Worship

The Greatest Is the Nearest

by

While God’s transcendence is amazing, His immanence is astonishing. The most surprising thing about our exalted God is how close He comes to ones like us. The transcendence of God means that He greatly surpasses our human worth and experience. The immanence of God means that he is intimately close to us. Psalm 113 113 Praise the Lord!Praise, O servants of the Lord,    praise …

READ MORE

10 Tips for Great Sundays

by

If you have ever desired to have meaningful Sunday worship experiences with your church, the process starts on Saturday. In fact, if you don’t prepare well, your frantic pace on Sunday can rob you of meaningful interactions with God and with God’s people. In this episode of the 2nd mile podcast, I share 10 tips to ensure you have a …

READ MORE

Worship Hospitality

by

Worship is a weekly time when God’s people gather together to celebrate Jesus.  I look forward to these pivotal times of worship every week.  Oftentimes, people debate as to whether worship should be geared towards members or guests.  In reality, the main audience in worship should be none other than Jesus.  We gather to honor Him – not expect Him …

READ MORE

Work as Worship

by

Most people see work as…well, work. You might even be reading this article while at work trying to avoid work. Why is that? Is work evil? It can’t be. It is important to rethink of your work as being a part of your worship. RELEARN Work isn’t a consequence of sin – frustration with work is. Too many people wrongly …

READ MORE

Your Church’s Front Door

by

After working for a few days in Senegal, I asked our translator if he wanted to go to his church on Sunday.  The villages we were working in had no local church (yet), and I wanted our translator to have the opportunity to see his physical and spiritual family, while at the same time, I wanted our team to be …

READ MORE

How Should Worship Leaders Dress?

by

What standards should worship leaders hold regarding personal dress and physical appearance? While I am sure there is no shortage of opinions on this topic, I wanted to wade into such an important topic.  We each possess a certain amount of preferences on the issue, but is there anything we can agree upon?  I hope so.  For starters, we should …

READ MORE

When Traditions Override Truth

by

The religious leaders valued their preferential traditions over God’s doctrinal truth.  As followers of Jesus, we must ensure that we hold the Word of God as superior to the traditions of man. Mark 7:1-13 7 Now when the Pharisees gathered to him, with some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem, 2 they saw that some of his disciples …

READ MORE

Willing Hearts

by

Whether you are a member or a guest of Rocky Creek, we want to keep you informed during this time of transition in the Fall of 2018. Rocky Creek continues to celebrate spiritual and numerical growth, and the church must provide space for current growth and plan now for continued growth in the future. As we look forward to our future, here are some helpful pieces of information to keep you informed and equipped.

READ MORE

7 Christian Female Singers You Might Not Know [But You Should]

by

There’s some good Christian music out there today.  Not all of it is good, but a lot of it is good. In recent years, there have also risen some very strong female vocalists, songwriters, and performers.  I recently realized that many of the ladies we listen to in our home are not common names. Some of that might be due …

READ MORE

When We All Get to Heaven

by

I love studying the stories behind hymns. The story behind “When We All Get to Heaven” gave even more depth to the text. Eliza Hewitt was born on June 28, 1851 in Philadelphia.  Her exemplary grades gave her the opportunity to teach school.  After a few years, her life was changed by a normal day on the playground with her …

READ MORE

Prone to Wander

by

For years, people have loved the hymn, “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.”  While many reasons exist for this song persevering through the years, one of the main reasons I believe is the lyrical and musical combination of such an honest line: Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love. I think we all …

READ MORE

The Law Commands and Makes Us Know

by

I ran across the wonderful hymn the other day by Isaac Watts written in 1709. I love the way that Watts shows the difference and dynamic between the law and the gospel. Here is the text from the Lutheran 1941 Hymnal: 1. The Law commands and makes us know What duties to our God we owe; But ’tis the Gospel …

READ MORE

Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery

by

Matt Papa’s “Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery” has become one of my most cherished modern hymns of late.  Hope you enjoy! VERSE 1 Come behold the wondrous mystery In the dawning of the King He the theme of heaven’s praises Robed in frail humanity In our longing, in our darkness Now the light of life has come Look to Christ, …

READ MORE

Ascribe

by

When I was praying through Psalm 29 recently, I was reminded of this great song.  Such a powerful truth. NEW LIFE WORSHIP “STRONG GOD” Song resources and chord chart: https://www.weareworship.com/us/songs… _____________________________________________________ Ascribe Featuring Cory Asbury Ascribe unto the Lord The glory due His Name Ascribe unto the Lord The honor and the praise For He is holy and He is …

