How Do I Improve My Pickleball Playing?

Posted on April 3, 2023 by Mark Cole

Here are some tips to improve your pickleball playing:

  1. Practice, practice, practice: The more you play, the more you will improve. Try to play at least a few times a week, if possible.
  2. Focus on your footwork: Footwork is crucial in pickleball. Practice moving quickly and efficiently around the court, making small steps and keeping your weight on the balls of your feet.
  3. Improve your serve: Work on developing a consistent, deep and accurate serve that puts pressure on your opponents.
  4. Develop your third shot: The third shot is a crucial shot in pickleball, and developing a strong third shot can help you win points and games. Practice hitting drop shots, lobs, and drives to develop a variety of third-shot options.
  5. Work on your volleys: Volleys are an important part of pickleball. Practice hitting volleys with a soft touch and good control.
  6. Improve your dinking: Dinking is a finesse shot that can be used to set up a winning shot. Practice hitting soft, controlled shots over the net that force your opponents to move and make mistakes.
  7. Play with and against better players: Playing with and against more skilled players can help you improve your own game. Watch and learn from their techniques and strategies, and try to incorporate them into your own game.
  8. Watch videos and tutorials: There are many great instructional videos and tutorials available online that can help you improve your technique and strategy.
  9. Stay positive and have fun: Pickleball is a fun and social sport, and it’s important to enjoy the game and stay positive, even when things aren’t going your way. Keep a positive attitude and remember to have fun!
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What Is The Best Teaching Plan For New Acoustic Guitar Students?

Posted on April 3, 2023 by Mark Cole

The best teaching plan for new acoustic guitar students will depend on their age, skill level, and learning style. However, here is a general framework that can be adapted to suit different students:

  1. Introduction: Start by introducing the parts of the guitar, how to hold it, and basic posture.
  2. Basic chords: Teach the basic chords such as C, D, G, A, E, Em, Am and Bm. Have students practice changing between these chords, as this is a fundamental skill for playing guitar.
  3. Strumming: Teach basic strumming patterns and have students practice them with the chords they have learned.
  4. Simple songs: Choose simple songs that use the chords and strumming patterns the student has learned. This will help them apply what they have learned in a practical way.
  5. Fingerpicking: Introduce basic fingerpicking patterns and have students practice them with simple melodies or chords.
  6. Music theory: Teach basic music theory concepts such as scales, keys, and intervals. This will help students understand the relationship between chords and melodies.
  7. More advanced chords and techniques: Introduce more advanced chords and techniques such as barre chords, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides.
  8. Practice routines: Help students develop good practice routines that include warm-up exercises, scales, chord changes, and songs.
  9. Performance skills: Teach students how to perform in front of an audience, including how to deal with nerves, stage presence, and microphone technique.

Remember, the most important thing is to make the lessons fun and engaging for the student. Encourage them to practice regularly, and provide positive feedback and encouragement along the way.

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What Is The Best Way To Lose Weight?

Posted on April 3, 2023 by Mark Cole

There are many different approaches to weight loss, but the best way to lose weight is through a combination of healthy eating habits and regular exercise. Here are some tips for losing weight in a healthy and sustainable way:

  1. Create a calorie deficit: To lose weight, you need to burn more calories than you consume. This can be achieved by reducing your calorie intake and increasing your physical activity.
  2. Eat a healthy and balanced diet: Focus on eating whole, nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats. Avoid processed and high-calorie foods.
  3. Practice portion control: Eating smaller portions can help you reduce your calorie intake and manage your weight. Use smaller plates, measure your portions, and avoid eating until you feel overly full.
  4. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help you feel full and reduce your calorie intake. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day.
  5. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help you burn calories and build muscle, which can increase your metabolism and help you maintain weight loss. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.
  6. Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can disrupt your hormones and increase your appetite, making it harder to lose weight. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep per night.

Remember, weight loss is a gradual process that requires patience, consistency, and lifestyle changes. It’s important to focus on healthy habits rather than quick fixes, and to seek support from friends, family, or a healthcare professional if needed.

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What is Biblical Worship?

Posted on April 2, 2023 by Mark Cole

Biblical worship is the act of expressing love, honor, and adoration to God in response to who He is and what He has done. Worship is not just a formality or obligation, but a heartfelt response of gratitude and devotion to God.

