A theology of worship – stumbling toward mystery

By Guest Blogger | July 10, 2009

  This is a guest post from Dan Wilt, M.Min. Director, The Institute Of Contemporary And Emerging Worship Studies St. Stephen’s University To formulate a rich and powerful theology of worship is to engage the most essential questions of humankind, the most vital revelations of human history, and the most practical activities of human experience. […]

How to write a really good worship song

By Bob Kilpatrick | June 29, 2009

Awhile ago I wrote an article titled “How To Write A Really Mediocre Worship Song.” It was a tongue in cheek examination of good song-writing in reverse. I received many emails with many different takes on what I’d written. Some were offended. Some were really, really offended (Perhaps they were spectacularly successful at writing mediocre songs […]

From train wreck to nervous wreck

By Tim Bowdler | June 18, 2009

  Nerves, fear, trepidation, lack of confidence are all feelings that can cripple a musician and stop him or her playing for, and worshipping God. Around ten years ago, I suffered from acute nerves when playing drums in front of an audience/congregation. At one point it became so bad that I would simply turn down […]

How to write a really mediocre worship song

By Bob Kilpatrick | June 16, 2009

In most cases, one can use these three qualitative judgments- good, mediocre, bad- in descending order. Good is better than mediocre. Mediocre is better than bad. But, in my humble opinion, it’s different in song-writing; good is best, bad is good and mediocre is bad. As an example of proof I would reference the Shaggs […]

Creative ideas on song writing – Ink Brethren

By Marie@Musicademy | May 26, 2009

Todd Fadel from Portland Oregan has developed a really interesting and creative approach to communal song writing. The game is an exercise in consciously putting yourself at a disadvantage to reach unexpected results. Here’s how it works: INK BRETHREN All you need is a tape recorder, paper, pencil, all the instruments you own,three friends and […]

What to include in a music chart

By Steve Weeks | May 12, 2009

Our Dad (Steve’s covers band) are doing a wedding tonight and I had to do a chart for a simple Van Morrison song. I attach it as an example that could be used for worship song notation. The “problem” (at least for me!!) is to combine several objectives in one format: include all the words! show the […]

Worship Leaders, You’re Killing Us – guest post from Mike Sessler

By Mike Sessler | April 29, 2009

    The scene repeats itself over and over again every weekend–perhaps even in your church. It’s worship time, and the band is rockin’. The congregation is completely caught up in the worship experience. Eschewing hymnals as old-fashioned, the words are projected on 2 large screens above the stage. As the worship leader looks out […]