Back in 2010 I was honored to be part of something unique: The Forge Conference, spearheaded by Joel Klampert. Created with the vision of equipping those serving in the trenches, & “forge”-ing supportive relationships/community among worship leaders, I was afforded the opportunity to share my experience with mentoring inexperienced worship teams as a break-out session. [Read more…]
Did I mention that I wrote a book?
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REVIEW: Stephen Miller – “Liberating King”
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ARTIST: Stephen Miller
RELEASE: Liberating King
LABEL: Independent
I admire Stephen Miller. Having reviewed his book (Worship Leaders we are not Rock Stars) just a few months back, I was looking forward to hearing this new CD. Stephen’s commitment to solid Biblical truth, balanced in equal measure with passion, & creativity shine bright on his latest release. [Read more…]
The Golden Key?
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Many of my “heroes” have said it – all men I admire and respect. I’ve read their books, listened to their teaching, and sung their songs. Most worship songwriting “experts” teach that there is an ideal range or “sweet spot” for worship songs. And I used to believe it – I really did – I towed the line. In fact, I still use their suggestions as a guide, but I’m not convinced it can be applied universally – here’s why: [Read more…]
New, Popular, & Undiscovered Songs: a response
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Just 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.
I write because I write because I write…
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I won’t lie – as a songwriter, Writer’s Block has given me a beating a time or two… I’ll find myself holding a guitar, & there’s just NOTHING. What do you do?
My oldest fought with this a few months back at school. His teacher was concerned because he wasn’t finishing stories during writing time. During our face-to-face after school he explained, “I just didn’t have any good ideas.”
So I told him, “Just. Write.”
When you’re facing a blank page, or screen, the best way to put cuffs on Writer’s Block, & escort him from the room is by JUST WRITING. One word follows another – one sentence follows the next. They don’t have to be good [Read more…]
BELIEVER, Husband, Father, Son, Pastor, Songwriter, Musician, Producer, Worshiper, Thinker, Creative
