Singing in Church

I read this article today - again:

Why Men Have Stopped Singing in Church

I have a LOT of 'thoughts' about this. I am going to share a few.

It's suggested in the article that one of the problems is how worship in the church has moved from a book of hymns to an unlimited number of songs with the added technology of projection and access to music. They point to the fact that song familiarity has lessened because of the number of songs in a congregations' repertoire and a leader's lack of commitment to make the song more familiar - more concerned with new music than familiarity.

This isn't an issue of why MEN have stopped singing. It's more of an issue of an entire congregation, minus several individuals, not singing. In some churches, worship has become more about performance than worship. We sing songs in keys that aren't accessible to most of the congregation. Most members of a congregation are non-singers - male and female. Now from a vocal instructor perspective, males are more likely than females to not sing in a group setting. (I could give you the research that shows the numbers and explanations. It is basically linked to childhood and someone telling them they couldn't sing, so they stopped. However, it's becoming a bigger issue among women, as well.)

How do you get non-singers to worship? 

• -Choose songs with lyrics worth getting stuck in your head - lyrics that reflect sound theology or are based in Scripture. Who doesn't love a song that brings Scripture to mind when you sing it?
• -Use new songs in your worship services - a LOT - like, until they become old songs. Give people options for downloading the songs, meditating on the lyrics - things that will help increase their familiarity.
• -Choose keys that allow your congregation to sing with ease - not keys that allow you to show off your 'talent'.
• -Practice enough before the worship service that you do not have to think about musical stuff and can simply worship - not perform. If you don't get to the foot of the throne, how in the world are the people you are leading going to get there? 

In my honest opinion, a lot of 'worship services' have very little worship taking place. Sometimes we need to strip away everything in order to really worship. Take the spotlight off of worship leaders, worship teams, musicians, instruments and put the spotlight on God. 

How have we complicated something that should be so simple?

Sound Check - Christmas Style

Welcome to Sound Check. This is where I post worship tunes for you to check out. I give you the YouTube video to listen to. If you like the song, click the album cover that follows the video to buy the song on iTunes.

Song: An Irish Christmas Blessing

Album: Joy: An Irish Christmas
by Keith & Kristyn Getty

(NOTE: This video is not the complete song and Keith is singing here. On the album, Kristyn sings this song and it's so lovely. I love this entire album, but this song is my favorite!)

Song: Heaven Everywhere

Album: Francesca Battistelli-Christmas

Thoughts on Leading Worship

As I was thinking ahead to Sunday morning and asking God (out of my frustration, mind you) what was really going to make a difference (and I was specifically referring to the music portion of our worship service) - what would draw people closer to His heart, to a deeper point in their relationship with Him - a few things came to me.

As a worship leader (and regardless of whether you are THE LEADER, the drummer, etc., you are leading worship), it is our job (collectively) to usher in the presence of the Holy Spirit so that God can do His work among His people. Worship isn't really for US...it's for Him. I mean, technically, we could sing anything in worship of Him, but is that all He desires? I don't think so. He desires our hearts - US. I think God's expects that worship will draw us closer to Him and....wait for it....CHANGE us.

I am really sick of superficial worship...like, fed up, makes me nauseous and want to vomit sort of sick. Anyone feel me? You can sing great songs and not a single person be moved - physically or spiritually. This makes me weep! I need depth, people! DEPTH! There are days when I need comforting and it comes from those depths with God, but most of the time depth does not equal comfort for me. Depth in worship means that I am coming into the presence of Almighty God. Burning bush, anyone? NOT. COMFORTABLE. However, you can't leave the presence of God and not be changed. Isn't that what we should be striving for? Change. Being molded into the image of our Lord, bit by bit (and comfort can be found in that).

Worship leaders - strive for depth tomorrow. Be well-rehearsed so that you don't have to think about the music and YOU can simply worship God for who He is. Wherever you lead, your congregation will follow.

Sound Check - October 28, 2012

Welcome to Sound Check. This is where I post worship tunes for you to check out. I give you the YouTube video to listen to. If you like the song, click the album cover that follows the video to buy the song on iTunes.

