.

Pleasing God, Not Man - Darlene Zschech

Two weeks prior to the recording of our new album For This Cause, a number of different people came up to me and said things like, "I bet you're feeling under pressure ...", or "How are you going to outdo the last album ..." or "Glad it's you and not me!"

That got me thinking about the high pressure and extreme expectations placed on myself and the team to come up with the goods! We can all feel this type of pressure in life - a very "performance measured" pressure that I find was never birthed in God and can so easily wind "off course" if we strive to please the heart of man and not the heart of God.
Let me encourage you, dear worshippers, from Paul's letter to the Philippians, Chapter 2:

Know Your Mission - Be In Unity (Verse 1&2)
"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the (Holy) Spirit, and by whatever depth of affection and compassionate sympathy, then make my joy complete by living in harmony and being of the same mind and one in purpose, having the same love being in full accord and of one harmonious mind and intention.

Let Nothing Be Done Through Strife Or Vain Glory (Verse 3)
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition (through contentiousness, strife, unworthy ends of factional motives) or prompted by conceit and empty arrogance or vain conceit."

Obey (Verse 5, 12 & 13)
"Let this attitude of humility be in you which was in Christ Jesus. Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed - continue to work out your salvation with reverence, awe and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose."

Be Blameless (Vese 14)
"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation in which you shine like stars in the universe ..."

You Do Not Labour In Vain (Verse 16)
"Holding out and offering all men the Word of Life, in order that I may boast that I did not run or labour in vain."

Open Your Mouth With The Praises Of God And Close Your Ears To The Praises Of Men! (Verse 10, 11)

"That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow and every tongue confess and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Seek first the Kingdom of God ... there is nothing more rewarding in life than to use your God given creativity and gifts to promote the King and to further the cause of the Kingdom.

The work that was started by Him will be completed by Him.

"There is nothing more rewarding than using your God-given creativity and gifts to promote the King."

Great Guitar and Bass Sound - John J. DiModica

How do you get that quality sound in the studio? Producer John J. DiModica explains how...

Ever listen to some of your favorite recordings, including those produced by Integrity Music, and wonder why the bass and guitar sound so good? There are a number of factors involved. Many reasons for a great tone are found in the player. Obviously, you can't have a great sounding part if the player is not doing his/her job. One of the most important skills to develop to prepare to play in the studio (or live, for that matter) is to learn to play consistently with a metronome! Beyond that, assuming you have a measure of ability on your instrument, the following should be helpful in getting that much desired "studio sound."

Let's look at your instrument first. Recording reveals any flaws you or your instrument may have. Instruments of less quality will have buzzes and poor tone which degrade the sound. If you want a professional sound, you must start with a professional instrument. Once you have secured one, here is a checklist to follow before recording:

1. Put on a fresh set of strings (I prefer nickel for my basses).
2. Adjust each string height so that you eliminate all buzzes and fret noise.
3. Make sure your instrument is intonated meaning that it is in tune with itself. This often requires making subtle adjustments at the bridge. If you are unsure of how to do this, call your local music store and either consult with their guitar/bass tech or have them do it. It is not that difficult or expensive and it should be done every time you change strings. Using the same type and gauge of strings will minimize the adjustments you may have to make every time you change strings.
4. Install a fresh battery if you have active electronics.
5. Use an electronic tuner and check your tuning during every stoppage of recording (between takes).

Audio Engineers can have a great deal of influence over the sound of a recorded instrument, too. There exists a number of tools usually found in the recording studio to enhance and change the sound of a bass and guitar. Some of the most basic tools are compressors, equalizers and preamps. These tools are available to bass players and guitars players as well as audio engineers.

Without getting into a lengthy explanation of each, I will touch on the use of each one when recording a bass and/or guitar. Simply put, compressors even out the sound of an instrument eliminating notes from "popping out" and becoming a distraction in the mix. Ratio, attack time and release time are the main variables in a compressor. With the proper adjustments, a compressor can be a great asset in getting a smooth track. Start experimenting with a ratio between 2:1-4:1, attack time of 1-10ms and release time of 100ms-500ms. These are just a starting point. Your ears are always the best judge!

Equalization is another tool available. By getting rid of unwanted frequencies and/or accentuating desired ones, you can help get a great sound out of your instrument. For example, getting rid of "thump" in the bass track can be attained by lowering (rolling off) frequencies below 50Hz. If too "boomy" try cutting frequencies between 125-200Hz. Experienced engineers should both have a good idea of a musical bass sound and the know how to achieve it using compression and EQ.

Also, you can employ a preamp to help shape your sound. Some of the new amp modelers are very good in imitating the sound of vintage and contemporary bass and guitar amplifiers. There are many to choose from. Many people including myself like the Line 6 bass pod and guitar pod.

Many preamps include effects to add "spice" to the sound. Often, the bass sound is hampered rather than helped with an effect. Sometimes a chorus can work in a slower (fretless) part and a little distortion can be appropriate for more aggressive "alternative or pop" kinds of tracks. Remember, however, what happens to food when too much spice is added!

There are a couple of factors to consider when placing a mic on an amp to record rather than taking a signal direct into the mixing board. Here are some very basic steps:

1. Put the bass amp in the biggest room. Avoid putting it next to a wall. Moving an amp 6"-12" can change its sound in a room so experiment.
2. Isolate the amp as much as possible to avoid issues when fixing mistakes (Punch-ins).
3. Place mix 1'-2' from the speaker on axis. Move the mic 45 degrees to the side to eliminate buzzes, fret noise, etc.

When striving for great tone recording (and live playing), ultimately, it starts with the player... then the instrument. The sound engineer is a factor, too. When all three of these components are optimized, there is no reason not to have a great sounding bass and/or guitar track that compliments both the song and the mix.
For more detailed information about getting a great bass sound please refer to Electronic Musician Magazine, August 2000, "The Bottom Line" article by Michael Cooper.

John J. DiModica served as Worship Leader and Assistant Pastor at a thriving church in Miami, Florida for nine years. Now living in Tennessee, he has been touring and teaching with Integrity Music since 1995 including performing with Don Moen, Paul Wilbur, Lenny leBlanc, Ron Kenoly and Alvin Slaughter. John has a music degree from the University of Miami (FL), and additional studies at the Eastman School of Music (NY) and Berklee College of Music (MA). Currently, his activities include composing, music production, session musician and private bass instructor. For help in producing a recording or to schedule John to speak, visit his website. www.InFocusMusic.com

Worship Graphics

Don Chapman

As I've said many times, contemporary worship is >not< business as usual! Gone are the days of three hymns and a sermon. Today's worship leader must know a little bit about everything: pop music, praise bands, worship flow...

and design.

There's a bunch of bad PowerPoint out there. But you don't do art, you say? If you have enough creative energy in you to be involved with worship, you have enough creativity to maintain decent graphics. You might not be able to produce the graphics yourself (although I believe anyone can learn to create good, basic graphics) but you should at least be able to recognize graphics that >aren't< good.

More and more churches are combining worship with video and presentation software for wonderfully professional results that would have cost a fortune a few years ago.

However, I'm afraid the technology is getting ahead of us. We have the latest bells and whistles, yet with this incredible technology I've seen the most horrific cheesiness projected on some church screens!

Let's start with a few basics. Of all places, I ran into a nice, quick and concise art lesson at the US Post Office in the form of a pamphlet. They've put a copy online, take a look:

http://www.zairmail.com/articles/simpleformula7.asp

There are a few things here we can apply to church graphics.

1. One thing dominates the page (or screen.) Don't try to cram the entire song/sermon on one slide.

2. Minimize typeface variety. Don't mix and match 5 fonts just because you can. Stay away from weird type styles - you don't want your worship to resemble a used car commercial.

Choose one or two nice, readable fonts and stick with them throughout your service. Times Roman is bland - start with Helvetica, Arial or Verdana. Whenever you use a new font, try it out on the screen before worship. What looks good on your computer monitor might not look so hot enlarged.

3. Easy to read text. Tiny text is hard to read on screen. Centering lyrics is the trend, but in my Art 101 college class I learned that this tires the eye - lyrics should be "flush left" - like a newspaper column. See how hard it is to read the following. The eye has to search for the beginning of each line:

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.
And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.


4. Use relevant illustrations. Avoid cartoonish, goofy clip art (unless you're preparing slides for a junior high lock- in!)

Take a look at your PowerPoint or overhead master for this coming week. What can you tweak that would make the presentation cleaner and more professional?

>Bottom Line: Avoid graphic cheese in church!

