesus. Worship Leader’s crew felt it was the perfect cover to celebrate a return to “The Table.” We are reminded, even in the face of our greatest challenge and most desperate trial, we are part of a community—with Christ at the head of the table. We are part of a story of God’s ongoing deliverance and provision from rescue to rescue, from the garden to the ark, from the flight from Egypt, to a safe path across the Jordan, from David to Daniel to the intervention of Mordecai and Esther, from a bright star over a stable in Bethlehem to the manger to the Cross to the tomb to the ascension … to Christ’s return. As we gather at the table at Thanksgiving and Christmas, together across the nations, we raise a hosanna to Christ who sits at the head of every Holy Day table and enjoys his people and joins their celebration forever.

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THINNER PLACES

any subscribers approached me at the National Worship Leader Conferences this year to express their sympathy for me and my family. In the Jan/Feb issue of Worship Leader I shared that my mom was journeying with cancer. She passed away at the end of February, and as you can imagine, the prayers of people who reached out as friends, as well as some of you from afar were greatly appreciated. Thinking about this issue, one focused on thanksgiving and Eucharistic worship, I was reminded of a significant problem I dealt with throughout my mom’s sickness. For me the most recurring and frustrating struggle was, “I know my God is a redeemer, but how is this going to be redeemed for my mom?” In fact, I talked a lot with God about it, and my conversations often went something like this. “Okay God. I get it. I know you can work a miracle in my life. But, God, tell me this. How are you going to redeem this for my mom’s life? How will you make this new for her? How are you going to redeem cancer for my mom? Because it doesn’t look like you are going to do it by healing her.” And God was quiet. And he didn’t heal her. And I was heartbroken. And hurting. And lost. Last year about a month before my mom passed away I took a trip to Yosemite National Park. Since

BY JEREMY ARMSTRONG

it was one of my mom’s favorite places on the planet, I was careful to keep her updated with pics, texts, and video messages. And it was in Yosemite that the Celtic Christian Concept of “Thin Places” made a tiny bit of sense to me. The Celts believed that there are physical locations where God’s presence is more accessible than elsewhere, places where heaven and earth almost touch. They are thin places. My trip to Yosemite was a very spiritual one, and the sheer majesty of God’s creation was definitely palpable. If thin spaces exist, surely Yosemite Valley would be one of them. But for me, my location had little to do with it. I believe there were thin places found throughout my mom’s journey to the end of her life, because of the journey. There was grief, but God was present because of the grief; there was pain, and God used it to show his face. He showed up in a hand held, in a gentle lifting and moving of my mother’s body, in our time together Christmas Eve when I played guitar for my mom’s last worship service, her family gathered around the hospital bed in our living room singing “Take Me Home, Country Roads” and “Everlasting God.” God is always present, but somehow in our touch with death, his presence

was very real—my separation from him was thinner. Not always, but sometimes. Back to being heartbroken. A few days before my mom’s memorial, still struggling with how God would redeem cancer for her, God took a moment to meet me. He gently tapped me on the shoulder to remind me that he is the redeemer. That he has not yet redeemed my grief. That particular redemption will take great amounts of time and love and tears and joy. But he is still the redeemer. And my biggest question in this struggle has an answer. He already redeemed my mom. He defeated death. And on February 21, 2014 he looked into the face of my mother, and he said, “Well done my good and faithful friend.” In Eucharistic worship, we celebrate Jesus’ victory over death, but just as important we celebrate his presence with us—with thanksgiving in our hearts. A presence that transcends our life’s situations, a presence that sustains us, delivers us, redeems us, and unites us. Our God is an everlasting God, and we are made whole in him, in life and in victory over death. W – Jeremy Armstrong, managing editor

worshipleader CEO/PUBLISHER Chuck Fromm, PhD

EDITORIAL BOARD Warren Anderson, Paul Baloche, Brenton Brown, J. Robert Clinton, Maggi Dawn, Craig Detweiler, Jeff Deyo, Carlton Dillard, Stan Endicott, Susan Fontaine Godwin, Shaun Groves, Tony Guerrero, Debby Kerner Rettino, Reggie Kidd, Roberta King, Greg Laurie, Hughes Oliphant Old, Andy Park, Matt Redman, Robb Redman, Jason Ritchie, Mark Roberts, Lin Sexton, Martin Smith, Brian Steckler, Laura Story, Rick Warren.

WORSHIP LEADER & SONG DISCOVERY MANAGING EDITOR Jeremy Armstrong DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE & PUBLISHING SERVICES Andrea Hunter ART DIRECTOR Katie Noel EVENTS DIRECTOR OF TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT Suzie Stablein

SUBMISSIONS See our submission guidelines at worshipleader.com. For all other feedback or inquiries, contact jeremy@wlmag.com. SONG DISCOVERY 119 LISTENING BOARD Andrea Hunter, Josh Roland, Randell Hitts, Beth Day, Judith Meinzer, Jeff Little, Bob Marshall, Tanya Riches, Ben Schoffmann, Shane Ball

ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIP SALES & MARKETING COORDINATOR Alissa Smith OPERATIONS AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT Nicole Fromm ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Judi Coffin

TO SUBSCRIBE/MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION: worshipleader.com/subscribe CUSTOMER SERVICE: 888.881.5861 FOREIGN SUBSCRIBERS: 714.226.9782 WORSHIP LEADER OFFICE: 949.240.9339 TO REGISTER FOR THE NATIONAL WORSHIP LEADER CONFERENCE: VISIT: nwlconf.com/register OR CALL: 949.240.9339 ADVERTISE IN WORSHIP LEADER CONTACT alissa@wlmag.com PERMISSIONS We grant duplication permission for up to 100 copies of any original article for use in a local church. For any other quantity or use, email jeremy@wlmag.com. NOTE ON BIBLE QUOTES Unless otherwise noted, Worship Leader defaults to the NIV 1984 version.

song DISCovery 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 © 2014 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, P.O. Box 91388, Long Beach, CA 90809. Printed in U.S.A. CPM #4006 5056.

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R E CO R D E D L I V E I N SAC R A M E N TOReckless, The latest live album from Jesus Culture,

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FORUM

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

Worshipleader.com has gotten a bit of a makeover, and it is encouraging people to engage like never before! Check it out as soon as you get a chance, and join these conversations.

Here is what people are saying about “The Psychology of Volume.” Read the full article: go.wlmag.com/volume-psych. Randall said: One thing that can make it more difficult to get the volume right is “uncontrolled sound sources.” This could be just about any instrument that the sound team cannot control—acoustic drums, acoustic piano or guitar/bass with an onstage amplifier. If you can’t control one or more of those, the “easiest” fix is to boost everything else to match, but obviously that can take you into decibel ranges beyond what is appropriate. So then the next question is whether your musicians are going to be cooperative when asked to do without amps, play electronic drums, or swap out piano for electronic keyboard. Then you must decide what your response is going to be for the recalcitrant ones, which depends

on how serious you are about getting the overall sound correct. Angela Pendleton said: I’m a former praise and worship singer as well as a public education orchestra teacher. I am worried about the DB level for young children in the services, and most people aren’t educated about hearing loss. I’m extremely sensitive about hearing, and after reading about hearing loss in jazz students (U North Texas Jazz Lab) there needs to be a common ground. Singing loud does not always reflect the highest worshiping experience one can have—especially in my case. When I sang, church members brought up the volume level at our service, and when we were on stage we couldn’t hear what the congregation heard because our earbuds synced certain instruments more than others for us to harmonize. We all want to bring our praise to God, but safely.

Here is what people are saying about “Thoughts on using Charts and Music Stands in Worship.” Read the full article: go.wlmag.com/charts-stands. Kelly said: Great article! I’ve played at churches where memorization is required, where music stands are acceptable, and where the worship team is half and half on music stands/memorization. The thing worship leaders need to understand is that not everyone on their volunteer team has time to sit around all week playing their instrument or immersing themselves in music. We have 9-to-5 jobs, families, and other work and personal obligations that may give us a very short window of time to practice. When a worship leader posts the songs for the week only 48 hours before a rehearsal, I’m lucky to have time to listen to the songs a few times in the car, let alone rehearse or memorize them. … W

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

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LEADERSHIP BY MARK D. ROBERTS

A GLIMPSE OF THE

KINGDOM Keeping our eyes open to the beauty of God’s kingdom in life and in worship leadership.

very now and then, God gives worship leaders a precious gift. He allows us to catch a glimpse of the future kingdom. God enables us to see, not only what is now, but also what will be. This vision inspires our leadership and gladdens our hearts. It fills us with eucharistia (to use the Greek word meaning “thanksgiving”). If you’ve been leading worship for a while, I expect you know what I mean. Perhaps, one Sunday morning, you stepped back from the microphone and watched your congregation praise the Lord. You saw your people singing with heartfelt devotion. Some were raising their hands. Some were kneeling. Some had eyes lifted to heaven while others closed their eyes. What you saw conveyed both genuineness and unity among the worshipers. As you watched, you peered through a glass darkly, seeing the worship of the future, when every knee will bow before the Lord. Your heart was filled with gratitude for the gift of such a vision and for the privilege of leading God’s people in worship.

UNEXPECTED JOY During my tenure as a worship-leading pastor, I have been blessed with such gifts upon occasion. In fact, I received one yesterday. It came, as it often does, while I was watching people take communion together. The context for this gift was different from the setting I knew so well as pastor 10

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of a church, though the experience was warmly familiar. For 16 years, I was senior pastor of Irvine Presbyterian Church in Southern California. There, I had the privilege of regularly leading my congregation in worship, including the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. Now, my pastoral role has shifted from a suburban sanctuary to a magnificent, remote canyon in the Texas Hill Country. I work for a Christian organization that hosts camps and retreats in the Frio Canyon. At Laity Lodge, including our youth and family camps, I have the honor of leading people as we share in Communion. At Laity Lodge Family Camp, we invite families to celebrate communion together. Parents break bread and offer it to their children. Then they share the cup as a family. Those who are too young receive the elements a special prayer of blessing from their parents. Often, families linger at the table to offer thanks to the Lord and to seek his grace for special needs.

LOVE BECAME FLESH Yesterday, as I gazed upon our Eucharist, I saw the love of Christ incarnate. Drawn together by the grace of the Cross, husbands and wives blessed each other with the words of life: “This is the body of Christ, broken for you. This is the blood of Christ, shed for you.” Spouses who have been struggling in their marriages saw their part-

ners in a new light, as beloved and forgiven children of God. They found grace to forgive or to receive forgiveness. Some of our families reflected the traditional stereotype: dad, mom, and three kids. But many were multi-generational and ethnically diverse. We had single parents and children with special needs. Yet, in the midst of our differences, we all came together as one body, even as there is one bread (1 Cor 10:17). For those moments at the Table, we looked a little bit like God’s people gathered in heaven. The peace of Christ embraced us as we embraced each other.

THANKS BE TO GOD In occasions like this, I feel overwhelmed with eucharistia. I am amazed that I get to participate in such a celebration, even to help lead it. Even more, I am filled with gratitude for the love of Christ, a love that reaches out to and embraces us, a love that enables us to forgive and reconcile, a love that will, one day, fill and heal the earth. Eucharistia! Thanksgiving! Maranatha! Our Lord, come! W MARK D. ROBERTS is Executive Director of Digital Media of Foundations for Laity Renewal. Blog: patheos.com/blogs/markdroberts. Daily Reflection: thehighcalling.org.

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LEADERSHIP

BY RORY NOLAND

STARTING STRONG IN A NEW SETTING

I just began working at a new church and I really want to get off on the right foot with the congregation. Do you have any words of advice for worship leaders who are starting out in new churches this fall?

First of all, congratulations on the new position. I hope you enjoy many years of fruitful service there. I have some suggestions that’ll hopefully get you off to a strong start in your new setting.

1. BECOME A STUDENT OF THE CONGREGATION Find out what has worked well for this particular church in the past. Ask some of the key leaders what their favorite worship choruses are or for their all-time-favorite hymn. Then be sure to work in some of those tried-and-true classics alongside some of the new ones you introduce. Find out which songs hold special meaning for the church and why. Find out which musical styles work well and which ones don’t. Inquire about any traditions or seasonal rituals you need to be aware of. The more you get to know your congregation, the more effectively you will lead them.

2. GET INVOLVED IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH Join a small group as soon as possible. Attend as many church social events as you 12

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can. Give the congregation opportunities to get to know you, and they’ll begin viewing you as one of them instead of “that new guy/gal” they only see up on the platform.

3. BE HUMBLE You will endear yourself to those at your new church by exuding humility. (You can’t fake this, so if you need work in this area, go to the mats with God and trusted friends.) It’s okay to be confident, but remember you are the new kid on the block, so remain teachable. Don’t walk in with a personal agenda that rigidly insists everything be done your way. You’re there to serve, so be open to correction and suggestions, especially from your pastor, elders, or fellow staff members. Avoid being aloof, defensive, or cocky. Instead, be humble, open-minded, and approachable. (By the way, this approach works in nonchurch environments as well.)

4. GET TO KNOW YOUR VOLUNTEERS From the start, it’s important to connect with your volunteers relationally. Remember you’re not just their band leader; you’re also their pastor and shepherd, so get to know them personally. Meet with them one-on-one after services, before rehearsal, or for lunch or coffee. Invite them over for dinner or to watch a game. Ask how they came to the Lord, how long they’ve been coming to the church, and what they appreciate most about your church. Find out what they do for a living as well as any hobbies they enjoy. If married, ask how they met their spouse and whether they have kids. Get to know your volunteers. Ask God to give you his heart and “ear” for each one.

5. KEEP CHECKING IN WITH THE PASTOR From time to time, ask your pastor to assess how you’re doing. Even if your pastor is not a musician, he or she knows the likes and dislikes of the congregation better than you do and can be a reliable barometer for you. You can ask for an evaluation of last week’s service, but it would serve you even better to ask more far-reaching questions. For example, ask: • Am I moving too fast or too slow with any changes I’m implementing? • Is there enough variety and depth in the songs I’m selecting? • Are there any areas that are deficient in my leadership? Give me your take on how to grow those areas? In other words, invite your pastor to speak into your ministry.

6. ALWAYS SPEAK RESPECTFULLY OF YOUR PREDECESSOR Unless you’re planting a church, you succeeded someone. Be sure to always speak positively and respectfully of that individual. As you cast vision and implement new ideas and new processes, be careful not to come across as if the previous way was bad or “old fashioned.” The fact that the church even has a worship ministry for you to now lead is a credit to your predecessor’s leadership and hard work. W RORY NOLAND (heartoftheartist.org) directs Heart of the Artist Ministries and is the author of Worship on Earth as It Is in Heaven.

IT USED TO BE JUST PEWS AND PULPITS. TODAY’S MODERN CHURCH NEEDS SO MUCH MORE. Versatility and creativity are the hallmarks of today’s most effective places of worship, where activities are being staged every day, and throughout the week. Wenger’s innovative solutions are tailor-made to make things easier for you and more special for your congregation. Acoustical treatments. Music chairs and stands. Portable staging. Standing and seated risers. High-density instrument, music, and robe storage. Audience seating. Planning and consultation. We understand the demands you face, and we have the ideal products and services to help you enhance every celebration. Please visit us at wengercorp.com for a thorough overview of our offerings, and then call your Wenger representative to discuss the specific ways we can help you excel in your work.

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LEADERSHIP

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LEADERSHIP

TABLE BY DR. LEONARD SWEET

Last Supper 1973 | SADAO WATANABE Hand-colored kappazuri dyed stencil print on washi paper. Courtesy of the Watanabe family and the CIVA TRAVELING exhibit Beauty Given by Grace. More about the cover image on page 4

In this challenging essay, we have a preview—or perhaps better said, appetizer—of (for) Dr. Sweet’s spring release on NavPress: From Tablet to Table where he offers insight to the current endangered state of Christianity and some profound solutions. (Hear him next year at the National Worship Leader Conference, all sites)

here are no “silver bullets” or “golden hammers” that can slay all the monsters threatening humanity at this moment in time. But if we did just one thing, this one thing would dramatically change, for the better, the world in which we live. The one thing is this: bring back the table. Make the table the most sacred object of furniture in every home, in every church, in every community. This one thing would also address arguably the number-one problem facing our families and our churches today: our inability to reproduce the faith in our children, in our communities, in our world. Christianity in the West (whether left, right, or center) has become a sterile, exhausted religion; its power to tell us fresh things about God and life is expended in lifeless repetition, imprisoning conventionality, and predictable pastiche that fails to offer a viable response to the world we’re in. When any species undergoes a reproduction crisis, a name is given it: “endangered.”

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MENU FOR DISASTER The dominant means of addressing our reproduction crisis has been to devise new methodologies and strategies for church implementation and application. This is a misdiagnosis of the problem, and a cure is difficult without the right diagnosis of the disease. Or to put it differently, a category mistake is a catastrophic mistake. And our condition now is catastrophic. In a culture whose primary language is story and image, or narrative and metaphor (narraphor), our families and churches ought to be flourishing. But “modern Christianity” is more “modern” than Christian, having sold out to a wordbased, verse backed, principle-driven template for truth when the native language of Christianity is story and image,

altars or books. Tables and food. Here is the best definition of the gospel: “Jesus ate good food with bad people.” Jesus’ critics even composed a satirical jingle about Jesus: “A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax-collectors and sinners” (Mt 11:19). Here is the Old Testament in three sentences: “They tried to kill us. We survived. Let’s eat!” Here is the New Testament in three sentences: “I love you! I forgive you! Let’s eat!!” We are part of a religion that defines itself in terms of food and tables. In the story of Jesus’ birth, there is a table at the stable. Jesus was killed because of the stories he told, and, in the words of biblical scholar Robert Karris, “Jesus was killed because of the way he ate.” The essence of Christianity brings to the common table

"Christianity was built around tables. Not pulpits or altars or books. Tables and food." the precise vernacular in which we find ourselves in the 21st century. It is also the native language, the lingua franca, of the Christian faith itself. We are suffering an identity crisis. Even when we do address identity issues, we try to build an identity on a Christian “world view” or “biblical values” or “Christian principles.” Identity requires narrative formation. Humans are wired for narrative identity. You can’t build a strong self-identity on values and principles and props—only stories. Only narraphors spark cellular fireworks and cells that fire together and wire together.

new kinds of stories and new ways of eating (and new dinner guests). Yet we find ourselves at a juncture in history where we have lost the table and reduced the food to non-food. To bring back the vigor to Christianity is to bring back the table. The most important thing anyone can do to strengthen our families and reverse the Church’s attrition rate, where we can’t reproduce the faith in our kids or in our communities, is to bring back the table. Outside of lifting up Christ, the most important thing anyone can do to change our world for the better is bring back the table.

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The uniqueness of Christianity is that its identity formation, built around story and image, takes place at tables. Christianity was built around tables. Not pulpits or

The most important item of furniture in any family’s home? Not the couch or the bed or the cable TV, but the table. At the table, where food and stories are passed

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from one person to another, is where each one of you (us) learns who you are, where you come from, what you can be, to whom you belong, to what you (we) are called, etc. The one thing that would make the biggest difference the fastest? Bring back the table. Sadly, USAmericans (North Americans from the US) rarely eat together anymore. We are losing the table. We eat one in every five meals in our car. One in four of us eat at least one fast food meal every single day. The majority of US families report eating a single meal together less than five days a week. We are losing the table. Sixty years ago the average dinnertime was 90 minutes. Today it is less than 12 minutes. And that’s when we do eat dinner together, which is less and less frequently. And then our “dinners together” are mostly in front of the TV. No wonder the average parent spends only 38.5 minutes per week in meaningful conversation with their children. US households spend roughly the same amount per week on fast food as on groceries. Cody C. Delistraty recently culled the scientific literature for The Atlantic monthly and discovered proof that the loss of a table has “quantifiably negative effects both physically and psychologically.” Popular culture echoes the science in the array of television programming that features families praying at the table (Duck Dynasty, Blue Bloods, etc).

LAUNCH-PAD FOR LIFE In short, better to eat toast and jam together than ham tettrazini alone. Better to eat simply together than haute cuisine alone. Eating together equalizes everyone at the table, so the more diverse the table is in every way, the more it heals the divisions of inequality. First words and last words are cherished by every parent and child. God’s first words to us are also important. The very first command in the Bible is the first time God speaks. These are the first words out of God’s mouth: “Eat freely.” The last command in the Bible is the last time God speaks. These are the last words out of God’s mouth: “Drink freely.” The Bible has bookends. These bookends are God’s first and last commands to

A CASE FOR EATING TOGETHER us: “Eat freely, drink freely.” And everything in between these two commands is not a tablet. It’s a table. And on that table is served, not a snack, not a smorgasbord (where you take what you like and leave what you don’t like), not a fast-food take-out. On that table is served a life-course meal, where we feast in our hearts with thanksgiving on the very Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation: Jesus the Christ. Jesus is not our meal-ticket. Jesus is our manna and mañana. Where do we learn this? At the table. Sitting around a table, facing each other and talking to each other around good food, good conversation, good laughs, good stories— there is nothing else like it. Life’s key questions of how best to live, love, and have our being are best addressed at the “gut” level of the table—where Jesus sits at the head. W

•  The #1 factor for parents raising kids that are drug-free, healthy, intelligent, kind human beings. “Frequent family dinners.” •  The #1 shaper of vocabulary in younger children, even more than any other family event, including play? “Frequent family dinners.” •  The #1 preventative for eating disorders among adolescent girls? “Frequent family dinners” that exude a “positive atmosphere.” •  One of the greatest predictors of kids not having overweight problems? “Eating meals together.”

LEONARD SWEET is one of contemporary culture’s most prolific and influential authors of books, blogs, articles, and sermons. He is a regular faculty member of the National Worship Leader Conference. His microblogs on Twitter and Facebook are rated as two of the more influential social media sites in the world.

•  The #1 predictor among elementary children of academic success in high school and college? “Frequent family dinners.” •  The #1 variable associated with lower incidence of depressive and suicidal thoughts among 11 to 18 years olds? “Frequent family dinners.” •  If you want kids with “fewer emotional and behavioral problems, greater emotional well-being, more trusting and helpful behaviors towards others and higher life satisfaction,” then you need ... “More frequent family dinners.”

He holds the E. Stanley Jones Chair of Evangelism at the Theological School of Drew University and is a Visiting Distinguished Professor at George Fox University. This article was adapted From Tablet to Table by Leonard Sweet © 2014. Published by NavPress. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.

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ARTISTS FEATURED ON SONG DISCOVERY SEPT/OCT VOL. 118

SONGWRITER SHOWCASE

HARVEST PARKER

BEN SANDERS

WHAT’S YOUR MUSICAL BACKGROUND?

I am the youngest of five Bashta kids, and I have two outstanding parents that raised us in Church ministry and mission fields. We had prayer times at my church four hours a day with two-hour time-slots. I remember the first time someone asked me to lead worship for one of the two hour slots. I was terrified, but got up there with the only three chords I knew and played them on repeat for two whole hours. It has been my passion since then— Jesus getting glory, seeing him change lives, and us preparing the way for him to come again.

I’m Oregonian by birth, but Alaska has always been home. I’m from a great big, loud, and crazy family. The only instrument that really stuck with me as a kid was the drum set, so I played for my church and local pop punk bands through high school. Yes, Travis Barker was my hero. I loved to sing and write too, so I wound up learning guitar to flesh out song melodies and ideas that would come to me. I was inspired to try writing worship songs after hearing one of Hillsong United’s first albums, Best Friend (Live). I remember being so excited thinking, Seriously? I’m allowed to worship like this?

WHAT SPARKED THIS SONG?

“God Demonstrates His Love” came at a time of desperation for me. I wanted to know what I really believed about God apart from my parents, church, or what I had heard. I decided I was going to read the Bible all the way through, and if I was not fully convinced by the end, I would reevaluate my spiritual beliefs. I began the journey and found myself completely burdened by the Old Testament law and our incapability to save ourselves. I began longing for the New Testament because I knew Jesus was there, and I knew I needed him. “God Demonstrates His Love” was written when I came to the book of Romans.

The real spark came after I started fiddling with the ukulele. I was listening a lot to Ray Hughes and his talks about sound and the anointing different instruments can have. So I led a few songs from the ukulele, and wow! The Holy Spirit filled those services in such a fun way. It was such a sweet breath of fresh air in the dead of that harsh winter. The lyrical inspiration is all over the map (Rom 8:3839, Isa 40:31, Lam 3:23-24)—the cultural concept of being adopted by the King and invited into his royal courts for a celebration. All of it points to the same eternal truth about the agape love we have in Christ and the power it gives us to conquer our self-destructive patterns. It’s a stubborn love that just won’t quit.

Song Discovery: Vol. 118, #6, “God Demonstrates His Love” Church Home: Vintage 242 Church, Atlanta, Georgia

Song Discovery: Vol. 118, #3, “Sights & Sounds (Heaven Come)" Church Home: Friends Community Church (non-denominational, not Quaker), Fairbanks, Alaska

TOP 5 SONGS:

“Better Is One Day’ (Matt Redman), “Created to Worship” (Rita Springer), “Praise the Invisible” (Daniel Bashta), “Eternity” (Misty Edwards), “Take Your Place” (Jon Thurlow).

TOP 5 SONGS:

Pearl Jam’s recording of “Love Reign O’er Me” by Pete Townshend; “Obsession,” Delirious?; “Stupid Boy,” Keith Urban’s recording; “What Sarah Said,” Death Cab for Cutie”; and “You’ve Got a Songwriters: Have a song you want to share with the Church? Friend in Me,” Randy Newman. Submit your song at worshipleader.com/submit-a-song

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PRESENTS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 VOLUME 118

1. THE NEARNESS OF YOU

7. SWEETEST NAME I KNOW

LOUD HARP As heard on: Asaph. Words & Music: Dave Wilton/Asher Seevinck. Visit: loudharp.com

RESONATE CHURCH As heard on: Ellensburg. Words & Music: Josh Martin. Visit: resonatechurchworship.com

2. KINGDOM COME

8. HIS BE THE VICTOR’S NAME

SHELLY E. JOHNSON As heard on: Your Kingdom Come. Words & Music: Sean Hill/Shelly E. Johnson. Visit: shellyejohnson.com

ZAC HICKS As heard on: His Be the Victor’s Name. Words & Music: Samuel Gandy, 1838 (verses & chorus)/Zac Hicks, 2013 (bridge). Visit: zachicks.com

3. SIGHTS & SOUNDS (HEAVEN COME) BEN SANDERS As heard on: Sights & Sounds. Words & Music: Ben Sanders. Visit: bensandersmusic.com

4. COME LIKE THE WIND JORDAN & KRISTIN RIPPY As heard on: Seek You First. Words & Music: Jordan Rippy/Kristin Rippy/ Gabriel Wilson. Visit: rippymusic.com

5. THOUGH I WALK THE POINT WORSHIP As heard on: The Point Worship. Words & Music: Dave Herring. Visit: thepointworship.com

9. WONDROUS LOVE JOURNEY COLLECTIVE As heard on: Songs from the Book of Ephesians, Vol. 1 & 2. Words & Music: Author Unknown (original hymn)/Russ Mohr (arrangement)/Cale Riggs. Visit: thejourney.org/music

10. HOPE IN JESUS

CHORD CHARTS & LEAD SHEETS IN 3 KEYS

JOSH LAVENDER As heard on: Hope in Jesus. Words & Music: Josh Lavender/Laura Watson. Visit: joshlavender.com

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

11. LOVE ENDURES

6. GOD DEMONSTRATES HIS LOVE HARVEST As heard on: Curtains. Words & Music: Harvest Parker. Visit: gomotionworldwide.com

MAGAZINES

BEN FREEMAN As heard on: Good News. Words & Music: Ben Freeman. Visit: benfreemanmusic.com

LYRICS FOR POWERPOINT

12. STAY C3 (CHRISTIAN CITY CHURCH OXFORD FALLS) As heard on: Saints. Words & Music: Christine Pringle/Dan Pringle/ Joe Pringle/Ryan Smith. Visit: c3music.com

LITETRACKS FROM MULTITRACKS.COM

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W OR S H IP LE A D E R

LEADERSHIP

IT IS WELL WITH

MY SOUL…

BY DARLENE ZSCHECH

How to embrace God in faith in the midst of trials

Darlene Zschech encourages, not with empty words and emotional cheerleading, but with persevering faith in the face of personal loss and the challenges that come with a life-threatening disease: cancer.