I'm going to have to make a list of songs I want to introduce you to - there is a ton of new stuff that I'm really liking...Bebo Norman, Brandon Heath, Gateway Worship, Gabriel Wilson, Veggie Tales (no I'm not kidding - I LOVE me some Veggie Tales - DON'T JUDGE!) AND Third Day's new album is scheduled for a Nov. 6 release.

However, since I mentioned FFH last week, I'll begin there. I love this entire album. I developed a deep love for FFH in college. The simplicity and clarity in their vocals makes the lyrics a central focal point and they have such beautiful harmony. The link I'm posting at the end is for the entire album. I can't pick just one song to recommend. Most of the songs are songs you already know from church, but FFH style.

Song: First Love

Album: The Way We Worship

by FFH
NOTE: This video is the only one I could find.

My, How Things Have Changed

Last night at worship team rehearsal, I found a piano version of our hymnal and began looking through it. I ran across this:

This lovely document provided us plenty of entertainment for the majority of rehearsal.

I am assuming Sacred Melody was a collection of songs - written by the Wesley brothers, of course. I find it amusing that those songs - THEIR SONGS - should be learned before any others and that they should be sung exactly as they are printed. If you've learned them differently, for heaven's sake, UNLEARN them! 

WHAT?

For those of you who don't like the sing (Guy Rowland), check out #3. Mr. Wesley says that should sing even if it's a cross to you. Bahahahaha!

I think #4 is hilarious. Hubby thinks #4 and #5 sort of contradict each other. I think #5 just says don't be a diva or a fool while you're singing our songs! 

I'm pretty sure #6 is why good drummers are a necessity today. If John Wesley would have had a good drummer, he wouldn't have had to worry about people maintaining a steady tempo, right?

#7 - Oh my! I don't even know what to say to that.

I'm so glad I have never had to worship according to these directions. Change is good, people. Change is good.

Sound Check - October 7, 2012

Welcome to Sound Check. This is where I post worship tunes for you to check out. I give you the YouTube video to listen to. If you like the song, click the album cover that follows the video to buy the song on iTunes.

The Big Daddy Weave album is NOT new. It was released in April, but I really just love this song

Song: Redeemed

Album: Love Come to Life

by Big Daddy Weave

There was a music video contest for Rest Easy. This is the winning video. Warning: You may cry.

Song: Rest Easy
Album: Light for the Lost Boy 
by Andrew Peterson

Diving Deeper

Recently, we studied Malachi at church. Malachi is tough, but something I think all believers need to be reminded of. God doesn't want our leftovers - our trash. He wants the best that we have to offer and sometimes that isn't so easy. Perhaps that is why it's called sacrifice.  Just going through the motions doesn't get it either. God desires authentic worship - a heart connected to the motions. In Malachi He asked that they just stop sacrificing. He preferred nothing at all to the junk they were offering.

We can't be a light in a 'dark world', royal priests, if we aren't giving God our very best. We must pursue God - follow hard after Him, lean heavily on Him. God is not pleased with half-hearted worship - apathetic worship - yet He will still pursue His own and He longs for the day when they/we will return. However, He did get FED UP with them and I think He gets FED UP with us.

God begins to call them (the Israelite priests) back to be the priests they were originally called to be - individuals who hold the knowledge and truth about God - His ways, His character - so that they could wisely and soundly counsel others. Today, the body of Christ lacks a depth to our knowledge of God. We can't fulfill our 'priestly duties' if we don't know scripture, if we don't possess a deep knowledge and truth about God. We can't be a "moral and ethical compass" (love this Pastor Keith!) or impart wisdom or provide sound counsel to others if we aren't disciplined enough to study scripture. 

So as I'm diving deeper, I'm going to encourage you to do the same. Give God your best and work towards being the 'royal priest' He has called you to be.

Sound Check - August 19, 2012

I forgot to post this yesterday...Sorry.

