Tag Archives: preparing

Older Songs Still Resonate

February 18, 2009   Russell Martin   4 Comments

Last summer I led worship for a group of college students at a work camp. They take a week to spend together repairing homes in the area where they are working. I was leading worship for their evening services. The first night I got up with a great songlist. Some new songs from the up and coming worship bands leading worship out there. The response I got back was mixed. There were some who knew the songs and sang along, but overall there was not a huge participation. 

That night we announced our suggestion box. If anyone had a suggestion about camp, including song requests, they could put them in the box and we would try to work them in. What I saw both comforted and suprised me. The majority of the requests were not the new upcoming worship songs. Most of the requests were for songs like, God of Wonders, Here I Am to Worship, Heart of Worship, Light the Fire, Lord I LIft Your Name on high. To be honest I had overlooked alot of these when I was preparing for the week because I thought they might be too old, too overdone. That clearly was not the case.

I wondered. Maybe in the drive to hear, learn, play and write the newest great worship songs I had stopped using some songs that really resonate with people. Maybe it was because these were the songs that this group grew up in with in youth group. These were the songs they had come to faith to. They were the songs that they were introduced to at church camp. They were songs that are known by heart, no words needed, nothing to learn, just worship. I can tell you it was great to get up in front, strum one chord, sing the line “Lord of all creation…” and then sit back and play guitar. 

What I learned from this experience is that it is important to find out the songs of the group you are leading. I wish I could have had the song suggestions before camp started, instead of after the first night. I will not stop introducing, or writing, or singing new songs. But I also will remember that some old songs still resonate loudly and not leave them out either.

What are some songs you may have passed by that still resonate?

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Summer Camp Survival Tip #3- Dress for Success

May 31, 2008   Russell Martin   No comments

When it comes to packing clothes for camp it is good to try and anticipate a few things. 1 What type of activities are going on? 2. What is the weather SUPPOSED to be like? 3. How long will you be away? Why are each of these questions important?

1. Activities- I went to a camp where every day the kids had a “water time.” This consisted of a variety of activities but there were two things you could count on. You might get messy, and you would get wet. If you know something like this will happen, jeans might not be your best option. And a white t-shirt may not be good either. Make sure and bring clothes you can get wet and possibly messy in. Also a second towel might be a good idea too.
This is just one example of activities. You may be going hiking, so boots and jeans are called for, or boating and will need water shoes. Find out what type of activities will be going on so you can bring the clothes you need.

2. Weather. You can never predict the weather but you can be prepared for it. Umbrellas, extra jeans, shirts and towels for rainy days. Sunscreen, hats, shorts and light colors for sunny days. Just be prepared for anything.

3. Length- Bring enough clothes for atleast 1-2 days more than you plan on. Odds are you will unexpectedly get thrown in the pool, or play a messy game, or fall in the mud or something. Bringing extra sets of clothes is not a bad idea.

One more tip- One counselor told me the way she survives is by brining an extra shirt and pair of socks for each day. That way, half way through even though you might not be able to shower and change, you can atleast get a fresh shirt and a clean pair of socks for the evening. Not a bad thought.

If you have ideas please respond here or send them to rgmmusic@gmail.com

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The TO-DO list!!!!!

April 05, 2008   Russell Martin   No comments

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!!

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What about the Worship?

April 02, 2008   Russell Martin   No comments


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!!

Kerri Crocker

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