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IT’S

a song we all know and love, and many of us have heard the story that brought about its writing. Horatio Spafford (1828-1888) was a wealthy Chicago lawyer, had a beautiful home, a wife, four daughters, and a son. He was also a devout Christian who loved God’s Word. His circle of friends included Dwight L. Moody and Ira Sankey, wellknown Christians of the day. At the very height of his financial and professional success, Horatio and his wife Anna suffered the tragic loss of their young son. Shortly thereafter on October 8, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed almost every real estate investment that Spafford had. In 1873, Spafford scheduled a boat trip to Europe in order to give his wife and daughters time to recover from the tragedy. He planned to join Moody and Sankey on an evangelistic campaign in England, and sent his wife and daughters there ahead.

Several days later he received notice that his family’s ship had encountered a collision. All four of his daughters drowned; only his wife miraculously survived. With a heavy heart, Spafford boarded a boat that would take him to his grieving wife in England. It was on this trip that he penned these incredible words, “When sorrow like sea billows roll … it is well, it is well with my soul….” The song was published by Philip Bliss (who composed the music) and Sankey in 1876—and here we are today, 148 years later, able to find great comfort through this song.

GODSIGHT How can we say, “It is well with my soul” when the storms of life are blowing; how can we say it … and mean it? In 2 Kings 4, we read that when the prophet Elisha came to Shunem, he would stay with this particular family at the in-

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sistence of the wife. She even had a special room built for him, so he would feel welcome in their home. She knew he was a man of God, and there was something about this woman that would have done anything for nearness to God. She was hospitable, giving, kind, and very persuasive; she went out of her way for others and had deep faith. She is described as a “great woman” meaning bold, prominent, insolent, mighty, noble, loud, or older. She was a woman who would not take “no” for an answer. One day, after so much kindness, Elisha asked her through his servant Gehazi, “What can I do for you? I am a friend of the King. Are there any favors you need from him?” She actually replied saying that she was “fine,” she was “content.” She did not ask for anything for herself. The servant told the prophet that “this woman has no son” and Scripture tells us that this had caused a deep ache in her heart. So Elisha promised her that she would have a son, to which she replied, “Do not lie to your maidservant.” Anyone who has struggled with infertility knows that this is not a topic someone should extend promises about—or casually encourage hope. But she did conceive, just as the prophet said. She bore a son. Yet later in the very same chapter, her son dies. It is such a sad and challenging story. But the Scrip-

that trusted in the love of God toward them no matter what. • It’s a trust that secures the soul to the finished work of Christ. • It’s a trust that secures the soul to praise over heaviness. • It’s a trust that vehemently believes that God works all things together for good. • It’s a trust that secures the soul to grace and not to works. To be able to stand and say, “It is well” in all things is not a flippant faith, it is actually faith that sees the faithfulness of God. It is a stubborn, relentless faith that will not let go of God’s promise for anything. Remember that God sees the beginning from the end; whereas, we often get caught in seeing the “immediate” of our situations.

HOLY BOUNDARIES

What I also noticed about this woman: she did not allow others to comment on her trouble as she clung to her faith in God. Not even her husband. She put the dead boy on the bed of the prophet and grabbed a donkey, told the servants not to slow down for anything; she stayed incredibly focused and put herself around faith. Being recently diagnosed with cancer, during this season in my life, I have intentionally put myself around faith. Not retreating, not get“How can we say, ‘It is well with ting mad at God, but being around faith!—having the my soul’ when the storms of life Word around and in me all the time. This causes thanksgivare blowing … and mean it?” ing—genuine thanksgiving— to continue to erupt truthfully tures that jumped out to me were the ones from my soul even on the hardest of days. where when asked, “Is all well with you, Call your small group, get them prayyour husband, your son?” the woman de- ing, get into God’s house—be around faith-building friends. Play songs of worclares, “It is well.” Wow! ship, even when you just don’t feel like it. BELIEVING BEYOND That’s the whole point. Sometimes you’ve When I think about Horatio Spafford, and just got to tell your soul what it needs. Peowhen I think about this woman, I think ple ask me all the time through this chalof an incredible faith. They expressed a lenge why I am not just resting at home. reliance, not just in God at work in the At home with my own thoughts!? Oh My! circumstance—remember, Spafford’s chil- I need to be around faith. I need to be in dren perished, the Shunamite woman’s worship with my church family. I need the son was saved—but they displayed a faith worship team to lead my soul in singing.

And just like the Shunamite woman, I am very disciplined about whom I spend time with, as I don’t have room for lots of vague comments or negativity. I need God’s Word and promise.

ANTICIPATING GOODNESS Three times the woman is asked, “Is it well?” And she answers, “It is well.” I praise God her son is brought back to life, and I praise God that my reports are all going well. But this woman, and Mr. Spafford were declaring “It is well” long before things were actually well. Thanksgiving in dark days is gutsy. Thanksgiving in valley seasons will actually give you strength. Remember, this is spiritual, not natural. The joy of the Lord is my strength. The greatest blessings are often, if not always, hidden under the darkest disguises. And so we ask, and keep on asking and thanking God all the while for his goodness. When you know that you are loved by God, you can trust him to do what he says he will do. And when people tell you that you need to be more real, answer the comment this way: “We will be honest, but the most real report we have is the Word of God.” We take our expectations up to the truth; we don’t take the truth down to our reality.

A SONG OF ASCENTS I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.… (Ps 121:1-2 NASB) A healthy soul, our mind, will, and emotions, firmly planted in the Word of God allows us to stand in 100 percent confidence to say (and know), “It is well.” With much, much love… Darlene Z W DARLENE ZSCHECH (darlenezschech.com) wrote the classic “Shout to the Lord” and has a new album and book both titled Revealing Jesus.

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LEADERSHIP

BY STEFANIE KELLY

A PRACTICAL PRESCRIPTION FOR PEACE THROUGH WORSHIP From distracted to delighted (in the land of the roller-coasting mind and the hula-hooping heart)

the hurricane of social media and reality TV, I am hardly convinced that Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram will bring many profound revelations into my life. In fact, the more I hear about the Kardashians, the more I know I’ll never keep up (and I’m sure the social-scoring Klout app would confirm this!). Between the Weather Channel and the Deadliest Catch, I am not “dreaming of a white Christmas” but rather a gigantic and terrifying Sharknado! (By the way, I have been meaning to delete my Myspace account since it’s so “throwback,” but Yipit is still “yelping” at me)!

PAIN AND CHAOS With an overabundance of distractions at every intersection, our cultural highway seems more like the land of the rollercoasting mind and the hula-hooping heart than one of delight and green pastures. Some days I feel like a puppet strangled by the strings of these not-so-leisurely e-pursuits. And on any given Sunday, all kidding aside, too often I see the Bride of Christ lonely, isolated, dejected, depressed, and wondering if this is all there is. The apostle Paul speaks about a “thorn in his flesh.” King Saul had a tormented spirit. Although they lived centuries before, they experienced the burden of carrying a heavy cross. Maybe they couldn’t hide behind avatar masks, but they too were stalked by their struggles, praying for a tiny seed of faith in a redemptive God.

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CATALYSTS FOR PEACE As worship and arts leaders (whether on or off the platform), we have the opportunity to bring peace into chaos. We do this practically by helping our creative leadership teams be their best, being intentional about knowing the strengths— and weaknesses—of our team, so they can be equipped to do their best. Whether it is re-harmonizing chords or programming lights to “dance,” introducing new songs or incorporating hymns, double-checking lyrics or ironing out the service flow, Colossians 3:17 says that everything we do should be done to glorify the name of Jesus with thanksgiving. When we are prepared and practiced, we will arrange songs in appropriate keys, send notes of encouragement (personally tuned and gathered in prayer), so our artists may know they are loved. We will distribute music early enough to give the least confident player ample time to “rehearse before rehearsal.” The how-to list of what makes a worship service effective could go on, but it begins with a commitment to honor this sacred calling with devotion to God and to the people we influence—so we as a team and church can display Christ beautifully.

CHRIST OVER FEAR When my nephew was paralyzed at 10-years-old, the Lord healed that sorrow through a song of praise. Creative Christian expression (anything about Jesus)

that turns my thoughts to thanksgiving has long been my anecdote to fear. When I hear a soaring melody over a lyric proclaiming God’s faithfulness, my spirits are lifted. The psalmist David knew this well, for it was his song that ultimately brought comfort to a troubled Saul. Pablo Picasso, considered one of the greatest artists of all time, said, “Give me a museum, and I’ll fill it.” Our churches are like museums filled with God’s works of art seated all around, created in his image, yet desperate for peace. If we fill our churches with the promise of new life, God redeems the empty promises of this life, and we can truly “ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name” (Ps 29:2). Back to the subject of social media— not all distractions are bad. While FarmersOnly.com and ChristianMingle claim to know “plenty of fish” in the sea, I must thank Neil Clark Warren for “matching” me with my husband! This was a delightful distraction—and perhaps someday you can Vimeo our eHarmony vlog! W STEFANIE KELLY is The Artist-in-Residence at College Avenue Baptist, San Diego. She is a graduate of Berklee College of Music with a degree in Contemporary Writing and Production, a solo artist, and a leading performer and producer of live and recorded contemporary music. She is regular member of the NWLC faculty, serving as both a worship and workshop leader. Find out more at stefaniekelly.com.

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LEADERSHIP

JOHN MARK

TABLE TALK:

MCMILLAN WITH ANDREA HUNTER

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WORSHIP LEADER: Your recent album Borderland was funded by Kickstarter? How did you arrive at the decision to go that route? JOHN MARK MCMILLAN: It just seemed to make sense with where I was. I wasn’t ready to pursue a long commitment with a record label and found the idea of making an album in community fascinating. I thought it would be really fun to work directly with the people I serve and not have to go through the process with a large organization. I’ve always felt like music belongs to a community and it made sense to work directly with them. WL “Future Past” is the most downloaded on iTunes from your recent album. Which songs (and why) are the most meaningful to you? JMM: Honestly each song on the new record is important to me for different reasons. I joke and say they are all my children. I can’t play favorites. But I have to say as a writer, I’m probably the most proud of songs like “Monsters Talk.” It’s insanely personal, every word works aesthetically, but at the same time it has a very conversational feel. “Holy Ghost” is probably the most personal song on the record. Sell our love for the paycheck or Spend the night on the freight deck For all the dues that we collect Our hearts can be overdrawn (From “Holy Ghost”) WL: Can you tell us about the personal atmosphere that fed Borderland? JMM: Prior to recording this album, I was depressed and I almost quit. I had no commitment to anyone and could easily work other jobs that I enjoyed. So for a week I’d basically made up my mind to walk away from the whole thing. I was bummed with the whole business of “church” and just didn’t know if I really believed in what I was doing anymore. I had some really good friends who talked me off the ledge, and I decided the best thing was to go back to work but with a healthier more mature approach. This time

around I decided to simply make whatever kind of album I wanted to make with no expectation whatsoever. I would just make sounds and write the songs that my ears wanted to hear. No rules, just totally whatever we felt excited about. It was invigorating. I remembered how much fun it was to make music with my friends and realized that my heart really wants to worship. I actually did love Jesus. It was life giving. You are my first You are my last You are my future and my past (From “Future/Past”) WL: How have your thoughts about God, worshiping God, the mission of God in the world and worship changed over the years? JMM: My views of God have changed quite a bit, though I think it’s been a good and natural progression. I’ve learned that God isn’t impressed or always interested in the things we think are great. I’m starting to understand that God doesn’t always view success the way we do. Even in the church world, it’s still a temptation to pursue the bigger, better, faster, and sexier things than to pursue Jesus in ways that doesn’t look “big time.” It’s seems like Jesus himself modeled something quite different. I see God as a person who is for people and not against them. I think he is someone who would choose friendship and relationship above a contractual obligation.

WL: Do you experience that friendship and a sense of collaborating with God when you write?

JMM: I think that all living should be collaboration with God. WL: Would you define your songwriting as a call from God? JMM: Songwriting, to me, seems to be more of a byproduct of a calling and not so much a calling itself—maybe the expression of a calling. WL: What does an average day/night of writing look like for you? JMM: It changes a lot, but the best time for me is in the morning before the issues of the day begin to distract me. If I check even one email, I’m usually sucked out of creative mode and sometimes I never get back. I try to spend the first three hours of the day writing. I’ll start by singing spontaneously for the first half hour with no intention at all. It can be serious or silly or anywhere in between. I create most of my

“What we treasure must be shared to be fully experienced. This makes music a place of fellowship.”

You hold the reigns on the sun and the moon Like horses driven by kings You cover the mountains, the valleys below With the breadth of your mighty wings All treasures of wisdom And things to be known Are hidden inside your hand And in this fortunate turn of events You ask me to be your friend (From “Future/Past”)

best ideas that way. Then I spend the next three hours trying to move several songs a little further down the field with short breaks. I never write a song in one sitting and I rarely work on only one song at a time. WL: What do you think Paul meant when he talked about “Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs?” How would you classify the songs you write? JMM: I think you could look at them as different categories if you wanted to, but I think the more important point of the statement is that we give ourselves permission to celebrate with one another with all types of song. Psalms are historical, hymns are written/rehearsed, and spiritual songs are created in the moment. They represent the whole spectrum of musical expression. I’d like to think I tap into a little of each.

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WL: Do you think music can be used to greater purpose in the context of a church service? JMM: Overall, I think people should consider their approach. I think that when people approach music as a means to an end, it tends to take on a disingenuous quality. If a song feels like a means of transferring a message rather than an overflow of your experience then it can feel a little plastic or fake. It could be beneficial for songwriters and worship pastors to consider a new posture when it comes to the expression of worship. I tend to think of worship as a destination. By this, I mean that I hope I view a musical expression of worship as what I’m doing, not a step to something else. I think we sell ourselves short when we approach music like it’s the icing on the cake and not part of the cake itself. I agree with C.S. Lewis when he says: I think we delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment; it is its appointed consummation. (Reflections on the Psalms, p 95) What we treasure must be shared to be fully experienced. This makes music a place of fellowship. We come together around a conversation we’re already having within ourselves and have fellowship in it. More important, we can have a similar conversation with God himself and have fellowship with him in it too. We can feel his heart, and hopefully he can feel ours. Isn’t this what fellowship really is? Thanksgiving dinner is not about the food but the one sitting across the table. I see worship as the act of connecting with the One (big “O”) across the table from us. If worship is fellowship with Jesus, and fellowship with Jesus is life, then I’m beginning to feel like worship isn’t just a path to the good life. In a sense, worship 26

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is the good life! The good life is a result of knowing Jesus, not just knowing about him. Music is one of the many ways we can explore a real time connection with the living person of Jesus. Obviously music is a small part of worship, and is, in no way, the fullness of knowing Jesus, but in as much as music can be worship, it can be, at least, a taste of the good life. Certainly there is a greater conversation to be had concerning life, salvation, and what it means to live the “more abundant life” within the kingdom that Jesus proclaimed is available now or “at hand.” But I guess what I’m trying to say here is that I think it can be tempting to view our music as little more than a utility when something so much greater is offered to us. How can we fix this problem? I don’t think there is a permanent “fix” as much as it’s something we will constantly need to tend to and cultivate. There will always be a temptation to default to convention and lose heart inside of the rhythms, routines, and rituals of church life. I think the key is to cultivate an atmosphere that honors authenticity and values freedom of expression. I think we need to give people ownership in the expression and not make them feel as though it’s something that has to be dictated to them. For example, why not write songs with the people in

the congregation? Why not let them speak into the corporate expression of their community? This may cost some of the slickness or “professionalism” but maybe that’s what needs to happen. WL: Do you feel that thinking of music as a dichotomy of “secular” or “sacred” helps or hurts Christian songwriting? JMM: I really don’t ever think about Christian songwriting, but for songwriting of any kind, I think it hurts. Separating portions of our lives into terms of sacred and common seems to be opposite of the Jesus Way. He found significance in the common world and especially in common people. As the Psalm says “the whole earth is full of his glory.” So why do we want to limit God only to specific sets of activities, days, or songs? Why can’t he be a part of every conversation? Isn’t it important that he be a part of our everyday lives? If so, why do we like to draw lines he hasn’t drawn? W

John Mark McMillan is a singer songwriter in the folk/roots tradition of Bob Dylan, John Prine, Nick Cave, Richard Fariña and Leonard Cohen. He writes songs about the things that are meaningful to him in words that both captivate and discomfit. His song, “How He Loves” is one of the most emotionally forceful, covered, and sung songs in the modern Church.

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LEADERSHIP

Leading a Conference Choir:

THE INS & OUTS WITH RAY JONES

WORSHIP LEADER: You led the NWLC Choir in all four locations this year. What is it like to bring 100 people from different congregations and different skill levels together to be a choir and to also provide backing vocals for artists such as Meredith Andrews? RAY JONES: The National Worship Leader Conference Choir has the wonderful privilege of helping a National artist lead a group of their peers in worship. This is such an exciting and joyous blessing to all that participate. It also gives a backstage view of how the conference runs from the inside. It is a totally enjoyable experience.

WL: Are there skill sets that choir members learn that can help with their home church choirs? RJ: The intent of the choir rehearsal is to give some rehearsal skills and some insight into choral sound in contemporary worship. Worship choirs are not like the church choirs of the past. They are more focused on getting the congregation engaged in the worship music. We also try to create a sense of the genuine value of choirs in general. I also try to do a little clinical work showing the difference between good and great choirs. Things like

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WL: What are the biggest challenges you face at NWLC that are different than you face as a church choir leader at CBC, and what challenges are exactly the same. RJ: The different challenges are really the fact that I do not know the choir members personally. I really try to meet and talk with the conference choir members individually before we start the rehearsal. Breaking the ice and getting a trust level

2015 WHAT YOU GET:

sensitivity to dynamics, rhythmically locking in with the band, and singing within the style or genre of music being used.

• 3 morning general sessions • 9 workshop times (70+ workshops) • 3 meals (lunch is provided) • 3 nights of worship (12+ worship leaders) • 30+ worship related exhibitors • And more!

LEADERSHIP

from them is the biggest challenge. I have been appointed the position of leader, but I really need them to trust me to take them “where the grow needs to go.” Also, it is somewhat challenging because we have to learn the music so quickly. At Community Bible Church (CBC) we would have worked on a song for several weeks before we sing it. The challenges that are the same are that we have to get the music learned, and we need to make the message of each song personal. We will not be effective just because we sing the right notes at the right time. The messages of these songs need to be burning in our spirits so that we bring our best offering of praise to the Lord. WL: What are the 5 things that you hope every conference choir member walks away with? RJ: 1. Encouragement to keep going. 2. Insight into how to be a better choir member or director. 3. Inspiration to be a better leader. 4. Renewed joy for what they do every week. 5. A revived spirit to know and love Jesus more. WL: Do you have a NWLC memory that’s especially meaningful? RJ: At our last conference in North Texas we lead worship with Tommy Walker. I had attended my Mom’s funeral just three days before the conference, and my heart was still very tender. Tommy stopped the worship concert and sang a song about heaven

just to encourage me and let me know how beautiful it must be for my Mom at the moment. I absolutely will never forget that moment. Tommy surprised me, but I stood there on the stage worshiping as if no one else was even in the room. As the tears flowed I could just feel the warmth of God’s arms wrap around me. It was amazing. I will just add that all the artists that I have worked with over the past two years as the conference choir director have been genuine and very appreciative of what the choir brought to the table as they led worship for the conference. WL: Since this is not just a choir but a worship choir, are there disciplines, skills, or understandings that go beyond the physical/vocal? RJ: Let me preface my answer by saying something I tell my choir at CBC. “Our music is about 10 percent talent and 90 percent passion for Jesus.” The worship choir is different because our focus is not the music; our focus is the subject of the music. We are not preparing songs; we are giving life using the tool of music. Our voices are not tuned to the songs we are singing; they are tuned by hearts of love for the Christ who gave his life for us. We are engaging in the eternal not in the entertainment of the saints. Yes, we need to present our music with excellence because we are singing for an eternal God who deserves our best offering of praise. W

Want to join this conference choir?

NWLC Choir is open to attendees at all 4 locations in 2015. Sign up at

nwlconf.com

RAY JONES has been in worship ministry for 45 years and since 1992 has been the pastor of worship ministries at Community Bible Church in San Antonio, Texas. With a worship ministry of over 1,600 volunteers, Ray has produced over 35 worship CDs and has published multiple volumes of worship music from his church. CBC is over 20,000 in attendance weekly and is seeking to touch the world with their music. He is the co- author of Will You Worship? book/study series.

KANSAS CITY, KS

2015

MAY 19-21,

JUNE 23-25,

SAN JOSE, CA

JULY 28-30,

2015

DALLAS, TX

SEP 30-OCT 2

2015

VISIT NWLCONF.COM OR CALL (949) 240-9339

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MUSIC

WORSHIP LEADER

VOCAL RESOURCES

he most important instrument on the platform on any given Sunday is still the voiceâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;your voice, and all the voices on your team. And even though there is certainly a time for making joyful noises, a clean clear singing voice with a little bit of training goes a long way towards ridding your worship leadership of distractions. Here are some of our favorite resources in the vocal training camp. Develop better harmonies, strengthen individual singers, find great warm-up practices, and more with these tools.

VIDEO

WEB

Musicademy

Sheri Gould

Worship Vocals Course Box Set, Volumes 1-4

PraiseVocals.com Designed to serve worship leaders, vocal directors, praise teams, and choirs, PraiseVocals produces vocal harmony rehearsal tracks of the melody, tenor, and alto parts of the most popular worship songs.

TheProSinger.com A subscription-based online vocal coaching service with that offers fast results taught by world-class vocal coach Suzanne Davis. The coaching happens via video, so this is a fairly low-cost alternative to inperson vocal coaching.

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The trusted UK music college, Musicademy has produced a set of vocal-teaching DVDs specifically for people involved in worship. Learn professional techniques for breathing, projection, and control, harmony skills, and spontaneous singing all built around well-known worship songs.

Paul Baloche

Worship Vocal Workshop On this live DVD, Paul and three seasoned vocalists provide over two hours of instruction, both discussing and demonstrating techniques that will improve your confidence when singing solo or as a background vocalist on your worship team.

Sheri Gould provides eight DVDs specific to vocal training. Titles include For Women Only, Harmony and Improv, The Ultimate Vocalist, Developing Style & Creating an Effective Vocal Routine, Warm-up/Work-out!, How to Be an Effective Background Vocalist, Basic Vocal Technique, and Mics and Monitors for Vocalists. She is a staple in the worship vocal realms, and in addition to the DVDs you can book her in person for various training sessions.

Singing Success Designed to be the ultimate vocal training program, Singing Success includes 12 CDs, a DVD tutorial, and a 16-page instructional workbook. Professional singing coach Brett Manning takes singers of any skill level through a complete, step-by-step vocal training course. This course is not designed for church singers, but the quality of the course will work for anyone who is looking for greater vocal success.

MUSIC

Third Culture Worship leading at the National Worship Leader Conference 2014 in San Jose, California. © LuvLyfe Photogprahy

LIVE TRAINING

MULTIPLE RESOURCES

WorshipVoice

Vocal Artistry

Scott and Vonda Dyer

Tim Carson

WorshipVoice is a master vocal skills and essential ministry values workshop. Brought directly to you and your area of church, it is designed for any singer or worship leader who desires to take their vocal ministry to a higher level. This unique program is packed with inspirational teaching on worship values, vocal skill training, and technique development for any level.

Vocal Artistry Tour Events are a 7-hour experience for anyone who wants to unleash vocal potential, from soloists and recording artists to the casual “shower” singer.

BOOK/CD The Contemporary Singer: Elements of Vocal Technique (Berklee Guide) Anne Peckham Berklee Press

The second edition of this bestselling, comprehensive guide contains improved vocal workouts and additional topics, including performance anxiety and healthy singing. The companion CD makes this guide an ideal tool for creating a singing course for students of almost any age or gender, who can practice technique along with lead sheets for such standard vocal pieces as “Yesterday” and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.” Topics covered include getting started, posture, belting and diction, maintaining vocal health, microphone technique, and much more.

Dr. Dan’s Voice Essentials Dr. Dan’s Voice Essentials contains singing exercises compiled specifically for the contemporary vocalist. Based on the latest understandings of the human voice these technical exercises will help prepare you for the rigors of contemporary singing.

Essential Vocals Warm-up, Advanced Vocals Workout, and Vocals Workout (one for guys and one for girls) Musicademy

Musicademy’s warm-ups include options for 5, 10, and 15-minute exercises, demonstrated by a vocal coach and then played on the piano. Great for getting your voice ready on your drive to rehearsal or to church on Sunday. The vocal workouts include exercises to develop your technique and take your voice to a higher level. All of these are available as CDs or as digital downloads.

Vocal Aristry Training Series CDs build on the tour fundamentals, helping singers alleviate tension and build strength in their vocal registers. Studio Classes are a monthly class where Tim offers individualized training in a safe, fun and encouraging class setting. Tim offers private, individual lessons at his studio in downtown Seattle. Long Distance Lessons are offered to singers anywhere around the world, who are looking for individual instruction with Tim.

Singers’ Resource Kris Dunlap

Vocal Blog: Designed to help singers use their voices more effectively and step out in confidence in whatever place (as a soloist or as part of a group) that God has called them to sing. Vocal Workshops: Encourage and energize your worship singer team, support vocalists, choir, ensemble, and/or students with a vocal workshop or clinic. Kris will work directly with you to create a teaching session suited for your group’s needs and abilities. Vocal Warm-ups CD: Many vocalists recognize that it would be beneficial to warmup their voice properly but don’t have the piano skills or other tools to help them. This CD was produced to give singers of all abilities a way to effectively and gently warm-up their voice.

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MUSIC BY PAUL BALOCHE

BRINGING EUCHARIST TO DAILY LIFE

first experience with The Eucharist was as a boy growing up outside of Philadelphia in a sincere Catholic home in South Jersey. My parents were faithful and devout in their commitment to the Church. Besides attending mass regularly each Sunday and on “holy days of obligation,” they volunteered on various committees and befriended many of the priests and nuns. They would often host a “home mass” where friends were invited and a local priest would come and conduct the ceremony in our living room. It must have made quite an impression on me because I can recall my first grade friends and I conducting masses in our basement. We would take turns putting on an oversized robe—probably my father’s—and using Ritz crackers and Kool-Aid, we would say the words out loud, holding up “the host” and pronouncing, “Through Him, with Him, in Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor are yours Almighty God forever and ever.” Then we would proceed to emulate the ceremony that we were so familiar with by partaking of the elements.

