5 Ways to Fail-Proof Your Marriage

Posted on January 27, 2015 by Mark Cole

by Craig & Amy Groeschel ~ From this Day Forward: Five Commitments to Fail-Proof Your Marriage (Zondervan, 2014) 

No matter what your marriage has been like up to this point in time, it can be better from now on, because the Bible promises that God’s mercies are new every morning.

Think about a phrase that’s often part of wedding vows: “From this day forward.” If you and your spouse both commit to moving forward in your marriage in certain ways from this day forward, God will create a new, successful marriage for you.

marriage

Here are 5 commitments that will make your marriage fail-proof if you and your spouse make them together:

1. Seek God. Make your relationship with God your highest priority, so that God is number one for you, while your spouse is your number two.

Center every part of your life around your relationship with God, seeking Him with your spouse in ways such as:

  • Reading the Bible together
  • Worshiping together regularly in a church and at your home
  • Participating with other Christians in a small group that meets regularly
  • Asking your friends to hold both of you accountable to grow together spiritually
  • Using your spiritual gifts to serve together in church
  • Doing volunteer work together to serve your community
  • Leading your children toward eternal values
  • Developing spiritual traditions together and with your children

Be careful not to idolize your spouse; keep in mind that he or she is only human. Rather than expecting your spouse to meet all of your needs, rely on God alone to meet your deepest needs.

Keep an open line of communication between you, your spouse, and God, by praying together regularly.

2. Fight fair. All couples fight, but not all couples fight fairly. Instead of handing the conflict between you and your spouse in an unhealthy way by fighting for personal victory, work through it in a healthy way by fighting for resolution.

Rather than trying to win against your spouse, aim to work with your spouse to achieve victory over the issue at hand by finding a solution to the problem behind it. Be quick to listen carefully to your spouse’s thoughts and feelings, slow to speak by carefully considering whether or not you should say what you’re thinking right now, and slow to become angry.

Avoid unhealthy arguing behavior, like:

  • Calling your spouse derogatory names
  • Raising your voice
  • Bringing up your spouse’s past mistakes
  • Threatening divorce
  • Criticizing
  • Stonewalling
  • Getting defensive
  • Showing contempt for your spouse

Deal with your disagreements daily, not going to bed angry, so you won’t have time to build up bitter grudges that can poison your relationship.

3. Have fun. Incorporate fun times with your spouse into your schedule on a regular basis. When you’re pressed for time, remind yourself that you don’t have time not to have fun together, because having fun with your spouse is vitally important to the emotional health of your marriage.

Enjoy a weekly date night together whenever possible to connect face-to-face through fun conversations and activities that build emotional intimacy between you. Support each other’s interests by accompanying each other on outings that one of you especially enjoys (such as going golfing with your husband if he loves that or going antiquing with your wife if she loves that).

Make your sex life with your spouse fun, and don’t neglect opportunities to enjoy sexual fun together, since it’s vital to keep romantic passion alive in your marriage.

4. Stay pure. Be vigilant in protecting your marriage from sexual immorality that can damage or destroy it. Realize that every little step you take for sexual pleasure that isn’t directed toward your spouse – each text, flirty conversation, website, mouse click, or sensual fantasy – will lead you a step away from the holy marriage God wants you to enjoy.

Keep in mind that allowing sexual impurity into your marriage is like dripping poison into your relationship; you don’t want any amount of poison in your marriage, because it only takes a little bit to kill your relationship.

Every day, ask the Holy Spirit to help you grow in both inward purity (the things you think about and feel) and outward purity (the things you choose to do and choose not to do). Whenever you encounter temptation to be sexually impure, don’t flirt with it, but run completely away from it as fast as you can.

Take precautions to limit how often you encounter the temptation to sin, such as by:

  • Using computer filters and monitoring software
  • Placing restrictions on your mobile phone
  • Refusing to meet with members of the opposite sex alone
  • Sharing a Facebook account with your spouse rather than having separate accounts
  • Avoiding certain types of movies and television shows
  • Dressing modestly
  • Meeting regularly with an accountability partner or two whom you trust

Read and reflect on the Bible often, asking the Holy Spirit to renew your mind so your thoughts will align with biblical truth and you can view the issue of sexual purity from God’s perspective.