This article originally appeared in the 09.02.03 issue of WorshipIdeas.com. Read an archive of past articles at the paid website WorshipMax.com


Article Source: http://www.worshipideas.com/Worship-Graphics.shtml

Worship In Holy Land

Worship with Darlene Zschech, Don Moen, and Paul Wilbur + A Worship Leader Seminar. Plan today to be part of this great Israel 2008 worship experience - an inspiring trip for individuals, worship teams, and church choirs. Enjoy a live recording, a Holy Land tour and great speakers like Pastor Jack Hayford and Pastor Robert Morris.

Worship Trends 2007

Don Chapman

Over the past few weeks and months I've been pursuing one of my favorite hobbies: churching! I love to visit all types of churches to see what they're doing. Here are some things I've noticed:

- The Bible is making a comeback. Surprisingly, in two of the most cutting-edge contemporary churches I've visited lately, I've witnessed the re-introduction of real, live Bibles into their services! When the preacher begins his sermon and reads the passage, ushers rush down the aisles carrying a stack of Bibles, handing them out to whoever wants one [plus, the text was displayed on the screen.]

- No pay for play. I've noticed that some baby-boomer-led seeker churches are stopping the practice of paying professional musicians in lieu of using less-talented volunteers from their own congregations. These same churches most likely began in the 90's with the reputation of having the best band in town, but are shifting from that value to one of participation. They often lose the "pros" in the process.

I've also noticed many of the new, gen-x-led churches seem to be picking up where the baby-boomers left off, and have the standard of either paying pros or only letting those with professional abilities participate musically.

- Graphics. In the worship background arena, I'm seeing less nature scenes and more abstract images.

- It's worse than I thought. I knew some churches struggle with worship flow, but I didn't know it was really that bad. I've recently endured some of the most ill-conceived worship services ever.

For instance, I attended a mainline, staunchly traditional church that has started a contemporary service [haven't they all!] The first 15 minutes of this service (yes, 15 minutes) was spent doing Bible sword-drills with children on stage [remember that from Sunday school, where the teacher tells you to find a passage and then you race to see who can find it first?] 10 minutes into this I was so incredibly bored that I wondered why I had gotten out of bed. Follow that with a CCM song [not worship], a boring sermon filled with abstract theology, offertory and 10 minutes of announcements and I couldn't wait to get out of there.

Obviously, this contemporary service was "contemporary" because they simply substituted a band for piano/organ, and was geared for their regular church members who wanted to get a little more hip on Sunday morning. Visitors? If I was bored stiff, I doubt a seeker would return.

One more bad thing - the church had absolutely no lighting on stage. People on stage had house lights just like anyone in the congregation. I'm so used to contemporary churches with stage lighting that I forgot how important this is, and how odd things looked without it.

My uncle Hank, who worked for years with the Billy Graham organization, taught me this. He said that even simple stage lighting is necessary - when the speaker is illuminated, you subconsciously are drawn in and focused on him or her.

- Video churches. I talked about the video church movement last year...

http://worshipideas.blogspot.com/2006_06_01_archive.html

...and it continues to gain momentum. Major churches are planting video venues. Seacoast Greenville is thriving with over 400 regulars and the network is gearing up for expansion. I visited the local Andy Stanley Catalyst franchise and was surprised to see almost 200 meeting in a local theater with heart-felt worship, great music and a relevant message that I could actually remember after I got home.

As I said in my blog last year, what's going to happen when Rick Warren decides to start a church in your town? How long do you think Bible-Sword-Drill-Church will last?

Read an archive of past articles at the paid website WorshipMax.com.


Article Source: http://www.worshipideas.com/Worship-Trends-2007.shtml

Rules of the Tape - Louis R. Carlozo

A technical and artistic blueprint for quality live recording on a budget.

You've got the worship team, a solid band of musicians and you've got the opportunity, but you're a little short on know-how, when it comes to recording your own live CD. Look no further than this practical, low-budget blueprint for quality live recordings.

Recently my six-member band, the Blue Lit Souls, faced a creative dilemma. We wanted to release our first CD, but didn't have enough money to work in a big studio. Nor were we sure a studio recording could capture our unusual sound, which includes mandolin, tin whistle, log drum, a stack of flower pots played like marimbas and a digeridoo made of PVC pipe.

It didn't take us long to settle on a cost-effective, exciting alternative: recording in concert. Using Alesis ADAT machines, we taped a live show and as of this writing, we're polishing the tracks in my home studio. Will a similar strategy work for worship bands? Absolutely. In fact, if there's any genre ideally suited to live recording, worship music is it. It not only features colorful interaction with an audience, it requires it.

Speaking to recording experts-including a worship artist who has made a name with his live CDs-we've assembled an outline for making your own album, even on a bare-bones budget. Of course, that should not imply skimping; the preparation can in fact be more demanding, as we'll see. But if you and your worship team follow this blueprint, you could find yourselves reaping musical, ministry and even monetary rewards.

Technically Speaking, Less can be more, and there's no place like home.

Tim Vear, a senior applications engineer at Shure microphones, has plenty of experience helping houses of worship bring their technology into the 21st century. Here are his tips for getting set on the knobs and wires end.

1. First time out? Consider a two-track recording. It's simple as recording to a CD burner or a DAT machine. "A lot of big acts will drag ADATs and DA88s along and record every microphone. But that's a very time consuming process," Vear says. If you feel you need more flexibility, "There's kind of an intermediate approach where you can submix certain parts of the live mix-the drums, the vocals, and some of the other instruments-onto eight tracks... Again, the philosophy is not to allow punching in or overdubbing, but you do have some means of balancing."

2. Don't forget crowd noise. Because your live tape will likely come off the sound mixboard, it could be stripped of crowd response if you use just stage mics. "One of the most obvious thing is the audience mic, or congregation mic. Typically you'll bring up more of that room sound towards the end of the tune, and lower it during the bulk of the song." If your engineer is mixing live to two track, "You either have to do it on the fly," Vear says. "Or, if you record it on a separate track, you can edit in post production."

3. Vibe first, perfect audio second. Don't forsake a moving performance because of a small technical glitch or some mild distortion. "It's like those Chuck Berry records; guys who go back and record those tunes 20 years later can never get the same result. It may be cleaner but the energy is gone. People are pretty tolerant of some technical imperfections in live recordings."

4. Play on the home court. You'll likely do better in a familiar setting than some strange venue where comfort level and acoustics are unknowns. "If I was comfortable with the congregation and the setting I was in, I'd definitely do a direct-to-two-track mix," Vear says. "If I'm not that familiar and coming in cold, I'd probably request a four-track mix and record the congregation with a stereo mic, and let the band rip on a two-track. If it gets any more complicated than that, you're going to have to have two people [record] it. It's not going to be possible for the guy who's mixing the sound to do a good job recording."

5. Tech Speak: Use auxiliary busses and great mics. The auxiliary busses-those knobs on the mixboard that allow for a totally separate mix-can mean a cleaner signal to tape or CD. Don't forget to mic the full drum kit so that tom fills can be picked up (again, it doesn't have to go over the PA, just to the mix for tape!) "A couple of nice condensor mics over the drums will help pick that up," Vear says (Shure condensors mics include the SM 81 and KSM 137). Other Shure mics Vear suggests: for vocals, SM 58s or Beta 58s; acoustic instruments, SM 81s or KSM 137s; guitar amps, SM 57s. Bass can use a DI box. "Piano is difficult to mic, and a lot of guitar might bleed into the mics. Get the lid open to put the mic in there."

6. Get the recording engineer decent headphones. What better way to make sure you're getting a balanced mix? Larger churches may also have a splitter that send a separate signal out for radio broadcasts. Using the broadcast splitter can guarantee a cleaner recording, Vear says.

Artistically Speaking. Practice, prep work and prayer!

Among West Coast artists, Tommy Walker has a reputation as someone who knows how to translate worship energy into musical electricity. Together with his C.A. Worship Band, Walker cranked out a double-CD of live material in 1999; he's known for songs such as "He Knows My Name," "Mourning Into Dancing" and "That's Why We Praise Him." Here's his advice on live recording.

1. Record the same set at least two or three nights. Doing so, "You can alleviate a lot of the pressure," Walker says. "The more pressure and nervousness, the less authentic worship you will be able to capture."

2. Use a great drummer. In a multi-track format Walker uses, bad performances can be fixed later. "But the tempos that the drummer sets and the sound from his drum kit will be irreplaceable. On that note, keep the drums, more than anything else, as isolated as possible. For example, if the drum mics are picking up mistakes from other instruments and vocals you won't be able to fix those mistakes later."

