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Music has been an important part of my life since the age of seven as I began piano lessons. The Lord called me into the ministry at the age of 17. Little did I know what I was in for! I have seen music evolve throughout the decades of church history. It continues to evolve and always will, just as life changes all around us.
In 2 Chronicles 20:20-30 we find the basis of why we worship God. Singers went ahead of the battle, giving praise to God, and the battle was won. We defeat the enemy of our souls when we give praise and glory to God. More than that, it is an opportunity to love on God and tell Him how much we love Him through song. Our praises in song are a sweet aroma to the Lord.
It is critical that the music we sing be doctrinally sound, yet relevant to our lives. The difficulty comes when what is relevant to one sector of people is not to another sector. It is important to be like Paul, when he said in 1 Corinthians 10:33ff--"Even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." We achieve this through various styles of choruses, hymns, music worship videos, etc. The presentation of the music can make all the difference in the world. I have even done the hymn, "In Times Like These," with a boogie-woogie style to modernize this precious hymn.
Selecting new music to introduce to a church requires great care and the leading of the Holy Spirit. A song that works in one church may not in another. Music should enhance the worship experience, not detract from it. Is the song singable? Is the message clear? Are the lyrics doctrinally sound? And most importantly, is the Holy Spirit guiding the selection of that song for a specific service in line with the message that God has impressed upon the pastor?
In our workshops and conferences we teach modern methods along with technology and the reasons behind what we do. Technology includes audio, lighting and projection systems. Today's music requires more from the technology and from the people running it.
The following WAV file is of a sample worship service.
Song Service Wave File
The following video clips are of a sample worship service.
(Larger size for use with High-Speed Internet Connections)
Friend of God
Everyday
Here I am to Worship
Blessed be Your Name
(Reduced size for use with Dial-up Internet Connections)
Friend of God
Everyday
Here I am to Worship
Blessed be Your Name
A special thanks to Oskaloosa Assembly of God for the use of their facility and people for the recording of these video clips.
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