Why I Should Write Songs for My Congregation?
Oct 17, 2008 Worship Planning
Right now on the shelf in my office sit over 15 songbooks with CDs of wonderful worship songs written by great songwriters and sung by awesome worship bands. For years while leading worship I would use songs like these written by worship leaders across the country, and the world. Songs like Open The Eyes of My Heart, He Reigns, Lord I Lift Your Name on High, and Every Move I Make became staples of my worship leading. Those songs have meaning because of where I heard them or what I was going through when they spoke to me, as they do for many people who sing them every day. But I bet they have more meaning to those who know the story behind the songs. Those for whom the song were written.
I am reminded of the song Heart of Worship and the story behind it. As I think of what that song means to me, I can’t help but think that it meant so much more for that congregation. I am also reminded of the Psalms. Song after song written for the people of God to sing. Songs that convey the thoughts, words and prayers of a people to God.
That is why I should be writing songs for my congregation to sing. I should be trying to capture the thoughts and prayers of our congregation in words and music. I should be trying to find musical and lyrical bridges that help our congregation to connect to God. I should write music that creates an unity and an identity of who we are. I should write songs that express the worries, fears and anxiety that we experience.
Maybe after being sung at our church the song will go on to be used by congregations and people around the world. Maybe we will use it for one Sunday and it will never be heard again. Either way, I should not hold back from writing those songs and putting them out there to be used.
Are you writing songs for your congregation? Why or why not?
Tags: band, CD, Church, Prayer, Songs, Songwriting, Sunday, Thoughts, Worship, Worship Leader
Sunday Setlist 10/05/08
Oct 5, 2008 Worship Planning
This week was a great Sunday. First of all we had a special guest Shelly Wilson, friend of worship leader Kerri Crocker, who sang with us this week. The band learned her song “Thank You For Loving Me” off her new upcoming CD. We have been trying to do more original songs lately, some written by Kerri, some by myself, it was great to have someone and something completely different.
Our Service for October 5th, 2008
Every Body Praise the Lord
Welcome
Let it Rise
In the Secret (acoustic style version)
Children’s Moment
Gods Lenses video
Time of Prayer
Offering- Thank You for Loving Me- by Shelly Wilson
God of Wonders
Sermon- The Cornerstone Rejected
Invitation- Meet with me
We are in the planning of the service for October 19th which for us will be communion. I’ve posted up the scripture, sermon and our potential songs on my “Worship Brainstorm Session” for this week.
This post is also part of Fred McKinnon’s Sunday Setlist #11. Check it out and see what other churches are doing.
Tags: band, Brainstorm, CD, Church, Fred McKinnon, Kerri Crocker, Prayer, Setlist, Songs, Sunday, Sunday Setlist, video, Worship, Worship Leader
Free Song: Awaken Our Hearts
Sep 27, 2008 Free Stuff
This summer I was sitting down and I was thinking, “If I were going to write a prayer for the church of today to pray to God, what would we say. I was thinking it should be a song of revival but yet a song of confession. The words to this song just flowed out. It was probably the first time a song has come so quickly and completely.
So I wanted to share this song with you. Maybe you can use it in your worship services. Maybe you can use it in your own personal time. All I ask is two things. 1. Don’t record, take credit for it and keep all the money.. and 2. Let me know how it works in your service. If you are interested in the Chord Sheet contact me and I will send it to you.
This was recorded at our church a few weeks ago. It’s by no means a professional recording but you can hear the words and music clearly. Please enjoy!
If you liked this then check out these other freebies from me. You can also download Unfailing Love now on itunes.
Tags: Church, Free, Free Song, freebie, Prayer, Recording, summer, work, Worship
Monday Morning Musings 9/15/08
Sep 15, 2008 Uncategorized
This past weekend pretty much all of Texas from 1-45 east to the border felt the effects of hurricane Ike. Ike came on shore tearing up Galveston and left a path of destruction of varying degrees all the way up to where we are in Texarkana. This morning some of my family, who had evacuated to our house made their way home to check on things, and clean up. This morning I would just like for you to pray for all those who were and are still being affected by Ike. Pray for those who have lost homes, who have lost family members, and who live in difficult situations. Pray for those who don’t know what’s going on with their house or town and cannot get in contact. Pray for those who were moved to shelters all over the area and for the workers of those shelters. Pray for those who are going to the affected areas and are helping to restore power, water and other basic services.