In the Bible, worship is often associated with sacrifice, praise, and obedience. Here are a few characteristics of biblical worship:

  1. God-focused: Biblical worship is centered on God, not on ourselves or our preferences. It’s an act of honoring and glorifying God for who He is and what He has done.
  2. Spirit-led: Biblical worship is guided by the Holy Spirit, who helps us to worship in truth and spirit (John 4:23-24). The Spirit empowers us to worship God in a way that is authentic and pleasing to Him.
  3. Christ-centered: Biblical worship is centered on Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). He is the mediator between God and humanity, and the only way to the Father.
  4. Sacrificial: Biblical worship involves offering ourselves as a living sacrifice to God (Romans 12:1). It’s a willingness to give up our own desires and preferences in order to honor God.
  5. Obedient: Biblical worship is characterized by obedience to God’s Word and will. It’s a response of love and devotion to God that leads us to follow His commands and live a life that pleases Him.
  6. Joyful: Biblical worship is characterized by joy and gladness (Psalm 100:2). It’s a celebration of God’s goodness and faithfulness, and a recognition of the privilege we have to worship Him.

Ultimately, biblical worship is a lifestyle that is characterized by a deep love and devotion to God. It’s not just something we do on Sunday mornings, but a daily expression of our relationship with Him.

For more information on worship, check out ‘The Biblical Actions of Worship’

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Why Should A Christian Be Water Baptized?

Posted on April 2, 2023 by Mark Cole

Water baptism is an important symbol and outward expression of a Christian’s inward faith in Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, Jesus Himself was baptized by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17), and He commanded His followers to be baptized as well (Matthew 28:19-20). Here are a few reasons why water baptism is important for Christians:

  1. Obedience to Jesus: Water baptism is a commandment given by Jesus to His followers. By being baptized, we show our willingness to obey His commands and submit to His authority.
  2. Public declaration of faith: Baptism is a public declaration of our faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. It is a testimony to others that we have repented of our sins and believe in Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection.
  3. Identification with Christ: Baptism symbolizes our identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. When we are baptized, we are buried with Christ in the water, and then raised up to new life in Him.
  4. Unity with the Church: Baptism is a way of identifying with the community of believers in the Church. It shows that we are part of the family of God and committed to following Christ together with other believers.

It’s important to note that water baptism is not what saves us. We are saved by faith in Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, baptism is an important step of obedience and public declaration of our faith in Jesus, and it can be a meaningful and transformative experience in our spiritual journey.

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How Do I Become A Christian?

Posted on April 2, 2023 by Mark Cole

Becoming a Christian involves a personal decision to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. The specific process may vary depending on the denomination or church you are interested in joining, but the following steps can serve as a general guide:

  1. Acknowledge your need for salvation: Recognize that you are a sinner in need of forgiveness and that you cannot save yourself through good works or efforts alone.
  2. Believe in Jesus Christ: Place your faith in Jesus as the Son of God who died on the cross for your sins and rose from the dead on the third day.
  3. Repent of your sins: Turn away from your old way of life and commit to following Jesus.
  4. Confess your faith: Publicly declare your belief in Jesus as your Lord and Savior.
  5. Get baptized: The Bible teaches that baptism is an important step in becoming a Christian. This is typically done through immersion in water as a symbol of dying to your old life and being raised to new life in Christ. (See: Why Baptism?)
  6. Join a church: Find a community of believers to support you in your faith journey and help you grow spiritually.

Remember that becoming a Christian is a lifelong process of growth and discipleship. It’s important to continue learning and growing in your faith through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers.

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How Do I Follow Jesus?