READ MORE

I Want to Be Obed-Edom

by

As King David prepares to bring the Ark of the Covenant back into Jerusalem, something shocking occurs.  The Israelites were transporting the ark on a cart driven by oxen because that’s how they saw the Philistines do it.  The problem was God commanded them to have the priests carry it on poles.  When the ox stumbled, the Ark gets tipsy, …

READ MORE

Don’t Become a Stagnate Worship Leader

by

We tend to tolerate mediocre talent in worship because it’s “only church.” Since it is an offering to God and church people are supposed to be categorically nice people, we tend to overlook a lack of proficiency.  We tend to say that God sees the heart.  I could not agree with you more, but we misunderstand what even the word …

READ MORE

Worship Song on the 5 Solas

by

Sunday will be my last day leading worship at North Side.  As the church as a whole has been aware of this change for two weeks, I have been trying to do what I could do to help during the transition for a while now.  Part of the plan was writing a new worship song and recording a 6-song EP. …

READ MORE

The Fox That’s Trying to Ruin Your Marriage

by

In biblical times, people who owned vineyards had to be careful about pests like foxes that would come into their gardens and ruin their produce. If a person didn’t put the proper defense around the vineyard, they could lose much financially. These pests were so smart though: they would come when the owner wasn’t around, and so a wise owner …

READ MORE

Avoiding Stressful Worship Rehearsals

by

If the team prepares before practice, group rehearsal will go so much smoother.  Having prepared team members does not guarantee a successful practice.  Even with prepared individuals, without a thoughtful game plan from the leader and without a dedicated mindset from the team members, practice could still become stressful for everyone. In order to have a successful worship team practice, …

READ MORE

The Lion and the Lamb

by

It was great to introduce the song “Lion and the Lamb” today.  I got a few versions to check out and the lyrics beneath. Lyrics VERSE 1 He’s coming on the clouds, kings and kingdoms will bow down And every chain will break, as broken hearts declare His praise Who can stop the Lord Almighty? CHORUS Our God is the …

READ MORE

The Problem with Christian Music

by

Leading worship is an honor.  Leading worship beside the incredible people that I get to lead beside is even a greater honor. One of the things I have loved about this team is their commitment to musical excellence but also doctrinal integrity.  Not only do they take what we lead seriously, but they have also worked so diligently studying the …

READ MORE

Worship Evangelism

by

Worship Evangelism was written in response to the seeker-sensitive, church-growth movement.  In an era when so many churches work hard at feeling just like the world, Morgenthaler makes a call for churches to remain holy in the truest sense of the word – other than.  The best way to reach “seekers” (I know, no one seeks after God [Rom 3:10], but …

READ MORE

My Favorite (& Most Unsung) Verse of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”

by

A few years ago, North Side Worship started putting together a bluegrass Christmas album entitled “Peace on Earth.”  You can listen to or download the entire album for free below. As we selected songs, I fell in love with some of the forgotten verses in Christmas hymnody.  “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” became my favorite due to one particular forgotten …

READ MORE

Return to Worship

by

Return to Worship is a great volume by Ron Owens.  With 37 short yet specific chapters and 4 detailed appendices, anyone involved in leading worship can read through the entire book and be edified or select a specific topic and be informed. Favorite Quotes Sometimes it seems we have completely lost sight of Who God is – His might, His majesty, …

READ MORE

How to Prepare for Worship Rehearsal

by

While most worship teams are composed of volunteers, the weight of this ministry should still hold a high level of accountability concerning preparation.  All individual members should be prepared before practice and not use the group time as a session to cram. Corporate cramming sessions serve as an inconsiderate waste of time and an absolute stressful environment for all team …

READ MORE

4 Essentials to Establishing Worship Leading Credibility

by

Many people can stand before people and lead worship, but not everyone should.  Those who lead in worship are responsible for holding themselves to a high standard.  Worship teams represent the church and teach others by the manner in which they lead (Col. 3:16).  Those who desire to teach do have stricter standards in this life and the next (Jam. 3:1). As …

READ MORE

Jesus, Only Jesus

by

We are singing “Jesus, Only Jesus” during December at North Side.  So excited to introduce the song by Matt Redman to the congregation on Sunday but you can practice before you come! Lyrics Who has the power to raise the dead? Who can save us from our sin? He is our hope, our righteousness Jesus, only Jesus Who can make …

READ MORE

Christ-Centered Worship

by

Christ-Centered Worship is a great and thorough book from Bryan Chapell.  In it, he gives a balanced and accommodating approach to gospel-centered worship leading.  Additionally, he gives examples galore on how to pull it off.  Mike Cosper recommended this book in his book, Rhythms of Grace. Favorite Quotes Liturgy tells a story.  We tell the gospel by the way we …