Welcome to Sound Check. Each week I post worship tunes for you to check out. I give you the YouTube video to listen to. If you like the song, click the album cover that follows the video to buy the song on iTunes. Enjoy!

There is only one song this week and it is by no means new, but it is beautiful!

Song: Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God
Album: Keswick (Live) - Keith & Kristyn Getty

Sound Check - August 12, 2012

Welcome to Sound Check. Each week I post fairly new worship tunes for you to check out. I give you the YouTube video to listen to. If you like the song, click the album cover that follows the videao to buy the song on iTunes. Enjoy!

This week I am featuring 2 songs from one band - Brothers McClurg. Love, Love, Love these songs from their new album entitled Join in the Sound. Check them out - you won't be disappointed. The videos are live cuts from a spot they did for Family Life - the actual MP3s sound a little different.

Song: Join in the Sound

Song: Every Stormy Wind That Blows

Sound Check - August 5, 2012

Welcome to Sound Check. Each week I post fairly new worship tunes for you to check out. I give you the YouTube video to listen to. If you like the song, click the album cover that follows the videao to buy the song on iTunes. Enjoy!

Song: You Revive Me (sung by Christy Nockels)
Album: Passion - White Flag
You can't go wrong with Passion OR Christy Nockels! This whole album is fantastic!

Song: Where I Belong

Album: Building 429 - Listen to the Sound

This song is not new, but I like it and thought you might, as well. Just a reminder that this world is not where I belong.

Sound Check - July 29, 2012

Welcome to Sound Check. Each week I post fairly new worship tunes for you to check out. I give you the YouTube video to listen to. If you like the song, click the album cover that follows the videao to buy the song on iTunes. Enjoy!

Song: We Are
Album: Kari Jobe-The Acoustic Sessions
Kari Jobe has a new acoustic album. LOVE. HER. The entire album is only $4.99 on iTunes. The link is for the entire album. If you want the song only, go to iTunes and search for We Are.

Song: Your Presence is Heaven to Me

Album: Israel & New Breed (single)

This video is from Lakewood Church. The song starts at 1'51"

God Will Take Care of You

This may be the cutest thing I have EVER seen!


Adorable 2 year old Sings God Will Take Care of You from emmabelle on GodTube.

Sound Check - July 22, 2012

I have decided that this will be my Sunday post until further notice. I will give you the YouTube video to listen to. If you like the song, click the album cover that follows the video to buy the song on iTunes.

Come to Me sang by Jenn Johnson
Bethel Music from the album The Loft Sessions

Sovereign Over Us by Aaron Keyes

from the album Dwell

Sound Check - New Worship Tunes

I thought I would start trying to post a few new worship tunes for you to listen. I'm still trying to figure out how to just give you audio links, but for now YouTube will be our method of sharing.

I will also provide a link for you to download the song on iTunes - just in case you can't live without it.

This week's selection:

Beneath the Waters (I Will Rise) from Hillsong LIVE's newest album, Cornerstone. If you like the song after listening, click on the album cover to download it on iTunes.

...and the thunder rolls

Have you ever felt as though the will of man cheated you out of God's will for you? Believe me, I hadn't really given it much thought until the end of last week and now it just keeps circling in my thoughts.

I have refrained from sharing anything about this story on my blog. It was a roller coaster I really didn't want to re-ride day after day, but I am hoping this will help me process. Perhaps it will resonate with someone else, but it's mostly for me. Before I even go into the details of the past couple of months, know that I, in no way, believe that this story is over. "The End" has not yet been written, but I HATE roller coasters. They make me wanna throw up!

Right now? I'm exhausted and I want off of this ride!

On April 18th, our worship leader announced to the worship team that he would be leaving in July. I have only been with this team since January, but they've become great friends - a family to me. Our worship leader is an amazing man of God and the thought of he and his family being ripped out of my life left me feeling lost and upset. I weeped for days! Funny thing is - they're moving to Illinois! (God thinks he's funny!)