Posted on April 2, 2023 by Mark Cole

Following Jesus involves a personal relationship with Him, and it’s a lifelong journey of growing in faith and becoming more like Him. Here are some practical steps you can take to follow Jesus:

  1. Read the Bible: The Bible is God’s Word and it’s the primary way that He speaks to us. Make a habit of reading the Bible regularly and ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand it and apply it to your life.
  2. Believe in Him: Start by putting your trust in Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Believe that He died for your sins and rose from the dead, and accept Him as the only way to have a relationship with God.
  3. Pray: Prayer is a conversation with God and it’s a vital part of following Jesus. Spend time in prayer each day, talking to God about your concerns, asking for guidance, and praising Him for His goodness.
  4. Attend church: Church is a community of believers who gather together to worship God, learn from His Word, and encourage one another. Attend a church where you can grow in your faith and be connected with other believers.
  5. Serve others: Jesus came to serve, and as His followers, we are called to do the same. Look for ways to serve others in your community and in your church. This can be through volunteering at a local charity, helping a neighbor in need, or serving in a ministry at your church.
  6. Seek discipleship: Find a mentor or spiritual leader who can help you grow in your faith and provide guidance and accountability. This can be a pastor, a small group leader, or an older believer who can help you navigate the ups and downs of the Christian life.

Remember, following Jesus is a daily choice to surrender your life to Him and to live according to His will. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it, because Jesus offers us the hope, peace, and eternal life that we long for.

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Why Is Easter Important?

Posted on March 19, 2023 by Mark Cole

Easter is the most important Christian holiday of the year. It celebrates Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead, three days after He was executed by crucifixion.

Jesus’ resurrection from the dead is the heart of Christianity. In fact, without Jesus’ resurrection, there is no Christianity. It is the single most important Christian event and the one celebrated with the greatest joy.

Easter

On Good Friday, Jesus Christ was executed by crucifixion. His body was taken down from the cross, and buried in a cave. The tomb was guarded and an enormous stone was put over the entrance, so that no-one could steal the body.

On the following Sunday, some women visited the grave and found that the stone had been moved, and that the tomb was empty.

Jesus Himself was seen that day, and for days afterwards by many people. His followers realized that God had raised Jesus from the dead.

What does that mean for us today?

The Resurrection confirms that Jesus is who He claimed to be:

  1. The Resurrection proved that Christ was divine. The fact that Jesus Christ died on the cross does not prove in itself He is God. Jesus proved His deity by fulfilling the prophecies of His death and by His return from the grave.
  2. The Resurrection proved Christ’s power to forgive sin. The Bible asserts, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17). By rising from the dead, Jesus proved His authority and power to break the bonds of sin and to assure forgiveness and eternal life to all who accept His gift of salvation.
  3. The Resurrection revealed Christ’s power over death. The Bible records, “Christ rose from the dead and will never die again. Death no longer has any power over Him”

What is the evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection?

  1. Jesus predicted His resurrection. The Bible records, “From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things … and be killed, and be raised up on the third day” (Matthew 16:21, New American Standard Bible). Even though His followers did not understand what He was telling them at the time, they remembered His words and recorded them.
  2. Jesus made numerous appearances to His followers. He comforted the mourners outside His tomb on Sunday morning. On the road to Emmaus, He explained things about Himself from the Old Testament. Later, He ate in their presence and invited them to touch Him. Scripture records that Jesus was seen by more than 500 at one time. Some may argue that a few people could have agreed to a deception, but how can one explain the collaboration of 500 people?
  3. The unrelenting faith of the disciples convinces me of the Resurrection. Those disciples who were once so afraid that they deserted their Lord now courageously proclaimed this news, risking their lives to preach. Their bold and courageous behavior does not make sense unless they knew with absolute certainty that Jesus had been raised from the dead.
  4. The growth of the Christian church confirms the Resurrection. Peter’s first sermon, which dealt with Christ’s resurrection, stirred people to receive Him as their living Savior. Luke records the thrilling results: “That day there were added about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41). And that group of believers has multiplied until now it reaches around the world. Today, there are hundreds of millions of believers.
  5. Finally, the testimony of hundreds of millions of transformed lives through the centuries shows the power of the Resurrection. Many have been delivered from addictions. The destitute and despairing have found hope. Broken marriages have been restored. The most conclusive proof for the resurrection of Jesus Christ is that He is living within believers today in all of His resurrected life and transforming power.

How can I become a Christian?

The Bible says: If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. 

I believe that, what do I do now?

You can receive Christ right now by faith through prayer.

Prayer is talking to God. God knows your heart and is not so concerned with your words as He is with the attitude of your heart. The following is a suggested prayer:

“Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be.”

If you prayed that prayer and believe in Jesus as your Savior, you now belong to the family of God. I would suggest that you start reading the Bible (start here), tell someone that you have made the decision to follow Jesus and find a good church to meet other believers.