Deal with sexual temptation and your failures as they happen to prevent yourself from sinking deeper into them. Be honest, transparent, and accountable. Confess your sins, embrace the forgiveness that God offers you, and rely on Him to strengthen you moving forward.

5. Never give up. Choose to keep investing time and energy into making your marriage better, no matter what.

Keep in mind that your marriage can be as good as you decide it will be, as long as your spouse chooses to work with you to keep improving it.

Remind yourselves that marriage isn’t just a contract that can be broken when the relationship isn’t working well; it’s a covenant that’s meant to be fulfilled for a lifetime as a sacred promise to God and each other.

Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you and your spouse to give each other love, forgiveness, and grace every day.

Never give up on your marriage, because God can do anything with it – with God all things are possible.

Craig Groeschel is the founding and senior pastor of Lifechurch.tv, a pace-setting, multi-campus church and creators of the popular and free YouVersion Bible App. He is a New York Times bestselling author and has written several books, including Fight,Soul Detox, Weird, The Christian Atheist, and It. Craig, his wife Amy, and their six children live in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Amy Groeschel is a home educating mom and leads LifeChurch.tv’s women’s ministry. She is also the founder of Branch15 (a nonprofit housing ministry that helps marginalized women) and has co-authored SOAR, a Bible study for women.

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Celebrating 30,000 Views: My Top 10 Blogs

Posted on January 26, 2015 by Mark Cole

Yesterday my blog went over 30,000 views from over 120 countries. That’s amazing! That means that thousands of worship leaders, musicians and Christians from all over the world have spent time reading and learning. What a privilege! Thank you to all who took time to read this blog.

Here are my top 10 posts with links..

Top 10

10.  10 Ways To Improve Your Worship Team ~ Part 1 of 4: One of my strengths is helping worship team grow and improve. Here are some of the things I’ve learned.

9.  What An Amazing Healing!: I love personal testimonies of healing. They stir up faith for our own situations. This testimony of being healed from cerebral palsy is amazing!

8.  6 Keys To Learning A Musical Instrument: I love to play musical instruments. I’ve learned to play around a dozen so far. Here is what I’ve learned.

7.  10 Tips On Improving Your Worship Band Rehearsal: Rehearsals are the price you pay for doing music at a good level. Here’s are some tips to help you in planning your rehearsals.

6.  What I’ve Learned About Improving Your Singing: I’ve always considered myself to be more of an instrumentalist than a singer, so improving my singing has been very important to me. Here is what I’ve learned so far.

5.  What I Learned From Working With A Billionaire: This blog is on life and leadership lessons that I learned from working with one of Canada’s richest men.

4.  What I’ve Learned About Picking New Songs For Worship: Learning to pick great worship songs for your congregation is extremely important. Here is what I’ve learned so far.

3.  You Need More FAT People On Your Worship Team: This is a great title and teaching that I picked up from a fellow worship leader: Wisdom Moon. Check it out.

2.  Guidelines For A Strong Worship Team: Are you wondering if you should set up some guidelines and rules for your team? Here are some guidelines that have worked for me.

1.  8 Tips On Taking Your Sunday Morning Worship To The Next Level: We all want to improve our teams. Here is my most popular blog (over 3,000 views) on the subject. I think it will help you.

Check out my new book.. “Leading Worship ~ Notes from a Grand Adventure’ available in Kindle or Soft Cover Editions.  This is a great gift for the musician or worshipper in your life.

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Andrae Crouch Celebration Of Life Highlights

Posted on January 22, 2015 by Mark Cole

Andrae Crouch’s music has been a huge influence on my life. So when I heard of his passing, I cleared my schedule, found the online links and took in the 4+ hour Celebration Concert on Jan 20, 2015 and the 4+ hour Andrae Crouch Celebration Of Life Service on Jan 21.

The line-up of musicians who came to honor him was incredible: The Winans family, Israel Houghton, members of the Hawkins family, Stevie Wonder, Kim Burrell, The Clark Sisters, Fred Hammond, Shirley Caesar and many other incredible singers and musicians from around the world. It was the ‘Who’s Who’ of gospel music.