FEAR AND TREMBLING It wasn’t long before I had the chance to become an altar boy. How exciting to be a part of this sacred moment each week by putting on the vestments, learning the processionals, prayers, and of course, ringing the bells at the appropriate time. The ringing of bells occurred when the Priest would hold up the host and chalice and declare “This is my body which has been given up for you” (ding). “This is the cup of my blood. The blood of the new and everlasting covenant. It has been shed for you and for all so that sins may be forgiven. Do this in remembrance of me” (ding) (1 Cor 11:23-25). 32

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What I recall most is a deep sense of reverence. Mystery. Awe. And a fear that if I sneezed or coughed at the wrong time I would be severely embarrassed. But even when I remember that fear, I realize that I was aware of something profound taking place, regardless of my understanding or belief in transubstantiation versus symbolism. The smell of incense in the air, the candles’ magnetic light, evocative symbols, the sound of Scripture and songs reverberating off of the marble, granite, wooden pews, and high ceilings—even the families dressed in their most respectful “Sunday best”—all of it inspired my heart and mind to wonder, ponder, and reflect on the possibility of a real God who was with us in the moment.

AN ORDINARY APPROACH Like many teenagers, I wandered away from the Lord toward the end of my high school years and found myself caught in the web of my wrong choices and their consequences, leading inevitably to disillusionment and despair. Thankfully I ran across some kids my age who talked about Jesus as though he were present—real. Little by little my heart grew hungry for the same kind of life and experiences they spoke about, ultimately leading me to a genuine bornagain encounter with God. There was no denying the reality of Christ as I called on him to be my Lord and Savior. My newfound faith led me to and through many different Protestant expressions of worship. Communion was quite different than what I experienced as a child, and for the most part, the services were conducted in a much less-formal way. It felt casual, relational, and intimate. The church in Texas where I serve as worship pastor celebrates the Lord’s Supper by offering several “stations” where

members of the congregation can stand in line, receive communion as individuals, as couples, or as family groups, and be prayed for by those who are dispensing the elements. I like the relational, prayerful aspect attached to the moment. It’s precious to see families receive communion together and be prayed over by another family.

BREAKING BREAD I must admit that there are times when I’ve been with my family or close friends enjoying a good meal and the thought hits me: “This is communion.” “This is what Jesus meant when he said, “As often as you eat and drink, do so in remembrance of me.” For some, that may sound heretical. But perhaps each of the experiences I’ve mentioned qualify as an expression of communion: whether we eat Jesus’ body and drink his blood (as he said in John 6:53-54) in the more formal Eucharist or gather with those we love, welcoming Christ into the sacrament of the ordinary—into the simple joy of friendship and community. Though that ritual may not be accompanied by bells and wafting clouds of incense, there is nonetheless an invitation to commune with Christ at the table as we break bread, drink wine, and celebrate the life we have with each other through Him, with Him, in Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit. Jesus indeed makes the everyday extraordinary. All glory and honor are his forever and ever. W

PAUL BALOCHE (leadworship.com, @paulbaloche) has written songs such as “Open the Eyes of My Heart,” and most recently released Live.

F R N EW IS E SU E

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Worship Sound Pro features the latest and most essential music equipment and technology for today’s houses of worship.

Sweetwater-exclusive interview: The Digital Age

Former David Crowder Band members talk with us about their new sound, their approach to recording and performing, and the gear they use to share their musical message.

Essential Guides for You and Your Volunteers

In-depth, down-to-earth articles help volunteers, pastors, and worship leaders understand the ins and outs of the latest in worship sound technology.

THE

DIGITAL AGE

In January of 2012, the David Crowder Band ended their 12-year run as one of the Christian music industry’s most successful groups. Former DCB guitarists Mark Waldrop and Jack Parker, drummer B-Wack, and bassist Mike D went on to start a new musical venture called The Digital Age. Their debut album, Evening : Morning, was released to rave reviews in 2013. Recently, Sweetwater’s Jeff Barnett caught up with Mark Waldrop.

Can you give us a little history and recap what has happened since the last David Crowder Band show? For those who don’t know what the David Crowder Band was, we started as a little worship team from University Baptist Church (UBC) in Waco, TX, a church that David Crowder founded with Chris Seay in the mid-’90s. We toured for about 12 years. Then in 2010, David transitioned from Waco to Atlanta, and the rest of us really wanted to stay in Waco and stay involved with UBC. So The Digital Age is essentially that. We’re still involved with UBC, and we’re still writing the same genre of music: upbeat, programming-heavy “fun worship,” as we call it. The Digital Age has been a band for a little over two years, which is crazy to say because it still seems so new. We released a live EP called Rehearsals in 2012. We were just rehearsing for church, tracked it, and released it as an EP. And in 2013, we put out a record called Evening : Morning and followed that with a fall tour. Evening : Morning doesn’t sound like just another DCB album, though. Can you describe the sound of The Digital Age? When you’re in a band and have an established sound and way of doing things, then you start a new band, you get to pick and choose what you liked about what you’ve been doing. But you also have a really natural moment to question what you want to do differently. With The Digital Age, we’re still writing songs for the same congregation. UBC is about 70% college students, so we tend to sound like what college kids are listening to. We keep a close pulse on that.

The Digital Age’s latest album, Evening : Morning,, is available now. To find out more, go to thedigitalagemusic.com!

David led from an acoustic guitar, and he would be a hard person to replace. One of the very first things we all agreed on was that we shouldn’t attempt to replace him. I usually play an electric, so now I’m leading on electric, and that fundamentally changes the sound of things.

You mentioned your studio in Waco. What made you decide to open a studio? When David moved to Atlanta, we effectively lost our recording and rehearsal space. We found this place in downtown Waco that was an old dirty boxing gym, and we built a studio in it. We spent three months renovating it. The boxing ring was where our control room is now. It was designed by B-Wack, and it’s been really great for us.

We’re very programming-heavy, and we use a lot of synths onstage. We’re multitasking a lot more, too. As for what we sound like, that changes from one song to the next. All of us listen to different genres of music, so, “What do we want this to sound like?” is a conversation we have with every song. We don’t like to be the same on every song and on every album, so the sound of The Digital Age from album 1 to album 2 could be completely different.

We practice and rehearse there, and we also have bands come in and we record them. It’s an extension of our ministry. It’s been great for us to be able to help new worship bands.

Walk me through your creative process in the studio. We all have our own mini Pro Tools studios at home, and we track these ideas as they come. Sometimes they’re full songs, sometimes just pieces. When we each have a handful of ideas, we all get together in our studio. All of these ideas start coming together, and we start to figure out how we are playing things as a band. We’ll either sit around the computer and start programming it out or head into the tracking room and start recording live parts. We all write, but we realize not all of us have the same strengths. I think one of our collective strengths is that we keep a really loose attachment to our ideas, and we see that they are all just pieces to a larger puzzle.

You still lead worship at UBC? We’re still very involved at UBC. When we were in the construction phase on our studio, we took a break from leading and just went to church without leading worship for the first time in a decade. Those three months were amazing; it was something we took for granted, and we didn’t realize how important it was. Now, we’re one of several worship bands at UBC. Our goal is to play there around once a month, depending on our tour schedule. What gear do you use in your studio? We are running Pro Tools HDX in our main control room. We use a lot of API preamps and the PreSonus ADL600. We use an LA2A compressor and a lot of gear that B-Wack made himself. Our main vocal mic is the Blue Bottle — so much character and so easy to change sound. For guitars, we use a mix of Shure SM57, Sennheiser e906, and Royer R121 mics. For bass, we use the Shure SM7B microphone. On drums, we mostly use the same Sennheiser Evolution series dynamic mics that we use live. We use a Yamaha SubKick on kick drum, and a Sennheiser MD421 on snare. We’re really into soft synths. We use Native Instruments Komplete. We also use Native Instruments Maschine heavily for programming. We lean a lot on Spectrasonics’ Omnisphere for pads. We use Reason a lot for piano sounds and sequencing. We also have a lot of vintage synths. How do you translate an album like Evening : Morning to something that works live? A lot of it is decisions made in production. We use a lot of loops live, but one of our rules is that we never put anything in the loops that can be played live — no vocals or guitar parts. That makes it more challenging in a live setting. So when we record, we have to be very intentional with things like guitar parts and not put anything on the record that we can’t re-create live. What software do you use onstage? Ableton Live. On Mike D’s keyboard rig, he runs Live and Reason. He has a slew of Korg Nanokeys in addition to an M-Audio MIDI controller, and some of the keys are assigned to things such as mutes and changing different values instead of triggering notes. We also run some vocals through Live for effects. What kinds of technical challenges do you see worship leaders facing today? For us, the coolest thing you can do is create your own loops. I think when a lot of people see something that is loop heavy, they think that it doesn’t fit into the way they do music. Or they think they can’t do the songs because they don’t have the technical know-how to pull it off. It’s possible to do it. You can get a copy of Ableton Live and a MIDI controller for next to nothing and make incredible sounds with it. It’s been really cool for us to travel around and see these churches start to learn and incorporate the technical stuff into the church services. We love it when churches take one of our songs, create their own loops for it, and make it their own.

blisskatherine.com

You guys have had a very long relationship with Sweetwater. Why is that? Relationship says it all. We love that if we have questions about gear, we can call and ask. We love that if there is something that piques your interest, we’ll get a phone call to tell us about it. The prices are always competitive, and as far as customer service goes, it’s always great. If anything is ever wrong, it’s always taken care of quickly. We travel a lot. If something isn’t working, getting a replacement quickly and easily is really important. It’s great to be able to get things fixed or questions answered without hassle. We really love the personalized nature of what Sweetwater does. You’re always great about asking what we need the gear to do. Even with a band like us, it’s so good to have somebody showing us how the gear we use can help us be better at doing what we do.

Photos by: Bliss Katherine

You can find out more about The Digital Age at thedigitalagemusic.com.

Freelance live sound engineer

Daniel Ellis

FOH engineer for The Digital Age How long have you been working with The Digital Age? The first tour I did with them was as the David Crowder Band, during the Remedy Club tour in 2007. I was with DCB for five years. Then, when they started The Digital Age, I mixed their very first show and I did their first tour, as well. What gear do you use with them onstage? We use mostly Sennheiser mics, on just about everything. Mostly the Evolution series. One thing I don’t think I’ve seen anybody else do is that we use a Sennheiser MD441 on B-Wack’s snare. It works great and gives us a fatter sound than other mics I’ve tried. On vocals, Mark and Jack both use a TC-Helicon VoiceLive Touch to add reverb and delay to their voices before they ever get to me. That’s cool; it makes my job easier. At front of house, I run a Behringer X32. We use the S16 digital snake system, as well. That console is amazing. It’s so small and light — I can set it up by myself if I need to. When we started the tour, I was thinking, “There has got to be a reason this thing is so inexpensive, and I’m going to find out why.” I still don’t know why. It’s a great console. I love it. The guys use Sennheiser 300 series in-ear monitors, and they mix them themselves using Behringer’s X32-Q app for iPhone. That’s been amazing. It’s so much easier to not have to worry about doing FOH and monitors at the same time, and we don’t have to have a monitor engineer.

NEW

FREE ISSUE!

Are there any unique challenges working with The Digital Age? Since they run all those effects on the stage, what I get is a wet vocal. When we started out, sometimes it was way too wet, and we didn’t really have enough clarity in the FOH mix in the vocals. So we had to work on getting those reverb levels down and make sure that they trusted me to add more reverb at the console if it was needed. You and The Digital Age have been very loyal Sweetwater customers for years. Why is that? Because of the relationship. Because of you! Seriously, it’s because of you. We don’t just call a 1-800 number and get some random guy; we get the same guy. And the candy. You send candy with everything we buy. I never share it.

From left to right: BWack, Mike D, Mark Waldrop, and Jack Parker

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RELIEF FOR THE BURNED OUT WORSHIP LEADER In order to avoid the all-too-common worship burnout, worship leaders can remember that all the “work of worship” has been finished in Jesus Christ.

can’t tell you how many worship leaders I’ve talked to in the last year who are burned out. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve cycled through seasons of exhaustion and despair, myself. Maybe it’s a very specific burden you feel about yourself, your church, or the world. Or maybe it’s just an indefinable feeling of weight on your shoulders that you just can’t shake off. You’re heading toward burnout, or worse, you’re already there.

POTENTIALLY FATAL Augustine used a funny little phrase to describe the human condition—incurvatus in se, or, “curved in on itself.” We’re all inclined to be self-obsessed, self-absorbed, and self-focused. We’re navel-gazers, ever bent in on ourselves. This is what Tolkien captured in the character of Gollum: a degenerated hobbit who, after years of being fixated on his “precious,” could no longer stand up straight. The human being’s propensity to hyper-introspect is ultimately deadly, because, as the Bible tells us, we can find no hope within us (Rom 3:1-20). 34

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And just in case we think this is only a problem for those who don’t follow Jesus, we need to realize that this incurvature affects us, too. We worship leaders sometimes experience this “spiritual scoliosis” because our worship songs drive us down and in to ourselves rather than up and out to Jesus. Lyrics that lead us to glory in our own triumph (“Jesus, I’m living for you,” “God, I’m giving it all to you,” “Lord, I’m surrendering all for you”), coupled with a spirituality that’s always asking “How am I doing in my walk with the Lord?” can have the adverse effect of de-forming us into spiritual hunchbacks. If you’re a worship leader who feels burned out and exhausted in your faith, you may be suffering from incurvatus in se. The Scriptures provide one antidote. We find it in places like Colossians 3:16-17 (NIV): Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns and songs

from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. When we read this, there may be a temptation to hear it as yet another thing that I must do to find freedom, rest, and wholeness in worship and in all of life. We might think that this passage is telling us that if we just glorify God and give thanks to him, we’ll find what we’ve been looking for. But did you notice the “curve” of that thought? Inward, on me and what I do. There must be something more. We need to unpack what it means to sing and give thanks in Christ.

SINGING “IN” JESUS The great spiritual giant, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, made a mind-blowing observation about the Church’s only flawless collection of worship songs, the Psalms, when he said, “The Psalter is the prayer

MUSIC

book of Jesus Christ in the truest sense of the word ... [in it] we encounter the praying Christ.”1 Bonhoeffer is hitting over the fence the very pitch that Paul threw the Colossians. Paul’s encouragement is bookended by Jesus: “Let the message of Christ dwell among you … giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Our songs and prayers in worship only rise to God in and through Christ. They’re therefore not just songs sung to Jesus, but through Jesus. As the body of Christ, our very worship is gathered in and sung out of the mouth of our Head. This kind of worship—worship centered on Jesus’ worship of God for us rather than our worship for Jesus—is the life-giving opposite of the deadly disease of incurvatus in se. Instead of focusing down and in on my worship (How am I doing? Am I giving my all?), it looks up and out at Jesus’ finished work in his life and death (What has Jesus done? He has done it all!). Sometimes, in our discussions of “the gospel,” we too narrowly define it as “the forgiveness of sins,” forgetting that we not only need a clean slate but a positive righteousness. Jesus came not only to pay the penalty of our sin; he came to earn for us a positive record of righteousness—and his righteous living includes his worship. Jesus was really the only Worship Leader who could sing with 100 percent authenticity, “I’m giving it all away, Lord; I surrender all to you, Father.” When the Psalmist sings, LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy mountain? Psalm 15:1 Jesus’ answer is, “Only me.” And this is wonderful, relieving news for bent-in, burned-out, train-wrecked worship leaders like you and me. We don’t need to pull it off. Someone has already done the heavy lifting of worship. When we get this— when we truly get this—our worship is no longer praise out of effort, but thanksgiving out of response.

LIFT OFF And this is something that we can experience in real time, in the moment of wor-

Someone has already done the heavy lifting of worship. When we get this—when we truly get this—our worship is no longer praise out of effort, but thanksgiving out of response. ship. When our songs, prayers, readings, giving, preaching, and receiving of the Lord’s Supper are all done with a view up and out to Christ, we are in that moment caught up in his worship. This is what it means to worship “in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” What does this all mean for our worship leading and planning? First, we’re relieved of the burden of having it all together, of constantly evaluating, “Was I good enough? Did I lead people well enough? Am I worthy to be doing this?” We can freely answer “No, no, and no,” but with a smile on our face in all assurance say, “But Jesus is our Worship Leader, and everything finds its ‘yes’ in him!” (2 Cor 1:20). Second, we can plan our services to tell the story of the gospel of Jesus rather than our story. At the beginning of a service, we can do more than simply welcome people. We can read a call to worship excerpted from a Psalm to remind people that worship is about God’s first word, not ours. We can downplay the songs that showcase our surrender, our sacrifice, our worship, and we can upsell the merits of Christ’s life and death. We can find moments in our worship sets to cry out to God, “I’m a sinner and I need you!”—to come clean about our rebellion (this is what ancient worshipers called “Confession of Sin”). We can think of creative ways to allow the experiential, musical, and emotional climaxes of the service peak with the cathartic news, in the words of the old hymn: Bearing shame and scoffing rude In my place, condemned he stood Sealed my pardon with his blood Hallelujah! What a Savior! And that’s really it, isn’t it? We want our people walking away from worship not

saying, “What a great worship band!” or “What a great preacher!” We want them exclaiming, through tears, “What a Savior!” And when this happens for us and our people, the chains fall off, the burden is lifted, and true freedom begins. W [1] Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together (New York: Harper & Row, 1954), 46.

GREAT SONGS THAT HELP US LOOK UP AND OUT For confession:

• “I Shall Not Want” (Audrey Assad) • “Lord, I Need You” (Matt Maher) • “We Confess” (Glenn Packiam)

For the center-point of worship / Communion:

• “Come as You Are” (Crowder / Passion) • “Grace so Glorious” (Elevation Worship) • “His Be the Victor’s Name” (Zac Hicks & Coral Ridge Worship, on Song Discovery 118) • “Mystery” (Charlie Hall / Passion)

ZAC HICKS is Pastor of Worship at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. He blogs regularly about worship at zachicks.com and liberate.org. His latest EP, His Be the Victor’s Name, is a gospel-oriented worship album with title track featured on Song Discovery. S E P T E M B E R /OC T OB E R 2 0 1 4

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worshipleader's

HIGHER LEARNING IT

guide 2014

should be no surprise that we at Worship Leader magazine are very excited about the many learning opportunities available in various schools and universities. We are passionate about the fact that the best leaders are always learning, and getting a degree or graduate degree is a perfect way to practically commit to a lifetime of learning. What follows is a listing of some of the best options available for programs that focus on worship and worship leadership.

BIOLA UNIVERSITY La Mirada, California

JUDSON UNIVERSITY Elgin, Illinois

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY Waco, Texas

LANCASTER BIBLE COLLEGE Lancaster, Pennsylvania

CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY Cedarville, Ohio

LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY Longview, Texas

CHARLESTON SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY Charleston, South Carolina

LINCOLN CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY Lincoln, Illinois

56 42

DALLAS BAPTIST UNIVERSITY Dallas, Texas

LIBERTY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MUSIC: CENTER FOR MUSIC AND WORSHIP Lynchburg, Virginia

GORDON-CONWELL THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Multi-campus

NORTH CENTRAL UNIVERSITY Minneapolis, Minnesota

GRACE BIBLE COLLEGE Grand Rapids, Michigan

NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY Chicago, Illinois

HILLSONG INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP COLLEGE Sydney, Australia

ROBERT E. WEBBER INSTITUTE FOR WORSHIP STUDIES (IWS) Orange Park, Florida

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THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Louisville, Kentucky

SOUTHWESTERN BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Fort Worth, Texas

UNIVERSITY OF NORTHWESTERN – ST. PAUL St. Paul, Minnesota

THE KING’S UNIVERSITY Southlake, TX (main campus)

TREVECCA NAZARENE UNIVERSITY Nashville, Tennessee

VALLEY FORGE CHRISTIAN COLLEGE Phoenixville, Pennsylvania

WEST COAST BIBLE COLLEGE & SEMINARY 100% online

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Biola University La Mirada, California

PROGRAMS: Undergrad STUDENT TO TEACHER RATIO: 16:1 DENOMINATION: non-denominational NEXT APPLICATION DEADLINE? 2/1/15 SCHOOL SIZE:

Total university enrollment: 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. ADMISSIONS/REGISTRATION:

562.903.4892 TUITION: $33,322 (per year).

No application fee. WEBSITE: biola.edu/musicinworship

HOW IS YOUR SCHOOL DISTINCTIVE? Biola University Music in Worship majors study with top musicians and biblical scholars in Los Angeles and Southern California. The Bachelor of Science degree in Music in Worship emphasizes musicianship, spiritual formation, and Biblical training from highly experienced and dedicated faculty all near Los Angeles, one of the world's most unique cultural centers. WHAT OTHER ORGANIZATIONS/OPPORTUNITIES CAN STUDENTS GET INVOLVED IN? Well-known worship leaders and music industry professionals offer weekly seminars covering many topics of interest to worship majors. On-campus worship bands, tour-

BIOLA UNIVERSITY CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC APPLICATION DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 1

ing, and recording opportunities are all available to Biola Music in Worship majors as a result of Biolaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vast network of partnerships and highly experienced faculty. In addition, a wide range of internships are available to Biola students in a variety of settings, giving students real-world experience before graduation. HOW DOES YOUR SCHOOL AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID? Biola University offers financial aid including academic and need-based scholarships and grants. In addition, the Conservatory of Music offers merit-based scholarships upon audition and acceptance to the Conservatory.

MUSIC IN WORSHIP PROGRAM B.S. Degree in Music in Worship Music in Worship Minor

Refine your craft. Strengthen your character. Invest in your community.

Listen to our latest release King of All on Spotify, iTunes, Google play and CD Baby

La Mirada, CA | 562-903-4892 music@biola.edu | www.biola.edu/music S E P T E M B E R /OC T OB E R 2 0 1 4

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Baylor University Waco, Texas

PROGRAMS: Undergrad, masters,

doctoral STUDENT TO TEACHER RATIO: 15:1 DENOMINATION: Baptist General

Convention of Texas NEXT APPLICATION DEADLINE?

Early Action (non-binding): Nov. 1 Regular admission: Feb. 1 SCHOOL SIZE: 15,616 MUSIC/WORSHIP PROGRAM SIZE:

Approx. 400 music majors, over 60 church music and worship students ADMISSIONS/REGISTRATION:

254.710.7681 TUITION: Estimated $27,080, which

includes a tuition rate of $17,240 and other general student fees. These costs are reduced by automatic scholarships and financial aid. WEBSITE: baylor.edu/ccms

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HOW IS YOUR SCHOOL DISTINCTIVE? Nowhere but Baylor can you study Church music and worship within a nationally ranked school of music, root for NCAA Division I national champions, and interact with a student population of over 15,000. Baylor graduates anchor worship ministries in some of the world’s most significant congregations. They also garner Dove Awards, write some of the Church’s most lauded songs, and perform with some of the world’s most prestigious symphonies and on the most esteemed opera stages. Yet, at Baylor you will receive personal attention from over 60 fulltime music faculty members including a teacher for every instrument and voice part, as well as from celebrated Church music practitioners and scholars. With a Church music and worship studies community of more than 60, students regularly lead in worship and use their skills as leaders in local congregations. While deeply rooted in tradition, Baylor offers an atmosphere of innovation and imagination. Valuing what you bring to the table, Baylor provides stimulus for growth, motivation for reflection and formation, and opportunities for interaction with all the world’s people. Intentionally not a cookiecutter environment, Baylor launches you to discover the minister that God is calling you to be. At Baylor you can develop world-class skills and a God-sized heart.

WHAT OTHER ORGANIZATIONS/OPPORTUNITIES CAN STUDENTS GET INVOLVED IN? At Baylor, you can choose from over 270 student organizations, as well as several study-abroad opportunities and mission trips. Specifically, building on long-term relationships in Kenya and Malaysia, each year Baylor sends a music and missions team to a different part of the world to share music, lead in worship, and teach in cross-cultural settings. In addition to the student organizations, students can choose participation from Baylor’s seven choirs, three wind ensembles, a jazz ensemble, the Golden Wave Marching Band, two orchestras, an early music ensemble, and a handbell ensemble, among others. HOW DOES YOUR SCHOOL AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID? Music Merit Scholarships are awarded through your audition for the School of Music. Outstanding students will be selected to receive music scholarships on the basis of their performance ability and the programmatic needs of the School of Music. Qualifying students are also awarded automatic academic scholarships based on ACT scores, SAT scores, and class rank. If you are interested in financial aid, visit baylor.edu/ admissions/finaid to learn more about how to apply.

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Christian Music Studies

B U I L D I N G BRI DG E S, NURTURING THE SO UL

For more information on our undergraduate, master and doctoral church music degrees, visit

www.baylor.edu/ccms S E P T E M B E R /OC T OB E R 2 0 1 4

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Cedarville University Cedarville, Ohio

PROGRAMS: Undergrad STUDENT TO TEACHER RATIO: 16:1 DENOMINATION: Baptist NEXT APPLICATION DEADLINE? 5/1/15 SCHOOL SIZE: 3,400 MUSIC/WORSHIP PROGRAM SIZE:

63 worship students/85 music students ADMISSIONS/REGISTRATION:

800.233.2784 TUITION: $26,420 for tuition and fees WEBSITE: cedarville.edu/worship

HOW IS YOUR SCHOOL DISTINCTIVE? Cedarville University is a Christ-centered learning community equipping students for lifelong leadership and service through an education marked by excellence and grounded in biblical truth. We are known for: Unwavering commitment to the inerrancy and authority of Scripture; a Creationist approach to scientific research and study; required Bible minor as part of all academic programs; daily chapels with relevant biblical teaching and authentic praise; discipleship groups that provide opportunities for Bible study, mentoring, accountability, prayer, and open discussion; and missions and study-abroad opportunities that reach nearly every corner of the world. WHAT OTHER ORGANIZATIONS/OPPORTUNITIES CAN STUDENTS GET INVOLVED IN? There are hundreds of ways to get involved: social and service organizations, student

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government, intramural sports, music ensembles, ministry teams, and more; over 60 ministry teams serving in area churches, schools, social agencies, inner-city outreaches, and community programs; touring music teams that minister in churches, schools, and camps across the nation; and Chapel bands, worship department bands, and musical ensembles (choirs, symphonic band, and orchestra). HOW DOES YOUR SCHOOL AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID? Scholarships, grants and other financial aid are awarded based on academic test scores (SAT or ACT), along with needbased awards. The worship and music programs have awards that are talentbased awards that are stackable awards on top of any merit scholarships. There are also scholarships for those whose parents are in fulltime ministry.

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Charleston Southern University Charleston, South Carolina

PROGRAMS: Undergrad, graduate, online STUDENT TO TEACHER RATIO: 16:1

skills learned in the program culminate with a senior year internship and worshipfocused performance project.

DENOMINATION: Southern Baptist NEXT APPLICATION DEADLINE? Applica-

tions accepted anytime for Fall 2015 SCHOOL SIZE: 3,300 MUSIC/WORSHIP PROGRAM SIZE: 25 ADMISSIONS: 843-863-7050 or 800-947-7474, charlestonsouthern.edu/admissions TUITION:

$22,800 tuition, undergraduate full time, $9,000 room & board, 95% receive financial aid WEBSITE: charlestonsouthern.edu

HOW IS YOUR SCHOOL DISTINCTIVE? Founded in 1964, Charleston Southern University is located near historic Charleston, South Carolina and the beautiful beaches of the South Carolina coastline. Charleston Southern is a Christian liberal arts university and is one of South Carolinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest accredited, independent universities. The Horton School of Music prepares students for careers as professional musicians, educators, worship leaders, and music therapists. The Music and Worship Leadership degree, first offered in 2010, equips future worship leaders to meet modern career expectations and current trends, while preparing them to handle future changes. Music and ministry

WHAT OTHER ORGANIZATIONS/OPPORTUNITIES CAN STUDENTS GET INVOLVED IN? Beyond the classroom, students participate in a variety of campus activities including academic clubs, community service, intramural athletics and campus ministries. Worship Leadership students often find places to share their talents in local churches. HOW DOES YOUR SCHOOL AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID? Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and financial need. Auditions are held each spring on scheduled days and by appointment for performance-based music scholarships.