Source material: Bill Bright and BBC: Easter

Check out my Mark’s 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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12 Things That Can Discourage Congregational Singing

Posted on March 18, 2023 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 that can discourage your congregation from singing.

1. Frequent and long instrumental solos

The goal is to get the congregation to be involved. If you have too many solos and they are too long, it can cause the congregation to disengage and become spectators. In certain situations, a well placed solo or short 4-8 bar instrumental works well. But be careful not overuse them. I generally use them only as short transitions to the next section. I also find short song intros are generally the best (4-8 bars is ideal).

2. Doing too many new songs

I love new songs and the band loves learning new songs. But, the congregation doesn’t get tired of songs as fast as we do. They haven’t put in hours of listening to and rehearsing the songs or playing the same songs in multiple services. They just hear it once on Sunday morning and maybe on Christian radio. A congregation can only learn so many songs. Be careful about how often you introduce new songs.

3. Having too many songs in your worship rotation

There are hundreds of thousands of worship songs and hymns. I recently read that CCLI has around 300,000 worship songs in their catalogue. But, how many songs does your congregation really sing in a year? Probably only 40-50. My advice is to continually edit your overall top songs list and repeat songs on a regular basis.

4. Using songs that aren’t the best of the best

There are great songs and there are average songs. Learn to pick the best of the best. SongSelect has a ‘most popular’ list that really is the songs that congregations love to sing. Some worship leaders avoid ‘popular lists’ because they think that is unspiritual. But I believe the Holy Spirit is speaking to worship leaders all over the world and one of the results is a consistent list of top songs that most churches are using.

Here is my list of top songs (which includes preferred keys for strong congregational singing). PlanningCenter.com also has a great ‘Top Song’ feature that shows what songs all their churches are using that week.

Side Note: That doesn’t mean that other people’s Top Song list are the best for your congregation. Each congregation has its own culture. Top Song lists also don’t include your locally written songs and songs that God is personally speaking to you about. But, it is a great place to start.

5. Putting songs in too high or too low keys

Your average person does not have a huge singing range. The ‘Rule of D’ (top note is around a ‘D’ i.e. C-Eb) is a great guideline for choosing the best key to sing in. If you pitch songs in comfortable keys the congregation is more apt to sing-along.

It is true that when you go to a concert, you will hear the crowd sing in any key… But if you’re working in smaller churches or groups… The right key becomes a way more important!

Here is a great diagram from musicacademy.com that illustrates congregational singing ranges.

6. Using singers and band members who aren’t worshippers

When your congregation sees singers and band members who are fully engaged and worshiping the Lord with all their heart, it encourages them to do the same. Encourage your whole team to memorize their music. Teach them the attitudes of worship and the actions of worship: standing, singing, clapping, raising their hands, dancing, bowing down, playing instruments, shouting and giving. Teach them to be passionate worshipers on and off the stage. Teach them the importance of good stage presence and the power of smiling.

7. Making the arrangement and rhythms too complicated

It’s easy to lose a congregation if the form and flow of the song isn’t musically obvious. Certain musical forms (i.e. intro, verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge, double chorus, tag and end) really help congregations feel comfortable about where the song is going. Don’t create unnecessary complications to solid musical form.

Also be careful about using melodic rhythms that are too complicated. Congregations are learning to sing more complicated rhythms but be sensitive to where that musical and rhythmic line is.

8. Vocal ad libs that confuse congregations

I love ad libs that help congregations know what is happening next. But sometimes overuse or mis-timed ad libs can throw off your congregation. Really practice the use and timing of ad-libs so they help and don’t hinder congregational singing.

9. Having the band playing all the time

Learn when the band and individual instruments should play and not play. Learn to build a musical arrangement and where to have the band or an instrument sit out a section. Some of the most powerful singing is when the band doesn’t play at all. Creating musical layers gives more musical interest and space for congregational singing.

10. Having miscues with lyrics

Put your best media operators on the computer running your lyrics. Double-check the order of your lyrics and the spelling. Have a full run-through with your lyric operator to double-check for mistakes. Slow and mis-timed or mis-spelled lyrics can really inhibit a congregation from singing with all their heart.