3. Record backup singers on separate tracks. "It has been my experience that even with the greatest singers and the greatest monitor situation you will almost always have to re-do all background vocals," Walker says. "It can be very freeing to know that you don't have the pressure to make that aspect of the concert perfect. This will allow you to use different people if you want and or any number of people because you will be re-doing them in the studio later."

4. Save horns and percussion for the studio. "In this case it's definitely better to put the icing on after the cake is done," Walker says. "I have rarely had a percussion performance that I was able to keep because everything leaked into the percussion mics. The less cluttered and added sounds on the recording night, the better. On this note, every instrument should be as well baffled off to eliminate as much leakage as possible.

5. Be prepared to do your best lead vocal live. "Lead vocals and lead instrumental solos are performances that need to be kept. If you re-do everything to make it perfect you will lose the energy and electricity from the live performance-so that's where I draw the line. All keyboard comping, guitar parts, bass, all those arrangement aspects can be re-done. But the drums, lead vocals and the lead instrumental performances should be kept. Because of this, I like to put the lead vocalists and lead guitarists or sax player as far away from the drummer as possible.

6. Use vocal tuning software such as VocalTune. "Thank God the age of tuning
lead vocals has finally come," Walker says. "I suggest everyone who does live recording purchase a vocal tuner. What makes them especially great is that you are able to keep those passionate, energetic performances and tune them up. People don't realize that even the greatest singers on the planet all have pitch problems somewhere in a live performance... Vocal tuners are also very helpful for single line instruments, like bass guitars, saxophones and lead guitar solos."

7. Use in-ear monitors as opposed to monitor wedges. Shure makes a PSM series that has become a huge hit with bands from The Strokes to Big Head Todd and the Monsters. "In-ear monitors are definitely the way to go with a live recording," Walker says. "Though many churches can't afford to own them, they are worth renting for the recording. Not only can you hear yourself better, but they alleviate a lot of stage sound. This enables you to have less leakage in the microphones." One note: Have the sound engineer mix in some crowd noise so you can hear that in your in-ear mix!

8. In closing: capture the real stuff. "More than anything what we are trying to accomplish in a live recording is to capture those holy moments," Walker says. "I have found that holy moments never seem to happen when I'm nervous and concerned about what's being recorded to tape. Therefore, I suggest much, much rehearsing and even recording your rehearsals before you even get to the recording nights. Do your best to stay focused on what ministry God is doing in the moment. By the time the red button is turned on, you need to be able to forget about all technical aspects of the recording."

Fix Your Sound/Lights - Fix Your Sound/Lights

I love to visit new churches: new to me anyway. As an in-demand player in the upstate SC area, I spend a lot of time at different churches and ministries. Each one has strengths and weaknesses. The one major factor that spreads like the plague: poor quality in the worship service.

If you are the creative director of a church or the sound or lighting tech, there are a few easy and inexpensive things you can do to fight this epidemic. Let's look at some common things to fix with your sound board.

Get rid of reverb and delays - they should only be used sparingly. I recently visited a local church plant (we'll call it Church A) and was shocked at the poor quality of the service. The vocals at Church A were dripping wet in reverb. You could barely hear the worship leader talk, let alone sing. The reverb was also soaking the electric and the acoustic guitars. If you are going to use reverb or delay, start with only a little on the vocals and make sure to turn the effects off when the music stops. Church A left the booming reverb on for the announcements and the speaker sounded like he was in a baseball stadium.

For a cleaner mix, cut out the bass frequencies of all instruments and vocals except the bass guitar and kick drum. Many sound boards have a "low-cut" switch that eliminates all frequencies below 100Hz or 75Hz. If you have it, use it! By cleaning up your mix, everything will magically sound clearer and less muddy. Also, vocals typically need a little highs and mids boosted so they can "cut through" the mix. Adjusting the EQ is sometimes more effective than just pushing the volume slider up.

Let's also look at your lighting setup. Let there be "focused" light - the everything-bright-look should be saved for your local grocery store. When your congregation worships, don't let them feel out in the open. Church A had the window blinds wide open and bright light filled the entire room. I've not felt that exposed and uncomfortable in awhile. A simple solution is to close the blinds and install a few gooseneck lamps on the ceiling with dimmers and point them at the stage. A dimmer congregation and brighter stage helps focus attention forward and creates a sense of warmth in the worship service.

You may want to install floor lamps or hang some other lamps from the ceiling pointing at the walls to give the room more ambient light. Dimmers give the ability to raise the lighting level during the sermon.

Lastly, avoid fluorescent lighting! These lights have a cold and harsh color. I prefer incandescent lights - they provide a very warm and natural tone.

Try these simple tips to improve the mood and ambiance of your service.

>Adam Fisher's new website helps home recording hobbyists:

http://www.homerecordinghowto.com
http://www.adamlaynefisher.com

Article Source: http://www.worshipideas.com/Fix-Your-Sound.shtml

With All My Heart - Darlene Zschech

Last year while I was preparing for our Worship & Creative Arts retreat, I stumbled across this beautiful song written by Babbie Mason, called "With All My Heart".

There were so many topics we were covering and teaching on during the retreat, and yet this song seemed to beautifully culminate the heart of all I was desperate to communicate.

WITH ALL MY HEART
Babbie Mason
©1990 Word Music, Inc./ASCAP

In this quiet place with you I bow before your throne
I bare the deepest part of me to you and you alone
I keep no secrets for there is no thought you have not known
I bring my best and all the rest to you and lay them down
With all my heart I want to love you Lord
And live my life each day to know you more
All that is in me
Is yours completely
I will serve you only
With all my heart


You faithfully supply my needs according to your plan
So help me Lord to seek your face before I seek your hand
And trust you know what's best for me when I don't understand
Then follow in obedience in every circumstance

As I write for this edition of "Life", my heart is stirred once again to share the power of this simple truth with you. THAT ALL WE DO FOR HIM AND GAIN BECAUSE OF HIM IS ALL QUITE FUTILE UNLESS WE ARE DEEPLY PLANTED IN HIM.

Acts 17:28 says "For IN HIM, we live and move and have our being." So how do we keep our hearts on course? truly loving and seeking him above all else? Jeremiah 17:9 warns us that the heart is deceitful above all things but earlier, in verse 7 the scripture assures us that "blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is IN HIM!"

We need to learn how to trust in the Lord with all of our heart, lean not on our own understanding, acknowledge the Lord and He will direct our paths.

To open your heart and express genuine love and devotion to the Lord is easier for some than others. It could be due to past hurts, regrets, disappointments or simply fear of being let down, that doesn't allow your heart to be completely transparent. But be encouraged today and reminded of possibly one of the most powerful stories of a worshipper and lover of Jesus as told in Luke 7:36. The "sinful" woman, as the bible calls her, stood weeping before the Lord , unashamed before those who would criticise and accuse her. She risked a life of further abuse and judgement because her HEART had been transformed by the only one who could ever be described as the "lover of her soul". Despite her past and her doubts, she allowed her heart to direct her steps as she poured the rich contents of an alabaster jar on the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her tears and dried his feet with her hair. She adored her Lord with all of her heart, despite her circumstance or background, with the greatest offering she had to give... a true worshipper.

The song above, "With All My Heart", could have easily been the theme song of this woman's worship offering to her King. Psalm 112:7-8 says "He will have no fear of bad news, his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is secure, he will have no fear..."

Matt 22:37&38 Jesus says it like no other as He lays the foundation of LIFE out before us ... "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment."
Just remember, the song of the heart is the song that will resound in heaven.

I love you dearly and count it an honour to serve our King with you.

Make Us One - John J. DiModica

Keys to Unity in the Worship Team

While it is true that works of the flesh such as strife and envy will hinder the move of God in our lives and ministries and therefore must be dealt with firmly, it is also true that unity of heart and vision will bring blessing and anointing. "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!" Psalm 133:1,3 says. "For there the Lord bestows his blessings, even life forevermore." II Chronicles 5:13-14: "The trumpeters and singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the Lord. The temple of the Lord was filled with a cloud and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the temple of God. Thistype of worship experience doesn't happen by accident. It does happen, in large part, as a result of unity among the worshippers.
We must literally "be on the same page" if we are to run together with the same vision. Habakkuk 2:2 "Then the Lord replied: Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that whoever reads it may run with it." Amos 3:3 "Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?" The answer is no, they can't. We must have a common vision written down that the entire worship team is committed to in order to be effective in facilitating the blessing and presence of God. What is the practical application of this truth? Glad you asked!