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Dallas Baptist University Dallas, Texas

PROGRAMS: Undergrad, masters,

doctoral, certificate, online STUDENT TO TEACHER RATIO: 15:1 DENOMINATION: Baptist NEXT APPLICATION DEADLINE?

Rolling admission SCHOOL SIZE: 5,422 MUSIC/WORSHIP PROGRAM SIZE:

118 students (44 graduate, 74 undergraduate) ADMISSIONS/REGISTRATION:

800.460.1328 TUITION:

Undergraduate Tuition: $775/credit hour Graduate Tuition: $785/credit hour Online Graduate Tuition: $805/credit hour Fees: $200 per semester WEBSITE: dbu.edu

HOW IS YOUR SCHOOL DISTINCTIVE? Dallas Baptist University offers Christ-centered worship leadership programs that engage undergraduate and graduate students in a holistic study of Christian worship and prepare them for lifelong servant leadership. These unique programs ground students in the truths of Christian worship not only by providing a sound theological foundation but also by teaching the practical and artistic skills needed to effectively lead today’s Church in corporate and personal worship. The Graduate School of Ministry at Dallas Baptist University offers master’s degree programs in worship leadership with flexible scheduling and online, hybrid, and/or evening classes for all students, especially working professionals. Some degrees are also available completely online. All DBU worship leadership students have access to world-class performing and recording venues, including a state-of-the42

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art media studio suite designed by worldrenowned acoustic designer, Russ Berger of Russ Berger Design Group. DBU’s comprehensive approach to worship leadership education and first-rate facilities provides what Berger deems a “working knowledge of the entire music-making process from concept, to creation, to delivery.” WHAT OTHER ORGANIZATIONS/OPPORTUNITIES CAN STUDENTS GET INVOLVED IN? Worship students at DBU have the opportunity to participate in planning and leading worship during University Chapel; traveling as part of worship teams to local churches for youth, mission, and other ministry events; performing at on-campus concerts such as the “Music Business Showcase”; and filling worship ministry positions at local churches through internships, practicums, and staff positions. DBU students also have a select opportunity to experience the “real

world” of the music industry through its “Grammy University Network” organization. This organization, sponsored by The Recording Academy (the organization that presents the Grammy Awards) allows students to meet and learn from influential people in the music industry—from local professionals all the way up to some of today’s most famous musical performers and songwriters. The DBU chapter of Grammy University Network is the largest in the state of Texas. HOW DOES YOUR SCHOOL AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID? DBU awards both merit-based and needbased scholarships. For a complete list of available scholarships and financial aid, visit dbu.edu/financial-aid.

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Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary Multi-campus

PROGRAMS: Graduate, D.Min. STUDENT TO TEACHER RATIO: 12:1 DENOMINATION: Non-demonimational NEXT APPLICATION DEADLINE?

Rolling admission SCHOOL SIZE: 2,000 MUSIC/WORSHIP PROGRAM SIZE:

Maximum cohort size is 24 students ADMISSIONS/REGISTRATION:

800.816.1837 TUITION:

Doctor of Ministry students pay a fixed tuition rate of $1550 per quarter over three years, making the total tuition cost for the degree $18,600. WEBSITE:

gordonconwell.edu/Worship-Leader

HOW IS YOUR SCHOOL DISTINCTIVE? With over 1,000 graduates in 30 years, Gordon-Conwell offers one of the largest and most respected Doctor of Ministry programs in the world. Four core structures shape the program: a once-a-year residency format, faculty mentoring, specialized tracks of study, and a peer learning environment. Dr. Gary Parrett and Dr. David Currie originally crafted the three-year Formational Worship curriculum focusing on the Content, Contexts, and Components of worship. Dr. Randy Quackenbush now serves as co-mentor with Dave, bringing his extensive musical background to complement Dave’s expertise in church history, liturgy, and preaching. As church planters, Randy and Dave both have faced the challenge and opportunity of nurturing a new worship culture from scratch, requiring them to practice what they teach. 44

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Gordon-Conwell’s Doctor of Ministry program provides an opportunity for thoughtful leaders to grow into passionate, reflective practitioners in a mentored learning community, in order to advance Christ’s kingdom in every sphere of life. WHAT OTHER ORGANIZATIONS/OPPORTUNITIES CAN STUDENTS GET INVOLVED IN? Gordon-Conwell’s Formational Worship students lead cohort-wide worship, explore case studies, and experience a variety of worship styles and contexts through multiple site visits. The two-week annual residency also ensures students access both the benefits of distance education and the best of residential learning. The first residency begins with the content of our worship, the self-revelation of the Triune God in Scripture. The second residency, explores the formative impact of how this common content is then filtered through multiple contexts—denominational, cultural, historical, etc. The third year considers how a biblically rooted and contextually sensitive understanding of worship components—songs,

prayers, sermons, sacraments, visuals— results in transformative formation. Worship is fundamentally formational. The ancient Church codified this in the Latin maxim, lex orandi, lex credendi (the law of prayer is the law of faith) sometimes adding, lex vivendi. In other words, as we worship, so we believe, so we live. The Formational Worship track is specifically designed to help leaders nurture worship that flows from Scripture, is filtered through a range of traditions, and fits their particular context. HOW DOES YOUR SCHOOL AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID? Gordon-Conwell has up to two scholarships for enrolled doctoral students based on need, ministry experience, and future ministry goals. The Doctor of Ministry program sets aside one, partial, need-based scholarship for one of every 12 students in a given cohort. The Team Ministry Grant is available for qualified married couples pursuing the same level of seminary studies together.

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Grace Bible College Grand Rapids, Michigan

PROGRAMS: Undergrad STUDENT TO TEACHER RATIO: 20:1 DENOMINATION: Non-denominational NEXT APPLICATION DEADLINE? Rolling SCHOOL SIZE: 310 MUSIC/WORSHIP PROGRAM SIZE: 60 ADMISSIONS/REGISTRATION:

800.968.1887 TUITION:

$565 per credit hour, $3,650 room and board per semester WEBSITE: gbcol.edu

HOW IS YOUR SCHOOL DISTINCTIVE? Grace Bible College seeks to develop passionate servants of Jesus Christ by personally educating students in an educational program that emphasizes the integration of biblical truth, ministry experience, and character transformation. This emphasis pervades the entire campus as the College strives to cultivate a caring learning community where Jesus Christ is exalted and students are equipped for serving the needs of church and society. Each degree program at Grace Bible College consists of three major components: general education courses, biblical and theological studies, and a vocational major. We embrace the idea that our instructors are “the living curriculum.” As such, these men and women are committed to the following core beliefs: • We will serve as personal role models to students and others of a growing example of our learning outcomes. • We will creatively engage the minds, hearts, and lives of students in active learning and the appropriate application of this learning to life, work, and service. • We will demonstrate as a team of master teachers a commitment to excellence in instruction and practice. 46

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WHAT OTHER ORGANIZATIONS/OPPORTUNITIES CAN STUDENTS GET INVOLVED IN? • Ministry Trips • 5 Ensemble opportunities • Worship Arts career options as: " Worship Leader " Director of Worship Arts " Director of Worship Media and Technology " Professional Touring Musician " Studio Recording Artist " Professional Singer/Songwriter " Minister of Music " Music and Worship Evangelist " Worship Pastor " Private Lesson Instructor " Music and Worship Leader on the Mission Field " Director of Worship and Drama " Director of Worship for Women’s Conferences " Teaching Pastor of Worship " Worship Support Personnel (in large church worship ministry)

Associate Director of Worship Programming " Worship Arts Facilitator • Further graduate study in music and/or worship HOW DOES YOUR SCHOOL AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID? • Need based • Academic Awards • Worship Arts Scholarships The Worship Arts scholarship is based on the performance of a live, DVD, or online music audition for the Worship Arts faculty along with the completion of a Worship Arts Scholarship application and essay. The scholarship is contingent upon maintaining a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.5 or higher within your worship arts courses. In addition, the college requires the recipient to be enrolled as a fulltime student (12 or more credit hours earned/semester at GBC). Scholarships may only be applied to GBC Worship Arts program. Award Amounts: $4,800 ($1,200/year for student in the 4-year Worship Arts program, $600/semester) OR $6,400 ($1,600/year for student in the 4-year Worship Arts program, $800/semester).

LEARN, CREATE, THRIVE. Whether your calling is to travel with a band or lead at a local church, Grace Bible Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Worship Arts degree will help you achieve your goals, as both a musician and worship leader. Watch the video at GBCWorship.com Write worship songs Lead a band Record in the studio Produce an album Lead congregations Tour opportunities Run rehearsals Prepare song sets Master presentations Gain practical experience

Smaller, personal campus Personal mentoring Worship theology Music theory Ear training Arranging Video production iMac MIDI lab Affordable Scholarships available

800.968.1887 | GBCWORSHIP.COM

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Hillsong International Leadership College Sydney, Australia

PROGRAMS: Undergrad, certificate STUDENT TO TEACHER RATIO: 25:1 DENOMINATION: AOG NEXT APPLICATION DEADLINE?

January 2015 SCHOOL SIZE: 1,400 fulltime, 2,500 part-time MUSIC/WORSHIP PROGRAM SIZE: 700 ADMISSIONS/REGISTRATION:

+612.8853.5200 TUITION: Application fee: A$200, annual course fee: A$5,750 WEBSITE: hillsongcollege.com

HOW IS YOUR SCHOOL DISTINCTIVE? The Hillsong College Worship Music stream is designed to develop the heart and creativity of a Christ-centered worshiper and creative innovator. The courses are structured to equip the student to thrive in life as a creative person, with a specific focus on having a strong blend of heart, character, and musical skill in a local church ministry environment. The Worship Music stream’s three primary study areas are for Vocalists, Musicians, and Song Writers. The Vocal Focus and Musician Focus aim at preparing worship leaders, singers, and musicians with professional technique, performance experience, and maturity. This involves equipping vocalists with the relevant and practical theory, technique, and stagecraft skills so that they are well able to not only display their abilities competently but also confidently lead others in doing so. The Song Writing Focus aims at preparing those who wish to minister through song with a well-rounded knowledge of the craft, performance experience, and industry standard techniques and methods. This involves many different areas from developing a potential idea to recording 48

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an album to marketing that album to a particular audience. All of these delivery formats will involve key members of Hillsong Church’s Creative team. This will give you the opportunity to learn from, present to, and receive feedback from pivotal people from Hillsong United, Hillsong Worship, Hillsong Young & Free, and Hillsong College. WHAT OTHER ORGANIZATIONS/OPPORTUNITIES CAN STUDENTS GET INVOLVED IN? Hillsong College, in partnership with Dallas Baptist University, is excited to present a brand new opportunity to combine the strengths of both Worship Music & Leadership institutions into one outstanding experience. Students from Hillsong College who have successfully completed the Diploma or Advanced Diploma qualifica-

tions will now be able to gain credit hours into the Bachelor Degree Program at DBU. As part of this partnership, DBU will accept up to 78 credit hours from students who complete Hillsong’s Advanced Diploma program, and up to 42 credit hours from students who complete the Diploma program. Classes are available on the DBU campus and online. DBU will transfer credit into any of the 18 bachelor’s degrees offered through the College of Professional Studies. Graduates from Hillsong International Leadership College will qualify for the HILC Scholarship of $100.00 per credit hour. HOW DOES YOUR SCHOOL AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID? Scholarships can be applied for by returning students only.

“I SEE A CHURCH WITH A WORLD-CLASS COLLEGE THAT RAISES, EQUIPS, AND EMPOWERS GENERATIONS OF YOUNG, ANOINTED LEADERS FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE” - BRIAN HOUSTON

WORSHIP WORSHIPMUSIC MUSIC MUSIC WORSHIP //WORSHIP LEADING //THEOLOGY OF WORSHIP //BUILDING CREATIVE LEADERS //VOCALS, MUSICIANSHIP, SONGWRITING

Now partnering with Dallas Baptist University

Intakes January and July

hillsongcollege.com collegeinfo@hillsong.com

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Judson University Elgin, Illinois

PROGRAMS: Undergrad, certificate STUDENT TO TEACHER RATIO: 10:1 DENOMINATION: American Baptist NEXT APPLICATION DEADLINE?

Rolling admission SCHOOL SIZE: 1,200 MUSIC/WORSHIP PROGRAM SIZE: 60 ADMISSIONS/REGISTRATION:

847.628.2510 TUITION:

Traditional Undergraduate Tuition Tuition: $26,750 Student Activity Fee: $380 Technology Fee: $400 Room and Board: $9,080 (19 Meal Plan) WEBSITE: judsonu.edu

HOW IS YOUR SCHOOL DISTINCTIVE? Judson University’s Center for Worship in the Performing Arts offers many unique opportunities through its two-pronged focus on music and worship arts. Students thrive in a close-knit community located just 40 miles northwest of Chicago and are enriched by the diverse worship expressions found in one of America’s most

exciting cities. Whether students want to share their talents in worship celebrations, onstage in a professional concert hall, on the road with their band, or in the recording studio, Judson’s Center for Worship in the Performing Arts prepares students with the skills and experience to share their God-given gifts in various settings. Visit campus to find out more. WHAT OTHER ORGANIZATIONS/OPPORTUNITIES CAN STUDENTS GET INVOLVED IN? Students can utilize Judson’s on-campus, fully-functioning Dark Room Studios, which recently produced the Mass Anthem Alive CD that Worship Leader magazine

describes as standing up “to any major label release in regards to theology, musicality, and production.” Students rub shoulders with studio producer Ben Calhoun, lead singer of Citizen Way, who offers personal, one-on-one assistance in songwriting and producing efforts. Music Business students can do a semesterlong internship in Nashville, and Worship Arts students regularly intern with worship ministries around the globe. Judson’s Choir has opened in recent years for Sanctus Real, The Digital Age, The Brilliance, and Citizen Way, and just returned from a 10-day missions and music tour of Jamaica. Students have many opportunities to lead worship in a variety of settings on campus, in chapel, and in evening student-led worship services. HOW DOES YOUR SCHOOL AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID? More than 90 percent of students receive financial aid and are encouraged to file the FAFSA. Additional scholarships are available for choir, percussion and guitar ensembles, and piano performance. Scholarships are based on auditions, which should be scheduled by March 1 of the student’s senior year of high school.

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D E V E LO P YO U R

talents

i n the p e rforming arts Mass Anthem is Judson University’s newest worship band, comprised of three students and a friend, who are passionate about sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ through music. The group formed in the fall of 2012 and they released their debut album, Alive, in June 2014. It was recorded and produced in Judson University’s Dark Room Studios. The entire album was produced by Ben Calhoun, lead singer of Citizen Way, and engineered by Judson student Zach Kranz, a Worship Arts major. Album tracks feature songwriting and gang vocals from Judson’s music students. Whether students want to share their talents in worship celebrations, onstage in a professional concert hall, on the road with their band, or in the recording studio, Judson University’s Center for Worship in the Performing Arts prepares students with the skills and experience to share their God-given gifts in various settings. Judson University equips them to play, sing, create, and lead as never before. Visit Judson, located only 40 miles northwest of Chicago, by signing up at JudsonU.edu/preview.

“This release [Mass Anthem’s Alive] stands up to any major label release in regards to theology, musicality, and production.” – Worship Leader magazine

Explore Our broad, comprehensive ACADEMICS IN • Worship • Music Performance • Music Business • Theatre • Contemporary Worship Music

• Recording • Composition • Media • And much more

Judson University is home to Dark Room Studios, a recording studio created by Ben Calhoun, the lead singer of Citizen Way. In the studio students learn the necessary skills for every aspect of music production, and they have the opportunity to learn about composition and recording from Calhoun himself.

Judson is ranked in the Top Tier, Midwest Best Colleges, U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges Survey 1151 N. State Street | Elgin, IL 60123 CALL. 847.628.2510 WEB. VisitJudson.com/Worship

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Lancaster Bible College Lancaster, Pennsylvania

PROGRAMS: Undergrad, masters,

doctoral, certificate, online programs STUDENT TO TEACHER RATIO: 13:1 DENOMINATION: Non-denominational/

accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and the Association for Biblical Higher Education Commission on Accreditation (ABHE) NEXT APPLICATION DEADLINE?

No specific date SCHOOL SIZE: 1,600 MUSIC/WORSHIP PROGRAM SIZE: 100 ADMISSIONS/REGISTRATION:

717.569.7071 TUITION: $18,170 per year (tuition, room, board, and fees = approximately $26,970). WEBSITE: lbc.edu

HOW IS YOUR SCHOOL DISTINCTIVE? Biblical integrity … worship authenticity … excellence in performance. Lancaster Bible College’s Worship & Performing Arts Department challenges men and women to step forward as significant leaders in the worship arts, whether that leadership is expressed on the front of the stage, in the creative production process, or as part of the technical team. The vision of Lancaster Bible College is to be a premier learning community that intentionally develops the head, heart, and hands of servant ministry leaders for global impact. Lancaster Bible College offers 26 undergraduate programs, 14 graduate programs, and non-traditional programs including many online and adult-learner offerings. Masters programs and three doctoral degrees are offered through Capital Seminary and Graduate School including the PhD in Leadership Studies. The Worship & Performing Arts Department offers undergraduate degrees in Worship Arts (BA), Music Performance (BMUS), 52

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Music Composition (BMUS), Music Pedagogy (BMUS), Musical Theatre (BFA), and Live Production (BFA). In addition, all students complete a BA in Biblical Studies providing the unique combination of a solid biblical foundation with professional skill. Internships and partnerships with local ministries, production companies, theaters, and organizations ensure that the education is relevant. Cross-cultural opportunities are built into each program, ensuring that graduates not only have a profound spiritual walk, but also become leaders who are counter-cultural, with tools to help a new generation discover Christ. The Trust Performing Arts Center, a historic performance hall in downtown Lancaster, was inaugurated in 2014. It gives the College entrance into to the urban arts world, allowing for effective opportunities to build bridges to the world. WHAT OTHER ORGANIZATIONS/OPPORTUNITIES CAN STUDENTS GET INVOLVED IN? LBC offers the full range of artistic, athletic, and ministry opportunities. The Worship & Performing Arts Department offers a variety of distinct performance ensembles including worship teams and a 100-voice Chorale. Athletic teams compete as part of NCAA III and NEAC. Global outreach “Journey Teams” are sent out during fall, spring, and summer breaks. Internships and practicum are one of LBC’s strengths, giving students field ex-

perience from the first semester they step on campus. Such involvement in the community builds character and skill and it provides experience for career options. HOW DOES YOUR SCHOOL AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID? Lancaster Bible College works diligently to help students creatively finance their education, awarding generous financial aid (scholarships, grants, etc...) to nearly all students. Financial aid based on need is readily available, as well as scholarships awarded for leadership and academic merit. In addition, scholarships offered by the Worship & Performing Arts Department are determined by skill level, leadership, and vision for using the creative arts as a bridge to Christ.

the sKiLL to create and lead expressions of profound worship the AUthenticitY to live out that profound worship on and off the stage

worshipartsmusic.com

Stuart Young ‘15. Brandon Klinger ‘13. Brianna Mellon ‘12. Dave Ross ‘08. Amy Weaver ‘14. Keilah Maldonado ‘17. David Julian ‘12. Jonathan Poorman ‘13

Worship & performing Arts - LAncAster BiBLe coLLege Worship Arts (B.A.) Music perforMAnce (B.Mus) coMposition (B.Mus) (B.f.A.) Music pedAgogy (B.Mus) MusicAl theAtre (B.f.A.) live production S E P T E M B E R /OC T OB E R 2 0 1 4

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LeTourneau University Longview, Texas

PROGRAMS: Undergrad, graduate, online STUDENT TO TEACHER RATIO: 17:1 DENOMINATION: Interdenominational NEXT APPLICATION DEADLINE?

Applications for January 2015 and Fall 2015 are now being received. SCHOOL SIZE: 3,000+ MUSIC/WORSHIP PROGRAM SIZE:

Students in the worship arts degree: 8. Students involved in music teams on campus: 60. ADMISSIONS/REGISTRATION:

800.759.8811 TUITION: 12,625/semester (flat rate:12-18 hours) Registration fees: 245/semester WEBSITE: letu.edu/worshiparts

HOW IS YOUR SCHOOL DISTINCTIVE? Want something more than just sitting in class and taking notes? LeTourneau University’s vision is for every student to impact the world for Christ in every workplace and every nation. Academic programs provide students with real-life, problem-solving opportunities through internships, co-ops, and design projects. LETU students travel the world each year on mission projects that are life changing. LeTourneau University is a Christ-centered, dynamic, interdenominational school. WHAT OTHER ORGANIZATIONS/OPPORTUNITIES CAN STUDENTS GET INVOLVED IN? There are honor societies, internships, an

rooted & relevant 54

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international student organization (Mu Kappa), international academic trips, mission events and trips, and off-campus ministry opportunities. (And don’t forget the intramural competitions!) HOW DOES YOUR SCHOOL AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID? Over 90 percent of LeTourneau University traditional undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid. Freshman students new to LETU may qualify for one of our prestigious merit awards. For more information, check out our Financial Aid Web pages.

Longview, Texas 1-800-759-8811 www.letu.edu/worshiparts

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Lincoln Christian University Lincoln, Illinois

PROGRAMS: Undergrad, graduate, online STUDENT TO TEACHER RATIO: 15:1 DENOMINATION: Independent Christian

Church/Church of Christ NEXT APPLICATION DEADLINE?

Rolling admissions SCHOOL SIZE: Approx. 1,000 MUSIC/WORSHIP PROGRAM SIZE:

Approx. 50 ADMISSIONS/REGISTRATION:

888.522.5228 TUITION: Undergraduate Tuition, Room

& Board (academic year): $23,890 plus approximately $415 fees Seminary Tuition: $399 per credit hour WEBSITE: lincolnchristian.edu

HOW IS YOUR SCHOOL DISTINCTIVE? Lincoln Christian University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees that are taught from a biblical worldview. Service learning is an integral part of all bachelor’s degree programs, providing opportunities for practical learning in addition to theological understanding and artistic skills. The Seminary’s MA in Ministry with a concentration in Worship Studies will help satisfy the hunger that many music ministers have for a better understanding of worship in all its dimensions. It is a theological degree, rather than a music performance degree. The Seminary places strong emphasis on equipping leaders, making this degree program well rounded and highly relevant.

WHAT OTHER ORGANIZATIONS/OPPORTUNITIES CAN STUDENTS GET INVOLVED IN? Like other colleges and universities, LCU offers a variety of student organizations and events throughout the year. Additionally, Worship program students are active in various ministry/service opportunities and projects such as: 1) Volunteer worship ministry at LCU and local churches, 2) The LCU Chorale’s annual holiday production, 3) Restoration Week Chorale and service tour, and 4) A required 6-hour internship. HOW DOES YOUR SCHOOL AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID? Financial assistance is available through federal, state, private, and LCU funds. Approximately 80 percent of our students receive scholarships, grants, loans, and work opportunities. Scholarships and financial aid are awarded to based on FASFA applications and admissions information.

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Liberty University School of Music: Center for Music and Worship Lynchburg, Virginia

PROGRAMS: Undergrad, masters,

doctoral, certificate, online STUDENT TO TEACHER RATIO: 25:1; graduate – 20:1; doctorate – 20:1 DENOMINATION: Southern Baptist NEXT APPLICATION DEADLINE?

open application SCHOOL SIZE: 13,200 resident; 100,000 online MUSIC/WORSHIP PROGRAM SIZE:

550 undergraduate; 350 graduate; 35 doctorate ADMISSIONS/REGISTRATION:

800.424.9595 TUITION: Undergraduate: $541.00 per semester hour (based on 18 semester hours per semester) Graduate: $520.00 per semester hour Doctorate: $570.00 per semester hour Application fee: $50 (Special discounts for full-time military). WEBSITE: liberty.edu/worship

HOW IS YOUR SCHOOL DISTINCTIVE? Liberty University is the premier place for worship training in America. The Center for Music and Worship is part of Liberty University’s School of Music where over 600 undergraduate and 350 graduate students are enrolled in one of 14 baccalaureate and three graduate worship degree programs. Professional worship leaders are already enrolling in a new Doctor of Worship (DWS) degree. Hundreds of graduates from the Center for Music and Worship programs are serving churches and para-church ministries as worship pastors, artists, songwriters, worship technologists, student worship pastors, and worship missionaries. Graduates from the Center for Worship are leading large, 56

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megachurch programs in Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, San Antonio, Los Angeles, Pensacola, and Charlotte. WHAT OTHER ORGANIZATIONS/OPPORTUNITIES CAN STUDENTS GET INVOLVED IN? The Lord’s blessings continue! By fall 2015, a new state-of-the-art Center for Music and the Worship Arts building will be finished on Liberty University’s campus. This 141,000 square foot building will house a 1,600 seat concert hall, two recital halls, 42 teaching studios, a 35 seat computer lab, songwriting lab, recording studio, five large classrooms, 50 practice rooms, a large band/classroom and rehearsal rooms for choir, praise team, and praise band. Affiliated with Thomas Road Baptist Church. Worship majors participate in weekly Christian Service opportunities and complete practicum assignments in local churches. Internship opportunities are available to worship students at over 50 megachurches and parachurch organizations. As well, 150 student-teams participate in missionary trips each semester.

Liberty Flames Athletics include a fullfledged NCAA Division I program that is 20 teams strong, a Club Sports program with 32 teams, and a growing Intramural program. HOW DOES YOUR SCHOOL AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID? Contact the office of recruitment for university scholarships and financial aid at: go.wlmag.com/lib-fin-aid Scholarship Applications for undergraduate and graduate worship students should contact: go.wlmag.com/lib-schol-app

LIBERTY UNIVERSITYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

Center for Music & Worship offers

THE NATIONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PREMIER DEGREES IN WORSHIP > > > > > FROM THE UNDERGRADUATE TO POSTGRADUATE LEVEL

Meredith Andrews and four members of the Vertical Church Band are graduates of Liberty University.

Worship@liberty.edu | (434) 592-6568 | www.Liberty.edu/SchoolofMusic

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North Central University Minneapolis, Minnesota

PROGRAMS: Undergrad, certificate STUDENT TO TEACHER RATIO: 14:1 DENOMINATION: Assemblies of God NEXT APPLICATION DEADLINE?

