New, Popular, & Undiscovered Songs: a response

AsAPastorJust a few weeks ago my friend & fellow worship pastor, Chris Vacher, published a thought-provoking blog: “Thoughts on New Songs, Popular Songs, & Undiscovered Songs“, which has also been edited & republished over at TWC. In it he states that we should generally consider using the more popular worship songs because “…the reason that songs become popular and are sung around the world is that there are very talented songwriters who understand the craft of songwriting and have put together these various elements in a way that allows people of every musical skill level to sing as an expression of their worship to Jesus.” Though I have nothing against talented songwriters, I don’t necessarily agree with the first half of the blog.

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CHRISTMAS SONG TUTORIAL FOR THE CHURCH: “Christ the Lord is born Today”

One of the reasons I moved away from traditional hymnody towards theologically rich modern worship was the excellent songwriting of Sovereign Grace Music. A few years ago I was blessed to lead Mark Altrogge‘s excellent modern Christmas song, “Christ the Lord is Born Today”, as originally recorded by Sovereign Grace Music.  

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Look and See

ShannonLive2013A unique special event took place just a few weeks ago – a partnership between local churches spearheaded by Fred McKinnon which resulted in a beautiful night of God-glorifying corporate singing.  Given that Saint Lewis is a multi-church band 3 of our 5 core members were on stage, as well as 2 of our regular guest musicians, and it was at my former church, St. Simons Community Church, so I felt right at home! [Read more…]