We on the worship team must have the same expectations when we worship. As a group, what do you believe can happen when you worship? In church we have marriage conferences, stewardship conferences and various other types of conferences to impart a vision and plan to exercise faith and change behavior for a desired outcome. I believe a worship leader, therefore, is obliged to assemble materials, i.e., books, CD's, DVD's, videos, etc., they can draw from to teach their worship team about worship so that the everyone's vision and expectations are the same, too. I also strongly suggest written assignments to be handed in to demonstrate knowledge of the vision. By doing this you are adding value to your worship department because it is costing members something (time and energy). There is an abundance of great resources available to draw from. Find material that agrees with scripture, schedule a series of meetings with your worship department, give some assignments and see the fruit. This will build unity and everyone will have the same vision, expectation and appreciation for what God intends to do. Otherwise, some worship team members may view worship as merely something that happens before the preaching while others on the same team believe for a cloud of glory to overtake the service! No prayer of agreement can happen is this scenario.

There is another important issue to discuss when covering the topic of building unity. We need a uniform Code of Conduct. As God gave His Word as an impartial standard for all to follow, we should develop a standard Code of Conduct for the worship team. Certain topics it should address are: tardiness, absenteeism, performance, attitude, conduct and dress. There should be "correction" for the breaches. Everyone should be treated the same. This way the "worship diva" will not get partial treatment. This eliminates the appearance of favoritism, which as you know is very destructive to unity. How strict this Code of Conduct will be is up to the leadership, but if the code is to be effective, it must be in writing, understood by all and administered without partiality.

In conclusion, to build unity we must all have the same vision and expectations as a result of teaching and example by the leadership. Also, must establish in writing the standards of behavior and performance, which add value to the ministry of the team. These standards should be understood by all and administered fairly. By doing these two things, you will build unity in your worship team and see a greater move of the Lord God in your worship times.

John J. DiModica served as Worship Leader and Assistant Pastor at a thriving church in Miami, Florida for nine years. Now living in Tennessee, he has been touring and teaching with Integrity Music since 1995 including performing with Don Moen, Paul Wilbur, Lenny leBlanc, Ron Kenoly and Alvin Slaughter. John has a music degree from the University of Miami (FL), and additional studies at the Eastman School of Music (NY) and Berklee College of Music (MA). Currently, his activities include traveling with Seminars4Worship, composing, session music, music production, private bass instruction and working with Dave Ramsey, best selling author of the book Financial Peace and syndicated talk-show host (www.daveramsey.com/fpu/church)

For help in producing a recording or to schedule John to spend a weekend with your worship group, visit his website: www.InFocusMusic.com

One size doesn’t fit all - Greg Bowlus

At first hearing, blended worship sounds like an ideal solution for meeting the needs of a diverse congregation. There is something for everyone in the blended worship model. But is that enough?

Does blending two or more music and worship styles in one service work? Maybe so. Just nowhere that I have been.

Based on my experience serving in Baptist, Presbyterian, non-denominational, small, medium and large churches, I believe blended worship is an ineffective compromise for meeting the needs of most churches. A large segment of the congregation stays frustrated and agitated much of the time. The theme of too many Monday morning phone calls, comment cards and e-mails is: “Too many choruses, not enough hymns.” Or vice versa.

I don’t believe that we can approach worship with a “one size fits all” attitude. Of course, the Holy Spirit can work with -- and sometimes despite -- our human limitations. But I believe that to help our congregation worship in spirit and truth, we must offer multiple worship services of differing styles and formats.

Dissatisfaction
I have heard the arguments for blended worship. Many church leaders think that blending worship styles will lessen the impact or appearance of change. But a slow transition from traditional worship to a blending of contemporary and traditional elements is aggravating especially to traditional worshipers. It creates uncertainty and fear, as if their red carpet is being slowly pulled out from under them, with the sense that it will never be over.

I have found that any major change will be less disruptive and disconcerting when the issue has been studied over time, the congregation’s input has been sought, and the move is implemented all at once, or in as few moves as possible.

Other leaders who are concerned about losing congregational unity feel that one blended service is better than multiple services of varying styles. But I have not found one blended service to be any guarantee of unity, since no one will be completely satisfied with the result.

My suggestion to maintain church unity is to offer at least two different worship services and find other opportunities for cross-generational, cross-congregational worship and fellowship. Coffee and pastries between services, family-night suppers, small groups, mission opportunities, and fifth-Sunday-night joint services of arts and celebration are a few possibilities.

True worship
Still I know many churches will opt for blended worship. But before blended worship has a chance to work, several realities must be addressed.

First, church leaders must realize most congregations, if not all, are actually multiple congregations. By this I mean that every congregation is demographically diverse, representing different generations, socioeconomic levels, denominational backgrounds, ethnic backgrounds, tastes in music, etc. Like it or not, we have multiple congregations under the same church roof, sharing a staff and budget. Each week as we gather for worship, a portion of every congregation is worshiping in a style that is not its preference.

Secondly, most of the people sitting in our pews each weekend have little or no clue what true worship of God is. According to a recent poll on worship by George Barna, two out of three church attenders say they have no idea what worship means. Thirty-two percent say they have never experienced God’s presence! We as worship leaders die on the inside when we hear this.

We must educate our congregations in the worship of God and we must do everything possible to allow the Holy Spirit to work in their lives during worship. We must also encourage them to study and practice personal worship all week long. This will make corporate worship even more meaningful.

Then, when congregants grow from being weekend attenders to true worshipers, there will be more openness and understanding of individual worship tastes. This can produce a healthy tolerance of other forms of worship, from traditional to contemporary, with an understanding that it takes diversity to reach diversity.

In summary, if we understand who makes up the various congregations within our larger congregations, if we teach our congregants what true worship is, and if we encourage them to worship in “spirit and truth,” then we will understand that we all come to God differently.

Worship is about God, not us and our needs. Yet how can we worship a God we do not understand, in a language we do not comprehend, or in a setting in which we are not inspired or engaged?

As I tell my congregation, we are all wired differently, with different gifts, abilities and tastes. And yet we are one body. We all sing one song, proclaiming one message of one Lord, but in different voices.

Greg Bowlus is minister of music for St. Johns Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville, Fla., where he plans and leads two worship services, one traditional and one contemporary. (gbowlus@aol.com)

Blending worship

Does mixing worship traditions offer a little something for everyone? Or is it the way to make everyone mad about something?

And the worship wars keep raging. Who will win? Does anyone win? Is there a way out?
Worship style, and particularly worship music, is the most divisive issue on the church front today. What if there were a way to make everyone happy -- or almost everyone -- without choosing sides?

Many people think “blended worship” is the way for churches to avoid perpetual conflict over worship. Rather than choosing one style of worship to the exclusion of others, blended worship incorporates elements from a number of styles and traditions. Rather than segmenting a congregation into separate worship services of different styles, blended worship keeps everyone worshiping together.

Author Robert Webber, a longtime advocate of blended worship, says it matches the trend toward “convergence” in worship. As the world shrinks and more people are exposed to different cultures, people are more open to worship practices of other traditions. Traditional churches are incorporating the arts, liturgical churches are becoming more open and participatory, contemporary churches are drawing more from ancient practices.

By blending the best of the ancient traditions with modern innovations, blended worship honors our Christian heritage while allowing for renewal of those traditions, advocates say.

Does blended worship offer a little something for everyone? Or is it the way to make everyone mad about something?

The following dialogue is from two blended advocates -- one a traditionalist who has come to appreciate new worship styles, the other a contemporary musician who has come to respect the historical traditions. They are also father and son. They meet in the middle, both advocating blended worship but for different reasons.

Many worship leaders (and worshipers) will disagree. So we also offer a counterpoint from a worship leader who says blended worship is a recipe for disaster because people come to God differently. If that’s not enough, we will hear from a number of other voices on the subject. And since you will make up your own mind, we will suggest some resources for further study.

1. Blended worship resolves the destructive debate about which worship style is best.

Bob Burroughs: There is no 'best' worship style. Yet each church probably thinks its style is the best.
Blended worship simply means that the worship leader chooses to combine a variety of music styles -- hymns, choruses and gospel songs -- put them in the proverbial “blender,” mix them up and serve them to the people in the worship experience. Many times, this is done without asking for advice or counsel from others in the church fellowship.
In a blended service, the worshipers can sing familiar hymns, gospel songs, and familiar and not-so-familiar choruses, perhaps in a variety of ways, including the use of different accompaniments and tempos.

Is it working? It is in some places.

David Burroughs: I'm not sure the destructive debate about worship will ever go away. But the only debaters seem to be church staff members. The worshipers just know they want things a certain way, and they squirm or complain when things change. But I say change is good. And so is squirming! Don't tell me the Israelites didn't squirm when Jeremiah delivered a harsh message designed to move the people to action.