November 1, 2014, for Spring 2015 SCHOOL SIZE: 1,200 MUSIC/WORSHIP PROGRAM SIZE: 218 ADMISSIONS/REGISTRATION:

800.289.6222 TUITION:

In-state and out-of-state undergraduate tuition (academic year): $20,320 Room and board (academic year): $6,080 Average additional fees: $456 WEBSITE: northcentral.edu

HOW IS YOUR SCHOOL DISTINCTIVE? Big City Opportunity Welcome to North Central University— right in the middle of downtown Minneapolis. What does that mean for you? Whether you head for “Eat Street,” the theater district, Target Field (home of the Minnesota Twins), or the Mall of America, whatever you’re in the mood for is just around the corner. On campus, you’ll find that the students, staff, and faculty form

a close-knit community. When you come to North Central, you don’t just leave as an alumnus. You’re a lifetime member of the NCU family. You’ll love the opportunities the city has to offer, and when you graduate you’ll take the relationships with friends, colleagues, and mentors with you. Academic Rigor and Spiritual Vigor Being a Christian university shapes how North Central does things every day, and you’ll feel it when you step on campus. We want to help you balance your relationship with Jesus with your academic success and social life. We’re not only committed to your academic excellence, but your spiritual growth as well. That’s why our daily Chapel is something students look forward to—not to mention neighborhood outreaches and plenty of other opportunities available to help you grow spiritually. WHAT OTHER ORGANIZATIONS/OPPORTUNITIES CAN STUDENTS GET INVOLVED IN? Your life. Our mission. North Central’s Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Ministry, Missions, and Fine Arts, as well as our Graduate Studies courses and Institute of Biblical and Theological Studies, are committed to offering

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programs and majors that prepare you to serve God in the field of your calling—no matter where that calling takes you. Our programs are designed to train you for your mission in life, not just a job. Whatever major you pursue, we have experts in your field of study who will work right alongside you, shaping you to become a leader in your chosen career. The College of Fine Arts North Central’s College of Fine Arts exists to develop passionate spiritual leaders through academic excellence and rigorous practical application. We offer degrees in Music; Recording Artist; Music Business; Music Performance; Worship Leading; Music Pastor; Recording Arts; Theater; and Secondary Music Education. Pure Worship Institute Join us June 15-19, 2015, for the Pure Worship Institute, a refreshing annual conference designed to equip, encourage, and empower singers and musicians to honor God with their songs and their lives. Visit pureworshipinstitute.com for more information. HOW DOES YOUR SCHOOL AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID? • Scholarships • Grants • Loans • Work Study Programs • Co-ops/Internships

Offering nearly 20 Fine Arts programs, North Central University has just the spot for you.

northcentral.edu admissions@northcentral.edu â&#x20AC;˘ 800.289.6222 â&#x20AC;˘ 910 Elliot Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55404 S E P T E M B E R /OC T OB E R 2 0 1 4

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North Park University Chicago, Illinois

PROGRAMS: Undergrad, graduate STUDENT TO TEACHER RATIO: 13:1 DENOMINATION:

Evangelical Covenant Church NEXT APPLICATION DEADLINE?

Rolling admission SCHOOL SIZE: 3,200 MUSIC/WORSHIP PROGRAM SIZE:

10 Music and Worship majors currently ADMISSIONS/REGISTRATION:

773.244.5623 TUITION: $24,540 tuition/year, $8,220 room & board/year WEBSITE: northpark.edu

HOW IS YOUR SCHOOL DISTINCTIVE? North Park University’s Bachelor of Music in Music in Worship is designed to provide students with the skills to be well-equipped music ministry leaders in today’s Church. The curriculum is practical and broad—offering a wide range of core and specialized music courses, opportunity to develop performance skills on a variety of instruments and in voice, training in Bible and theology, and experience with a wide spectrum of worship music styles. Ensembles include traditional choral groups as well as Gospel Choir and Jazz Band. WHAT OTHER ORGANIZATIONS/OPPORTUNITIES CAN STUDENTS GET INVOLVED IN? Students can participate in Worship Teams and have the opportunity to lead worship

for University chapel services and through church internships in the region and further afield. HOW DOES YOUR SCHOOL AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID? The North Park University School of Music offers music scholarships for both music and non-music majors. Students are automatically considered for academic scholarships. With FAFSA submission students may be eligible for state and/or federal grants/loans. Students interested in majoring or minoring in music are required to audition for the School of Music for acceptance and are automatically considered for music scholarships. Music scholarships range from $1,500 up to full tuition (which may include other forms of aid).

Find Your Future Here North Park University’s School of Music can prepare you to be a well-rounded, effective, music ministry leader wherever you are called to serve. With our bachelor of music degree in music in worship, you’ll receive broad, intercultural, Christian curricular training in traditional and contemporary worship styles. In the classroom, in the sanctuary, and throughout the city of Chicago, students benefit from our program’s urban location, expert faculty, and hands-on approach to musical direction in a variety of worship settings. 60

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Undergraduate Auditions February 7 and 28, 2015 Schedule an audition, visit campus, attend a class, experience a performance, talk to professors, and learn more by contacting Dr. Rebecca Ryan, music recruiter, at (773) 244-5623 or rryan@northpark.edu. North Park University’s School of Music is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

www.northpark.edu/music

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Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies (IWS) Orange Park, Florida

PROGRAMS: Graduate STUDENT TO TEACHER RATIO: 10:1 DENOMINATION: Non-denominational NEXT APPLICATION DEADLINE? Rolling

application deadlines—class cohorts start twice each year in the first week of January or second week of June. SCHOOL SIZE: 180 ADMISSIONS/REGISTRATION:

800.282.2977 TUITION: MWS: $350 per credit hour; DWS: $385 per credit hour. WEBSITE: iws.edu

AGNUSDEI.pdf

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HOW IS YOUR SCHOOL DISTINCTIVE? IWS is the only school dedicated to graduate education in the biblical foundations, theological reflections, historical development, and cultural analysis of worship. Church leaders from multiple denominations take academically grounded, highly applicable courses rooted in the biblical narrative, drawing on the rich treasures of Christian history, and committed to glorifying God in multiple cultural contexts. IWS offers two award-winning graduate degree programs: Master of Worship Studies (MWS) and Doctor of Worship Studies (DWS). The IWS education is designed to fit the student’s schedule and budget, combining distance education with on-campus classes focused on building an intentional learning community. This approach incorporates a student-directed, highly relational

instructional philosophy. The result is an applicable and stimulating education that prepares Christians intellectually and spiritually to participate in the worldwide renewal of the Church through God-honoring worship. WHAT OTHER ORGANIZATIONS/OPPORTUNITIES CAN STUDENTS GET INVOLVED IN? Since IWS is a low-residency graduate program, this is not directly applicable. The MWS program has a 300-hour internship as its capstone course. Students must have a context (e.g., church, educational institution, mission organization, nonprofit, etc.) in which to apply their IWS education. HOW DOES YOUR SCHOOL AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID? Financial aid programs are available. Contact the Admissions Office for more information: admissions@iws.edu.

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The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Louisville, Kentucky

PROGRAMS: Undergrad, masters,

doctoral, online STUDENT TO TEACHER RATIO: 10:1 DENOMINATION: Southern Baptist NEXT APPLICATION DEADLINE?

December 1 SCHOOL SIZE: 4,275 MUSIC/WORSHIP PROGRAM SIZE: 115 ADMISSIONS/REGISTRATION:

502.897.4200 TUITION:

Tuition is $254 per credit hour for members of a Southern Baptist Church and $508 for Non-SBC students. The estimated yearly cost for fulltime SBC students is $4,822. WEBSITE: sbts.edu

HOW IS YOUR SCHOOL DISTINCTIVE? Three values drive our new worship leader training program: the centrality of the gospel, musical diversity, and pastoral leadership. At Southern Seminary, we train pastors who lead gospel-centered worship—pastors theologically grounded in the truths of Scripture and who understand that their congregations’ devotional lives are formed by sacred liturgies. Our students develop and expand their own worship vocabularies through solid musical training. They learn how to navigate the shifting musical landscape in the Church and the culture and are equipped to serve in a wide variety of contexts. In addition to rigorous theological and musical training, our students are mentored by faculty members dedicated to their students’ personal spiritual preparation and call to the ministry. Some are surprised to learn Boyce College offers the Bachelor of Science program in Worship Studies—with either a pastoral or music emphasis—providing unique and thorough training for 62

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life-long music ministry. Boyce is right here on Southern’s campus in Louisville. WHAT OTHER ORGANIZATIONS/OPPORTUNITIES CAN STUDENTS GET INVOLVED IN? One of the key components of the worship leadership program is our partnership with local churches and worship ministries. On-campus worship students are involved in worship leading and ministry in churches all over the Louisville area. In addition, students using our modular and online courses represent many more churches in the United States and abroad. Connecting what we do in the classroom with real-life ministry in the local church is the most important target in training our students.

There are also numerous on-campus opportunities for student engagement. Students can participate in a variety of activities such as chapel worship, concerts and conferences, workshops, band labs, and ensembles. HOW DOES YOUR SCHOOL AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID? The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is serious about the gospel and committed to making education affordable. We offer scholarships and various grants based on need and merit for qualifying students. Scholarships are also offered for participation in some on-campus music ensembles and bands.

We train pastors who lead worship To learn more about our programs and faculty, visit our website: www.sbts.edu/ biblicalworship

DEGREE PROGRAMS • B.S. in worship and music studies (through Boyce College) • B.S. in worship and pastoral studies (through Boyce College) • M.Div in worship leadership • M.A. in worship leadership (also available through the professional track) • Master of church music • Ph.D. in Christian worship • D.Min. in Christian worship • D.Ed.Min. in Christian worship

DELIVERY OPTIONS • Residential degrees on campus • Summer residential with fall or spring online components (available for worship pastors serving the local church for over seven years) • Hybrid online and residential combinations

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Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Fort Worth, Texas

PROGRAMS: Undergrad, masters,

doctoral STUDENT TO TEACHER RATIO: 28:1 DENOMINATION:

Southern Baptist Convention NEXT APPLICATION DEADLINE?

1/15/2015 SCHOOL SIZE: 3,000 MUSIC/WORSHIP PROGRAM SIZE: 110 ADMISSIONS/REGISTRATION:

817.923.1921 TUITION:

School of Church Music Tuition SBC $236/hour Non-SBC $470/hour WEBSITE: swbts.edu

HOW IS YOUR SCHOOL DISTINCTIVE? Southwestern Seminary’s School of Church Music leads the nation in church music education, according to 2011 survey results reported by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). In contrast to other institutions, Southwestern offers the greatest variety of specializations and the most degrees in church music. Nationally, Southwestern trains almost 25 percent of all students who study in programs related to worship and church music and is the only accredited institution to the offer a Ph.D. in church music. WHAT OTHER ORGANIZATIONS/OPPORTUNITIES CAN STUDENTS GET INVOLVED IN? Students not only train in the classroom but also perform on campus and in prestigious venues such as New York’s Lincoln

classical training.

Center. Additionally, Southwestern equips students with the skills to handle any musical style as well as the theological training necessary to enhance worship centered on the proclamation of God’s Word. Student Life at Southwestern seeks to provide a robust atmosphere for personal and spiritual growth. Students can get involved in on campus student groups, mission trips, music missions trips, and local church internships. HOW DOES YOUR SCHOOL AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID? Financial aid is awarded on a merit-based system, seeking to reward students for excellence in the classroom and in service. The office of financial aid offers 13 Impact Scholarships for students in addition to the general scholarship and other scholarship opportunities.

conteMporary application.

The School of Church Music trains musicians to use their craft for the glory of God. Develop foundational skills in music in an atmosphere of spiritual and evangelistic fervor so you can lead others to worship God in any setting.

Bachelor of arts in Music

Master of arts in Worship

A bedrock program where you will strengthen your

A specialized degree designed to provide the biblical,

understanding of the Bible while also mastering music skills

technological, philosophical, and practical tools needed to

to use in a multitude of venues.

enable a worship leader to be effective in the local church.

Learn more at sWBts.edu/churchMusic or call 1.800.sWBts.01 64

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University of Northwestern – St. Paul St. Paul, Minnesota

PROGRAMS: Undergrad, graduate,

certificate, online STUDENT TO TEACHER RATIO: 14:1 DENOMINATION: Non-denominational NEXT APPLICATION DEADLINE?

December 1, 2014 SCHOOL SIZE: 3,320 total enrollment; 1,800 undergrad MUSIC/WORSHIP PROGRAM SIZE: 85 ADMISSIONS/REGISTRATION:

800.827.6827 TUITION: $28,390 WEBSITE: unwsp.edu/music

HOW IS YOUR SCHOOL DISTINCTIVE? Northwestern’s fusion of rigorous academic scholarship with a Christ-centered worldview equips students to think critically and address challenges in the real world. WHAT OTHER ORGANIZATIONS/OPPORTUNITIES CAN STUDENTS GET INVOLVED IN? Northwestern students get involved on campus in multiple music ensembles, intramural athletics, student government, clubs, and activities. Academic departments and the Center for Calling & Career assist students

in finding meaningful internships, plus there are many on-campus jobs and jobs in the community. Students serve off campus in outreach to the homeless, advocacy for human trafficking victims, cross-cultural evangelism and more. HOW DOES YOUR SCHOOL AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID? The Music Department holds Music Auditions and awards scholarships to both music majors and ensemble participants. Meritbased scholarships are available to qualified incoming students and the Financial Aid Office offers competitive need-based financial aid packages.

The Bachelor of Science in Music with an emphasis in music ministry offers a dynamic study of theology of worship, theory and practice of music, and foundations for effective ministry.

Learn more at unwsp.edu/worship.

This program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

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The King’s University

Southlake, TX (main campus); Van Nuys, CA; Modesto, CA; Inglewood, CA; Santa Clarita, CA; Fontana, CA; Colorado Springs, CO; Houston, TX; Lubbock, TX

PROGRAMS: Undergrad, graduate,

certificate, online STUDENT TO TEACHER RATIO: 14:1 DENOMINATION: Non-denominational NEXT APPLICATION DEADLINE?

November 20 SCHOOL SIZE: 680 MUSIC/WORSHIP PROGRAM SIZE: 30 ADMISSIONS/REGISTRATION:

817.552.3700 TUITION: Undergraduate tuition is $380 per credit hour. Graduate tuition is $395 per credit hour. WEBSITE: tku.edu

HOW IS YOUR SCHOOL DISTINCTIVE? Innovative Learning Model The King’s University offers an innovative learning model that combines accredited higher education with practical ministry experience in dynamic local churches. Each TKU campus is aligned with a healthy local church committed to providing students with valuable hands-on ministry experience. The King’s main campus is partnered with Gateway Church in Southlake, TX, one of the fastest-growing and most influential churches in America. Students at the main campus will have the opportunity to learn from worship leaders, artists and technical arts professionals from Gateway Church. Christ-Centered Community TKU provides a vibrant atmosphere for students to connect with God, faculty and one another. Whether eating lunch in the café, worshiping in chapel, or playing intramural sports, there are numerous ways for students to develop meaningful friendships in a Christ-centered commu66

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nity. The King’s is committed to providing a healthy place where students can learn, grow, and experience the presence of God. Exceptional Value TKU offers students the unique benefit of a quality Christian education from outstanding faculty for less than most private universities. With the addition of scholarships and financial aid, an accredited Christian education has never been more affordable. Flexible Course Offerings Students are offered the flexibility to customize their course schedules by enrolling in daytime or evening classes, online courses or a combination of the two. TKU’s extensive online learning program enables students to earn up to 100% of their bachelor’s or associate’s degree on-

line. The King’s also offers short-term intensive modules throughout the year from its multiple campuses across the country. WHAT OTHER ORGANIZATIONS/OPPORTUNITIES CAN STUDENTS GET INVOLVED IN? • Student Government Association • Clubs • Intramural Sports • Mission trips HOW DOES YOUR SCHOOL AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID? Federal grants, loans and scholarships are awarded according to eligibility, which is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students interested in The King’s should determine their eligibility by completing the FAFSA using school code 035163. Upon receiving student information, TKU will respond with a comprehensive financial aid package.

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Trevecca Nazarene University Nashville, Tennessee

PROGRAMS: Undergrad, masters,

doctoral, certificate, online STUDENT TO TEACHER RATIO: 18:1 DENOMINATION: Church of the Nazarene NEXT APPLICATION DEADLINE?

June 1, 2015 SCHOOL SIZE: 2,400 students MUSIC/WORSHIP PROGRAM SIZE: 70 ADMISSIONS/REGISTRATION:

615.248.1320 TUITION: Tuition for undergraduate students in both worship programs is $22,626 per year. The online certificate program in worship arts is very affordable—$1,000 for the entire program. WEBSITE: trevecca.edu

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HOW IS YOUR SCHOOL DISTINCTIVE? As “a Christian university in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee—Music City, USA,” Trevecca is an excellent choice for music students who want to be part of a small campus and part of the city that was built on music. In this exciting environment, Trevecca offers two programs designed to equip students to fulfill God’s call upon their lives. Trevecca’s Center for Worship Arts prepares persons to serve as worship pastors through learning, internships with pastor-mentors across the country, and biblical/theological training. Persons who choose this route can earn an undergraduate degree in worship arts or worship and church ministry, or they can minor in worship arts. Additionally, the Center offers an online certificate program for worship leaders who want to deepen their biblical and theological understandings of worship. For more information, visit trevecca.edu/worship.

The National Praise and Worship Institute (NPWI) at Trevecca utilizes a proficiency-based system for music theory: students master each concept before moving to the next one. NPWI uses four components: live instruction, strong video support, builders, and roadmaps. Builders are practice drills that teach each concept thoroughly. Each builder is accompanied by an instructional video, and the result is students who learn skills applicable in today’s music. NPWI offers a one-year certificate program and an advanced (twoyear) certificate program. For more information or to view a demo, please visit NPWI.com and vivicimusic.com. WHAT OTHER ORGANIZATIONS/OPPORTUNITIES CAN STUDENTS GET INVOLVED IN? Music ensembles—vocal groups, bands, traveling PR groups—Trevecca Symphony Orchestra, internships, ministry trips, music showcase events, campus clubs, intramural sports, and theatre and dramatic productions. HOW DOES YOUR SCHOOL AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID? Scholarships and financial aid are awarded through the Office of Financial Aid and are based on a student’s academic qualifications and family need.

TWO PROGRAMS

ONE UNIVERSITY Bachelor of Arts in Worship Arts Bachelor of Arts in Worship and Church Ministry Minor in Worship Arts Certiﬁcate in Praise and Worship (one-year program) Advanced Certiﬁcate in Praise and Worship (two-year program)

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

www.treveca.edu/worshiparts

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Valley Forge Christian College Phoenixville, Pennsylvania

PROGRAMS: Undergrad, masters STUDENT TO TEACHER RATIO: 14:1 DENOMINATION: Assemblies of God NEXT APPLICATION DEADLINE?

Rolling admission SCHOOL SIZE: 1,004 MUSIC/WORSHIP PROGRAM SIZE: 110 ADMISSIONS/REGISTRATION:

800.432.8322 TUITION: Students who enroll in 13.5 – 17 credit hours pay approximately $28,510 per year, including room and board. The academic catalog outlines these fees in detail. WEBSITE: vfcc.edu

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HOW IS YOUR SCHOOL DISTINCTIVE? VFCC is a fully accredited college offering outstanding programs. The undergraduate degree in Worship Leading is a resident program committed to training modern worship leaders. The Master of Arts in Worship Studies is an extraordinary online program leading students to a deeper understanding of the biblical and historical foundations of worship. VFCC has a state of the art recording studio and a digital audio suite featuring the most current music software on the market. The music faculty brings a wealth of knowledge and experience into the classroom and is personally committed to the spiritual and musical development of every student.

WHAT OTHER ORGANIZATIONS/OPPORTUNITIES CAN STUDENTS GET INVOLVED IN? Due to VFCC’s location, students have numerous options for off-campus music ministry outreaches. Undergraduate students will participate in ensembles as part of the Worship Leading program and complete an internship prior to their senior year. Additionally, opportunities exist to participate in missions trips around the world. HOW DOES YOUR SCHOOL AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID? Music scholarships are available ranging from $500 up to full-tuition. Students are encouraged to contact the Music Department to audition for one of these scholarships. Other non-music scholarships are also available to qualified candidates.

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800.921.4561 TUITION: $75 application fee, $700 for associate degree, $1,500 for bachelor degree, $1,250 for masters degree, $1,250 for doctoral degree WEBSITE: myWC.me

HOW IS YOUR SCHOOL DISTINCTIVE? An Innovator in Online Christian Education An innovator is “a person who introduces new methods, ideas, or products.” Since their founding in 2006, West Coast Bible College & Seminary has dared to do 100 percent online education differently—developing unique teaching methods and models, advancing simplistic content delivery, and utilizing technology to create a community, a family, of thousands of students from all around the world with one common goal: to make God’s name known to the nations! West Coast is committed to giving you a great educational experience. First, you will receive a quality, practical education you can implement immediately. West

Coast students love the fact they can learn something through the week and use it in ministry on the weekend. Secondly, you’ll discover the cost of tuition is less for the entire program than other colleges charge for one class. You can finish your degree without spending the rest of your life paying for it. West Coast is creating disciples’ of Christ, not disciples of debt. WHAT OTHER ORGANIZATIONS / OPPORTUNITIES CAN STUDENTS GET INVOLVED IN? Mission trips, Master’s Commission (mcin.org) HOW DOES YOUR SCHOOL AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID? Our low tuition cost takes the place of financial aid, although we do accept private scholarship winners.

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W OR S H IP LE A D E R

MISSIONAL

BY REGGIE KIDD

BRINGING SMILES TO COMMUNION

he Table has many names because it does many things. Of late, I have come to understand why one of those names—Eucharist—means “thanksgiving.” Growing up “once born,” I was introduced at some point to “Communion” in church. But I was never sure with whom I was supposed to be communing. God was far off. His Son had died a martyr’s death and had experienced a “resurrection,” as far as I could tell, only in his followers’ imaginations. Communion felt like rote religiosity to me. After I became “born again,” I frequented “The Lord’s Supper” as a reenactment of the meal on the eve of our Lord’s death, and “The Lord’s Table,” as a sharing in the banquet of the world’s true King. But I was often confused because, for whatever reason, I got the feeling that this Lord was ready to give me an early death if I did not partake worthily. The Lord’s Supper often felt like a funereal, and his Table was scary and somber.

THE MYSTERY OF COMMUNION Robert Webber, champion of worship renewal, helped me better understand the point of the Bible’s and the ancient church’s worship practices. Long story, but he helped me find communion in Communion, redemptive remembrance in the Last Supper, and grace-kissed reverence in the Lord’s Table. He also noted that the most common way that the early Church spoke of the Table was as “Eucharist,” in view of Jesus’ “giving thanks” first over loaves and fishes (Mt 15:36; Jn 6:11, 23), and then over the Bread and the Cup (Lk 22:17; 1 Cor 11:24). When I was first invited to help distribute bread at a Eucharist (in which people came forward to receive, instead of remaining in their seats), I noticed how many people came with smiles on their 72

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faces. They seemed, well, grateful. Perhaps it shouldn’t have been, but cheerful gratitude at the Table was a new notion for me. A sermon by Augustine, the great 5th century North African bishop, has helped me understand the smiles. In his Sermon No. 272, “On the Eucharist,” Augustine celebrates who Christ is, what he has done, and where he is now as Ascended Lord. Then he takes up the question of how this bread and wine down here can connect us to who he is up there. He simply asserts: in these elements, “one thing is seen, while another is grasped.”

THE MYSTERY OF MY OWN SELF

Because of Christ, I am no longer alone. Because of Christ, I am no longer subject—to borrow the language of the Book of Common Prayer—to “Satan and all the forces of wickedness that rebel against God.” Christ has breathed life into me, so my life has “rise” or bouyancy to it. The Holy Spirit has warmed what was cold and desolate in me. At Eucharist, I receive back the mystery of who I am.

THE MYSTERY OF OUR UNITY Of the bread, Augustine has said: “Understand and rejoice: unity, truth, faithfulness, love.” He asks us to ponder the cup:

The elements on the Table physically represent Christ’s body in such a way that “what is grasped bears spiritual fruit.” Augustine reminds us that Paul has said: “You are the body of Christ, member for member” (1 Cor 12:27). Thus, continues Augustine,

Remember, friends, how wine is made. Individual grapes hang together in a bunch, but the juice from them all is mingled to become a single brew. This is the image chosen by Christ our Lord to show how, at his own table, the mystery of our unity and peace is solemnly consecrated.

[I]t is your own mystery that is placed on the Lord’s table! It is your own mystery that you are receiving! You are saying,“Amen” to what you are: your response is a personal signature, affirming your faith. When you hear “The body of Christ,” you reply “Amen.” Be a member of Christ’s body, then, so that your “Amen” may ring true!

Here, indeed, is why the early Church could—as can we!—bring smiles to the Table. For at a Table of Thanksgiving/Eucharist we, who through grace belong to Christ and to one another, may “give God our sincere and deepest gratitude, and, as far as human weakness will permit, … turn to the Lord with pure hearts.” The Eucharistic Table assures us together that

To paraphrase, here at this Table you say “Yes!” to yourself, “Yes” to who you are in Christ, “Yes” to the people to whom he has made you to belong! Augustine asks believers to compare themselves to the loaf on the Table. Remember: bread doesn’t come from a single grain, but from many.When you received exorcism, you were “ground.” When you were baptized, you were “leavened.” When you received the fire of the Holy Spirit, you were “baked.” Be what you see; receive what you are.

God’s power will drive the Evil One from our acts and thoughts; it will deepen our faith, govern our minds, grant us holy thoughts, and lead us, finally, to share the divine happiness through God’s own son Jesus Christ. Amen! W REGGIE KIDD wrote the book With One Voice and teaches at Reformed Theological Seminary and the Robert. E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies.

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W OR S H IP LE A D E R

MISSIONAL BY EDDIE KIRKLAND

HOW EUCHARISTIC WORSHIP SHAPES OUTREACH

bout a year ago, my wife Danielle and I felt a strong call to make a pretty big leap. For the past five years, I had served as the Music Director for North Point Community Church. It was such an unbelievable opportunity, filled with incredible people, huge influence, and a church culture that was as healthy as you could imagine. We were living the dream, with a great, comfortable, and predictable life. Then, quietly, my wife and I sensed God leading us to do something completely different—to change course and plant a church that would reach a totally different kind of person. It wasn’t just a personal whim, God made it crystal clear. Growing up as a Southern Baptist boy, I never quite knew what to make of “signs and wonders,” but in this process the Holy Spirit pulled out all the stops and practically shouted at us. It was time to jump, and we finally stopped saying “no.”

A SPIRIT-LED CHANGE For years, my heart had been drawn to an expression of church that was completely different than anything I’d grown up with. It began in 2008 in England, when Danielle and I walked in the doors of St. Aldate’s Anglican Church. The love, joy, and presence of the Holy Spirit that we witnessed in that two-hour span radically shaped our lives. That experience stuck with us, starting as a slow drip and gradually building into a river that swept up our lives in the flow. Five years later when God called us out to start a small Anglican church in Alpharetta, Georgia, we weren’t surprised. So we set out on this crazy journey, with the blessing and encouragement of North Point behind us, and began dreaming about what it would look like to create a totally different kind of church in this community. A few months later, The Parish was born. 74

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In the beginning, some of our biggest questions centered around the idea of outreach: If we’re not an attractional1 church, how are we ever going to reach people with the gospel? Won’t outsiders find liturgy and the Eucharist boring, and maybe even offensive? What’s our system for meeting and converting unbelievers? These were huge questions, and we didn’t have huge answers. All we knew was that God was calling us to welcome people to the table, so we moved forward.

WELCOMING THE UNKNOWN Then we stumbled upon a really simple idea that has radically shaped the life of our church—the idea of Table Groups. Instead of gathering for worship every week, one weekend of every month we tried meeting locally in people’s homes for dinner. Simply dinner, no small group Bible study or prayer time. Just time to connect with and get to know our neighbors. At first, all of our Table Group leaders were terrified. “I know it’s just dinner, but what do we actually do? Do I need to plan activities? Do I need to prepare a lesson?” We tried to reassure them and sent them out with a challenge to invite people over for dinner. The first night of our Table Group was almost a disaster. There were kids everywhere—jumping on furniture, crashing toys into walls, roaming into rooms that were off limits. It was pandemonium, but somehow in the midst of the chaos we began developing relationships with people. We started to get to know neighbors and began to consider them as friends instead of just acquaintances. At the end of the night, our community was a little closer, and our neighbors were a little more known. Today, our Table Groups are the life-blood of our little church and are almost always larger than our worship gatherings.