Free Song: Angelise
Aug 23, 2008 Free Stuff
I think that God speaks to us in many different and unique ways. I think also that we can speak to him in different ways. Some of us prefer to express our thoughts in poetry, some by serving and building things, some on our knees in prayer. I have always felt connected most when music is involved. Music is the way I express myself, my thoughts, my emotions. My mom said I used to come home after school, go to the back room where the piano was and play. If I had experienced a particularly rough day, my song would start out fast, furious and angry , but as I played would mellow out, become more lyrical and peaceful.
I still continue to play. I mean I write and lead music on the piano as part of worship, but sometimes I really like to go in and sit down and just play whatever comes to mind. I am amazed how much i can work things out, how long I can spend thinking about God, talking to God and expressing through the keys.
Angelise was written in one such session while I was on a mission trip in Mexico. I found a few minutes after a long day of work, sat down at a slightly out of tune piano and began playing this simple melody. The name of the song comes from a french baby name meaning angelic.
I put it up here for you to listen to. I have not yet written out the music or know if anyone would be interested in it. For now though just listen, and enjoy.
Right click on ANGELISE and save as to save to your computer. The recording comes from my CD “From Me To You” which is available on my Indie Heaven Website.
Please reply and let me know what you think.
To listen click play!
Tags: angel, CD, Free, Free Song, Prayer, Recording, Thoughts, work, Worship
Free Stuff: Song-Breathe Your Love In Me
Jul 28, 2008 Free Stuff
The other night our youth director Russ Bowlin, led a discussion based on the song “Instead of a Show” by Jon Foreman. He has promised me he is going to write a post on it for FITR so I will not share reflections on that right now. During the course of the discussion, the conversation kept going to how we so often read the words, say the words, sing the songs and go through the motions without even thinking about what we are doing in church. Immediately this song called “Breathe Your Love in Me” came to mind. It is basically a song of confession and a prayer that God will revive us. I wanted to share it with you. Maybe you can use it in a worship service, maybe it is something you can play or listen to as part of your own prayer time. I am including a link to the song and to the chord sheet.
Breathe Your Love in Me mp3
Breathe Your Love in Me PDF
(You have permission to use this song for corporate or personal use. Just don’t record it and tell people it’s your own. I’d love to hear how it is being used so send me an email.)
If you have resources you would like to share please email them to me. If I post them I will give you a link back to your site and a huge thanks.
To listen click play!
Tags: blogs, Church, Free, Free Song, Free Stuff, Prayer, Resource, resources, Russ Bowlin, Russell Martin, Songs, Worship, youth
3 Things: Advice for New Worship Leaders
Jul 26, 2008 Worship Planning
One of my goals and passions is to help young worship leaders develop and help to give them the tools and opportunities to do so. With that in mind I thought what would I tell someone who is starting to lead worship? So I am starting this post of “3 Things”.
Three things to keep in mind when leading worship.
1. Have more than you need- You never know when a worship service might run quicker than you expect, or someone who was supposed to sing a song gets sick, or any number of other things happen where you need an extra song. If you think you’ll need 5 songs for a set, plan and rehearse 6 or 7. This way when something unexpected happens you are ready. We always have a few songs that we know we can do with little or no rehearsal to help when unexpected things happen.
2. Timing is Everything-Know how to read the congregation and to feel how the service is flowing. Maybe everything is going well and you can sense that you can keep going with a worship set. Maybe this may not be the best time for a long contemplative repetitive solo chorus. Also in your set know when to do a faster more upbeat song, and when to slow it down and move into the more contemplative song.
3.Know more than songs- Your role as a worship leader is more than just singing songs or leading the band. Therefore you should have more in your repertoire than music and lyrics. You should be able to lead the congregation in prayer, have stories or illustrations to use as a transition between songs, or between worship elements.
Here are the three things I would mention right now. But what would you say? Share three things you would want to tell new worship leaders.
Tags: band, CD, How To, lessons, Prayer, rehearsal, Songs, Worship, Worship Leader
Margin
Apr 16, 2008 Uncategorized
Last night was our first Church League Men’s Softball game. I was pitching for our team. Now I think they let me pitch because first of all I can get the ball over the plate 70% of the time and two because I don’t have an arm to play outfield or the quickness to play infield. I think it’s where I can do the least harm. Anyway the game started off and after the first 2 innings the score was close, like 5-3. During that time I was trying so hard to make a strike, to not walk anyone, well I was trying too hard. I ended up walking two batters.. in church slow pitch softball.
Fortunately we got out of the inning and our team came on and had a big rally and put up about 10 runs on the board. You know what happened next time I pitched? I threw 5 pitches the whole inning. I did not walk anyone, and I threw pitches right over the plate.
So what was the difference? The margin for error I had. With only one run difference.. I was trying to be so perfect I was making mistakes. With a 10 run lead I relaxed, didn’t worry so much and just played the game. It was because I allowed myself room to make mistakes that I actually did better. I did not worry about someone getting on base because I knew I had some room to work with.
