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Equipping Churches to Engage Their Culture in Worship
Center for U.S. Missions, September 2008 |
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Dear Worship Beat Subscriber:
With this issue I have invited others to write material for
Worship Beat. Thank you to Blake Flattley and Rev. David Johnson
for their contributions.
The article by Blake came out of a real life situation. We
were both at a "think tank" in Phoenix when a mixer/speaker I hooked up
to my DVD player to support some iWorship singing blew. I
located some other speakers but the connections were different
than the wires at hand and it took the two of us pouring over the
various wires, adaptors and connection parts I had stored in
containers to come up with an alternate, crazy, but perfectly
workable solution. I said, "That would make a great article
for Worship Beat: 'Things to have on hand when you're on the
road.'" Blake, who had just proved himself adept at
connection solutions shared some of his experiences and offered to rise
to the challenge - the excellent results are below. I've asked
others to contribute as well and you will see their articles over the
next months. If you have expertise in a practical area of Praise & Worship ministry and like to write, send me your ideas for an article to: mike.zehnder@worshipconsultation.com.
Your fellow worshipper,
(Rev.) Mike Zehnder
National Missional Worship Consultant |
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SOS - Songs of Substance/ Songs of the Season
Songs of Substance answers the question, "Where's the Beef?" These are Praise & Worship songs with more than just great melodies. They have theological substance and/or clear Christocentricity. We commend these contemporary songs to you as valuable for corporate worship any time, but some (Songs of the Season) are particularly referenced in this issue for their usefulness on soon-approaching dates of Church or culture. To see the full text of these songs and/or to hear a sound sample go to the SongSelect section of ccli.com.
The Glories Of Calvary - Steve Cook | Vikki Cook CCLI Song No. 4522940
© 2003 Sovereign Grace Worship (Admin. by Integrity's Hosanna! Music)
Rich
theology of the cross coupled with appropriate response of wonder and
thanksgiving. Brief Verse Quote: "Lord You're calling me to
come, And behold the wondrous cross, To explore the depths of grace,
That came to me at such a cost, Where Your boundless love conquered my
boundless sin and mercy's arms were opened wide." Topics: Cross, Atonement, Mercy, Reconciliation, Grace, Holy Week, Sacrifice, Gratitude, even Easter.
Very singable with a light rock feel. I love the poignant,
well-turned phrase about the cross as the place, "Where Your boundless
love conquered my boundless sin." Song appears on a CD by
Sovereign Grace Music entitled "Songs for the Cross-Centered
Life." Good Scripture Reference: Romans 5:8-10
Thank You for the Cross - Brenton Brown CCLI Song No. 3447356
© 2001 Vineyard Songs (UK/Eire) (Admin. by Vineyard Music UK)
Stunning
objective Christological text from a music label best known for its
intimate, highly subjective song texts. Tune-wise, it has a basic
Eighth-Note pulse with back-beat swing-feel every second measure.
Cheerful and ample melodic movement for a song with such a serious text
- well expressing the joy behind these awesome truths, such as,
"Everyone of us deserves to die, but you save all who hope in Your
great love." Partial Verse Quotes: "Even when we turned our backs
on You, In wickedness and lies suppressed Your truth, Even then You
showed Your love for us, Giving up Your life upon a cross . . . Enemies
of God with no excuse, Knowing what was right we turned from You, Given
up to sin condemned to die, Even then You chose to give us life."
What's not to love theologically about a text like this? A
theological "10" from Vineyard. Topics: Atonement, Cross, Forgiveness, Blood of Christ, Life in Christ, Justification, Hope, God's Love, Reconciliation. This song is highly recommended. The repeated phrase at the end, "This is love!" highlights our appropriate response of amazement. Scripture
References: Romans 8:1, Romans 5:8-10, Rev. 1:5-6, and Isaiah
1:18. A beautiful complementary text is Psalm 62:5-7.
All of My Days - Mark Stevens CCLI Song No. 3258208,
© 2000 Hillsong Publishing (Admin. in U.S. & Canada by Integrity's Hosanna! Music),
The
lyrics are a good example of an objective truth resulting in subjective
response, a la Mary, the Mother of our Lord in her Magnificat.
Brief Text Quote: "Proclaim Your awesome power, Tell of
mighty deeds, Declare Your future kingdom, Of everlasting peace . .
.All Your works will praise You, Your children bless Your name . . .We
walk in fields of grace . . .All of my days I will sing of your
greatness . . .of Your grace . . .of Your wondrous love." - Topics: Strong on God's Attributes, God's Greatness, God's Goodness, Praise and Adoration, Grace, End Times, Heaven. Would even serve as a type of Magnificat
which means it would fit well on the Advent 4B Sunday (December
21, 2008) in both LSB and RCL lectionaries even though the Luke reading
stops at verse 38. Scripture References: Psalm 62:6-8, Psalm 77:11-12, Luke 1:50-51, Deut 3:24; 4:34 and Luke 1:26-51 (especially verses 50-51).