TRANSFORMING WORSHIP Over the past six months, we’ve begun to see Eucharistic worship powerfully shape our outreach to the community. We’ve learned that over time, Eucharistic worship forms Eucharistic lives. As we meet for worship and place the Lord’s Table front and center, we remember that our worship isn’t about trying to impress or wow anyone. We’re not trying to be someone we’re not. We’re not trying to continually “top” our last worship experience. We’re just humbly gathering at Christ’s table, responding to his invitation to come, take, eat, and drink. And as we do, we are completely overtaken by the presence of Jesus inviting us to come once again and be nourished by the simple signs of bread and wine. Over time, this seeps into our blood and helps us begin to see the Eucharist in every area of life. When our Table Groups gather, we’re doing the exact same thing. We’re not trying to impress or win people over with our learning or professionalism. We’re simply inviting people to the table, welcoming them into a real relationship. We’re intentionally reflecting the life of Jesus, who would sit and converse at a table with anyone. We simply put food on the table and open the door. In doing so, opening our homes becomes less of a chore, and more of a blessing. Our love for our neighbors begins to grow, and we begin to see them as humans and not just “lost people.” Whether we offer consecrated bread and wine in worship, or hamburgers and hotdogs at a dinner table, the Eucharist is changing our lives and the gospel is reaching the lost.

EUCHARISTIC HUMANS When you look back at the Early Church, it doesn’t appear as if worship was the primary tool for outreach. In fact, the Eucha-

MISSIONAL

ristic portion of the service was reserved only for known believers in Jesus, and everyone else was gently dismissed. Being asked to physically leave a worship service because you aren’t in the club sounds like the most un-attractional strategy possible, and yet the Church grew like wildfire. Why? Because the people were attractional. Eucharistic worship wasn’t bringing unbelievers to their knees, Eucharistic people were lifting the heads of the lonely, broken, and lost. They lived lives of gratitude and joy, and as they walked in the world they carried the love and life of Jesus with them. We’re beginning to see Eucharistic life take root in our small community, and the impact is already more than we ever imagined. For months, my wife and I invited our neighbors from across the street to our Table Group. They’re great people, relatively new to the area, and very involved in the local Mormon church. Finally, this month they accepted the invitation and showed up at our door. Immediately, they were welcomed to the table as part of our community, and throughout the night they

got to know a bunch of great people. A few weeks later, my neighbor helped me load the van for our church service, and as he did we struck up a conversation about the church.

wait for the day that my neighbors move from the dinner table to the Lord’s Table, and join us in the family of God.

“So, all those people the other night, were they all a part of your church?” he asked.

EDDIE KIRKLAND and his wife Danielle lead The Parish Anglican Church team. He served for five years on staff at North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, Georgia, pastoring a large team of musicians and worship leaders as well as helping to plan and coordinate Sunday services. Eddie has also served on the staff of Passion Conferences and has worked nationally as a worship leader and recording artist. Forever a nerd at heart, he is currently pursuing a Master’s degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. Church website: parishanglican. org or follow @eddiekirkland

“No, only about half of them,” I replied. “The rest are just neighbors and friends. Eventually, we want to see the whole street come over to hang out for dinner.” “Yeah, we definitely need to do that; everybody on this street is too isolated. Okay, next time you and I will go door to door and invite people, and we’ll see if we can get everybody together.” I just smiled. That’s exactly why we started this church. Now, not only am I welcoming people into the Eucharistic community of our church, but my Mormon neighbor is doing it alongside me. And I pray that eventually, after sitting at our dinner table and chatting on our back porch, Jesus will begin shaping the lives of the people on our street, drawing them to himself. I can’t

1. Some define churches as either “attractional” (drawing people through advertising and program into a church building) or “missional,” (where people gather in the church but then scatter in the community to draw people to a person, Jesus, rather than a church building, by expressing his character and life).

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W OR S H IP LE A D E R

SKILL

KEY VALUES OF AN EFFECTIVE TEAM BY TIM HUGHES

“C

ulture eats strategy for breakfast.” Mark Fields, named Ford President of the Americas in 2006, believed in this quote (often attributed to Peter Drucker) so strongly that he had it hung in the company’s War Room in a time of difficult transition. The culture of your team—the values and vision—will be paramount to any hope of growth and effectiveness. No matter how well resourced you are and how thought through your strategy is, without an effective team you will have little impact. Looking back at my time involved in leading worship teams, I wish I’d invested more time speaking into the culture of the team. When the culture is healthy and strong, life and blessing will always follow. We’ve tried to develop a few key values for our worship team in London that clarify the kind of culture we long to develop. This has been shared and reiterated through talks, countless coffees, and conversations. Just to help people remember them they spell out the word T-E-A-M T = TURN UP We want everyone involved in our worship team to be committed and wholehearted (Col 3:2; Eph 6:7). What a privilege and joy it is to serve God’s people in worship—to work alongside others in playing music and leading. We expect our team to

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prioritize our monthly team nights, our rehearsals, and weekly Sunday services. We want to build an effective team who are 100 percent in. E = EXCEL (& ENCOURAGE) We encourage one another to pursue excellence. The Psalms encourage us as musicians to “Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy” (Ps 33:3). God deserves our very best and there’s something amazing about being a part of a team where everyone is pushing themselves to bring the best that they can bring. We’d hope that our musicians are practicing throughout the week, honing their skills, investing in equipment, and learning songs and parts so that they can bring their best to serve God and serve his Church. A = ATTITUDE The attitude and culture we’re looking for is one that is happy to serve wherever, whenever, doing whatever. We want to foster an attitude that is not competitive and does not compare or judge others, but rather considers others to be better, in real humility. Rather than seeking the spotlight or fame, our attitude needs to point towards Jesus in everything we do, to place the spotlight on him, to move from performance to praise. We want to “serve the Lord with gladness” (Ps 100:2).

M = MEMBERSHIP The local church is the body of Christ, and it has saved lives, shaped entire nations, and brought hope to the darkest moments of human history. If we are to be effective, it is essential that we are rooted and committed to our local church. It’s here that we will develop our spiritual life alongside our gifting. God has adopted us into a family, the family of the church, and so we need to commit to our family and be the church we long to see, even when it’s tough. This means that everyone should be involved in the church’s regular discipleship groups—the sort where people meet together regularly for food, to study the Bible, to worship and pray together, and to do life together. Being an effective team requires not just a big vision, but the ability to turn that dream into reality over a sustained period of years without giving up. Most of us overestimate what can be changed in one year and underestimate what can be changed in three years. For many teams, it may take years of hard, faithful sowing— but it’s worth it! W TIM HUGHES WORSHIP CENTRAL Writer of songs such as “Here I Am to Worship,” “Happy Day,” and “The Cross Stands.” He co-founded and leads Worship Central, an international worship training and resource center (worshipcentral.com).

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W OR S H IP LE A D E R

SKILL

BY JIM FRIEDRICH

THE SHAPE OF THE EUCHARIST If you are looking to design services of worship that are essentially Eucharistic, here you will find a guide to the elements that have formed the Church for over two-thousand years.

particular sequence in which we do these things—work on us in unconscious ways as well. They seep into our bones and, over time, mould the implicit and habitual ways we live and act in the world. The shape of the Eucharist forms a people who respond to the world eucharistically: having received Christ’s freely given “body and blood,” they themselves pour out their own lives for the sake of others. A general outline of the rite cannot do justice to the various differences among Christian traditions, but it can still be a useful guide to the Eucharist’s historic pattern.

LITURGY OF THE WORD

at this bread. Drink this cup. Do this in remembrance of me. Do these things and I will be in your midst, Jesus told his friends. Thus the Eucharist, also called Holy Communion or the Lord’s Supper, became the most common Christian ritual, retaining its importance amid the vast cultural, linguistic, intellectual, and ecclesiastical changes of two millennia. And despite countless additions and deletions, corruptions and reforms, elaborations and simplifications, and diverse, even contradictory theological understandings, the basic shape of the Eucharist has remained remarkably stable: Word followed by Sacrament.

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Christians have held different interpretations of the rite’s meanings, but ever since the original table fellowship of Jesus’ followers evolved into a ritualized format, there has been a persistent recognizable structure: a gathering for the liturgy of the Word, followed by a liturgy of the table, concluding with a sending forth to do God’s work in the world. How the Eucharist means (its sequence, structure, and rhythm) has been as important as what it means. What we consciously think about the rite is not the only thing that has an impact on us. Gathering, singing, listening, submitting, imploring, offering, communing, and finally departing—and the

In the gathering rite, worshipers transition into an experience where a special kind of attention will be paid. A welcome at the door, instrumental music or holy silence, evocative light, the architecture of praise, or even multimedia projections may serve as invitation into God’s house, God’s time. When an opening hymn is sung, and the presider invites an explicit awareness of God’s presence (“Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”), the liturgy formally begins. Then the assembly praises God with one of the ancient Christian chants such as the Kyrie or Gloria.

The Word Is Alive The presider follows the chant with the traditional Salutation, “The Lord be with you,” and recites the prayer for the day. Then all sit to hear the Scriptures. Although the Middle Ages reduced the number of lessons to two, and the Reformed traditions often preferred a single reading, contemporary usage has revived the ancient practice of three passages: Old Testa-

SKILL

"The shape of the Eucharist forms a people who respond to the world eucharistically: having received Christ’s freely given ‘body and blood,’ they themselves pour out their own lives for the sake of others."

ment, Epistle, and Gospel. The ecumenical Revised Common Lectionary apportions these readings in a three-year cycle, enabling a worldwide unity in Word as well as Sacrament. For all the deliberation about the precise nature of Christ’s presence in the ritual of bread and wine, Christ is also believed to be present when the Word is truly proclaimed and heard. “Wisdom! Let us attend,” as the Orthodox say before the readings. Don’t tune out. You will meet God in these stories. You will learn about the great Story we all belong to, the Story that has brought us together, the Story that will save us.

We Believe The homily, or sermon, expounds on the readings, connecting them with the ongoing life of the congregation and the world in which they live. Then the people say the Creed (usually Nicene or Apostles’), as a way of voicing their own assent to the larger salvation Story that enfolds them. Even if people do not always understand or connect with the ancient formulations, the ritual act of reciting together salvation’s “table of contents” has a unifying value far beyond the specifics of its phrasing. To say or sing “We believe …” after the lessons and preaching puts an exclamation point on our encounter with the Word. It joins our hearts and minds to a corporate faith transcending our individual perspectives.

Practice Corporate Prayer The Prayers of the People are a series of intercessions for the Church, the world, and all those in need. Before sharing the feast at Christ’s table, we present our petitions and hopes to God. We acknowledge the interdependent nature of human life by bringing to mind neighbors, strangers, and even enemies, commending them to

God’s grace and love. We give thanks for our many blessings. We remember the departed. Then we confess our sins and ask for the grace of new life, receiving the promise of forgiveness and the enabling power of the Holy Spirit (in some traditions, confession happens at the beginning of the rite).

Peace of Christ Finally, we ritually “love one another” with the Passing of the Peace (“The peace of Christ be always with you”). This is a powerful expression of our solidarity in God’s kingdom, including the stranger as well as the friend. But it can go even deeper, finding the reflection of Christ in the faces of one another.

LITURGY OF THE TABLE The Offertory is the collection and presentation of gifts which we return to God in gratitude for our many blessings. Money for the work of the church, and often food for the poor, are brought to the holy table along with the sacramental bread and wine. These are all ways of offering “ourselves, our souls and bodies” to God, submitting them to God’s purposes. Then begins the prayer of consecration, or “The Great Thanksgiving” (the word “Eucharist” means “thanksgiving”). Originally extemporaneous, it began to take written form in a proliferation of regional variations, which were gradually regularized in the Middle Ages. The Reformation generated its own set of variations. The evolution of the prayer is complex and differences still exist, but certain key elements recur across denominational lines.

The Prayer of the Table As with the liturgy of the Word, the presider begins with the Salutation (“The Lord

be with you”), followed by the Sursum Corda (“Lift up your hearts”), a Preface (varying with the seasons), the Sanctus (“Holy, holy, holy Lord…”), and finally the main body of the prayer, including praise for God’s mighty acts of salvation, Jesus’ own words of institution (“This is my body …”), and the Epiclesis (“sending”) asking God to send the Holy Spirit upon the bread and wine, and upon the assembly. There may also be a request for the grace to worthily receive the sacrament. The prayer concludes with the people adding their vigorous “Amen” and a recitation of the Lord’s Prayer.

Transformative Worship What happens during the Eucharist has been a matter of difference and dispute for centuries. Do the words and actions effect a (physical or metaphysical) change in the bread and wine? Is the assembly itself “changed” into the Body of Christ, becoming the visible embodiment of Christ’s presence? Does the liturgy work solely on an inward level, joining us to Christ in memory and faith? Whatever different churches and believers may think about what happens, when they share communion they are in fact doing what Jesus asked: eating bread, drinking the fruit of the vine, receiving tangible signs of his presence among them, loving one another. The transformative efficacy of the rite may elude precise description on a conscious level (God remains a mystery, as does the human soul), but those who return to the world from the communion table do so with the assurance that, having been fed with the “spiritual food” of Christ’s “body and blood,” they are “living members” of the Body of Christ. Those who sustain this practice over time know the difference it makes. Following communion, the rite ends with a concluding prayer, blessing and dismissal, and the people are sent forth to be themselves Christ’s Body in the world. W The Rev. Jim Friedrich is an Episcopal priest, liturgical creative, filmmaker, musician and teacher, with a ministry of mediating the gospel through image, ritual, and story. He lives on Bainbridge Island,WA. His blog, The Religious Imagineer, is at jimfriedrich.com.

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W OR S H IP LE A D E R

SKILL BY HEIN VAN WYK

A VISUAL APPROACH TO THANKSGIVING IN WORSHIP

he theme of Thanksgiving is often overlooked through the year and then emphasized during Harvest, which feeds the assumption that worship is all about receiving. Thanksgiving is not just a section of worship, but, alongside praise and repentance, forms the core of worship. When we study Scripture we find that Thanksgiving is a prominent worship theme throughout the Old Testament. In fact, the Hebrew word Towdah “thank-you” or “giving thanks” is found no less than 32 times. When we read the Psalms, regardless of the theme or impetus of the prayer or song, it nearly always concludes in thanksgiving. Here’s how you can visually communicate this aspect of worship to your congregation.

INSPIRE REVERENCE:

Facing the Cross How about placing the entire worshipfocus on the cross. If you don’t have one, build one. Place it in the center on the stage, and when the worship team leads, have them stand with their backs towards the church and face the cross. I’ve been at a worship conference were this was done, and it was amazing. Thousand of people immediately got the message. The importance here was giving thanks to Christ. The cross was simply a symbol and reminder of the place where death was defeated. It’s a powerful gesture!

INSPIRE AWE:

Thanksgiving wall Have the entire congregation take part in this. Create a huge thanksgiving wall where everyone can post a picture/letter or message where they give thanks to God for one special thing. (This can be done on an ongoing basis as a standing memorial to God’s goodness.) Imagine the im80

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pact of seeing thousands of pictures and letters-of-Thanksgiving posted on a wall. It’s a powerful testimony to God’s role in the lives of believers.

INSPIRE WONDER:

Thanksgiving Stage Decor So many churches are into stage-design, creating a theme that supports the message being taught. Pick a style other than Harvest (hay-bales and pumpkins) and have it focus on thanksgiving to God. It could be celebratory with hundreds of balloons, or it could be more contemplative/prayerful with hundreds of lit candles on the stage surrounding the pastor. There’s something to be said for walking into a cathedral with a profusion of lit candles. It immediately centers your heart and brings you into a place of reverence.

INSPIRE CONNECTION:

thanksgiving-themed worship backgrounds and videos An easy way to achieve visual connection to the theme of thanksgiving is to use worship backgrounds and worship loops with imagery that advocates just that. Don’t overdue it with too much repetition.

INSPIRE REFLECTION & DELIGHT:

Thanksgiving Flags & Banners A more expensive and beautiful way—that could be present throughout the year—is to incorporate artfully designed flags and banners with clear wording or messages of thanksgiving. The flags and banners could be placed on the side walls, or in front on opposite sides of the stage. Display some in the entrance/narthex/foyer so folks are already preparing their hearts and minds to give thanks even before entering the main building/sanctuary/auditorium. This is also an opportunity to invite those who are creatively gifted in this area to be part of the worship process. The above suggestions, as an outer expression of worship, could only be effective if inwardly we already have a heart of thanksgiving, which is a theme that can be taught and cultivated year-round. Not just during Harvest! W HEIN VAN WYK is the CEO/President of Sharefaith.com where he innovates, leads and spearheads technology solutions for churches.

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FILL IN THE GAPS OF YOUR DIGITAL AUDIO KNOWLEDGE: Demystifying Sample Rate and Bit Depth

I see the terms “sample rate” and “bit depth” all over the place when I’m shopping for a new piece of audio gear. I’m a little embarrassed to admit this, but I have no idea what they mean. I know higher is usually better, but why? How high do I need to go?

Like most people, I learned about digital technology by jumping in and using it. I usually don’t reach for a manual until something breaks, and I have to figure out why. While that’s a great way to get up and running, sometimes it leaves big gaps in your understanding. So, let’s start filling in those gaps. In order to understand sample rate and bit depth, we need to first understand how digital audio recording works. If you’re the kind of person who loves to geek out on this stuff, you should probably jump right over this article; I’m going to simplify a lot of things and skip all the math. It’ll drive you crazy. For the rest of us, let’s dig in!

DIGITAL MADE COMPREHENSIBLE When we record digital audio, we’re recording an electrical signal from something such as a microphone or a guitar pickup. The electrical signal is continuously changing, and this changing signal has frequency and amplitude just like an acoustic sound wave in the air. The job of an audio interface, like an Avid Mbox or an Apogee Duet, is to convert those changes in electrical signal into numbers, because computers like numbers. They’re nerds like that.

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The audio interface takes measurements, called “samples,” of how strong the electrical signal is at specific points in time. In order to accurately record and replay a sound, the audio interface needs to take a consistent number of measurements per second; this is called the “sample rate.” If the sample rate is 48k it means that the audio interface is measuring the electrical signal 48,000 times per second.

MUSIC BY THE NUMBERS Here’s why this matters: a higher sample rate means less time between each measurements, and therefore less data being lost in the gaps. It’s like trying to make a connect-the-dots drawing of the Mona Lisa; the more dots you use, the more detailed the final drawing can be. Sample rate tells us how many measurements we’re making. So what about bit depth? When we record digital audio, we tell the interface how precisely to measure the electrical signal by telling it how many number places to use for each measurement. If I hand you a meter stick and ask you to measure my height using only three number places, you’ll have to round off to the nearest centimeter (185 cm). If I let you use four number places you can switch to millimeters (1847 mm). Each new number place that we add lets us use smaller increments to measure, making each measurement more precise. Bit depth refers to how many binary number places the audio interface will use for each measure-

ment it takes of the electrical wave. When we record audio at a bit depth of 16 bits, we are telling the interface to measure the strength of the electrical signal using a number that is 16 places (or bits) long.

HIGHER LOVE…? So, the non-technical answer to your question is this: a higher sample rate means your audio interface is measuring the wave more often, and a higher bit depth means each individual measurement is more precise. How high is high enough? You probably know that an audio CD plays back at a sample rate of 44,100 with a bit depth of 16 bits. When you play a CD on a good sound system, how does it sound? Pretty good? I agree! If you’re in a well-designed recording studio on great speakers, you can probably hear an increase in quality by recording at a sample rate of 48,000 and at 20 bits. Beyond that, any increase in quality from higher sample rates or bit depths is going to be highly subjective, and I’ll reserve the right to be a bit skeptical. I hope that clears up some of your questions, and if not, feel free to email me back. I’ll answer as soon as I can figure out how this confounded reply button works. W MICHAEL A. LEE is a professional keyboardist, composer, and a professor at Azusa Pacific University. He leads worship at Crossline Church. michaelleemusic.com

Hillsong United “Relentless”

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R U O Y F O ME O S Y B D E G S N I U T S S I A C D , D N IV SUAL SOU ISTS: HILLSONG UNITE E DOWN, M I T T R A H T E T N I E R V O E ,7 L FAV A E R S U T NC .. . A E S R , O S M N Y W N O A CR M D N A , E H T A E R B O T D E NE ®

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WORSHIP CENTRAL Tim Hughes

WITH ANDREA HUNTER Worship Central night in Hyderabad, India

When you follow Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lead, anything is possible. Tim Hughes is one of worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most influential worship songwriters and leaders. After only eight years, the ministry and website for resourcing worshipers he founded with friend Al Gordon is having worldwide impact.

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WORSHIP LEADER: Tell us about the vision, needs, and people that inspired you to found Worship Central. Was there any sort of kairos moment that ignited/sealed the enterprise? TIM HUGHES/WORSHIP CENTRAL: The vision of Worship Central is to see people encounter God, to see worship leaders and musicians equipped, so that the local church may be empowered in their worship. We want to play our part in fueling the fire of worship in the local church, mobilizing an army of worship leaders across the globe. A key moment for me came when I was standing at the back of a conference for worship leaders. We were in the round, and the band was placed in the center, surrounded by hundreds of worshipers. In that moment I felt God clearly say that his heart was to raise up an army of gifted, passionate, humble, Spirit-led worship leaders and musicians. Rather than it being

about a few gifted leaders and songwriters, God was mobilizing a movement of leaders. We want to gather these worshipers and creatives together to step out in an adventure of a lifetime. WL: You and those who are connected to Worship Central have some amazing shared history in God and ministry. Please share a little about how it came about, and the many aspects of the overall vision. TH: Worship Central has been going for about eight years now. It started in May 2006 when my friend, Al Gordon, and I decided to put on a day of training at our church in London, Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB). We thought maybe a couple of hundred would turn up, but over six hundred people showed up. We had an amazing day and were struck by two key things: firstly many worship leaders were desperate for more training and resources,

INSIDER:

PROFILING COMPANIES, MINISTRIES, AND INNOVATORS IN WORSHIP

“I felt God clearly say that his heart was to raise up an army of gifted, passionate, humble, Spirit-led worship leaders and musicians.” and secondly they were longing to connect with others. Many felt isolated and discouraged. It was out of that obvious need we felt stirred to do all we could to resource and connect leaders. We started gathering a team to lead with us: Ben Cantelon, Luke Hellebronth, Nick Herbert, along with others, and then asked our friends who share the vision to join with us. It’s been amazing to serve with people like Mike Pilavachi (Soul Survivor), Matt Redman, Martin Smith, the Bethel guys, Louie Giglio (Passion), as well as countless others. Initially we started running more conferences and events that took us all over the world to train thousands of leaders. We then launched a website worshipcentral. org packed full of articles, video’s, podcasts, new songs, and interviews. We now have an Academy where 20 students can come and spend a year with us to be discipled and equipped. More recently we have launched The Worship Central Course.This is a seven-session course that unpacks the key theological and practical questions around leading worship in the 21st century. Looking at issues such as leading worship, building effective teams, and releasing creativity, our hope is that this course will be a great resource for worship teams to explore

and discover a fresh vision for worship in their church. We believe it facilitates a much-needed conversation around the subject of worship for churches. WL: What do you see as the fundamental needs of the worship leader and how does Worship Central address those needs? TH: Worship is a spiritual activity, which means there is an essential need for worship leaders to grow in their relationship with God. It’s easy for worship leaders to be promoted on the basis of their musicality. A lot of their energy can be spent on delivering excellent music and production each week. However worship is about God’s people gathering together in his presence, responding to his initiating love and power. To see the Church alive in worship will require leaders who can lead with a spiritual authority that flows out of a deep connection to God. With Worship Central we want to do all we can to model this kind of worship. Our key value is that we’d see people encounter God, and a lot of our training delves into how we develop and cultivate this. WL: Since you’ve written songs that have captured the imagination of the Church and facilitated worship around the world, what do you think local churches can do

to feed the creative heart of the artists in their congregations and release the poets in their midst to write songs that transform? TH: For me it comes down to vision. The things that are celebrated, encouraged, and invested in will eventually flourish. My friend and previous pastor Mike Pilavachi championed me in the writing of songs. He created space to allow me to write bad songs, which is always a part of growing in the gift, and he was massively encouraging of the songs I wrote that connected with people. Leaders need to gather together the artists and creatives to encourage them, build them up, and then release them to cut loose. We need more freedom and risk in our churches in terms of the arts. There is so much more to come. WL: What are steps that teams and leaders can take on a daily/weekly basis to grow as worshipers and also to more effectively lead their congregations? TH: The greatest gift any leader can give their church is to be alive and on fire in their faith. It has been reported that when John Wesley was asked to share the secret behind his ministry, he simply replied, “Every morning I set myself on fire for Jesus and then I go out and people watch me burn.” Whether he actually said those

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trying to put wide-awake, hyped-up kids to bed! We’ve seen well over 1,000 worship leaders being trained in India in the last six months, with a great team training leaders in a way that is contextually effective to the culture. In Canada gatherings are taking place all over the country and in America we’ve recently launched hubs in Portland, Oregon, Northern California, and Virginia. We get so excited with what can happen by leaders being mobilized globally. We’re working to see a million leaders being trained through the Worship Central Course.

Let It Be Known, live album recording in London

Worship Central Academy

exact words, what a great challenge to anyone involved in the worshiping life of a local church. The greatest investment you can make is in your relationship with God. Get creative in spending time with God. Work at being disciplined. Gather others around you in order to cultivate a community of authentic worshipers. For our team, our most important meetings are our monthly gatherings where we share vision, we worship, and we pray for one another. We need to invest in our teams’ spirituality as well as their musicality. WL: Has your vision for Worship Central changed/adjusted since your original launch? TH: One of the surprises for me with Worship Central is seeing it take root in other nations. We now have 20 hubs in other countries—Canada, Australia, India, China (Hong Kong), Singapore, Malaysia, South 86

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Worship Central Conference, London

Africa, France, Germany to list a few. I’ve loved seeing leaders in those nations step out in the vision, and make it their own. We’ve worked hard to not control it from the center but to release leaders to lead. It’s been humbling to hear of friends selling their cars to kick-start the ministry—people giving above and beyond to equip others. I love the fact that worship leaders are gathering all over the world to encourage one another and cheer each other on. There was a great moment for me a few months back. I was at home one night looking after my kids. During the night 100 worship leaders gathered in Cape Town, South Africa, a further 100 gathered in Auckland, New Zealand, whilst a training conference for over 100 worship leaders took place in Russia, where the Worship Central Course had been translated. This all took place while I was at home

WL: Share your hopes, dreams and prayers for the future. TH: We believe God is doing something significant around the world. We’re meeting more and more amazing, generous and committed leaders who are desperate to be a part of something more than their own thing: leaders who are keen to lay down their own agenda and work with others to serve and disciple a generation of radical worshipers. I believe we are going to see the worship of Jesus exploding out of the four walls of the church to impact culture and society. We don’t just want to see worship leaders for the church being raised up; we long to see worship leaders released who will lead the world in worship. Worship is so much more than leading four songs at church on a Sunday. It’s about a life transforming relationship with a God who has come to bring life in all its fullness. W

If you want to get involved you can follow them:

Twitter or Instagram @worshipcentral Email info@worshipcentral.org

Or you can join them for their conference in London October 31 to 1 November 2014 with Louie Giglio, Mike Pilavachi, Martin Smith, Bryan and Katie Torwalt, and others.

