We spent some classes on the true meaning of Scripture and its reflection in the songs. We recognized the misuse of the text “I can do all things through Him,” — but what if it would be the theme of a song? We had to review our worship repertoire (which …
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In one of my classes, we discussed if the author or songwriter matters. The discussion included Hillsong and Bethel music that many contemporary churches sing, raising the question about an endorsement by affiliation. If the text has a biblical reference and is not against doctrine, should the song be OK …
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How do you feel about the church? It’s just a building, right? It is basically a space we use for worship, and that could be any place. After all, we worship in spirit and truth – location is irrelevant. But, when we worship in a space, that space becomes special, …
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Sursum Corda (Latin) means: “Lift up your hearts.” In the past, our corporate worship service started with the words: “Congregation, LIFT UP YOUR HEARTS TO THE LORD and confess together.” We have replaced that call of all times and places with the question: “Where does our help come from?” The …
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“The position I suggest is one of understimulation in an already overstimulated society. People coming to church don’t need another set of slides or another barrage of loud, high-intensity images. If anything, they need less – a more focused and contemplative visual environment that enhances their awareness of the presence …
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Technology in Worship Technology is essential in the twenty-first century. Technology facilitates communication, financial traffic, supply chain, mobility, information, monitoring, and more. In the church, much depends on technology for membership administration as well as organizing the calendar and schedules. Technology facilitates the online broadcast of worship services to the …
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Should we all sing in harmony or unison? Should all churches sing from the same songbook? Should we use the same instruments as others? Is singing the same songs a sign of Christian unity? God intended the world to be different. He created different colours, different types of vegetation, different …
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“Let me write the songs of a nation — I don’t care who writes its laws,” said the Scottish author and politician Andrew Fletcher (1653–1716). If you need to influence people, put your message in a song and have people sing it. Gordon D. Fee (at a conference at the …
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Last week, I read Brooks’ book “Worship Quest, An Exploration Of Worship Leadership.” Brooks does not have a Reformed background, yet, the points he raises seem familiar. For example, he identifies differences between “Event Worship” (Stepping Stones Camp, Men of Integrity Conference, Young Peoples events, VBS, etc.) and “Congregational Worship.” …
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