Category Archives: Music

Strong Congregational Singing: 12 Things To Avoid

Posted on March 18, 2017 by Mark Cole

I love it when congregations sing so loud that the soundman has trouble hearing the worship band over the people singing around him. Worship leaders – if the congregation is not singing, we are not doing what God has called us to do. Here are a few things that I’ve learned to avoid in order to encourage the congregation to sing.
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Music Advice from Thelonious Monk

Posted on February 18, 2017 by Mark Cole

The following insightful musical advice comes courtesy of legendary jazz pianist Thelonious Monk, a musical genius who died 35 years ago. Monk is the second most-recorded jazz composer after Duke Ellington. The list was transcribed by saxophonist Steve Lacy in 1960. … Continue reading →

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9 Lessons Young Worship Leaders Need To Learn

Posted on January 24, 2017 by Mark Cole

By David Santistevan I remember the day like it was yesterday. I remember my heart racing, tears flowing, and my life changing. It was the day I experienced the presence of God for the first time. Sure, I had been … Continue reading →

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My Top 10 Worship Posts Of 2016

Posted on December 31, 2016 by Mark Cole

2016 has been an amazing year for me, it has included strong worship ministry, a return to choir leading,  great overseas ministry and awesome family times. This blog has been a successful part of that journey with almost 690,000 visits from … Continue reading →

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The Story Behind ‘Joy To The World’

Posted on December 22, 2016 by Mark Cole

By Monica Hunter (the original post is here) No Christmas carol list would be complete without the exuberant celebration song, “Joy to the World.” This lively tune is easily memorized and simple to play on an instrument. But do you … Continue reading →

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8 Reasons a Church Choir Is Important

Posted on December 20, 2016 by Mark Cole

I recently started conducting a choir after many years of just doing worship teams. Here are 8 great reasons to consider adding a choir to your congregation. (edited from Chuck Lawless) It provides opportunities for many members to serve. Think … Continue reading →

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Philosophy of Worship

Posted on December 7, 2016 by Mark Cole

Does your congregation have a ‘Philosophy of Worship’? I recently came across a very well-written philosophy from ‘The Meeting Place’ church. If you are developing your own standards for your worship ministry, this is a good place to start. Philosophy … Continue reading →

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A Letter To My Younger Worship Leading Self

Posted on October 9, 2016 by Mark Cole

Dear Younger Worship Leading Me, In a few decades you are going to look back at your years of worship ministry with a desire for a second chance to handle some things differently. You will think about certain services, special … Continue reading →

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The Lord Has Chosen You

Posted on September 13, 2016 by Mark Cole

I love this message to the priests in charge of worship: The Lord has chosen you to stand in His presence, to minister to Him, and to lead the people in worship and present offerings to Him. ~ II Chronicles 29:11 … Continue reading →

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Worship Teams: Moving From Good To Excellent

Posted on July 9, 2016 by Mark Cole

How do we as individuals, leaders and worship teams go from good to excellent? How do we take from the past and learn from the present to lead our congregations in passionate worship of the Lord? Here are four main areas that … Continue reading →

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