Here are a few of my favorite moments:

Pastor Smokie Norful singing “My Tribute (To God Be the Glory)” .. this brought the house down… then it was followed by a ‘Praise Break’ 

Then Fred Hammond had to follow that… He did an incredible job!

Another musical highlight was Kim Burrell.. incredible..

And then there was Kristle Murden, Stevie Wonder, and Yolanda Adams performing, “I’ll Be Thinking Of You”

Then Shirley Caesar came up and brought the house down! ~ “Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus”

I had forgotten about “We Are Not Ashamed” until CeCe Winans came up.. wow..

There were so many musical highlights and great testimonies and tributes.. there was over 8 hours of viewing… but one of the most touching tributes was from Andrea’s twin sister, Sandra Crouch.

To God be the glory!

For those who would like to see more: check out this link

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7 Pictures To Put A Smile On Your Face

Posted on January 21, 2015 by Mark Cole

Coffee…

Before-coffee

That moment…

Funny-baby-meme

Wi-fi?….

Talk-to-each-other

Grandma..

Love-it-grandma

Surprise…

Funny-Babies-Pictures-2

Bacon…

Problems-Solved

Try this…

Havent-thought-of-this-before

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Andrae Crouch: Celebration of Life

Posted on January 20, 2015 by Mark Cole

The first time I saw Andrae live was in Honolulu, Hawaii when I was 16 years old. Andrae Crouch and the Disciples played in a packed out school auditorium and the place was rocking! Andrae’s music soon became part of the soundtrack of my life. Songs like ‘Soon and Very Soon’, ‘Through It All’, ‘Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus’, ‘Jesus Is The Answer’, ‘My Tribute’, ‘The Blood Will Never Lose It’s Power’, ‘We Are Not Ashamed’ and the list goes on.

Later on, I was in a band that was on the same record label (Light Records). One incredible evening, I even got to play in his band at the Anaheim Convention Center in front of 12,ooo people. It was one of my most memorable gigs. A memory that I still cherish.

Ever since I heard of Andrae’s passing last week, I have been playing his music and enjoying the feelings, emotions and memories that great music inspires. Tonight is a ‘Celebration Concert’ and tomorrow is his ‘Celebration of Life Service’. No matter how young or old you are, don’t miss it. Andrae’s love for the Lord, his incredible gift of music and love for people will bless you.

  • For those who missed these great services: here is a link to some of the highlights.

Andre Crouch Celebratin of Life

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How to Instantly Click With Everyone You Meet

Posted on January 19, 2015 by Mark Cole

BY LOLLY DASKAL:

Why is it we click with some people and not others? What if we could actually click with everyone we meet? What would it take?

Try these simple steps to instantly connect with anyone–and to build stronger relationships with the people who are already in your life:

Friendly talk

Take a genuine interest.

Everyone–everyone–has something unique to offer. Find out what makes people who they are. Hear their story. Ask questions. Dig deep and connect.

Build on common ground.

At its most basic level, any relationship is built on some kind of common ground. When you meet someone, try to find something that connects you to similar backgrounds, values experiences. When you detect a pattern, a “Yeah, me too!” moment, connection is instantaneous.

Smile.

“Smile and the whole world smiles with you.” Sure, it’s a cliché, but for good reason. A smile generates enthusiasm and interest; it communicates friendliness and goodwill; it shows you to be accessible and approachable. Smile when you speak to someone, as you walk into a room, and when you pick up the phone.

Remember names.

Notice how people introduce themselves and let that be your guide in addressing them. Remembering a person’s name is important, and using it occasionally in conversation creates connection and helps you remember.

Encourage people to talk.

The key to locking into any relationship is to invite someone to talk, and then listen. Most people are just waiting for the other person to finish so they can say their part. Listen and show interest, even if it means stretching your attention span.

Learn from everyone you meet.

Keep the focus on the other person. As a bonus, this prevents your being dragged into gossip. Stay focused on his or her interests; find something this person can teach you that will be useful or interesting to know.

Show up with enthusiasm.

People who live with passion find it easier to connect with others. Knowing what you really care about and why, lets you tap into your own enthusiasm. Upbeat people are inherently likable, and those who radiate enthusiasm tend to click with others.

Make others feel important.