I've spent the last 15 years of my life involved with summer Christian youth camping. Worship at youth camp is contemporary, without question. It always surprises me when adults from traditional churches write on their evaluation forms how "refreshing" camp worship was for them. The things we try at camp would never fly at most of those houses of worship, but at camp it soars. Is regular Sunday worship too tightly controlled by environment and tradition?

2. Blended Worship builds unity where culture divides.

Bob: Unity is something that is missing these days ... in church, our jobs and often in our generation. The membership in many churches is out of harmony with each other because of finances, staff, worship style or differences in theology. Culture also is a major factor in the unity crisis because the older folks were very comfortable with their hymns and an order of worship that never or rarely changed and it "felt good" to come to worship. Now younger people, including staff, have taken the church to new and sometimes uncomfortable heights for these older folk, and they aren't happy about it.
Blended worship may indeed begin to build unity, if the musicians begin very slowly and they gradually work up to a blended service and not just jump off and do it with little or no preparation.

David: Everyone has heard the forecast: “Churches that don't change are dead or dying.” I've come to understand that too much change can break a fellowship in two, like a tree split by a strong wind. I see blended worship as a way to introduce change slowly and carefully, without causing too much harm.

Blended worship is designed to have elements that are attractive to multiple generations who like different kinds of music. Blended worship helps us say, "I like this song. It makes me feel comfortable." Then later in the service, "Ok, this is not my favorite style, but I can participate here."

I'm not sure unity happens naturally in a blended worship style. I think the worship leader has to work to build unity. How? I suggest mixing the styles. Take a traditional hymn and have a guitar or the praise band accompany it. Slow down the praise chorus and play it with piano and organ to feel the relevance of the words.

Culture does divide. TV commercials seem to point one of two ways -- to the young, hip and fresh faces, or to the older people trying to have a good retirement. If we relegate our Sundays to two services, one for the young and one for older folks, where is the unity? You end up with two separate church families using the same building at different times!


3. Blended worship gives proper place to our worship heritage.
Bob: Worship heritage means a great deal to me! I grew up with the hymnal, helped edit a new hymnal, and made my decision for full-time Christian service based on the hymn "Wherever He Leads, I'll Go." I am very comfortable with hymns.
I also love some of the contemporary choruses and other music being sung in worship today. But to be perfectly honest, I'm still uncomfortable with much of it because I haven't grown up with this as a vital part of my life like younger people have. This type of worship will probably never be my cup of tea. But I can still have a great appreciation for the "worship heritage" that is being developed in the life of my children and grandchildren. I want them to know the grand hymns of our faith that teach solid theology and also to learn the praise choruses that have substance and active verbs that speak words like “go,” “commit,” “obey,” “send” and “abide.” Too many or our praise choruses only have nouns!

David: I learned my theology from the hymnal. Long before I was in seminary with Frank Tupper, Molly Marshall, Glenn Hinson, and Bill Leonard, I was taking theology from B.B. McKinney, Fanny Crosby, Martin Luther and Walker's “Southern Harmony.”

What has caused me, a contemporary worship leader, to head back into the waters of tradition and heritage? The shallowness of the vast majority of praise choruses currently available. My twins will soon start coming to “big church,” and I want to make sure they are nurtured in their faith development and not just made to feel good and happy. I think that is the secret success of the blended style. There will be music that sounds familiar and upbeat and hip to them, but there will also be the great teaching hymns of faith for them to chew on as they grow.

Am I suggesting that no contemporary songs have meat on the theological bone? No. In fact, I hope that more and more of us will begin to write contemporary songs and choruses with text deeper than, "Lord, we praise you." I'll do my part. What about you, Dad?

4. Blended worship makes effective use of all the arts and senses.
Bob: How I wish our churches would indeed make good use of all the arts and especially the senses! I have learned in my ministry of 45-plus years that churches have many Boomers, Busters and Bridgers involved in the fellowship who are willing, able and knowledgeable in the use of the arts and the senses. But the churches are still being controlled by those 55 and up who hold the purse strings and have a major influence on the staff, committees and congregation. Their words ring heavy when they say, "We don’t want to change anything in our worship services!” Therefore, technology, arts and multiple senses in worship are not happening in the vast majority of churches of any denomination.

Blended worship could make use of such features if allowed to do so. And if the leadership would gradually and gently introduce these things into worship, things might change smoother with less irritation and stress on both the seniors and the staff.

David: Good blended worship is not easy. Then again, is any worship easy? But perhaps blended worship takes more work than traditional or contemporary alone. Why? Because one is not focusing on one type of music but two, three or more. We are able to use the praise band and have piano, organ, brass, handbells, orchestra -- the works! -- for our use. We have to have multiple projects happening on multiple levels to make each week's worship a blended and high-quality experience.

Yes, good blended worship makes effective use of many arts and senses. A blended service can have candles and banners, but it also can get away with some things you might not be able to do in a traditional service, such as passing out crayons or giving the congregation a visual symbol they can hold in their hands (a nail or smooth stone).

Further you can show movie clips or present visual art as a part of the service. I think that contemporary has the edge over traditional on using the arts and senses. The great thing about blended worship is that these elements are easier to incorporate into worship than a set of drums.

Good blended worship should involve the audience as participants and not spectators. Using the arts and affecting the senses are a big part of participation. But again, this is not easy. And that is good. Coming from the contemporary background, I am quick to admit that much of contemporary worship is too easy.


5. Blended worship incorporates today's technology into yesterday's liturgy.
Bob: Gradually technology is beginning to work its way into our worship experiences and is changing forever the face of traditional worship. It comes with the times. It has to happen or we will forever be in the pit of yesterday and have no hope of ever getting our people into the contemporary society in which they live daily.

I feel I must speak for those 50 and up. The last stronghold of tradition for many of these people is the morning worship service. The comfortable “old shoe" feeling is what many expect every Sunday, because almost everything else in their world has drastically changed.
The problem surfaces when young pastors and staff members with little life experience come barging into a traditional church and decide that the worship services will now be blended. Soon "praise and worship" music is introduced, and finally full-blown contemporary worship -- without ever asking anyone's opinion, advice or counsel.
In my opinion, that is not the right way to go about making such a major change. These changes should be more gradual. All it takes is sitting down with the key seniors in the church and selling them on the ideas that are to come. The transition would be so much smoother.

David: I don't support flooding our churches with the latest techno-gadgets. I can just see the pastor stepping up to the pulpit, asking the members to pull out their Palm Pilots and beaming the sermon to the congregation, then allowing 15 minutes of silence while we all read his or her sermon! You can blend worship without Powerpoint, a big screen and a video projector. In fact, I don't think today's technology is or should be associated with blended worship. That is more for seeker or contemporary services.

The problem with using lots of technology in a service is that it becomes very tempting to make the worship a performance. When bringing new technology into a service I would ask some basic questions like: Will this aid our worship or hinder it? Can we do just as well without it? What are the benefits of this technology? I do agree that any technology needs to be introduced slowly and deliberately. I also feel that if we begin writing new songs, hymns and choruses, we will need some new ways to introduce these to the congregation. Just try to do it with as few bells and whistles as possible.


6. Blended worship trains us to truly worship.
Bob: Being 63 years of age, and considered by many to be a "semi-traditionalist," I find myself looking forward to the day, if it comes in my lifetime, when we as God's people just worship -- without all the strings attached to terms like “blended,” “traditional” and "contemporary.”

I love worship, but in my opinion, there is a chink in the worship armor. Most of our Sunday morning worshipers don't have a clue how to worship. If they did, our world would be different. Our churches would be different. Our society would be different. Some worship leaders think that handing out crayons, small rocks, nails, bread or wine, or showing videos, using Powerpoint or dimming the lights, will allow people to worship. But it has little to no meaning to most of the people in the service.

When we in professional ministry begin to teach our people how better to worship the true and living God, then worship will take on a new dimension, regardless of what we use to make it more meaningful and personal. We will learn to truly worship when we have been taught what worship is and how we can prepare for and accomplish it every time the opportunity comes.

David: I think I agree with you, Dad! Blended worship does not have the corner on the market for being or training for true worship. True worship can happen in any style of service, at any time, and for a multitude of reasons. I'm not sure one can be trained to worship. As a worship leader, I can try my best to allow or plan or create worshipful moments throughout a service. But for individual or corporate worship to happen - that is up to the group or individual and God. In a traditional worship, it seems to me that worship happens in two places: (a) Worship happens in the routine. We are used to this prayer, this silence, this liturgy and in these familiar, repetitious moments, one can relax and center, and come into God's presence. (b) Worship happens when the routine is upset just a bit -- a surprise moment. In our routine that we are half participating in, suddenly God slips in through a moment that is new to the routine. Blended worship can 'plan' some of these 'spontaneous’ moments. If the people begin to pay closer attention to see where the routine will be interrupted, then that is all the better!