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 More Than A Nose Flute
by Blake Flattley
Over
the past several years, leading worship and participating on worship
teams, I have found that certain tools are great to have on hand should
a need arise, and I'm talking about more than a Nose Flute. Having
these items in your gig bag will help eliminate unnecessary stress and
put everyone's mind at ease. This list may be especially helpful
for those leading from guitar but there's something of use here for
everyone.
The first thing that you want to have is
obviously the actual gig bag. Taylor Guitars makes a nice one
with several compartments, but for several years I just used an old
suitcase. The more organized and prepared you can be ahead of
time - the better - especially since the need for the tools mentioned
below often arises in a stressful situation.
Now that
you have the bag, you are going to want to make sure that you have some
extra strings. I suggest that you have a couple sets of both acoustic and electric  strings
no matter which type of guitar you usually play. There have been
many times where the electric guitarist, for instance, will break a
string and have no extras on hand.
Next you will want a pedal tuner.  For
about $90, you can purchase a Boss TU-2 which is a life saver.
There are more or less expensive alternatives, but this is a good
middle-of-the-road option. Having this on hand will give you the
ability to mute your guitar to tune as opposed to the whole
congregation listening to you tune up while the pastor is speaking or
having to catch the sound person's attention every time you need your
guitar muted to tune. Click Here to Read and Download the rest of "More Than a Nose Flute."
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Commission on Worship Prepares Contemporary Song Resource List
(Introduction by Mike Zehnder, WB editor) The
Commission on Worship of the LCMS has been examining contemporary songs
that are in the top 100+ usage in churches around the nation according
to the Christian Copyright Licensing, Inc. (CCLI). Numerous
musicians and pastors of the LCMS as well as Commission members have
been involved in examining these songs to ascertain things like
Biblical and confessional basis, depth of Law/Gospel, potential
Church Year, topical and pericopal use, etc. This helpful
resource tool as well as the particular songs to be included for
recommendation is hoped to be completed in the next few months.
When it is ready, Worship Beat will post a link to it on the LCMS
website and also make it downloadable from our website at the Center
for US Missions.
I participated in one of the examination
stations and can testify that these songs were thoroughly and carefully
reviewed by a panel of musicians and theologians over a period of two
days on a musical, theological and practical basis. While we are
waiting for the Commission to complete its work on this project, the
Executive Director of the COW, Rev. David Johnson, submitted the
following explanatory article to Worship Beat describing the work and
rationale of the Commission in producing this contemporary
resource. This information from David Johnson was
originally written as a letter to the editor and was first published in
the Reporter, the Official Newspaper of the LCMS (August 2008
edition). To see the letter in context, you might also wish to go
to Letters to the Editor, Reporter, Aug. 2008. (Here is Rev. Johnson's letter below):
It is clear that throughout our Synod, congregations already
engage in the vital singing of both hymnody and song. Individual
congregations utilize repertoire based on the unique gift sets and
knowledge of pastors, musicians, and laity. Church workers face
inordinate pressures to allow congregations to sing hymnody and song
that is familiar and faithful. Without doubt, Lutheran Service
Book has and will continue to be the celebrated edition poised to unify
the core repertoire of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
Products and services will continue to be developed, grounding our
members in the extraordinary gift of LSB for everyone vested in singing
hymnody and song. To date, 70 percent of our congregations have
adopted LSB and have affirmed its theological, doctrinal, musical, and
aesthetic value.
In the past decade, it has been the impression of many
congregations who engage in the singing of alternative praise and
worship songs that they have been inordinately criticized, even
ostracized, for using alternative repertoire. When one is bold
enough to engage in conversation, these pastors and musicians are
equally hungry for the purity of the Gospel in Word and Sacrament
ministry, and eager to proclaim the changeless Christ in a changing
society. There needs to be intentional ecclesiastical care for
our Lutheran brothers and sisters in Christ who share the same
confession of faith.
By convention resolution, the Commission on Worship is vested
with the task of immersing itself unapologetically in the struggle of
determining diverse repertoire that supports congregational singing,
and to consider how repertoire that is scripturally faithful can be
integrated into our lectionary cycles. Although the process is
open to debate, seeking doctrinal review was the first step preceding
an in-depth analysis of this repertoire as it relates to Holy
Scripture, the Lutheran Confessions, and our Lutheran liturgy. It
is important to note that congregations have already begun to access
this literature through Christian Copyright Licensing International,
and will continue to do so. It is imperative to expedite some
analysis of these songs and future songs as they are made available
through alternate publishers and licensing agencies.
There is keen awareness that this process may or may
not be received well by everyone in the Synod. However, we are
called to speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs,
singing and making music in our hearts to the Lord. Singing is a
convergence of the heart and the mind, frequently igniting enormous
passion. Let us bridle our passion for hymnody or song and turn
to one another in courageous and caring conversation, speaking and
singing with one another so that Christendom bears witness to a church
body that boldly sings the truth in the rich wealth of poetic
confessional hymnody and the treasures of Christ-centered songs.