I spend time each week making sure the lyrics are in the exact order that we plan to sing them on Sunday. That way the lyric operator only has to advance to the next slide. I also put in blank slides for instrumental sections.

11. Using only new songs

I love to learn and use all the great new songs that God is giving to the church. But I have learned that congregations still love to sing the best of the great hymns and older choruses. Learn to include some classics to help all the generations sing with all their heart.

12. Worship leading without proper prayer and preparation

Time spent in private reading the Word, praying and worshiping, really is the secret to effective worship leading. Learn to develop a daily time with God and teach your worship team to do the same. God will honor you in public when you honor Him in the secret place. When the congregation senses God in the house, they will be more engaged.

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.

This blog is part of my vision to train over 100,000 worship leaders around the world. If you would like to support this vision, you can help by giving any amount via PayPal.

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10 Keys To Improving Your Singing

Posted on March 17, 2023 by Mark Cole

I have worked with average to great singers on the road, in the recording studio, in church and other musical settings for many decades. Here is what I have learned so far about helping singers improve:

Music Rehearsal

1. Learn to Breathe Properly

Learning to breathe deeply and with control is the foundation of singing. I played saxophone for many years and that really helped develop my lungs and diaphragm. The diaphragm is the muscle that controls pushing the air from your lungs. Here’s a link to help develop your breathing. 

 2. Warm-up your voice before singing

As a worship leader, one of my main times to sing is Sunday morning. Unfortunately, it takes time to warm up your voice and mornings are not always the best time. One of my favourite tricks while driving to rehearsal, is to sing along with the songs on my MP3 player in a soft voice, sometimes down an octave. It takes me around 25 minutes to drive to church, so it was a great warm-up. Here’s a good Youtube warm-up video.

3. Sing every day

Like most things in life, you improve by doing it daily. Do not be shy about singing in your car or singing around your house. When I was on the road and we were singing and performing 6-7 times per week, it was amazing how strong our voices got. Use it or lose it.

 4. Copy your favourite singers

There are many different kinds of singers and styles of music. Most singers start off by copying a number of their favourite artists and then develop their own style from there. That is normal. So get out your favourite recordings and copy their tone, inflections and vibrato (or lack of vibrato.. Note: today’s worship leaders use very little vibrato). Copying great singers is one of the best ways to learn and grow.

 5. Take singing lessons

Sometimes you can only go so far on your own. A good teacher will help you with breathing, tone, intonation, posture and a host of other important details. You still have to practice every day, but they will help correct the things that you may be doing wrong.

 6. Learn how to project your voice when you sing

You can’t sing loudly if you do not breathe properly. I remember having an internationally known opera singer visit my house. I asked her to sing and it felt like house shifted on it’s foundation from her awesome tone and volume. Good tone comes from learning how to project your voice. Go for it! Don’t be shy, sing loud! Here are some online tips. 

7. Learn to sing with passion

Great singers know how to sing with emotion. If you love a song and sing it from your heart, it should show in the emotions that you present. It should show in your stage presence. As a singer who loves to worship God, there are few things as powerful as singing with passion to the Creator of the universe! Here are some online tips on how to improve. 

8. Learn to listen for pitch problems

Few things are worse than someone singing out of tune. Learn to sing along with your favourite recordings or with your piano and really try to match the pitches. Practically everyone can learn to sing in tune with constant practice and listening. Here’s a link to help with those pitch problems. 

9. Drink lots of water

Keeping your voice healthy and lubricated is important! Room temperature water is the best way to keep your voice well lubricated. Avoid caffeine, dairy products and alcohol before you sing. Those liquids generally hurt more than they help.

10. Record yourself singing

Generally speaking, no one likes the recorded sound of their voice. But, listening to recordings of yourself is the best way to really hear what you sound like. It is the best way to pick up on how well your pitch, vibrato and breath control is. Don’t be discouraged because you sound different in recordings than what your voice sounds in your head. That is a common problem for everyone. Keep listening, keep growing, keep improving!

Question: What things have helped you improve your singing? What areas are you currently working on?

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.

This blog is part of my vision to train over 100,000 worship leaders around the world. If you would like to support this vision you can help by giving any amount ($1, $5, $20, etc.) on my PayPal account.

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