Taking a month or two off to really sit with some new music (you can read 2015’s “end of the year best-of” HERE), the NEXT playlist/blog is back in play. I’ve found a few lesser-known gems from newer artists, & a few major worship teams who consistently bring some of the best new songs to the fold. Also, as a reminder, I only make these Spotify lists so you can be introduced to new-to-you songs. If you like any of them, be encouraged to purchase them from iTunes.
Fresh New Worship Songs – August 2015
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It can be hard to find solid, new corporate worship songs for your congregation, especially if you don’t subscribe to the “one-size-fits-all” mentality of only pulling from the CCLI Top 100. Well, I collect new songs year round, listen, play along, & analyze to see which ones float to the top – that’s to say, I’ve done some of the work for you. Here are my most recent picks. [Read more…]
The Real Reason we do not Sing
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There has been much talk across the blogosphere this week on a topic I’m thankful is being discussed: the struggle to get a church to actually participate in corporate singing. The conversations was begun – a few months ago – by Jamie Brown in “Are we headed for a Crash?” Good observations. Leading to helpful responses by David Santisteven and Dan Wilt, both of whom made some very good points. More recently, the Kenny Lamm of the North Carolina Baptist association has chimed in on the subject as well. Having led worship in a wide variety of churches – from traditional a cappella hymn singing to free-form, “Spirit-led”, 3 1/2 hour charismatic praise, and everything in between – I’m familiar with the problem. All it takes is one Sunday morning service with the room staring back at you, uttering not-a-peep, for us to go home contemplative, asking, “What did I do WRONG?” That said, though they make many good points, I’m not convinced any of the fore-mentioned blogs gets to the heart of the matter. Here’s why…
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Songs of Thanksgiving: a short guide
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Sometimes the special seasons of church life can also be the most frustrating to plan for both a challenge & a blessing. Church attendance surges, but you don’t want to rehash the same set from last year, and the year before… and the year before that.
Well, Thanksgiving is almost upon us, & I have a few song suggestions, all of which are doctrinally rich, melodically memorable, work in multiple styles (lead them as ballads on a piano with a choir, or rock them out with a band) & sure to be a “win” with your congregations. [Read more…]
BELIEVER, Husband, Father, Son, Pastor, Songwriter, Musician, Producer, Worshiper, Thinker, Creative