Bob Burroughs, 63, is a nationally known composer, arranger, clinician and conference leader and director of the church music department of the Florida Baptist Convention in Jacksonville. Born in Virginia, Burroughs has taught on the music faculties of Samford University, Mercer University and Palm Beach Atlantic College. He has been married to Esther Burroughs, an internationally known speaker to women's groups. They have two adult children and five “delightful” grandchildren.

David Burroughs of Louisville, Ky., is president of Passport, a Christian summer camping program for teenagers. The 35-year-old worship leader and composer holds degrees in music composition and theology, and is a self-described "student of worship." He and his wife, Colleen, have produced two CDs and two children, twins Walker and Milligan.

A Thankless Job Disappears When You Say Thank You! - Jason Lehman

Worship pastors and worship leaders have a unique role. Not only are they responsible

Worship pastors and worship leaders have a unique role. Not only are they responsible for leading worship, but they are also accountable for the health of the teams they lead. One of these teams is the technical ministry team. The group of individuals solely responsible for whether or not the congregation can hear, see or experience the presentation prepared by the musicians, vocalists, dancers, actors, or the preacher. In spite of all the responsibility, working as a church sound or tech person can be a thankless job; particularly, if a ministry is a church plant without a permanent facility. The details involved and time required setting up and tearing down a sound system, staging, lights, and other technical equipment can be overwhelming. In addition to work involved, technical ministries have to deal with the stress of something not going quite right during a service and the reaction of insensitive people in the congregation. All of these factors can create a rather stressful environment for anyone serving in a technical ministry.

It is easy for people serving in technical types of ministries to get burned out quickly. It is important for worship leaders to both be aware of these stressors and to know how to respond and encourage technical team members. There are several things you can do that will help minimize burnout and keep the team working together.

1. Show appreciation: One of the most important things you can do is let them know you appreciate them. You may be the only person who acknowledges that they made a difference by serving. Send an e-card to each member of the team once in a while. A simple thank you can go a long way.

2: Teach your worship teams to value all the work that goes into making things run smoothly. Remind musicians, vocalists, other teams members, and even your church staff that technical ministries rarely get credit for all the hard work they do. It is easy for a congregation to respond to people that serve on stage. Encourage your non technical teams to go out of their way to help wind cords, move equipment or ask how they could help out.

3. BE POSITIVE! If you can stay positive in the midst of chaos, your team will be more apt to keep a good attitude as well.
Having the opportunity to serve the Lord by helping in a technical ministry can be exciting and very rewarding; however, it is inevitable that people will get discouraged, tired, frustrated, or burned out. Take the time to encourage your technical teams. Remind worship teams in your church that they are a success because of the hard work of those in the technical teams. Remember to be positive so that your team can stay positive.

A thankless job disappears when you say thank you!

Jason W. Lehman is a worship consultant and former worship pastor. He is also the publisher of http://www.leadingworship.com; a worship resource provider that specializes in providing tools for preparing creative worship services.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Lehman

The Songwriter's Toolbox - Tommy Walker

Tommy Walker offers handy advice for writing worship songs.

Here are some suggested tools that can help you as you make songwriting a lifestyle.

Portable Recorder
I already mentioned the role my portable, digital recorder plays in my songwriting process. Ideas can materialize at any time so I urge you to use a similar device.
I keep mine with me at all times. I can talk, sing or play into it. When a song gets close to being done I can record the whole form, plug my recorder into the larger speakers in my studio [the studio is not a necessity] and play it all back.

Computers & Software
A computer is a tremendously powerful tool for any songwriter. Only a few years ago you would have to go to a professional recording studio and pay a hefty hourly rate to get a high quality recording. Today, digital audio and MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface-an internationally accepted protocol that allows musical-related data to be conveyed from one device to another) recording software has made it possible to produce professional quality recordings from your living room. Of course, you can use recording software for more than just creating a polished CD. I use my software simply to try out different ideas. For instance, I might want to see how a drum groove sounds on a particular chorus. It might influence how I end up writing a melody line or a lyrical phrase. I might want to drop in a string part to see if it changes the emotional impact of the song. The experimental possibilities are virtually endless.

Computers have also given the songwriter notation software. Allegro®, Finale®, and Overture® are just a few popular applications. I use one called Encore®. I always make lead sheets (a notated melody line, chord symbols and lyrics) of my finished songs. Lead sheets are extremely helpful for teaching new songs to my worship team. I have also found that it helps to chart out the notes to the melody because it forces me to be more rhythmically consistent. Rhythmical consistency is very helpful when leading a congregation in singing. It also enables the worship team to be more precise when we're teaching it to each other as well as to the congregation.
My computer also houses lengthy files of lyric ideas. I divide them into different categories: Scripture songs, missions, discipleship, revival, repentance, etc. If I begin working on an idea but for some reason can't finish it, I file it. Later, when I have a new melody but no lyrics I'll refer to my files. Quite often I'll also get a new lyric idea, then take ideas from one of those filed, unfinished lyrics. The combination gets me to a new, completed song.

Recording Hardware
Today's technology makes it possible to buy a four-track cassette recorder for about $150.00, and you don't have to be a trained engineer to operate it. If you feel more comfortable working with an actual piece of hardware, as opposed to computer software, this can be a good, economical way to record your songs.

Another helpful piece of gear is the drum machine. Drum machines can help you discover new rhythms and inspire you to try new approaches to your songs. They are also a necessity when it comes to producing demo recordings.

Reference Books
Reference books are a great way to trigger new ideas or inspire alternate approaches to a song you're working on. Here are just a few I use and recommend:
• Bible (take the time to reference different versions)
• Bible Commentaries
• Concordances and other Bible study materials
• Thesaurus
• Dictionary
• Rhyming Dictionary

You can find all of this reference material in any well-stocked bookstore or library. Of course, if you want a better selection of Bibles or Bible commentaries, a Christian bookstore is the place to go.


Tommy Walker has written over forty worship songs that are currently being tracked by CCLI. These include: Mourning Into Dancing, He Knows My Name, That's Why We Praise Him and No Greater Love. Tommy has been the worship Leader at Christian Assembly Church in Los Angeles since 1990. He has produced worship recordings for Integrity Music, Maranatha Music as well as for his church label, Get Down Ministries.

Fresh Touch - Don Moen

There is an old hymn that says, "God is moving by His Spirit; moving through all the earth. Signs and wonders when God moves; move, oh Lord, in me." It is true. God is moving by His Spirit throughout all the earth. There is a lot of talk today about receiving a "fresh touch" from God. It is clear that God is moving throughout all the earth, through every people group, through every culture. I want to be a part of this incredible move of God! What about you?

What is a fresh touch? I think King David had a desire for this when he prayed in Psalm 51:10-12, "Restore unto me the joy of my salvation and renew a right spirit within me" and in Psalm 42:1-2 when he said, "As the deer pants for the water so my soul longs after you." I believe David realized that he could not live on past experiences with God. He said, "Your mercies are new every morning."

However, we are inhibited from seeking this fresh touch, too often, by a feeling of unworthiness. Praise God! We are unworthy! Which makes his love for us and desire for fellowship with us so much more unfathomable to human minds. I love the way my friend Pastor Steve Gray from Smithton Community Church puts it. (If you have not listened to the recent Hosanna! Music recording entitled, "The Smithton Outpouring", I encourage you to do so.) I don't say it as well as he does, but he paints a picture of the Father reaching out His arms to His prodigal sons and daughters, inviting them to come home where He has prepared a ring for our finger, a new set of clothes and a feast. He is inviting us to come and sit at the table with Him where He can, once again, fellowship with us and restore us to our place in His family as His sons and daughters. I love this picture. In the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), the son didn't deserve anything from the Father. Yet, as unworthy as he was, the Father reached out to him. What a beautiful illustration! God is still doing that today to each one of us. He wants to restore us to our rightful place in His family. He is reaching out to us right now.

An hour's drive from my house is Brownsville Assembly of God Church where thousands of people have visited over the past few years to experience a fresh touch from God. I have visited there several times myself, and we even recorded one of our Hosanna! Music projects there, entitled, "Revival at Brownsville." It has also been a very popular recording and I encourage you to listen to this as well. Why are people coming to Brownsville Assembly? Many come out of curiosity and leave totally changed as a result of encountering God in a fresh, new way. Others (thousands) have come in off the street and, after hearing Steve Hill preach God's Word, they find themselves at an altar accepting Jesus as their Lord!