Rev. David A. Johnson
Executive Director
Commission on Worship
1333 S. Kirkwood Road
St. Louis, MO 63122
314-996-1740
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Job Seekers
Seeking a Ministry...
 Congratulations to WB advertiser Eric Larson who has accepted a new position at Baltimore Lutheran!
Minister of Worship - Blended
Seek
FT minister of worship position for blended approach to worship in
outreach-oriented church. Proficient in classical and
contemporary music. Educated through the Concordia University
system; experience includes Immanuel-Palatine, IL, Prince of
Peace-Carrollton, TX, and Salem Lutheran-Tomball, TX, as well as Willow
Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois. An
accomplished pianist, organist, vocalist, choral director,
arranger/composer, band leader, and orchestra conductor; a team player
and team builder. Affirmed as "a real multi-generational worship
leader." Tim Dommer Home: (317) 896 3048;
Cell: (317) 407-1565
Email: tadommer@hotmail.com [Editor's
note: Tim's resume, CD and picture are on file with me. Tim is a
well-known worship leader of great strength, and could supply you with
superb recommendations, including from his current ministry which is
downsizing for financial reasons.]
Contemporary Worship Leader
I
believe in reproductive leadership and want to encourage others to
share the love of Jesus. My gifts and passion are with contemporary,
but respects all styles of worship. Can sing and perform with
keys, guitar, bass, and other instruments. Have professional level
technical skills in audio, video, graphics, and lighting. [Editor's
note: This leader wishes to advertise anonymously so please contact me
for more information. I have on file his resume, cover letter and
picture. He has greatly understated his abilities in my estimation.]Contemporary/Alternative Worship Leader Seeks FT Position
Graduate
of Concordia University, Irvine with strong background in several
musical styles but especially with rock and alternative music. Four
years experience. Looking to obtain a position requiring strong musical
skills where I can carry out my calling to empower others, lead
passionate Christ-centered worship and grow the kingdom. Similar
artists include Phil Wickham, Tim Hughes and David Crowder. Lead band
with voice and acoustic or electric guitar. Ministry Values:
Excellence, Integrity, Cultural Relevance, Community & Empowerment.
[Editor's
note: This young man is advertising anonymously. I have his
resume and pic on file. So contact me for more info: mike.zehnder@worshipconsultation.com or
480-861-5000. He is a very talented, up-'n-coming worship leader
with a heart for the Lord and is a real team player with a kind
spirit. Humble. Doesn't even mention he's great with
percussion as well.]
Teacher/Musician
- I am a teacher/musician from Michigan looking for a music position in
a Lutheran church near the Phoenix area. I am planning to move as soon
as I find a job. If your church or a Lutheran church you
know are looking for a pianist, music/choir director, I am very
interested in applying for open positions. Lauren Ford 734.347.6734
flauren00@yahoo.com
These ads are free. Send your 50-75 word ad with contact
information (or let me know if you prefer to advertise anonymously
through me) to my email above. Mike Z. | |
Employers
Positions open. . .
Director Of Celebrative Worship
Established
and growing congregation is seeking a musically talented leader for
worship services. Requirements include: College diploma or 2 years
experience, ability to lead traditional and contemporary worship,
mentoring of program volunteers, planning and implementing services for
holidays and special events, and commitment to preparing weekly worship
services and rehearsals. If interested, please send resume to: nancy@lollutheran.org or Lord Of Life Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 1075, Westfield, IN 46074.
Worship Leader Lead
worship at a dynamic church plant outside of Raleigh, North Carolina.
Job includes teaching music classes during the week in the target area.
Two years experience and a college degree are preferred.
Organizational, communication and leadership skills are essential to
this position. This full time position includes benefits through the
Concordia Plan. Please send your resume to: pastor@jordanchurchnc.org.
Part-Time Worship Leader Needed
Ascension
Lutheran Church, St. Louis, MO, part-time Worship Team leader, skilled
in electronic keyboard playing and programming capability, working with
Pastor on music selection, helping to develop band and singers.
Contact pastor@ascensionstl.com or arlo@ascensionstl.com.
These
ads are free. Send your 50-75 word ad which includes your contact
information (or tell me if you prefer to advertise
anonymously) to: mike.zehnder@worshipconsultation.com |
| Worship Consultation Services
by Rev. Mike Zehnder,
National Missional Worship Consultant
Onsite Worship Consultation
- Improve your contemporary, blended, or traditional worship, start
something from scratch (like a new service or a satellite ministry), or
kick it to the next level.
Worship Seminars for your congregation, local worship team, conference or group.
Worship Consultation Services - fuller description of all worship consultation services available as PDF.
National Missional Worship Consultations
at the Center for United States Missions located on the campus of
Concordia University in Irvine, CA can provide worship issue
consultation or assist your ministry in a catalytic way for growth and
change. This link takes you to the "Worship" area of the Center
for U.S. Missions website.
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