Use your words and attitude to create a spotlight. Let the person you’re speaking with know he or she is important, and important to you, by the way you talk. Let the sound of your voice be energized. Ask for input. Ask for advice. Ask for help. Ask for insight. Ask for experience. All of these invitations tell the person, “I find you important.”

Look for the good.

Be generous with others; look for points of agreement and places where you can affirm or reinforce what they’re saying. Speak patiently and with care, and those around you will feel heard and appreciated.

Treat others as you want to be treated.

As often as we’ve heard this, it’s still easy to forget to do it from time to time. Don’t overthink or complicate it: The power is in the simplicity.

Connecting with others does not take much. It is truly simple. Just be mindful, thoughtful, and genuinely interested.

Offer an honest compliment or your authentic appreciation. There’s always something to appreciate about almost anyone.

Maybe it’s nothing more than being genuine, as simple as being a leader–or a person–who cares, because when you care, you’ll instantly click with everyone you meet.

The original article is here.

LOLLY DASKAL is the president and CEO of LEAD FROM WITHIN, a global consultancy that specializes in leadership and entrepreneurial development. Daskal’s programs galvanize clients into achieving their best, helping them accelerate and deliver on their professional goals and business objectives

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An Open Letter to Praise Bands: Performance vs. Worship

Posted on January 17, 2015 by Mark Cole

by James K. A. Smith.. (slightly edited for length)

Dear Praise Band

I so appreciate your willingness and desire to offer up your gifts to God in worship. I appreciate your devotion and celebrate your faithfulness–schlepping to church early, Sunday after Sunday, making time for practice mid-week, learning and writing new songs, and so much more….

So please receive this little missive in the spirit it is meant: as an encouragement to reflect on the practice of “leading worship.” …. In particular, my concern is that we, the church, have unwittingly encouraged you to simply import musical practices into Christian worship that–while they might be appropriate elsewhere–are detrimental to congregational worship…. I sometimes worry that we’ve unwittingly encouraged you to import certain forms of performance….

Without us realizing it, the dominant practices of performance train us to relate to music (and musicians) in a certain way: as something for our pleasure, as entertainment, as a largely passive experience. The function and goal of music in these “secular liturgies” is quite different from the function and goal of music in Christian worship.

praiseband

So let me offer just a few brief axioms with the hope of encouraging new reflection on the practice of “leading worship”:

1. If we, the congregation, can’t hear ourselves, it’s not worship. Christian worship is not a concert. In a concert (a particular “form of performance”), we often expect to be overwhelmed by sound, particularly in certain styles of music. In a concert, we come to expect that weird sort of sensory deprivation that happens from sensory overload, when the pounding of the bass on our chest and the wash of music over the crowd leaves us with the rush of a certain aural vertigo.

And there’s nothing wrong with concerts! It’s just that Christian worship is not a concert. Christian worship is a collective, communal, congregational practice–and the gathered sound and harmony of a congregation singing as one is integral to the practice of worship. It is a way of “performing” the reality that, in Christ, we are one body. But that requires that we actually be able to hear ourselves, and hear our sisters and brothers singing alongside us.

When the amped sound of the praise band overwhelms congregational voices, we can’t hear ourselves sing–so we lose that communal aspect of the congregation and are encouraged to effectively become “private,” passive worshipers.

2. If we, the congregation, can’t sing along, it’s not worship. In other forms of musical performance, musicians and bands will want to improvise and “be creative,” offering new renditions and exhibiting their virtuosity with all sorts of different trills and pauses and improvisations on the received tune.

Again, that can be a delightful aspect of a concert, but in Christian worship it just means that we, the congregation, can’t sing along. And so your virtuosity gives rise to our passivity; your creativity simply encourages our silence. And while you may be worshiping with your creativity, the same creativity actually shuts down congregational song.

3. If you, the praise band, are the center of attention, it’s not worship. I know it’s generally not your fault that we’ve put you at the front of the church. And I know you want to model worship for us to imitate. But because we’ve encouraged you to basically import forms of performance from the concert venue into the sanctuary, we might not realize that we’ve also unwittingly encouraged a sense that you are the center of attention.