People are traveling thousands of miles to experience a fresh touch from God. There is a renewed desire to be in His presence. It is my desire too. I want to be a part of what He is doing throughout the earth today. I want to be in His presence and receive all that He has for me. David loved to be in the presence of God. He said in Psalm 26:8, "Oh Lord, I love the habitation of Your house, and the place where Your glory dwells." Psalm 27:4, my favorite scripture verse, says, "One thing have I desired of the Lord and that I will seek after. That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple." David loved to be where God was. He loved to "soak" in God's presence and His glory. But God also loves to be where we are, and He will go to great lengths to place us in a situation where we are confronted with His presence and glory.

Jesus said in Luke 6:21, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled." We need to be hungry and thirsty for more of God's presence. When we are, we are filled. This is true. Revival comes to those who are seeking it. But Jesus comes many times to those who are NOT seeking Him. Think about it. Most of us had nothing at all to do with our salvation. God came to us. We did nothing to deserve it. I believe that same thing can happen for those who are seeking a fresh touch from God today. Jesus comes to those who are seeking Him and He also comes to those who are NOT seeking Him. Remember the story of Acts 9? Was Saul seeking Jesus? I don't think so! He was seeking to kill those who were seeking Jesus!!! Did God avoid Saul because He was not hungry and thirsty enough? No! He confronted him. He overwhelmed him with His presence! God came to Saul and changed him forever and He wants to do the same for you and me today.

God loves us so much that He will go to great lengths to overwhelm us with His love and power. Maybe you have looked at the different revivals and said in your heart, "That's not for me, I don't understand it. I'm happy right where I am." You may be content to stay where you are and continue having the same "experience" you have had for years with God but He is not contented to leave you there. He is moving today among His people and He wants you to be a part of what He is doing. He is going to come to you even though you may not be looking for Him. He will come. He will inhabit the praises of His people and He will change us forever!

Revelation 22:17, 20b says, "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is thirsty come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." "Even so, come, Lord Jesus." We need a fresh touch from You today.

Our God Saves

Following up his multiple award-winning album A Greater Song, Paul Baloche offers more incredible new songs that cut to the heart of worship. Includes "The Kingdom of God"; "I Cling to the Cross" (duet with Matt Redman); "The Way"; "Hallelujah to My King" (duet with Brenton Brown); "You Gave Your Life Away"; "God Most High"; the title track; and more.

Track Listing

01. Our God Saves
02. The Kingdom Of God
03. Rock Of Ages (You Will Stand)
04. Beyond Us (Only True God)
05. Prayer
06. Hallelujah To My King
07. I Cling To The Cross
08. You Gave Your Life Away
09. Praise
10. The Way
11. God Most High
12. How Great Thou Art
13. Great Redeemer
14. Your Love Came Down



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The Story Behind the Song Indescribable

Like the twists and turns of a mountain road, Laura Story’s life has held its share of unexpected moments - some exhilarating, some terrifying, and some simply beautiful to behold. Leaning solely on her faith in the sovereignty of God, Story has learned that no matter what comes around the next bend, it’s going to be an incredible view.

Once an aspiring symphony conductor, Story didn’t even know she could sing - much less write songs - until she was in her early twenties. Today, Story is not only a gifted vocalist and worship leader but also the composer of one of the most beloved worship songs of our generation - “Indescribable.” The song has topped charts and been recorded by multiple artists, but most importantly, it has helped people all over the world experience our magnificent God. Story had no idea her life would be used for such a purpose. Set to release her label debut on INO Records (Sara Groves, MercyMe, Derek Webb) in January 2008, Story is still learning that God’s plan is far deeper and wider than she ever thought possible.

So how did a string bassist from South Carolina end up penning a worship anthem known and loved by millions? It all began with a providential moment in the class registration line her sophomore year at Columbia International University.

“I was a YoungLife leader, and I saw another guy in line wearing a YoungLife t-shirt,” Story recalls. “He said he was in a band and asked me if I wanted to come play with them. I had never played in a band – it had never even crossed my mind.” The band was Silers Bald, who would later become a popular indie pop-rock band in the Southeast. The young man she met was vocalist Shane Williams, and by the time they’d made it through the registration line, Story was their newest female member.

Story started out playing string bass, graduated to electric bass, and then took a stab at vocals when the original female vocalist left. Completely out of her comfort zone but willing to trust God with her newfound vocal ability, she even tried her hand at songwriting, and their fans desired more. “The Lord taught me that it’s not necessarily what I think my strengths are. That’s not how He determines what He’s going to use,” says Story.

Five years and many road miles later, Story found herself being led a different direction musically, just as Silers Bald was on the brink of signing a deal with Essential Records. “I knew the Lord was telling me it was time for something new, and I needed to be in or out,” says Story. They amicably parted ways and Story ended up touring with folk-rock artist Andrew Peterson that spring. When her manager suggested she record an independent album with the songs she had written while in Silers, Story was still unconvinced her vocals could stand on their own: “Why would I do that?” she answered. “That would mean I’d have to sing on it!” Besides, she was out of money and didn’t have enough songs for a full record.

But those challenges were overcome when God provided more money and more songs. In 2002, Story began recording her first independent album with producer Stephen Gause and trusted that the last song she needed to round out the album would be provided. Soon after, she was driving down a mountain road, eyes fixed on the majesty of her Creator, when she started worshiping and singing, “Indescribable…uncontainable…You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name…”. Story added verses on the piano and finished the song while reading God’s own description of His power and might in Job Chapter 38. Her first record was now complete. And considering the road Story had traveled to get to this place, “Indescribable” was the perfect title track.

What brought “Indescribable” into churches all across the U.S. and the world was when Chris Tomlin recorded it for his 2004 release, Arriving, produced by Ed Cash (Caedmon’s Call, Bebo Norman, Bethany Dillon). When Cash, a longtime friend of Story’s from YoungLife circles, suggested that Tomlin use “Indescribable” as his first single, Story was shocked. “I remember saying, ‘That song will never work for corporate worship. There’s no way congregations are going to sing that!’ But it’s humbling and amazing to see what the Lord has done. When I was looking for it, I couldn’t find it. When I just started worshiping, He blew me out of the water.”

“Indescribable” flew up the AC charts where it stayed 1 for 7 weeks and in the top 15 for 50 weeks. The song was also included on the Passion CD/DVD in 2005, Tomlin’s 2006 release, Live From Austin Music Hall, and performed by Avalon for WoW Worship 2006. The list of accolades goes on, but even with millions of people now familiar with her words, Story takes no more credit for writing them than she would for creating the Appalachian Mountains. “I always think the last song I wrote was my last song. Just when my mind is completely blank and I don’t know if I’ll write a song again, God surprises me. The songs are His - I’m just the first person who gets to hear them.”

In 2005, Story released her second independent album, There Is Nothing, produced by Ed Cash and Mitch Dane (Jars of Clay). That same year she married her high school sweetheart, Martin Elvington, and moved to Atlanta to become the worship leader and women’s pastor for the arts and music community at Perimeter Church.

Shortly after inking the deal with INO Records in 2006, a trial entered Story’s life that would not only provide her with a deeper understanding of God’s sovereignty, but also serve as fodder for the songs on her new record. After one year of marriage, Story’s husband was hospitalized with a brain tumor.

“There was a time he was on a breathing machine and we weren’t sure he was going to make it. I spent my whole life singing, ‘’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,’ but until Jesus took me through something where my only option was to trust Him, I didn’t really know that sweetness,” reflects Story. While supporting her husband through surgery, radiation, complications, and intense physical therapy, Story has composed new songs with meaty, real substance that have ministered to her as much as they will minister to her listeners.

“It’s hard to understand why God would allow us to go through this, but I know He works all things together for good, and I feel my new album is reflecting that. Though He leads us through valleys, that’s when we get to trust Him and draw closer to Him all the more. Though I’ve doubted, His grasp has never released, never slipped. He’s remained completely faithful to me. He has proven that He really is my foundation and my hope.”

On a regular basis, Story gets to share this hope with the 100+ women she ministers to through her job at Perimeter Church; and it’s not a job she’s giving up anytime soon. After all, the opportunity to pour into others’ lives and treasure each moment reminds Story that she is just a passenger on this remarkable journey.

“Mine is not the perfect voice or the perfect life. My life is as messy as the next person’s, and God is using me to speak to the church. For this season of my life, God has really blessed me with some insight into who He is and what that has to do with me. For some reason He just gives it to me in song form.”

With the way inspiration comes to Laura Story, it’s exciting to wonder what will be around the next mountain bend…

(C) 2007 Laura Story


Article Source: http://blog.worship.com/worship/2007/09/laura-story-the.html

The Sacrifice of Praise - Darlene Zschech

I love to share on the subject of worship, for no other reason than because I LOVE TO WORSHIP GOD!!

