Things are not as simple for worship leaders/church music directors as they used to be. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s certainly a more complicated thing.

“Wonder is a deep, profound experience. The typical secular education of our day makes us suspicious or callous to wonder. It seems so unscientific, so unsophisticated, and ultimately, so seemingly unnecessary…

You have a unique gig, worship leader. You have the “enviable” position of getting as much face time on the platform every week as the lead pastor. You don’t have to brag, but the associate pastor, administrative assistant…

This helpful article by Charles Spurgeon, "How Shall We Sing," was published in his monthly publication, The Sword and the Trowel. Spurgeon had impassioned views on corporate worship, music, singing, and the sacraments.

The importance and influence of eighteenth century hymnody in the pages of church history cannot be overstated. The hymns of this period carried on their backs both the doctrines and piety of the recently Reformed and still-reviving church.

He’s Shouting in My Face! Every once in a while you stumble across a historical figure whose voice speaks—no, shouts—with all kinds of contemporary relevance. For me, that figure is Thomas Cranmer, and the more I get to know him, the more I am inspired by this theologian, pastor, artist, and worship leader.

This Easter was a great day for us as a church. We asked people to adjust which service they attend so we would have room for the guests we anticipated. We were intentional in our service planning and sermon so that the gospel would be the only offensive element of our service.

New church, new worship team, first rehearsal. Awkwardness and nerves. I start slowly with a familiar tune. We reach the end, notes still trailing off and fading. My mind computing through a rapid succession of silent assessments.

I don’t have tattoos, but if I were to ink something permanently on my skin, it would probably be the word "yet." These three letters are active with anticipation. And I find this word propels me in conversation and decision-making. It comes up often when reading the Psalms. I will yet give thanks.

A few months ago while planning a worship set, I was immediately hit with a huge reality check. The pastor who was preaching that Sunday gave me the passage he was preaching from laid out a roadmap of the service order for me.

Whether painting a canvas, “becoming” a character in a film or shaping a sculpture, every artist has a creative process that aids in achieving the best possible end result. I have been a musician and singer/songwriter for most of my life and have written, composed and arranged many songs.

Jesus is worthy of the worship of all the peoples of the world: every tribe, tongue, and nation; every man, woman, and child. Jesus is worthy of their worship. But there are three billion people on our planet today who do not worship Jesus. Three billion people have never been told the story of the rescuing God.

We must prepare for the music on Sunday morning. It must be excellent, but does our pursuit of musical perfection get in the way of our ability to really care for the souls of those that God has placed on our teams? Have you considered how you will pastor the people on your team?