Twitter Feed 
Email Subscribe
Basic Health Care For Your Voice: Part 2
October 13, 2008
This is the second in a two-part series about vocal health. In part one we looked at some basic ways to prevent vocal problems. In this section we’ll look at what to do once you think you’ve hurt your voice.
The Heart of Worship
September 16, 2008
Matt Redman has a classic song called “The Heart of Worship”. The song came to be one day when the church was going through spiritual apathy.
Good to Great: Onscreen Lyrics and Notes - Part 2
August 2, 2008
In Part 1 of this article we explored Contrast, Alignment, and Font Choice. You can start there and catch up.
The Purpose of Backgrounds = Enhance ≠ Distract
The whole purpose of backgrounds - loops or still graphics - is to add visual interest to the screens and to break up the monotony of plain black behind the lyrics.
On the flip side, many churches drank the kool-aid and now believe that worship can’t happen unless there’s some sort of motion - whether abstract or video - behind the lyrics. Backgrounds were never meant to become the focal point of the music set (unless of course you want them to be the focal point on special occasions). If at any point in time they become the focus, pull a “Heart of Worship” and get rid of them for a time. They cannot become a crutch.
Review: Klaus - Glory: An Evening of Worship with Klaus
August 2, 2008
Recorded LIVE at Christ For The Nations Institute, Glory combines well known Klaus songs with some great new tunes.
Klaus was born in Germany and currently lives in Canada with his family. He is a graduate of CFNI and following his graduation he returned to be the morning worship leader there from 2003-2005. Klaus produced two album’s during that time.
Confessions of a Tech Director
July 28, 2008
I wear a lot of hats here at St. Simons Community Church and at the Gathering Place where I volunteer regularly. My job title is Technology Director. My roll is WAY more complicated. I am involved with everything audio, video, lighting, IT, software, graphic design, video production, event production, service planning, content planning, and a few other things I am missing. I like the multitasking, I like the every-day-is-different, I like the freedom & responsibility. (This is where I must mention the two guys I work closely with: Bo and Chris, they share an equal load in tech direction in the church and I/we couldn’t come close to doing it without them.) What I don’t like is how it has fostered a critical nature in me.
10 Tips for Worship Leaders: How to Enhance On-Stage Presence
July 24, 2008
If you’ve ever seen a group of children perform a song for a gathering of parents and spectators, you’ve seen the teacher or leader who places his or herself directly in their line of vision and proceeds to mouth (very clearly and expressively) every word and indicate every gesture at the appropriate time so that the children can follow along and all look like they know what their doing.
Good to Great: Onscreen Lyrics and Notes - Part 1
July 15, 2008
Open your software of choice. Add the lyrics. Play.
So is the preparation of the typical church using lyrics presentation software. It works. The lyrics are on screen and God is sung to and about. But what if a few simple treatments could be applied between “Add the lyrics” and “Play” to take these good presentations and turn them into great presentations?
Praise God “what if” is a reality. Here are a few things to try.
Beating The Summer Slump
July 2, 2008
Memorial Day to Labor Day is the summer season here in the U.S. Typically it’s prime time for families to vacation and be in and out of church. Most churches experience a little dip in consistent attendance during these months and tend to use the time to gear up towards the fall season.
We are in the middle of an experiment here at my church. Instead of doing the same ol’ thing with the worship team, we decided to try and bring a little variety to our look, feel, and sound. Typically, we have a band/singer setup not unlike the typical medium to large size church, but this approach can be adapted by any size church, and might even be more effective if used in a smaller church. Read more
Book Review: Worship Matters
June 16, 2008
Worship Matters: Leading Others to Encounter the Greatness of God
Bob Kauflin
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Crossway Books (March 31, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 158134824X
ISBN-13: 978-1581348248
I have been an avid reader of Bob Kauflin’s blog Worship Matters for over a year. I read it almost daily and try to incorporate what I can within my ministry. Bob has been in worship ministry for a long time and his insight is much appreciated. Anything I read I weigh it against two thoughts:
1. What can I get out of this?
2. What can others get out of this?
While I personally love Bob’s blog I find that it may be a difficult read for those who are just starting out in ministry. It is full of great thoughts on theology, ministry and worship but I think some of it is very complex.
When I ordered this book I was eager with anticipation, but expecting more of what he does on his blog. What I got was a special treat.
Theology with practicality in terms that can be understood.
This book is a must read for anybody involved in worship leading or service planning. It delves deep into the theology of worship, but does it in a way that almost anybody can understand. It explains the trials, pitfalls, definitions and many, many other things. Then Bob goes into application. He teaches how you can take his insights into your own service and use them for a more effective ministry.
There are four main sections in the book:
1: The Leader
2: The Task
3: Healthy Tensions
4: Right Relationships
Each section discusses the topics and then encourages application. He goes into detail about what worship is, it’s many styles, leadership, how to put together a service, lyrical content, tensions, worship wars, songwriting, and relationships.
This is a fantastic book and a delightful surprise. Worship matters found it’s place on my shelf of “must read books on ministry” and I’d recommend it for yours as well.