During the 10 days that followed, an ugly scene unfolded. It was most certainly a time of God making Himself known. Those 10 days were nothing short of a wrestling match with God. This 'stubborn child' phase, (or as I refer to it - my 'kid in the cereal aisle fit') ALWAYS comes when God has something He desires for me to do and I'm trying to convince Him that He doesn't (often because I realize that it's going to require a LOT from me AND it's going to push me WAY beyond the point of being comfortable!). I can name multiple occasions where this has happened. (not proud of the fit-pitching and I'm working on being joyfully obedient the instant He speaks, but I'm not there yet!).

I have been praying about what God would have me do since before we moved in October. God provides, but He did not call me to Ohio to be a housewife or a stay-at-home mom (no offense ladies, but it takes a special person and God didn't build me like that!). Full-time worship leader wasn't even on my radar, but I feel as though God made it incredibly clear that He had just opened the door. The season of being still and waiting was because the position wasn't ready.

I will spare you the bloody details, but know that every, single day during that 10 day period, God provided conformation of His will. I laid out my 'fleece' on the 6th day. The 7th day God answered my prayer. He didn't just stop there, though. The conformations continued (because God likes to out-do Himself).On the 10th day, He provided an AMAZING devotion on discerning your calling. I turned in my application the following day. (#youcanrunbutyoucan'thide - for you Crys)

After 2 rounds of interviews in June, where I was one of 2 final candidates, they're hiring the other guy. (Let me be clear here - I'm certain that he is wonderful and my issues are NOT with him. I will continue to serve under his leadership because God called hubby and I to this particular body of believers and He led me to be on this worship team. Period.) The last several days have been nothings short of emotionally exhausting, though. I'm not going to lay out all of my frustration on here -that's not my purpose. Just know that my frustrations revolve around the way things were handled, the reason I was given for the decision that was made, and that I felt I had a clear answer from God regarding my calling. God clearly opened a door. It has now been slammed shut and I feel as though it was the will of man that slammed it - not God.

So, here's my request: Pray that God will clearly reveal Himself and His perfect will. Pray that if His will HAS been done, that I would have peace and know that the past couple of months were simply an exercise in my being obedient. However, if His will has yet to be accomplished, that He WOULD have His way (and as hubby put it, that it wouldn't take 40 years of us wandering in a desert for it to happen). Someone (or possibly more than one someone) in this situation lacked discernment. I want to draw closer to God through all of this so that if I was the one lacking, in the future I will most certainly not be.

Passive Worship

So, here's a little food for thought this week:

Passive worshipers=Passive Christians

If you disagree, feel free to comment, but I think our level of engagement in worship directly equates to our level of engagement in life with Christ beyond the walls of our church (which makes worship really important in our walks).

The words for worship in the Bible all denote action, not passivity. We should be participating, not spectating. Our job isn't to simply sit and listen. Worship is about experiencing a living, active God. You don't do that by simply watching and listening. Church is not about your entertainment. You should be engaged with God. It's a time for us to actively serve God - to invest ourselves - to offer ourselves to Him.

(RANDOM THOUGHT: Perhaps we should think of worship services as practice for Heaven. I'm thinking that we should learn to actively worship now because we're going to be doing it for all of eternity.)

For those of you who are still confused, let me try to break it down a little more. Listening to a worship song on your iPod or Christian radio and letting it 'wash over you' is passive worship. There is nothing wrong with this scenario, but on Sunday morning, try to think of what you're doing as 'coming to worship', not 'going to church'. You aren't contributing anything by sitting and letting the music and message 'wash over you'. You are not the audience. God is. You aren't there to spectate. You are there to participate!

Going to church is easy; worship may not always be. When you actively worship, you become vulnerable - you expose yourself to God's almighty power and have no control over what happens. Moments spent actively in God's presence can bring peace, hope, revelation of sin, healing, and forgiveness. It isn't possible to spend time worshiping your Creator and leave unchanged. Time spent in God's presence will ALWAYS change you.

Did you 'go to church' today or did you 'come to worship'? I encourage you to become more active in your worship time. Enter the sanctuary with the intention of encountering God and being changed.