How often when I am in ministry do I not allow myself room to work? When I wait until the last minute to put together a song list or to create lead sheets, then I make mistakes. When I do not communicate with people before a service, and therefore do not know who will be there, I try to make it up and be perfect and I do not worship, I worry.
What I am learning is to create margin for error, margin for interruption, space for things to happen. If I work on songlists a few weeks out then I have room to change a song when it feels right. When I create lead sheets early, I can play through them and make sure everything is fine before rehearsal. When I communicate and organize and know what is going on in a worship service, even the elements I am not directly in charge of, things flow smoother, I do not worry and I am more open to God moving into the lives of those who are gathered together.
So my question is how can we create margin?
1. Prayer- Someone wise once said, “I have so much to do today I need to spend another hour on my knees in prayer.” It is amazing what happens to your time when you pray. I find I get more done, and that distractions seem to disappear.
2. Prioritize- “Seek first the Kingdom of God” When you put God first He will help you to see what those important things are to do each day.
3. Make a list- Use a post it note, your pda, or a piece of paper and write down what you need to do for the day or even the week. I get a sense of accomplishment as I cross off things, and I can see what I have done, and what I have left to do.
4. Use your time wisely- Don’t just refrain from doing things that waste time, for example playing scrabulous or checking your facebook, (personal examples) but when you have 10 minutes here or 5 minutes there find something on your list for later in the day or week and go ahead and do it.
5. Take your time off- If you are in full time, or even part time ministry you need a day off. Just a hint… Sunday is not a day off. Find a day in the week that you can stay away from church and church conversations, emails, etc. Don’t just sit at home though, find something to do that rejuvenates you. Spend time with a friend, read a book, work on a non ministry related project or perhaps take a nap.
Tags: busy, Church, facebook, How To, organize, Prayer, rehearsal, songlists, Sunday, Team, wasted, work, Worship, youth
The TO-DO list!!!!!
Apr 5, 2008 Uncategorized
Hours race by like minutes and at the close of the day, I wonder “just where did the time go”?
Things that were on my to-do list from yesterday are still left uncrossed and my plate begins to grow to an overwhelming 5 course dinner!!!
WOW…. how did I end up like this?
I’m reminded of a scripture you all probably know: seek ye first the Kingdom of God. Do we really seek Him first everyday? Is He more important to us than the tasks at hand?
I’ve been really convicted of this lately because I feel my wheels are just spinning and I’m getting no where Why I failing so miserably is because I’m not seeking my Savior first and then tending to my to-do’s. Note the order. Him first, tasks later.
This problem isn’t anything new, so don’t feel bad if you are in the same boat with me. 
In the Old Testament God became very angry that His people were more worried about their own homes while His temple lay in ruins. (Haggai 1:9) How can we walk the path God has for us if we don’t talk to Him first everyday? If we don’t pray and read His Word? Make THOSE THINGS our #1 priority?? After all, we are the temple! Christ dwells in us. Well, the good news is this… the Lord can help us get our priorities straight. Just ask Him for help and He’ll show you what needs to be done.
Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. And all these things shall be added unto you… Praise God!!
Tags: busy, Kerri Crocker, Prayer, preparing
What about the Worship?
Apr 2, 2008 Uncategorized
See if you’ve ever been in this “hot spot”.
Its 15 minutes before church and the lead vocalist hasn’t shown up, the video isn’t working right and a sound check at this point, is never going to happen. How on earth will this service ever flow and people enter in and praise? Well, after the grueling 15 minutes of worry, worship starts and ends. People come up after the service and say they felt the presence of the Lord so strongly…. they have never worshiped so freely before. Wow… everything went great! What was I so worried about?
The question that we should be prepared is understood, but my thought for you today is this:
Do you think that your skill or the band, the video or the atmosphere is going to move people into that place of worshiping the King? In all humility, we say no, but by our actions, we often contradict that idea when things aren’t going just the way we planned. I challenge you, that if you are ever in a situation of “less than perfect circumstances” that you’ll take a step back and pray to the one who is the Author of praise. We can only plant the seeds, but it is the Lord who will bring forth the fruit Psalm 103:2 says it perfectly, “praise the Lord, oh my soul, and forget not His benefits” the key word in that verse is HIS…. not OUR…. HIS benefits go far beyond what our mind can conceive. Even in a worship service that we feel is doomed.
Many blessings and much favor to you!!
Tags: band, Church, Free, Kerri Crocker, Media Shout, Powerpoint, Prayer, preparing, video, work, Worship