And when your performance becomes a display of your virtuosity–even with the best of intentions–it’s difficult to counter the temptation to make the praise band the focus of our attention. When the praise band goes into long riffs that you might intend as “offerings to God,” we the congregation become utterly passive, and because we’ve adopted habits of relating to music from the Grammys and the concert venue, we unwittingly make you the center of attention.

Please consider these points carefully and recognize what I am not saying. This isn’t just some plea for “traditional” worship and a critique of “contemporary” worship. Don’t mistake this as a defense of pipe organs and a critique of guitars and drums (or banjos and mandolins).

My concern isn’t with style, but with form: What are we trying to do when we “lead worship?” If we are intentional about worship as a communal, congregational practice that brings us into a dialogical encounter with the living God–that worship is not merely expressive but also formative–then we can do that with cellos or steel guitars, pipe organs or African drums.

Much, much more could be said. But let me stop here, and please receive this as the encouragement it’s meant to be. I would love to see you continue to offer your artistic gifts in worship to the Triune God who is teaching us a new song.

Most sincerely,

Jamie

Professor of Philosophy, Calvin College and Editor of Comment magazine.

To see the full unedited version: Click here.

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Why We Worship Leaders Fear Getting Old

Posted on January 16, 2015 by Mark Cole

By Zac Hicks: 

Many informed commentators have noted the dramatic shifts in cultural thinking which took place in the 1960s. Of the countless changes, one of the more dramatic shifts was our culture’s general perception of aging.

 

male-50-60

Young people were beginning to be identified as a group and class unto themselves, and with this classification has come a strong leaning in culture to glamorize youthfulness and abhor the aging process. The phrase “youth culture” would have been unintelligible prior to the 60s, but today it is common speak.  The glamorization of youthfulness affects everything from marketing and entertainment to presidential elections and local church ministry. And obsession with youth culture has affected the ministry of worship, as well.

I had a recent phone conversation with a worship leader friend of mine who leads music on the other side of the country. In a candid moment, we were both expressing concerns about the longevity of our jobs as local church music leaders. We wondered whether, in ten to fifteen years, we would be viewed as out-of-date, irrelevant, washed up, and cheesy—one of those old guys trying to look and act young. Ultimately, we questioned whether we would be as effective in doing our task once we started “looking old.”

No worship leader really voices it. No congregation overtly acknowledges it. But many of us think there is something lacking in a worship leader who has gray hair or smile lines.  He or she must not be truly “with it” and up on trends (another value exposed which needs to be challenged). He or she wouldn’t be capable of authentically crafting and leading a musical style that is current and fresh. They might be just fine in a traditional or blended worship environment, but if we want to “reach young people,” a forty-something at the helm is no good.

This is lamentable. And (to make up a word) repentable. That we were even having such a discussion tells us that culture’s obsession with youth has invaded the heart of the church.  What does the Bible have to say about being old?

Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding? (Job 12:12)

I thought, “Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.” (Job 32:7)

At the window of my house I looked down through the lattice. I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who had no sense. He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house. (Proverbs 7:6-8)

The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old. (Proverbs 20:29)

Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father.  Treat…older women as mothers. (1 Timothy 5:1, 2)

Prior to the 60s, the elderly were much more celebrated in culture. Most native cultures—from Native Americans to native Hawaiians to native Africans—favor the aged as the source of knowledge and wisdom. Such cultures actually look to the elderly for guidance for the future (imagine that!). Nowadays in the West, the elderly are irrelevant cultural cast-offs. They are the Dalit caste of modern America. We quarantine them in homes.  In church meetings, we roll our eyes when old Mr. Jones stands up and wags his finger in the air.  And we worship leaders brush off their comments like dust on our feet.  And we move “forward.”

Though I’ve never heard it from a single one of them, I’d bet that every twenty-something who’s been a worship leader for more than a year has had the thought, “What happens when I get older?” (Implication: I have to do something different, because this can’t work.)  I know a few forty- and fifty-something worship leaders who are currently looking for positions in churches, and I know that the market is tougher for them.

This ageism is more than just bias and prejudice. It’s sinful idolatry. And I’m guilty myself of playing into the hands of these gods every time I entertain a fear of getting older or judge an “older” worship leader as irrelevant or out of touch.

