Worship & Creative Leaders

When reading Psalm 73, I find myself identifying with no contributor to Israel’s songbook more than Asaph.

The future of worship music in American churches is poised for continued transformation. It will be shaped by a blend of technological advancements, cultural shifts, and a desire for authenticity and emotional depth.

The new year is kinda' like that, isn't it? You finish up Christmas and think, "Ah, I wonder what the upcoming year wi-" and then the new year kicks in.

While we get caught up in the latest mobile devices, software, social media applications and more, we often jump in before we’ve really thought it through. We always need a tech strategy.

Christmas worship can be used by God to help us win this battle within us, and by extension, in the world around us.

I do believe that full time worship ministry is indeed a worthy calling and vocation that requires preparation, education and skills. And yes, it is a real job. But what if opportunities were no longer available for you to lead worship vocationally?

I’d like to make a case, in whatever liturgical setting you lead, that you try to aim for at least three things as you lead in Advent. Here are three notes for Advent:

God came to nation which eagerly longed for his coming, prayed for his return, and placed all their hopes in his presence. Yet most of the nation missed the hour of his visitation. Is this simply history, or a Christmas parable for our day?