When you worship, the Holy Spirit can speak and be heard. Worship enables your heart to be open and to receive.

Worship is a positive act. Its essence is something given, not given up, a free will offering which embodies and reflects the selfless generosity of God.
The worship songs and hymns we sing are not Christian jingles or "ditties". They are words of life, full of faith and hope. They reflect the heart of God for His children. They inspire us with statements like:

When mountains fall, I'll stand
By the power of Your hand
And in Your heart of hearts I'll dwell
And that my soul knows very well.

Melodies and music have a dynamic ability to involve your soul - to connect with your heart, emotion and mind. When they are saturated with the anointing of God, they become a powerful tool which, when used effectively and not manipulatively, become an incredible blessing.

When Paul and Silas were in jail, they worshipped God. They knew He would never fail them. Suddenly, while they were worshipping there came an incredible sound, breaking through all natural barriers and God delivered them from that prison.
True sacrifice is always an act of generosity - the giving of your self. Without it, worship can easily degenerate into emotional admiration.

Paul and Silas were definitely not just lost in the happiness of the moment - there was not too much to be happy about at the time, but they had faith in their God!
There have been many times in my life when, as I started singing and praising God in the midst of a hard time, the Holy Spirit has literally come and "lifted me up" above my circumstances.

All the troubles that can be thrown on you in life pale into insignificance when compared to the promises of God. It is powerful to actually vocalise these promises and let your spirit and soul rise to the level where the heart of God says: "It's OK - trust Me. Have faith in Me and My ability, not yourself and your ability."
When we start to sing and praise God, we are choosing to lay all things aside, to lift up our hands, to open our hearts and confess the life we have found in Christ.

When I am weak, You make me strong
When I'm poor, I know I'm rich
For in the power of Your Name
All things are possible

Praise releases faith. It's a fact. So praise Him! Sing with all your heart. Smile in the face of impossibility and \declare that through God All things are Possible!
We were created to rise up and worship, to spend time in the presence of God. It doesn't give us a quick fix, and a "feel good" session. Literally, the Spirit of God starts to change us from inside as we learn to open ourselves up to Him and what He is saying to us.

You can never underestimate God's holiness, power and divinity in your life, or on the ministry of worship. The more time we spend in God's presence worshipping Him, the more we begin to hear and know His voice. His power becomes real and evident in our lives and we become more like Jesus.

Learn How To Let God Bless You - Tommy Walker

The Westminster Confession says that the chief end of man is to worship God and enjoy Him forever. I love this old truth but I think John Piper says it in an even greater way. He says, "worship God by enjoying Him forever." Through many years of leading worship in nearly every kind of situation, I've discovered a secret that helps me every time I use it. It's learning how to let God bless me!

I know it sounds very simple and even selfish, but like Isaiah 64: 6 says, "All our righteous acts are like filthy rags and there is no good thing within us." We should know that we can only give what God has given to us first. It's only spiritual pride that says we can grit our teeth and produce some kind of eternal goodness of our own. I can't tell you how long it took me to figure out that I wasn't more spiritual if I dreaded doing a religious activity. Not only that, but I always thought that if I really had fun doing something at church, it couldn't have been worth much.

Some of you who grew up in church like I did, might know what I'm talking about. Well, here's what I'm trying to say. You can give God much more glory by being a person that has joy that is found in Him, than an unhappy person who only does everything correctly. That kind of a person is called a hypocrite. How awesome it is that we serve a God who wants us to delight in Him (Ps. 37: 4) and taste and see that He is good (Ps. 34: 8).

I think Christian worshipers should be the happiest, most fulfilled, and most joyful people on Earth. The reason we religious folk get nervous when anyone starts talking about enjoying anything, is because we've been taught how to enjoy everyone and everything but God. That's the key. Our focus and delight should be in Him. The Psalm says that at His right hand are pleasures forevermore! Is God's Word egging me on to be a pleasure seeker? You bet - as long as that pleasure is found in Him. Those who have truly had a glimpse of His beauty and tasted of His goodness, know that there really is joy unspeakable and full of glory. We can agree passionately with the Psalmist and say, "better is one day in His courts then a thousand anywhere else!"

Have you ever seen a worship leader or any kind of Christian for that matter, who is nervous about doing everything right compared to one who has tears of joy because of living in Gods presence? When we ask for Gods blessings, we are fixing our eyes on Him and away from ourselves and the job at hand.

Receiving Gods goodness, mercy, and joy by letting Him bless us, is the only way we can lead other people there. What a wonder and indescribable blessing it is to serve a God who tells us to delight in Him, for He delights in us (Ps. 194: 2, 4)!

I would like to close this article with part of a poem from John Piper's book, "Desiring God." It goes like this:

His goodness shines with brightest rays
When we delight in all His ways.
His Glory overflows it's rim
When we are satisfied in Him
His radiance will fill the earth
When people revel in His worth.
The beauty of Gods holy fire
Burns brightest in the hearts desire.

New Year, Same Old Problem - John J. DiModica

Dealing with inappropriate attitudes on your worship team.

Someone I admire wrote, "If you want something you've never had, you must do something you've never done." Another person whom I admire, my pastor, is fond of saying you must do something to "knock yourself out of your orbit" if you want change to occur. While nothing magical happens when we flip the calendar from December to January, this change does offer an opportunity to address old problems in a new way.

One question I hear repeatedly at seminars I teach or via email involves the person on the worship team with incredible talent but a remarkably poor attitude. Typically, this person is the only person that plays a particular instrument or is the best singer on the platform. Sound familiar? This scenario presents a dilemma, doesn't it? You want to be excellent in what you do for Christ in worship, but you're not comfortable putting non-compliant, undependable and arrogant people on stage. What would Jesus do, indeed?

The Bible is incredibly plain. Proverbs 16:18 says "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." James 3:16: "For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice." And 1 Samuel 15:23 says, "For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry." Proverbs 10: 26: "As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him."

Do these scriptures define anyone on your worship team? We have too many worship divas and not enough worship servants. Pride, strife, envy, stubbornness, unfaithfulness are attributes of the flesh. What lasting ministry can come of a person possessing these qualities? What good can be done for the Kingdom, no matter how talented?

Talent has never outweighed character in God's estimation. David was an excellent musician, but he had a heart after God. Daniel, Joseph and Esther were excellent at what they did, but their character was greater than their gift. Solomon, Saul and Sampson had great abilities, but what fruit did they produce when they went their own way? What, then, should be done with the talented yet immature worshiper?

Three things need to happen. First, we have to make the painful and unpleasant decision to sit down the person needing attention. I realize this creates a hole in the worship team. I realize this, at least initially, diminishes your ability as a worship ministry. But the alternative of allowing the problem person to continue is not a godly alternative. A person with such attitude problems will only hurt your ministry in the end. And if they are allowed to continue, without being held accountable, it will be more hurtful in the end. So, with love and gentleness let the person who needs discipline know they will not be participating for the immediate future.

However, don't leave it at that. This person needs attention. They need nurturing, accountability and discipline. If you are going to begin to address this type of problem, be prepared to offer help and solutions. If there is pride, strife, envy, stubbornness or unfaithfulness present, the person needs to know and begin a systematic approach to rooting it out of their lives. Obviously prayer and Bible study is the cornerstone to attitude rehabilitation. Also fasting. A key component is a peer group of accountability. In this group, a person's change can be measured. Do they show up on time? Do they attend regularly? Do they complete any assignments given? DO THEY SERVE? We don't merely discard problem folks — we seek to help them mature. Remember, God excels at using "damaged goods."

If not, we all would be useless to him.

If you begin to deal with attitude issues as outlined in this article, you will find that a different spirit will emerge in your worship team. Everyone will be on the same page. Your energy and focus will be on worship not putting fires out among the worship team. Maybe you will see happen what happened in II Chronicles 5:13-14: "The trumpeters and singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the Lord....Then the temple of the Lord was filled with a cloud and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the temple of God."


John J. DiModica served as Worship Leader and Assistant Pastor at a thriving church in Miami, Florida for nine years. Now living in Tennessee, he has been touring and teaching with Integrity Music since 1995 including performing with Don Moen, Paul Wilbur, Lenny leBlanc, Ron Kenoly and Alvin Slaughter. John has a music degree from the University of Miami (FL), and additional studies at the Eastman School of Music (NY) and Berklee College of Music (MA). Currently, his activities include composing, music production, session musician and private bass instructor.


For help in producing a recording or to schedule John to spend a weekend with your worship group, visit his website: www.InFocusMusic.com