READ MORE

Carried to the Table

by

We sang “Carried to the Table” by Leeland before communion this week.  It is a powerful song using the story of Mephibosheth from 2 Samuel 9.  Here’s the story: King David longed to find someone in the family of King Saul and Jonathan on whom to bestow kindness.  Saul was his predecessor, and Jonathan, Saul’s son, was David’s best friend. …

READ MORE

Every Praise

by

We introduced “Every Praise” by Hezekiah Walker a few weeks ago at North Side.  It is a great gospel song. While it is a great call to worship song, it is also pretty incredible that the song helped rescue a little boy from a kidnapping. The news story goes like this: A gospel song saved a 10-year-old Atlanta boy from …

READ MORE

Tozer on Worship and Entertainment

by

A. W. Tozer is a mentor from afar.  I have been changed by his writings and his life has impacted me after his death. Tozer on Worship and Entertainment is a collection of writings and excerpts from his sermons on the commercialization of worship.  While his ministry was in the middle of the 20th century, his words are still poignant. …

READ MORE

Night 4 – The Gathering 2016

by

We closed out the Gathering tonight!  It was an intense time as we tackled holiness as it relates to sexual immorality.  I preached tonight and our worship team did a great job leading. Service Order Scripture Reading – Isaiah 55:6-11 Open Up the Heavens – Meredith Andrews Almighty – Chris Tomlin “Spiritus Sanctus” – Valley of Vision Prayer Sermon – …

READ MORE

Night 3 – The Gathering 2016

by

3rd night in and I love watching what Jesus is up to in the life of our church!  Dick Williams did a great job unpacking Heb. 12:12-14 regarding our pursuit of holiness.  Incredible, honest, sincere time of worship tonight. Service Order Scripture Reading – Revelation 4:8-11 Revelation Song – Kari Jobe How Deep the Father’s Love for Us – Liberty …

READ MORE

Night 2 – The Gathering 2016

by

Wonderful 2nd night of the Gathering.  Jeff led us from 1 Peter 1:15-16 and gave us reasons for the pursuit of personal holiness.  The worship team did a fantastic job.  Loved how the worshipers got after it from the first second. Service Order Scripture Reading – 2 Corinthians 5:16-20 Jesus, Son of God – Passion Cornerstone – Tim Neufeld “Longings …

READ MORE

Night 1 – The Gathering 2016

by

Great 1st night of the Gathering!  Our theme is “The Pursuit of Holiness.”  Scott Hill gave an incredible sermon from Isaiah 6.  Our worship team did a fantastic job leading out! Service Order Scripture Reading – Jeremiah 8:4-12 Break Our Hearts – Billy Foote No Longer Slaves – I Am They “The Awakened Sinner” – The Valley of Vision Prayer …

READ MORE

Harvestfest 2016

by

We had a great time at Harvestfest this year!  I had the wonderful privilege of putting the team together to lead worship.  The band was composed from 3 different churches.  Our worship team and tech team did a wonderful job leading the thousands gathered.  David Sons brought a great message and we had some wonderful food.  The night was capped …

READ MORE

The 2 Reasons Why the Church Doesn’t Sing Anymore

by

As a pastor who leads worship, I am well aware of every type of argument on every side of the worship wars.  One important discussion is regarding the decrease of congregational singing.  In a majority of congregations, people are lamenting the fact that people just don’t sing as much as they used to sing. While I have read many reasonings on why …

READ MORE

New Verse for “Holy, Holy, Holy”

by

We sang “Holy, Holy, Holy” in our services yesterday.  While this hymn has been a favorite by so many through the years, we sang an additional verse along with it. Before anyone screams, “sacrilege,” I think you will appreciate the change.  I read about a verse that someone added because concerning the holiness of God, the hymn doesn’t articulate the …

READ MORE

Responsive Reading from Isaiah 6

by

I wanted to use a responsive reading from Isaiah 6 for worship, but I couldn’t find one.  So I wrote this one to guide our people to reflect upon God’s holiness, our sin, and his grace. Leader: In the year that his king died, the prophet Isaiah saw the Lord still alive. In a moment when he beheld the glory …

READ MORE

How to Plan a Gospel-Centered Worship Service

by

Planning a worship service should be more involved than the worship leader picking out his current favorite songs. Unfortunately, it can oftentimes be just that.  Leading worship must be more intentional than picking out 2 fast songs and 2 slow songs that happen to be your personal favorites. For years, I have planned worship services around the text of Scripture being preached …

READ MORE

+ MORE POSTS