Balance of Power Strong enough to lift your choir’s sound above the band. Flexible enough to go where you need it. Small enough to dissapear. Be seen and heard with the MicroBoom™ Series from Audix.

The MicroBoom™ Series from Audix combines exceptional sound quality with a low profile. Our scalable system and selection of pick-up patterns, output levels and frequency responses mean that we have the right mic for your choir’s unique sound. And the mic is just half of the story: the boom arms are made of carbon fiber so they are lightweight, thin and strong. With three models – 24, 50 and 84 inches – capable of www.audixusa.com Tel: 503-682-6933 Fax: 503-682-7114

Audix Corporation, P.O. Box 4010 Wilsonville, Or 97070 2013 Audix Corporation All Right Reser ved. Audix and the Audix Logo are trademarks of Audix Corporation

adjusting to the angle and position you need, the MicroBoom fits in those hard-to-reach places and then disappears so your choir will be seen and heard.

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CHOOSING THE RIGHT VIDEO TOOLS FOR YOUR CHURCH

isruption is the inevitable result of change within an industry. Just as DVDs supplanted videotapes and are now in process of being replaced by streaming media, video presentation products have transitioned from overhead units with hand-transferred sheets to presentation software with digital projection and even video walls. As with most technologies, video presentation creates as many questions as it answers. There is, it may appear, no correct choice among the offerings. To address this situation and to clarify the better offerings, here is a breakdown of recommended products by application.

Portable Church When the media systems must be delivered, set-up, and operational within a couple of hours, the primary considerations are speed and simplicity. The video projector’s menu should be easy to navigate and provide adjustments for varying scenarios such as offset angles and non-perpendicular approaches. NEC’s NP-PA550W is a good choice here since it has 5500 lumen output to overcome ambient lighting, auto sensing of the active input and it is native to the popular 16:10 wide format. Add a broad selection of interchangeable lenses for nearfield rear-to-long throw zoom front imaging and the NP-PA550W is a natural for portable church.

Confidence Monitor Current presentation software packages allow for a secondary output of the lyrics onto a rear-facing screen as “confidence” for the vocalists. Typically, ProPresenter, MediaShout and EasyWorship simplify the words to white text over a black background in order to maximize comprehension. In contrast, the forward facing output is complex, with moving images and color-coordinated backgrounds residing behind the lyrics in an elaborate synergy of visual content. For many churches, it is no longer necessary to use a projector and screen in this environment due to the rapid improvement in 88

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direct view panels. For instance, Sharp’s Aquos line includes the LC80LE650U, an 80” LED Smart TV with Wi-Fi and full HD output for less than $3,000. Since direct view displays are brighter than their projected counterparts, they can be viewed at a greater distance. With simple white text, an 80” display is useable at forty feet and it can be mounted on the face of the balcony or in the light bar opening where it is highly readable but not visible to the congregation.

Camera IMAG has become a spiritual debate within many churches due to its enlargement of stage personnel and forced focusing of attention on people. However, if an assembly deems it appropriate, IMAG can be used to bring the participant closer to the sermon and song. One of the best values in video cameras for the local church is the Canon XA25. For $2500, it offers full HD-SDI output on coax, native 1080P on a ½” CMOS sensor, built-in Wi-Fi and a stunning OLED touch screen. It is small, lightweight, has dual XLR mic inputs and can be operated by a novice in five minutes. The XA25 has a full twenty times optical zoom range and enough processing to produce excellent bumper videos, MOS (Man On Street) interviews and still serve as the primary capture box on Sundays.

Presentation Software Video presentation systems have come of age. For a church still running PowerPoint, it is worth the investment to purchase one of the several church-specific packages such as ProPresenter, MediaShout, Sharefaith, EasyWorship, ZionWorx, Worship Him, and others available today. The dramatic improvement in workflow, content creation and reduced runtime errors alone are worth the price, but when coupled with an expanded ability to communicate the Word visually, it becomes a bargain. Since people learn in different modes and manners, it makes sense to offer them a visually engaging method of presentation in order to maximize the effectiveness of their time spent in a worship service. When properly executed, video presentation and projection systems deliver the message in an accessible, natural way without interference or distraction.

LEADING PRESENTATION SYSTEMS FOR WORSHIP (arranged alphabetically) EasyWorship 2009 Price: $399 for a site license Platform: PC

Geared specifically towards weekend worship services, EasyWorship is a straightforward presentation software with integration with CCLI’s SongSelect and includes nine free Bible versions. EasyWorship includes a media store in the software where you can browse for new content and backgrounds without even opening your browser window. The latest versions are PC only, although we’ve heard rumors of a Mac version coming soon…

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MediaShout 5 Price: $399 for three licenses Platform: Mac and PC

MediaShout has been a favorite among churches for the past few years because of its ease of use and great integration with other church resources such as Planning Center Online and CCLI. Totally redesigned MediaShout 5 offers licenses for three computers and free online and phone training and support, plus remote app, all for one price.

ProPresenter 5 Price: $399 for one license Platform: Mac and PC

ProPresenter lives up to its name as a professional presentation software offering advanced features such as text fly-ins, cued transitions, multi-screen control and live video feed integration. ProPresenter is an incredibly deep and powerful software and can handle your advanced presentation needs with ease.

Sharefaith Presenter Price: $99 for three licenses Platform: Mac and PC

Built as a plugin for PowerPoint, Sharefaith

Presenter adds video playback, motion backgrounds, and integration with CCLI’s SongSelect to the existing PowerPoint software. Sharefaith Presenter is a great option for both Mac and PC users if you don’t want to spend a ton of money on a full-fledged presentation software, but still want to add some nice bells and whistles like countdown timers and moving backgrounds.

is loaded with great features such as a builtin DVD player, video and audio looping, five individual projector feeds, and PCO, CCLI, and PowerPoint integration. The site license allows for installation on unlimited computers at one site.

SongShow Plus 8.0

ZionWorx is a bit of a unique software in that it’s extremely easy to use and still supports video playback and live-feed backgrounds…plus it’s very competitively priced. Cutting out some of the more luxurious features such as PCO and CCLI integration, ZionWorx also features a 60-day trial period and a great licensing deal for up to 10 computers at multiple sites. Sorry Mac users, no plans in the near future for a Macintosh version of ZionWorx. W

Price: $199 for one license Platform: PC

In addition to standard presentation software, SongShow Plus offers a ton of great features such as iOS control, integration with CCLI, PCO, Dropbox, and Google Drive, as well as individual projector feeds. The software also offers extra features such as multi-screen capability and video effects and transitions as an upgrade to the basic software

Worship Him Price: $299.95 for site license Platform: PC

One of the most powerful PC only presentation software on the market, Worship Him

ZionWorx 2014 Price: $180 for ten licenses (multi-site) Platform: PC

KENT MORRIS has mixed with Paul Baloche, Tommy Walker, Israel Houghton, and many more.

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WHAT’S NEW: IN GEAR FOR MUSICIANS, SOUND TECH, AND MEDIA TECH

Media: For the Stage Proclaim Pro Media

Function: Presentation software Church Use: Use Pro Media to create clean and professional presentations with Proclaim software. Price: $30-$75/month What’s New: Pro Media is an add-on subscription for Proclaim presentation software users that offers over 100 great looking packs of stills, motion backgrounds, and countdown timers. Proclaim’s “Smart Media” feature automatically matches ideal font, placement and size to each background in the Pro Media bundle, making it easy to make any presentation look clean and professional. Pro Media is a great addition for any Proclaim user, and for the price one of the best deals in presentation software out there.

GoPro HERO3+ Black Edition/Music

Function: Photo and video camera Church Use: Take high-resolution video and photos with a camera made for the stage. Price: $399.99 What’s New: Smaller is bigger with the new GoPro HERO3+ Black Edition/Music bundle. Made for musicians on stage, the GoPro HERO3+ features video resolution up to 4K, 12MP photo resolution, built-in Wi-Fi, low light mode and music mounts for mic stands, drums, or any instrument you can think of. A perfect compliment to traditional IMAG video, the HERO3+ Black Edition/ Music is a unique tool for any church stage.

Fender Passport Venue

Sound: Floor Wedges and Portable Systems Fender® Passport® Venue

Function: Portable audio system Church Use: Portable PA perfect for churches with a small to mid-sized room. Price: $999.99 What’s New: One of the first truly affordable portable PAs, the Passport series by Fender has a new big brother: the Venue. At 600 watts, this 10-channel, class-D PA is loud enough for most small to mid-sized rooms, making it perfect for small or portable churches. True to the Passport design, the entire PA folds into a suitcase-sized package, light enough to carry with one hand.

Mackie Thump15

Function: Portable loudspeaker Church Use: This bass-heavy portable loudspeaker is perfect for churches or youth groups that don’t mind running a little loud. Price: $349.99 What’s New: Need more bass? The 1000-watt Mackie Thump15 sports a 15" woofer for powerful, extended bass response. A 3-band EQ is built in to each speaker to facilitate tailoring its sound to each individual room. Weighing in at only 33 lbs, the Thump15 is the ideal portable system when you might not want to use a dedicated subwoofer.

Gator Cases GPA-Speaker & Speaker Stand Covers Function: Speaker stand cover Church Use: Perfect for smaller stages or portable churches, the Gator GPA stands are a great idea to create a clean and professional stage. Price: $44.99 What’s New: It’s amazing that it’s been almost 100 years since the first portable PA system was invented, and a standard speaker cover has just now hit the market! The Gator GPA line is designed to hide almost any tripod speaker/speaker stand discreetly under white or black fabric. Customers can choose between covering either one or two sides with an easy-to-setup stretchy (and washable) fabric.

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Audio-Technica System 10 Stompbox

Function: Wireless guitar system Church Use: Use the A-T System 10 Stompbox to clean up cables and provide freedom to move around the stage. Price: $349.95 What’s New: A wireless rig you can keep on your pedalboard, shaped like a stompbox? Count us in. Wireless guitars can be tricky to set up, but with the Audio-Technica System 10 it’s easy as stepping on a button. It may seem like a novelty, but with Audio-Technica’s solid track record and their reputation for outstanding sound, I wouldn’t hesitate to put one on the pedalboard.

BY ANDY TOY

Musicians: Drums

We were looking for A BETTER WAY to schedule volunteers...

CruzTools GrooveTech Drum Multi-Tool

Function: All-in-one drum key and tool Church Use: Use the Drum Multi-Tool to setup and tune any set of drums. Price: $18.95 What’s New: One of the drummer’s most underrated tools is not his vintage snare drum or boutique cymbals, but his ability to tune drums. The CruzTools GrooveTech Drum Multi-Tool features an array of screwdrivers, inch and metric hex keys, and a standard drum key, providing more than enough to get your quirky vintage drums the tuneup they need. Drummers keep an eye out for the Drum Multi-Tool, because with Christmas right around the corner, it may be a good item to add to the wish list.

Roland TM-2 Trigger Module

Function: Drum trigger module Church Use: Build a hybrid acoustic and electronic drum kit using the TM-2, a simple, affordable drum trigger module. Price: $199 What’s New: Drum triggers are all the rage right now, but bringing in electronic elements to your acoustic kit has always been a tricky and pricey venture. The new Roland TM-2 is the simplest way to add electronic elements to your acoustic kit; it meshes built-in sounds, SD card input, MIDI I/O and trigger inputs together— the ideal drum trigger unit. Connect a trigger pad or MIDI controller to the TM-2 Trigger Module and instantly use built-in sounds or your own samples to augment your acoustic kit.

C&C Custom Drums Player Date II

Function: Vintage-inspired drum kit Church Use: Emulate vintage drums but with the build quality and warrantee of a modern kit. Price: TBA What’s New: Remember the Player Date kit that made custom handmade C&C Drums available to the public? Well here’s the second installment, the Player Date II, made with a combination Luan and maple shells. Made to emulate the sounds of ’60s and ’70s vintage drums, the C&C Player Date II kit sounds as good as it looks, and are a great alternative to quirk vintage drums.

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.

Serving with you.

PRODUCTION BY ANDY TOY

GEAR REVIEWS Steinberg UR44 Church Use: Audio interface for computer and iPad Audio interfaces have come a long way since my original Avid Mbox back in the early 2000’s, and the Steinberg UR44 has ushered a new generation of feature-packed audio interfaces with usability and stability. Whether it’s in the studio recording audio or connecting to an iPad to trigger loops and backing tracks, the UR44 is a great-sounding, reliable interface you can count on in every situation. Features: The UR44 sports four Class-A D-PREs, Yamaha’s own microphone preamps and two line inputs and four separate outputs, allowing high-resolution audio recording up to 192kHz at 24 bits via USB 2.0. MIDI I/O is included in addition to the USB port it uses to connect to the computer. Latency-free monitoring and its own DSP engine are built in to the UR44, so vocalists can track with reverb without any latency from the DAW. Cubase AI comes standard with every UR44.

Alto Black 15 Series PA Church Use: Loudspeaker and subwoofer system

Application: We like the UR44 for two reasons: 1) it’s a great sounding recording unit, and 2) it’s the ideal live interface. Recording with the UR44 is a breeze. After you get the hang of the built-in FX, it’s easy to track without latency or to give a vocalist reverb just on the headphone mix. The preamps have a ton of headroom and are extremely transparent, making them great for vocalists and acoustic instruments. The combo XLR/1/4" jack is incredibly useful when recording direct instruments like bass or keyboards. We also love the UR44 as a live interface. The 4 separate outputs are perfect for splitting up drum, bass, click, and keyboard parts when playing backing tracks live, and the MIDI I/O is great for controlling keyboards, effects, and even lighting. It’s rare to see an interface of this quality feature iPad connectivity, and it makes a perfect travel recording rig. Find out more at steinberg.net.

The Alto Black Series is a brand new line of high quality active PA speakers and subwoofers designed for power, portability, and control. We had the opportunity to review a set of two 15" loudspeakers and an 18" subwoofer and found the whole system to be quite an impressive little rig.

More: Ideal for both live and studio work, the UR44 offers a ton for the price. Less: Not much. Price: $299

Sound: In case you’re wondering, the Black15 is plenty loud! The 15" loudspeakers provide plenty of bass on their own and the high end is not harsh or brittle in any way. Adding the 18" sub puts out a ton of bass and lets the 15" speakers shine in the midrange. The Live Drive app is incredibly helpful for EQing and fine-tuning the system and even allows you to dial in delay-compensation. Overall, the Black15 is a perfect system for a small to medium sized church and offers power and sound quality for an unrivaled price. Find out more at altoproaudio.com.

Features: The 15" loudspeakers are a 2-way design that provide 2400 watts of power via class D amplification. Each loudspeaker is housed in a sleek black cabinet with handles for portability. A built-in mixer with two Mic/line inputs, volume control, and XRL output sits on the back of the speaker with an EQ contour switch and ground lift switch rounding out the controls. The 18" subwoofer is also rated at 2400 watts and features stereo XLR inputs and outputs. The entire system can be controlled wirelessly via the free “Live Drive” app for iOS.

More: Outstanding sound quality and power at an extremely low price. Less: The sub can be hard to carry (if you’re a portable church) Price: $949 for the Black15 and $1199.99 for the Black 18

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Alclair Crankmaster 5000 Custom In-ear Monitor Church Use: Custom IEM

Dave Smith Prophet 12 Module Church Use: A great analog synthesizer for synth leads and pads. Dave Smith has become one of the most respected names in keyboard synthesizer history and the Prophet 12 Module shows why. Completely unique, the Prophet 12 Module is the desktop version of the Prophet 12 keyboard, boasting all the same power and sound as the original Prophet 12. For warm analog keys sounds, the Prophet 12 Module is the cream of the crop. Features: Using a digital system to control an all-analog signal path, the Prophet 12 Module features a stunning 12-voice polyphony with five oscillators per voice. In the center of the module is a bright OLED screen that lets you see what you’re controlling when you turn a knob or push a button, making each section of the synth is easy to control. The controls go incredibly deep and it’s easy to edit any of your favorite presets to be your own custom sound. Sound: The Prophet 12 Module sounds huge! As expected with any analog synth, the sound is warm and fat and instantly tweakable with all the controls you need on the module’s surface. The module can go from deep bass to bright pads to screaming leads all at the touch of a button. The MIDI I/O is simple to setup, just add a MIDI controller and you’re ready to go. Visit davesmithinstruments.com for more info. More: Best sounding polyphonic synth we’ve heard. Less: You need an external MIDI controller to use the Module. Price: $2199

When we first tested Alclair’s RSM Quad Custom IEM last year, we were blown away by the customer service, communication, and care put into each customer’s order, not to mention the outstanding sound quality! This month we got to review a pair of their brand new Crankmaster 5000 IEMs and were simply blown out of our socks at how good they sounded. We’ve tried a lot of custom IEMs in the past few years, and here’s why the Crankmaster 5000 is our new favorite. Features: Sporting five drivers (four woofers and one tweeter) the Crankmaster 5000 does not lack for low end. In fact, the low end is so powerful that it felt like I had an Ampeg Full-Stack behind me when I first plugged them in. The ears are custom molds, which mean you have to get impressions of the inside of your ear taken by an audiologist. Alclair is unique because they do all this research for you, even making an appointment for you with one of the audiologists in their extensive network. Once you get the molds taken, you send the impressions to their lab where they make your custom headphones. The headphones are available in a variety of colors and you can even request custom artwork for the outside of the shells. The IEMs ship in a simple black box and come with a cleaning tool to keep them clean and clear. Sound: The Crankmaster 5000 sounds giant! The low end is full and thunderous, making you “feel” the vibration of the bass guitar or kick drum. Expecting a bass-heavy mix, the top end actually impressed me the most out of all the frequencies. The treble is extremely present and three-dimensional, not harsh or shrill at all, making it a great balance for the power of the bass. Upper midrange frequencies are smooth and balanced, not too pronounced and never honky. Overall, the Crankmaster 5000 features the best balance I’ve ever heard in an IEM along with the most three-dimensional sound. The extra bass drivers make the Crankmaster 5000 a ton of fun to play live and are perfect for drummers and bass players who want to “feel” the bass when they play.

All Pro Sound has been designing and installing AVL systems for over 30 years. We focus on the entire system so you can focus on what matters. Give us a call, and let’s create an incredible worship experience together. 800.925.9822 | allprosound.com

More: Outstanding balance and three-dimensional sound at a great price Less: Might be too much bass for a singer. Price: $749 W S E P T E M B E R /OC T OB E R 2 0 1 4

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LINCOLN BREWSTER 94

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FEATURE REVIEW

ight albums after his self titled debut, Lincoln Brewster continues to impact modern worship with his most recent, Oxygen. With a new sound that channels a bit of Maroon 5 and a bit of a guitar-driven tobyMac, Brewster continues to push himself musically. Then with his lyrical focus on glorifying our great God with congregational songs as strong as ever, Oxygen is certainly his strongest effort in recent history.

OXYGEN

INTEGRITY MUSIC | INTEGRITYMUSIC.COM

JAY AKINS

MIKE PUESCHELL

Lincoln Brewster continues to pave the way for the future of worship music with his new release Oxygen. Re-upping with Integrity Music this year, Lincoln continues to build a legacy of music that draws the Church to celebrate and worship God with passion and creativity. Oxygen proves that Lincoln continues to develop as a musician and artist. This is Lincoln’s most exciting and accessible album to date. Anthems that declare the truth and glory of God the Church can sing for years to come. I couldn’t agree more with Ryan Dunham, President of Integrity Music, who had this to say about Oxygen, “With this new album, Oxygen, people are going to experience a whole new Lincoln Brewster. It’s a new sound with a nod to the past and a bold step forward … I believe it is his best album yet.”

By age five he was playing mandolin. By age nine he had picked up the electric guitar. After a winding road that included a stint playing for rocker Steve Perry (Journey) and recording offers from mainstream labels before he was 21, Lincoln Brewster chose to blaze a trail down a different path that has included numerous albums and numerous modern worship hits including “Everlasting God,” “Let the Praises Ring,” “Love the Lord,” “Today Is the Day,” “Salvation Is Here,” and more. Lincoln’s latest, Oxygen, is packed with fist-pumping declarative anthems for the Church to shout at the top of their lungs alongside a couple of contemplative masterpieces like the stirring, “Whole Again.” This might be Lincoln’s finest record to date. Not a weak song in the bunch.

Sounds like: Phil Wickam/Hillsong London/Elevation Worship. TOP SONGS Most Singable: “There Is Power” Strongest Biblical Content: “Shout It Out” (1 John 1:7) The Whole Package: “Oxygen”

Sounds Like: Rock-pop anthems, chimey guitars, pounding four-on-thefloor beats, signature Brewster lead riffs, high energy with a few softer offerings TOP SONGS Most Singable: “Made New” Strong Biblical Content: “There Is Power” (Matthew 18:20) The Whole Package: “Live to Praise You”

GARY DURBIN There’s no question about Lincoln Brewster’s contribution and impact when it comes to worship and the Church. His new release, Oxygen, continues that legacy with a much more pop feel. The songwriting is still strong with songs that the Church can sing and move to. “Whole Again” has been rocking my world and I can’t wait to bring it to my church. Sounds like: Worship songs with the musicality of Newsboys or Katy Perry TOP SONGS Most Singable: “On Our Side” Strongest Biblical Content: “Made New” (2 Cor 5:17) The Whole Package: “There Is Power”

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MUSIC FOR LEADING

HILLSONG

HILLSONG WORSHIP No Other Name Hillsong Music/Universal hillsong.com

No Other Name, Hillsong’s latest annual worship release lifts high the name of Jesus. It draws from numerous team writers (Jonas Myrin, Joel Houston, Ben Fielding, Matt Crocker, Sam Knock, Brooke Ligertwood, Scott Ligertwood, Marty Sampson, Hannah Hobbs, Dean Ussher, Jarrad Rogers) 96

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and features an array of lead worshipers (Reuben Morgan, Ben Fielding, Annie Garrat, Jad Gillies, David Ware, Jay Cook, Joel Houston, Matt Crocker, Taya Smith, Hannah Hobbs, and Marty Sampson, among others). The album’s opening track “This I Believe (The Creed),” announces a commitment to Scripture and the gospel as the name of Jesus is proclaimed with clarity and power. Not only has the Church been gifted with a Creed for our times, but No Other Name delivers a resplendent and ascendant “Our Father,” as well. “Depths” has the retro feel and gentle, yet powerful beauty of a classic Vineyard song, as does “Calvary.” The intimate prayerful “Thank You Jesus” echoes the flavor and passion of Bethel/ Jesus Culture. It is interesting to see the cross-pollination of worship movements. No Other

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Name echoes the Church’s worship around the world and is an invaluable resource for churches because of its adaptability to different settings, tempos and styles, but most of all because of its biblical and historical resonance. Scriptural themes are richly developed and interwoven, as heard on songs such as “All Things New” and “Mountain.” In the former, God’s renewal of us personally now and in creation as time unfolds is linked to the faith based on God’s Word rather than what is seen, while “Mountain,” explores Christ the rock, the stone the builders rejected, the foundation—his love a mountain—and our relationship to him as living stones. What is especially delightful about this Jesus-centric release is the array of ways our savior is described and worshiped in his earthly incarnation and heav-

enly reign and ministry. And with songs such as “This I Believe (The Creed)” and “Our Father,” it keeps it Trinitarian. The gentle and dreamy ascent to powerful proclamation on “Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace)” sung by Taya Smith—who fronted “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” on Zion—reimagines and appropriates pieces of the classic hymn into an all new setting that connects God’s transforming grace with our great need. All these pieces Broken and scattered In mercy gathered Mended and whole Empty handed But not forsaken I've been set free Lyrics to the title track are inspired and inspiring, but multiple changes in tempo, lack of strong

melodic hook, and arrangement may somewhat dampen its impact congregationally. All in all, grateful thanks to Hillsong for their openness to Spirit-led experimentation in the present and ability to successfully implement the past—and for raising the bar on themselves and others lyrically, scripturally, musically, and conceptually. Sounds Like: A blend of prominent worship movement music past/present (and future) with mainstream pop/rock intonations: Hillsong (of course), Passion, Vineyard, Bethel/Jesus Culture. Fresh, dimensional, theme development and production, sensitive arrangement of synthy sweeps, pads/piano/modern guitar/bass/ drums/loops etc. Even bigger, bolder, more percussive and

anthemic songs have an element of graceful beauty and rest. TOP SONGS Most Singable: “Thank You Lord,” “Calvary” Strongest Biblical Content: (all songs saturated with Scripture) “Our Father” (Mt 6:9-11; Lk 11:1-4) The Whole Package: “This I Believe (The Creed)” “Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace)” Resources available: 5 Disc complete Worship Kit, or individual resources including CD, Digital sheet music, digital mp3 trax, Digital instrumental parts, and paper music book @ hillsong. com, plus YouTube videos, lyrics and chords at various sites, plus a deluxe edition of the album with remixes and additional tracks. ANDREA HUNTER

BETH CROFT Rule in My Heart Integrity soulsurvivor.co.uk

Beth Croft is a worship leader for Soul Survivor in the UK, and as such, you can expect a few things from her debut worship offering: heavily Brit-pop tones and synthy washes of sound surrounding solid lyric writing centered on worship designed with a youthy

vibe. All power belongs to Christ in Rule in My Heart: Croft exalts his faithfulness, his power over death, and his finished work in the victory of the Cross, among many other worthy praises. Croft partnered on a few songs with a couple of familiar leaders (Matt Redman and Tim Hughes). The Hughes contribution (“Say the Word”) is an easy standout; it’s a supplication for healing and delivery from chains while also declaring the great power of the only one who truly saves. From there we get the title track, and as the name suggests, it’s an invitation for the king to take his place in our lives. There is a beautiful cover of Rend Collective’s “Boldly I Approach (The Art of Celebration),” a dance tune where the danceable beats fall directly on the savior’s grace, and a down-tempo, electronica

TAINS. N U O M MOVE uired.

q WE HEdLsPnot included. Some assembly re see * Mustard

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“Lectio Divina” which stands as a reminder of the reality of a savior who has risen and is living with us, today, tomorrow, and forever. Sounds like: Worship electronica with a dash of piano pop and lilting guitars—a sonic mixture of Katy Perry, Vicky Beeching, and Ellie Goulding. TOP SONGS Most Singable: “Rule in My Heart” Strongest Biblical Content: “Kingdom Come” (Mt 6:9-13) The Whole Package: “Say the Word” JEREMY ARMSTRONG

WORSHIP RADAR

CHRIS & JENNA Waiting to Begin chrisandjennamusic.com

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BELLARIVE

Before There Was Sparrow Bellarive.com

Bellarive follow-up their shockingly incredible debut with another surprise: this one is just as good. And even more, we get a bit more congregational with this new offering, Before There Was. If you

Singer songwriter’s Chris & Jenna’s brand of quirky alt popfolk-rock, with jazz and punk shading is arresting, engaging, and packed with dramatic, cinematic intensity as well as a sense of humor. Emotionally honest, challenging, and generally free of Christianize and redundancy, their sophomore album Waiting to Begin, communicates biblical perspective with raw, unexpected, and contemporary relevance and

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aren’t already familiar with this band of Floridians (six in total), Bellarive craft atmospheric worship with glorious dramatic builds and fantastic musical eruptions that praise God in prosody as much as in lyrical poetry. On their sophomore release, the best example of this musical prayer-and-praise is found on “Calling on Fire” where we supplicate the father to come set our hearts ablaze and the music builds to an incendiary peak proclaiming God’s faithfulness—despite our faithlessness—blazing in synth-anthem strength, reminding us who we are when we are found in him. Next, “Lazarus” makes use of minor chording and bleak background tones—even silence and single-note piano playing—to display the authority

uncomfortable irony. Equally playful and serious, bleeding brightness and shadow, the attention to sonic as well as lyrical detail, delights and captivates. Like the psalmist, Chris & Jenna are not afraid to entertain doubt or ask questions or plumb the depths of human selfishness, greed, and frailty (“From the Top”). But on the flipside, they also bring you full circle to proclaiming God’s faithfulness and worshiping at the foot of the cross. Songs such as “Night” and “Far Beyond” do it all and most certainly belong in the sanctuary. Though most of these are not what one may think of as congregational worship songs (“More Like Yours” excepted); nevertheless, they are a new kind of worship music, and most of them would make terrific special music, sermon illustrations, or catalysts for uptempo or quiet contemplation. Songs such as “The Same Thing” squeezes a startling amount of gospel truth into a tiny space. And “The Creature” is relational confession at its terrifying best.

of the one who was able to say, “Come out, come now from your hiding,” and he says it still. “Hallelujah to Saving Grace” shows the breadth of the Bellarive’s ability to create dramatic musical poses by juxtaposing 18th century hymn cadences with progressive, postrock intonations. The only miss on Before There Was is a slight lack of Scriptural references and nuanced theological understanding. Of course the words are true and biblically faithful, as well as poetically beautiful, so it’s not worth much more than noting. Because many of the compositions travel through numerous soundscapes and stories, there is an intrinsic focus on our personal role; however, four of the songs have a focus directly on the attributes of God, which makes them

Sounds like: Whisper soft to huge and powerful. Both in-your-face and dreamy layered vocals and harmonies, ringing, circling, ascending guitars, relentless kick drum, sensitive and adventurous sonics with well-placed uke and bells, keyboards, and evocative piano, supporting and enhancing articulated lyrical content. Elements of Bifrost artists, Civil Wars, Glen Hansard/Marketa Irglova, Sara Bareilles, Sixpence None the Richer, Taylor Swift, and Steve Taylor (among others) season the mix. TOP SONGS Most Singable: “Beautiful & True,” “From the Top” Strongest Biblical Content: “The Same Thing” (Denial of Christ by Peter, all Gospels; Mk 8:23-25; Mt 27:45-53) The Whole Package: “Night” ANDREA HUNTER

IN REVIEW

MIKE LEE

Awakening Hearts Independent | mikeleemusic.com standout as possible congregational tunes. Thematically, the focus of Before There Was sets its center on God’s power, our lack of power, and the great grace that connects the two in order to bring light and life to the world. Sounds Like: A powerful kick drum supports the far ranging guitars and elctropop with synthy shades in the overwhelming wash of sound. It

sounds simultaneously like chaos and creation's order, set to music. TOP SONGS Most Singable: “Hallelujah to Saving Grace” Strongest Biblical Content: “Let there Be Light” (Gen 1; Zeph 3:17) The Whole Package: “Your Great Love,” “Calling on Fire” JEREMY ARMSTRONG

Awakening Hearts, produced by Ed and Scott Cash, is a five song EP that swims in the deep waters of grace and ongoing sanctification. Worship leader Mike Lee gives us a high Christology in songs like the catchy “Different,” but the Holy Spirit’s daily work in us is prominent. Lee also gives us plenty of evocative lyrics, like “shaking deep inside, like bones just came alive,” from “Waking Up.”