The truth is: the more I’ve gotten to know the generations of worship leaders above me, the more I realize that the Bible is true. With age comes wisdom. Churches should desire older worship leaders. Though youth should not be despised (1 Timothy 4:12), biblical wisdom reminds us that being young carries liabilities against which we need to be on guard. I long for my generation of worship leaders to have open and honest conversation about this evil bubbling under the surface. I long for us to confess it, to repent of it, and to seek its change.

The original post is here.

Zac Hicks (D.Min. candidate, Knox Theological Seminary; M.Div., Denver Seminary; B.A., Biola University) is Pastor of Worship at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and blogger at zachicks.com and LIBERATE.

Mark Cole: I’ve got to say that the reality of getting older as a worship leader has crossed my mind.. but I have always said that God is my source.. not the church..  I’ve worked in churches and outside churches in my 40+ years in ministry.. God has always supplied.. I’m not worried about the future.. I don’t always understand everything but God has always directed my paths… We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose for them…. The Lord will work out His plans for my life — for Your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.

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The Gold Standard: Lead By Example

Posted on January 15, 2015 by Mark Cole

By Lolly Daskal ~

We’ve all worked for this person:

The director who tells everyone they have to work hard to reach their targets and then leaves to play golf.

The manager who calls down staffers for not keeping regular office hours and then says, “I’ll be working from home for the rest of the week.” 

The executive who freezes salaries and then attends a conference at an expensive resort.

These people may be leaders in the technical sense of the word, but they aren’t inspiring anyone or earning respect. That’s why the gold standard of leadership is leading by example.

Lead by example

When you lead by example, you make it easy for others to follow you. Here’s how to make sure you’re on the right track:

You don’t take anything for granted. Always show gratitude—for the work that’s being done and for the talent and commitment behind it.

You keep your eye on the ball. Concentrate on the goals you have set for yourself as well as for those around you.

You maintain an optimistic spirit. Good cheer is contagious, and orienting yourself to see the bright side influences those around you.

You take time to listen. Know that listening is at core of great leadership, and give your people the consideration of hearing them out without interruptions or distractions.

You notice, acknowledge, and connect. Always acknowledge people for what they do. And when the opportunity arises, introduce them to others when they can benefit from networking.

You never, ever gossip. Don’t initiate and don’t partake. If someone shares a rumor with the potential to undermine a co-worker, don’t comment or engage. Stop it in its tracks.

You stay out of office politics. As difficult as it may be, avoid choosing sides in office disputes. Take part in conversations that deal with issues but not those that dissect personalities.

You dress for success. Always dress a level better than what others might expect of you. Look the part and create an image that others can respect.

You respect other people’s time. Return calls and e-mails promptly; start and end meetings on time.

You are open to opinions. Listen graciously even in disagreement. Lean forward and show you are interested.

You are tactful. Before you offer a suggestion, acknowledge the others that have been brought forward. Replace but with and.

You show interest. Pay attention to those around you and take note of their time, their work, and their responsibilities.

You involve others. Make them feel involved—share strategies and let them know their ideas and work matter.

You model the way. Demonstrate the behavior you expect from others. Know that they are looking to you for cues about how to act.

If you are in a leadership position, it’s up to you to be accountable. Everyone is looking to you for guidance and strength; that is part of what being a leader is.

Lead From Within: When you lead by example, you create a vision of what is possible for others. They can lead by example, too, once you show them how it’s done.

About Lolly: Leadership Coach. Consultant. Facilitator. Speaker. Author. Lolly Daskal is the founder of Lead from Within: a successful leadership firm that offers custom made programs in leadership and organizational development.

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Worship Links Interview with Mark Cole

Posted on January 15, 2015 by Mark Cole

Mark Cole is a touring musician turned worship leader serving at Westedge Church in Calgary, Canada.

Recently, Mark talked to Worship Links about leading worship in other countries, how he puts a service together, and finding new music before the internet came along.

EPSON MFP image

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer some questions for us. It’s truly appreciated! The first question is an easy one. Tell us a little bit about yourself in five sentences.

I’ve been married for over 30 years to a great Italian girl and we have two talented kids and two amazing grandkids. I started full time ministry 40 years ago at age 18 when I was a sax and piano player in a Christian band that travelled around the world and saw a over a hundred thousand people make decisions for Jesus.