Some of the phrasing may be difficult for your congregation to sing. For instance Lee stretches the word “come” to seven syllables in “Salvation Come,” wrapping the word around an expansive melody. Still, the record sounds great and provides much needed lyrics in praise of God for his ongoing work in the Church today. Sounds Like: Howie Day, Keane, Aaron Keyes, Mute Math. TOP SONGS Most Singable: “Still” Strongest Biblical Content: “Salvation Come” The Whole Package: “Different” Resources Available: Performance videos, blog, appearance listing at mikeleemusic.com BOBBIE GILLES

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SAINTS

C3 C3 Music c3music.com

RESONATE CHURCH

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There is a church in Sydney, Australia, that has released over 40 powerful worship albums that have impacted people globally and equipped local church teams on nearly every continent. And we’re not talking about Hillsong. C3 Church has stood on the forefront of worship music for over 30 years, and their most recent release, Saints, is anthemic, musically excellent, and powerful in praise of the Father. Though there is dynamic instrumentation throughout, songs such as “Glorious” and “Stay” keep the tone from being overwhelming with their restful down-tempo—and they also stand up as two of the best tracks on the release. “Glorious” is an up-and-out song that firmly plants its focus on the God’s glory. While “Stay” (found on Song Discovery 118) boldly proclaims that “My God is louder than the voice against me / My God is stronger, he’s the hand that pulls me out” Amen! Sounds Like: Similarities to some other Australian worship, probably closer to Planetshakers than Hillsong. TOP SONGS Most Singable: “Sing” Strongest Biblical Content: “Glorious” (Ps 66) The Whole Package: “Stay” JEREMY ARMSTRONG 100

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Ellensburg Experienceresonate.com

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Ellensburg by Resonate Church is a collection of mostly horizontal songs that are all about being lost and then being redeemed. While over 11 songs the subject matter never changes, the style of orchestration varies widely from rock, to synth, to orchestral, which is a reflection of the musical tastes of the millennial generation. While there are many interesting musical moments, they take an unfortunate front seat in the production making it difficult to catch all the words, and many worship leaders will find them extremely challenging to reproduce. All proceeds from the sale of the project will go to support their efforts to start a satellite campus in Ellensburg, Washington. Sounds Like: Electric guitar and synth-driven rock with modern elements of bells, stomps, and strings. TOP SONGS Most Singable: “Rolled Away That Stone” Strongest Biblical Content: “Rich in Mercy” The Whole Package: “Sweetest Name I Know” STEVE REED

INLAND HILLS

FOR THE FATHERLESS

Inland Hills is a worship and arts collective based out of Inland Hills Church in Southern California. This grassroots, forwardthinking community is dedicated to reshaping and reclaiming the way culture perceives worship songwriting. Volume One is an anthemic shout-out to God’s great love and power and a heartfelt request for more of those things. Each song is a prayer to the one and only solution to life’s struggles—the single answer to the heart’s deepest questions: Jesus. It is rife with musically accessible songs, both instrumentally and melodically—an oft-neglected gem-of-a-quality. Prayerful and passionate lyrics establish a refreshingly transparent standard throughout this EP.

Brian & Christa Yak, husband and wife duo, write from a deep place of personal loss and redemption. For the Fatherless, their debut release, brings the listener into the arms of a loving Father found only in and because of Christ and his sacrifice. Not only is For the Fatherless the title of the album, it is also the name of Brian and Christa’s ministry to the brokenhearted and lonely who need to encounter the love and hope of Jesus. With this album Brian and Christa are honest about their own journeys of growing up without their earthly fathers in life to love and support them. Biblically rich, mesmerizing vocals, and masterful melodies make this album a go-to for the congregational and personal worship settings.

Sounds Like: Power-synth, singable melodies, Hillsong Live, Jesus Culture

Sounds Like: Caedmon’s Call meets All Sons & Daughters

Volume One Risen risenmusicpublishing.com

TOP SONGS Most Singable: “Arrival” Strong Biblical Content: “Oh God You Reign” (Psalm 146) The Whole Package: “Here and Now” Resources Available: All charts and songs available on risenmusicpublishing.com; lead sheets, chord charts, and rhythm charts available on praisecharts.com. MIKE PUESCHELL

For the Fatherless Independent forthefatherlessmusic.com

TOP SONGS Most Singable: “The Time of Singing Has Come” Strongest Biblical Content: “Unfailing Father” (Matt 11:28) The Whole Package: “What This Love Is For” Resources Available: Lyrics, videos, and stories available at forthefatherlessmusic.com. JAY AKINS

LIFE WORSHIP Dance Again Integrity Music lifechurchhome.com

Live worship album, Dance Again is a testimony of God’s faithfulness in this generation from LIFE Worship, the worship team of LIFE Church, UK. LIFE Worship’s purpose is to help their congregation connect more deeply with their Creator. The songs featured on Dance Again were written by the congregation’s own members along with a cover of “One Thing Remains (Your Love Never Fails)” and “We Believe,” which was made popular by the Newsboys. But it is the album’s title track that is the most profound anthem on this album. “Dance Again” was

written in response to the miraculous healing of congregation member, Amanda Varty. Amanda suffered from ME, short for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, which left her weak and bedridden. Amanda and her husband were desperate for a miracle, and they made their way to LIFE Church where Amanda felt an increase in her strength and energy. For eight months, Amanda continued to feel more energy at church than anywhere else. Finally, after receiving prayer, Amanda was able to get up, leave her wheelchair, and dance again. Amanda’s story moved LIFE Worship’s Matt Hooper to write the title track because God is faithful even in our brokenness. Sounds Like: These 13 worship tracks are infused with a deep theological understanding of God’s faithfulness which is heard in the songs of a people who believe he still does miracles. The UK modern pop sound fills the album with heavy synths, wide dynamic changes, and passionate vocals. TOP SONGS Most Singable: “We Believe” Strongest Biblical Content: “One Thing Remains (Your Love Never Fails)” (Eph. 3:14-21, Ps 136) The Whole Package: “Dance Again” Resources Available: Life Church provides chords charts, loops, tutorials, and lyrics for Dance Again at lifeworship.com/resources. AMANDA FURBECK

Available Worldwide 9.30.14 ExperienceDesperation.com FREE CHORD CHARTS AT WEAREWORSHIP.COM

IN REVIEW

Strongest Biblical Content: “Be Thou My Vision” The Whole Package: “Up in the Air” Resources Available: Free downloads on their Facebook page and website which features the Sweet EP, chord chart for “Reign in Me” and a church info pack.

ROBBY & BRIA

TOP SONGS Most Singable: “Worthy” Strongest Biblical Content: “Mighty One” (Isa 12) The Whole Package: “I’d Rather Have Jesus” KEVIN WEST

RANDY CROSS

Sweet Mason Jar Music robbyandbria.com

Are you looking to diversify your worship portfolio? If so, there is a Sweet solution from San Jose, California’s Robby & Bria. When you hear the title cut, “Sweet,” you wonder if you are in for a melodic ride down a country tinged memory lane. However Robby & Bria display their modern worship chops at the next turn with the worship filled “Reign in Me,” a cry for God’s sovereign rule in our lives. Around the bend, we run into the Sheryl Crow-like diddy “Alive Again,” a head-bob generator, for certain. “Up in the Air” brings us around to a Taylor Swift brand of fun country as it explores the ups and downs of relationships. The classic hymn “Be Thou My Vision” brings us beautifully back to the comfort of home with Bria’s lilting melody accompanying the journey. With a hint of the free folk movement of the ’60s, Sweet is a great discovery and a good first project from Robby & Bria. It delivers enough surprises to keep you listening … and looking forward to a full release from this eclectic duo. Sounds Like: An array of past and present styles, tinged with country and some modern rock. TOP SONGS Most Singable: “Reign in Me” 102

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(especially their campfire album), Mumford & Sons TOP SONGS Most Singable: “Lift Your Voice” Strongest Biblical Content: “May Our Praise” (Psalm 103) The Whole Package: “Bag of Bones” Resources Available: Free streaming at website. BARRY WESTMAN

SCOTT REED

Worthy (Live) Tommy Music/Dwell Ministries facebook.com/scottreedmusic Scott Reed is not new to the music industry. As a published songwriter with EMI/Worship Together, Maranatha! Music and Better Than New Music, he has proven his ability. After listening to this album it is clear he doesn’t just write great songs, which this album has plenty of, but he is a great worship leader. This live album successfully captures what we all long for: an encounter with God. The awesome anthem “Mighty One” explodes with drums “4 on the floor.” The title track is a beautiful song with excellent vocals. But even more notable, this song both captures ardent passion in singing of God’s worth and at the same time presents a very sweet moment of tender worship. Sounds Like: Nashville rock, acoustic & electric guitar, violin, mandolin

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DYLAN TUCKER & FRIENDS Embrace dylantucker.net

Dylan Tucker is an Australian ex-pat currently living in the UK. Dylan and his friends have put together a very enjoyable collection of acoustic folksy songs accompanied by guitar, banjo, harmonica, bells, and myriad other instruments and sounds. The vocals are authentic and exceptionally inviting, albeit a little rough around the edges. That doesn’t detract from the overall record, though, because it sounds like a bunch of guys around a campfire on a beach singing praises. From the opening few bars of “May Our Praise,” it is clear that this album is going to be a creative adventure of sound and lyrics. The infectious rhythms and Irish-like sounds draw the listener in on the up-tempo songs, and the story-like lyrics of slower songs such as “Your Cross Marks the Spot” keep you listening. Sounds Like: Rend Collective

MASS ANTHEM

Alive Judson University Center for the Performing Arts judsonu.edu/massanthem Mass Anthem members Chad Sowards, Tyler Sowards, Jon Moment, and Joel Hitchcock’s debut album, Alive, was recorded and produced at Judson University's Dark Room Studios in Illinois. Ben Calhoun, lead singer for the band Citizen Way, produced the project. The CD is a rock-oriented affair heavy on guitar with some tunes that are ideal for church worship. “Stronger” and “Take it all” are standouts that stick with the formula. The project could benefit from a better variety of song intros but once the tunes get rolling they have a consistent vibe throughout. On the other hand the reverent “In My Weakness” and “You Are Lord” are sanctuary friendly, and quite wonderful especially when you realize that this offering comes directly from a worship

program giving their students a way to put what they are learning to use. Mass Anthem’s lyrics are scripturally sound and live up to an anthem’s definition of psalm, hymn, and sacred vocal composition with words that uplift. Alive leaves the listener with the assurance of greater things to come. Sounds like: Guitar-driven, but not overwhelmed, with nice electroproduction touches throughout. TOP SONGS Most Singable: “Stronger” Strongest Biblical Content: “In My Weakness” (2 Cor 12:9-10) The Whole Package: “Take It All” DARRYL BRYANT

Opening with a heavy clanging guitar drive is pretty much the only worship cliché on this otherwise outstanding release from Covenant Church in Texas. The worship on Kingdom is powerful, infectious, and musically incredible. The songs are congregational, and they cross multiple cultural divides. Basically this is one of the best worship releases of the year. It’s no surprise that Israel Houghton was at the production helm of this offering. The Covenant worship team is led by David Binion, Nicole Binion, Joshua Dufrene, and Colin Edge with Houghton showing up as well on a few of the tracks. One of the fruits of the Spirit is sadly lacking in many worship releases: joy … and Kingdom is brimming with it. Whether we are rejoicing with “Let the redeemend of the Lord say so,” or shouting, “Hallelujah / Jesus be lifted higher / We serve a risen savior,” the joy is palpable in this relelase. With such a diversity of sound and lyrical breadth and depth, it’s tough to pin a single theme to this record, which is why the chosen title was probably a good move. Truly his Kingdom is filled with new mercies every morning, the movement of the Holy Spirit, it knows no end, it makes all things new, and in it we can stand wholly unashamed. Since those are just a few of the proclamational prayers raised on Kingdom, we can say it is saturated with the truths of God’s kingdom. Sounds like: It sounds like the kingdom of God in musical form—multi-instrumentation, multicultures, multi-musical-approaches, multi-voices.

COVENANT WORSHIP Kingdom Covenant Church/Integrity covenantchurch.org

TOP SONGS Most Singable: “Kingdom Come” Strongest Biblical Content: “New Every Morning” (Lam 3:22-23) Whole Package: “Risen” JEREMY ARMSTRONG

From the band that brought you

“GOD OF THIS CITY”

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character and attributes of Christ, a valuable reminder. Through an acoustic feeling musical tapestry, Trust expresses lives that are filled with overwhelming awe awaiting the return of Jesus. With each track, Trust builds on the foundational theme of that hope.

JAY & ABBY AKINS Trust Independent jayandabbymusic.com

Atlanta-based worship leaders Jay and Abby Akins deliver an album filled with God-honoring worship and encouragement for the listener. Each track could easily transition into your church’s worship rotation. With songs expressing the eternal hope that we have in Jesus, Jay and Abby refocus our eyes and ears on the

Sounds Like: Rich acoustics enhanced throughout the album by nontraditional worship band instruments. TOP SONGS Most Singable: “Hope In You” Stongest Biblical Content: “Ransom Song” The Whole Package: “Returning” Resources Available: Chord charts for “Hope Is,” “Hope In You,” and “I Stand in Awe are available on their website. RANDY CROSS

BEN FREEMAN Good News Independent benfreemenmusic.com

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Oklahoma worship leader Ben Freeman’s Good News, his third recording, focuses on Christ’s atonement for our sin on the cross, while weaving in the story of the Father’s great love for us, the glory of the resurrection, and Jesus as “high king of heaven.” Good News is filled with skillful storytelling, deep theology and

nimble guitar finger-picking, but what most sets it apart is its laser focus on the Cross, where “grace and mercy meet,” the wrath of God is satisfied, and sinners find grace upon grace. A couple of the songs may be a bit too rangy for congregational singing. And it would have been nice to hear more varied tempos (only the first song is upbeat). Good News, however, is a solid EP from a poetic, theologically sound craftsman. Sounds Like: Gentle but passionate Americana, driven by acoustic guitar. TOP SONGS Most Singable: “The Wonder of the Cross” Strongest Biblical Content: “The Blood of a Son” The Whole Package: “Grace That Saves”

vital worship

a grants program for worshiping communities

The Vital Worship Grants Program at the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship seeks to foster vital worship in congregations, parishes, and other worshiping communities in North America. This grants program is especially focused on projects that connect public worship to intergenerational faith formation and Christian discipleship, a theme that can unfold in many facets of worship from Bible reading to preaching to Baptism and Lord’s Supper, intercessory prayer, congregational song, visual arts, and more. Application deadline is January 10, 2015.

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Calvin Institute of Christian Worship

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Resources Available: Chord charts, music, booking info at benfreemanmusic.com KRISTEN GILLES

ROBBIE SEAY BAND Psalms, Vol. 2 EP robbieseayband.com

Robbie Seay Band’s latest release Psalms, Vol. 2 EP, is a slight departure from the alt-rock-roots

music and signature stylized vocals we’ve come to expect from the band’s lead singer/songwriter. Though Seay’s unique style has always been a refreshing break in the sometimes-predictable Christian musical landscape, this time he has created songs that any worship band in any church of any committed style can step into and worship God using Scripture. (That’s not to say all will be able to implement the production on the album.) This is a congregational worship album. It is unquestionably all about God and not all about Robbie. It takes humility or desperation to become less visible so God can shine. Robbie and the band have done that. Scripture is the star here. The songs for the most part—“Psalm 134” excepted—do not express the entire psalm or even most of it (as for instance The Sons of Korah are more likely to do). Rather each song pulls an essential prayer or proclamation (or combines both) and repeats it—a sort of sung contemplation of a single or a few truths about God. It is lovely, uplifting, and the perfect segue between reading the whole psalm in a church setting and then rehearsing key elements to effect a stick-tothe-spiritual-ribs factor. Hopefully Psalms, Vol. 2 will serve as a catalyst for just that.

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The music is emotional and devotional, igniting and impelling hearts to worship. The opening track, “Psalm 134,” is the perfect call to worship. Next up, “Psalm 140,” is an urgent cry for God’s mercy and deliverance, with an ardent proclamation of trust infused with uptempo energy— hope in the face of need. “Psalm 139” rehearses God’s intimate knowledge of his children, building in passion from a single voice and keys to a guitar, vocal and sound layering, shimmering percussion and compelling drums, sprinkles of evocative guitar soloing. “Psalm 118,” is simply exquisite as it declares, “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,” beginning and ending in quiet; it is an anthemic march to glory as it grows in power and then pulls back to voice, cello, and, finally, simple guitar. “Psalm 3” finishes the album with two minutes of evocative atmospherics and sound painting, before declaring and repeating the truth we all need to have alive in our spirits and imprinted on our hearts: “I will not be afraid, I will not fear, no I will not fear. For you, oh LORD are a shield about me. You are my glory. You lift my head… I cried aloud to you oh God, and you answered me.” Sounds like: Robbie Seay Band, but different, more stylistically accessible to the average worship band/lead vocalist. The music combines folk, rock, roots, pop, and synth atmospherics, with shades of John Schreiner, Crowder, Peter Gabriel, Pink Floyd, Matt Redman. Most singable: “Psalm 118” Most Scriptural: All, but more of complete text encompassed in “Psalm 134” The whole thing: “Psalm 118,” “Psalm 140” ANDREA HUNTER

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PERSONAL PLAYLIST Sounds like: Sung poetry and prayer, with soul, spirit, and unquestionable artistry. Lerner marries pop balladry, soul, gospel, funk, rhythm and blues, scatting, experimental washes, orchestral, and electronic shading with emotionally nuanced, dynamic, and dimensional singing.

NIKKI LERNER Longings nikkilerner.com

Nikki Lerner is a sound painter and accomplished poet, and her exquisite voice draws you in to sights, sounds, and multiple points on the emotional compass, all emanating from her worshipful imagination. Although most of the album is not traditional songs (in the sense of repeatable words and music, so strongly hooked melodically and lyrically that a person or congregation can hop on), they are an invitation to behold the beauty of the Lord—to worship, exalt, thank, and express deep longing for him. The lyrics are grateful, hopeful, worshipful, and thick with adoration. The violin on “Plea,” a song of repentance is amazing. There is a percussive quality throughout Longings, sometimes supplied by traditional means and sometimes through the pizzicato pluck of a violin or synthesized sounds. “Welcome to the New” is an up-tempo encouragement and celebration featuring a cool symphony of percussion, backgrounded by scats, with Lerner’s smooth vocals in front. To fully experience Longings, Lerner’s songcraft requires a break from busyness and a committed listen, but the space it nudges you into is well worth the time.

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TOP SONGS Most Singable: “I Get to Love You” Strongest Biblical Content: “Seasons” (Eccl 3) The Whole Package: “Life Is Good,” “Plea” ANDREA HUNTER

is to calm troubled souls through peaceful music containing truths of Scripture and encouragement. The title track sets the tone for the whole album, “So here’s my night song to You, while the rest of the world is still sleeping.” The orchestration for most songs is piano, strings, and vocal. It is a very peaceful album, although at times too sleepy. Sounds like: Audrey Assad, Michael Card TOP SONGS Most Singable: “This Will Be My Song” Strongest Biblical Content: “Joy Comes” (Psalm 30:5) The Whole Package: “Nightsong” BARRY WESTMAN

VARIOUS ARTISTS Nightsong Off the Ground Collective offtheground.org

This album came out of a Godgiven dream to songwriter Charity Herrmann during a painful time in her life. The dream was to create music that people could listen to and soak in while going through difficult seasons in life. The result is this lovely album called Nightsong—9 artists coming together to bring hope during difficult times. The album is a mix of slower ballads, peaceful instrumental music, and spoken Scripture set to music. The goal of the album

COLTON DIXON Anchor Sparrow coltondixonmusic.com

Fan favorite of the 11th season of American Idol, Colton Dixon follows his debut with the explosive Anchor. Stepping off the AI stage directly to the Christian music recording studio is not a new thing—Dixon’s predecessors include Mandisa, Jason Castro, Chris Sligh, among others. The one thing that they mostly have

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in common is outrageously produced records—by outrageous, read incredibly high quality. Check! Anchor was produced by David Garcia (TobyMac, Mandisa, Newsboys) and Red Decibel (Switchfoot, Kelly Clarkson, Jeremy Camp). The second thing is broader appeal as far as lyrics go … meaning Jesus is not often named, and God is mostly alluded to. While there are times that Anchor does follow the excerptednomenclature approach, Dixon is refreshingly straightforward. A savior is mentioned in “Walk on the Waves” and “Anchor,” but his intentions clear with each passing song. He sings, “I want to be an Echo of you” (“Echo”) and “All to You / I surrender / All to You my blessed savior / I surrender all” (“More of You”). But it’s on “Dare to Believe” that he moves out of the surface, slightly universal realms and truly proclaims his faith: “The God of the impossible

/ God of every miracle / here for the world to see / I dare to believe.” It’s easy to look cynically at realty-show contestants, but Dixon’s music is affective and unashamed. It’s high quality, radio-ready, power-pop-and-rock that will certainly have a wide effect of good. The main downfall of the album is the dated musical

rails that seem necessary for Christian radio. Though the lovely piano ballad “Through All of It” transcends and inspires with beauty and grace. Sounds Like: Inspirational alt-rock with a bit more fire and heavier guitars at times, Daughtry meets TobMac, ’90s rock (which is today’s Christian radio rock).

TOP SONGS Most Singable: “Echo” Strongest Biblical Content: “Walk on the Waves” (loosely Matthew 14:22-33) The Whole Package: “More of You” JEREMY ARMSTRONG

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THE

BOOKSHELF consider your understanding and approach to worship. Featured also are some enlightening and enjoyable appendices as well: “Doxologies of the New Testament,” “Hymnic Fragments in the Pauline Epistles,” and “Sunday Worship in Early Christianity.”

RICH KIRKPATRICK

DANIEL I. BLOCK

Rich Kirkpatrick who regularly teaches on this subject at the National Worship Leader Conference to grateful leaders who are caught in the mire of juggling the roles of Music Director, Tech Director, Service Producer, Programming Director, Pastor, and oh…yes worship leader, has put it all down in print for a handy reference. In the midst of administration, pastoring, training, planning, auditioning, coaching, refereeing, paperwork, and more, one can easily be overwhelmed. The good news is there are ways to re-imagine and restructure your role. Kirkpatrick encourages empowering others rather than hoarding power, and preparing others to do what you do. He breaks down the visible and invisible parts of worship services and leading, emphasizing building a strong foundation in unseen areas that are often neglected and understanding process as well as content. Finally Kirkpatrick defines each role and the support functions entailed in each to better delegate, train, plan, and execute and takes on hard topics such as succession, and acknowledging ministry needs. This little book packs a wallop delivering invaluable information for every pastor and worship leader.

A work of exceptional breadth, Block’s For the Glory of God would be a worthwhile journey for any church’s pastoral leadership team, and every member of the worship team. It would and should take time to explore—years in fact. It is an academic work, most likely to be read by theology students in the context of a seminary education, but it is an informative read for anyone. And it seems that Block has written it with a larger audience of readers in mind. He covers the worship universe: the object, subject, and understanding of worship; daily life, family life, and work as worship; also ordinances, prayer, music, sacrifice, and offering as worship. Other chapters on “Hearing and Proclaiming the Scriptures in Worship,” “The Drama of Worship,” The Design and Theology of Sacred Space,” and “Leaders in Worship” make this a must read. Block points out—referring to Colossians 3:15-17— that “truly worshipful music is preconditioned by truly worshipful living.” Whether you completely embrace all his deductions about worship—for some on both sides of the theological divide, it will be uncomfortable—it is definitely an opportunity for your community, with Scripture in hand and a prayer on your lips, to pause and

The Six Hats of the Worship Leader Self published available online

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ated through him, yet the world did not recognize him” (Jn 1:10 HCSB). The beautiful irony is that experiencing this ignites a desire for deeper understanding of Jesus and relationship with God through Christ. As with all books in the series John: The Gospel of Wisdom is highly recommended for both personal, group, or team study.

For the Glory of God Baker

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