I started full time church music ministry ten years later when my home church asked me to come off the road and conduct and write for a hundred voice choir and 30 piece orchestra.

I’ve been leading worship for 30 years and have travelled to over 50 countries leading worship and I have recorded four worship CDs. I am the founding music arranger for www.praisecharts.com and have sold tens of thousands of worship arrangements to churches around the world.

How did you get started in worship ministry?

A church hired me to produce and conduct their ‘Singing Christmas Tree’ when I was 30 and assumed that I could also lead worship. So I started leading worship and fell in love with leading people to God through music.

What’s your basic process for planning a service or worship set?

When I’m in charge of producing our Sunday morning worship services, I pick a great video for the opening of the service that gets people to start focusing on God. From there we allot 30 minutes for musical worship in our services, which usually means around five songs for our band. I try to pick a good opener (an upbeat praise oriented song) followed by an even higher energy song that gets people involved in praising God.

From there I normally pick a good medium tempo transition song that leads to worshipping God. My goal is to get people to totally focus on worshipping God and His many attributes so the last two songs usually are powerful worship ballades that do that.

From there I pass it along to one of our pastors who will transition to short prayer and greetings or communion or corporate prayer for our congregation.

Desert Island Worship Mix: You’re trapped on a desert island, and for reasons too ridiculous to explain, you can only have one CD with five worship songs on it. What are they?

Of course that changes all the time… but if it happened right now the songs would be… (Here are my Top 50 for 2015)

  • Here For You – (Chris Tomlin)
  • 10,000 Reasons – (Matt Redman)
  • This Is Amazing Grace – (Phil Wickham)
  • Christ Is Enough – (Reuben Morgan)
  • Holy (Jesus You Are) – (Matt Redman)

Let’s talk about leading worship in other countries. What are some of the challenges or rewards of leading in a different context like that?

1. One of the main challenges is language of course. But thankfully, English is a hugely popular language that most people are happy to try and sing in. We have translated a few songs into various languages and the local people do appreciate that immensely.

2. Another challenge is the cost and logistics of getting a band and equipment to the far flung corners of the world. Flying a ton of music equipment and ten to fifteen people can get very costly.

3. This is balanced by the rewards of people hungry to hear a live band from America and of course getting to preach the gospel to people through music and message. I’ve had some of my most fruitful ministry overseas. In the ’70s in Communist Poland we saw over 18,000 people accept the Lord in three and a half weeks of ministry there. In 2001 in Denmark we saw over 15,000 people accept Jesus in one week of ministry. (The church we worked with had over 4000 people sign up for their Alpha course that week)

You’ve seen a lot of changes to worship ministry during your career. What would you say are the most positive changes you’ve seen? What were the most harmful changes?

The most positive changes that I’ve seen is our access through the internet to great songs from around the world. Before the early days of Integrity you basically learned new worship music from traveling ministries, from your own visits to churches, or you wrote your own… it was a slow process. Also, now you have access to the great videos of worship teams from around the world… a great training tool and inspiration.

The only harmful change (and this is not true of everyone) is that bands can get so focussed on professionalism that they don’t focus on Jesus. But this can happen no matter how good (or bad) the worship band is – it’s too easy to get distracted by music and people and forget that’s about worshipping God.

If you could give one piece of advice to up and coming worship leaders, what would it be? Conversely, what’s some advice you wish you’d received earlier on?

My most important piece of advice is to spend time with God every day. I personally spend the first hour of each morning reading the Bible and spending time with God. You won’t last if you don’t have that relationship with God. You won’t survive the trials you will encounter if you don’t have that daily relationship! I’ve seen more than a few people fall by the wayside. If you don’t keep your eyes on Jesus, you won’t last!

What do you think worship in the church will look like in ten years?

Music will change, but ten years is a relatively short time and it won’t change that much. We’ll still be using rock and pop styles and throwing in a few new styles like techno.

What’s the most embarrassing thing you’ve ever done while leading worship (that you’re willing to share)?

I’ve dreamt about quite a few embarrassing moments but so far (besides a few bad key changes and wrong words) it’s been pretty smooth sailing.

Thanks again for answering our questions. If people want to find you online, what’s the best way?

 

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