WMC-0159 – Interview with Jon Egan of New Life Worship, Soak
Interview With Jon Egan, Soak In this episode, we are privileged to get to hear from Jon Egan and hear him talk about their new album entitled, Soak. It’s an instrumental album. Why would they do an instrumental album? Well, you’ll just have to listen to part 1 of our interview with Jon Egan to find out now, won’t you. Thanks to Joe Brookhouse of Frequency.fm for performing the interview! Soak:...
The Day I Walked Away From My Church
Our small church in a Pennsylvania river town had been losing people steadily for months, people who included our senior pastor and our associate pastor, not to mention dozens of others. Why that happened is a long story — too long for this space. But those that remained gathered on a chilly December morning to worship together one last time before our church was dissolved and all our assets were turned over to a megachurch from...
Reconsidering The Worship Leader, Part 3: Jesus: The Worship Leader of the Cosmos
His call to worship is the rising of the Sun, his Benediction, the Moon. In our previous posts (Part 1 & Part 2) we have looked at Jesus as the supreme and only Worship Leader (High Priest) worthy of such a title—its who he IS. In Part 2 of our series we considered what he does as our worship leader. Understanding Jesus’ role is crucial in the universe because the form and duties that he observes and preserves in his kingdom...
WMC – 0157 – More Thoughts On Change
More Thoughts On Change… In the last episode of the podcast, Kevin & I talked about change. Kevin shared with us some of the things he was learning about change as his church goes through the unexpected process of renovating their auditorium. In this episode, we talk about the bigger change we are all dealing with. We live in a time when things are changing very fast. It’s hard to keep up with everything that’s...
Reconsidering The Worship Leader, Part 2: Jesus’ Priestly Liturgy
Jesus IS a High Priest, but what does He DO? In our last post we looked at the fact that Jesus in Hebrews 8:2 is identified as the sole minister (leitourgos) of heaven. Our High Priest! This is one major aspect of his Identity. Therefore, it was our conclusion that the only One worthy to receive the big “T” title of Worship Leader is Jesus Himself. It’s who he is. No one else can claim this ontologically (in being). However,...
Reconsidering The Worship Leader, Part 1: Jesus The High Priest
You know, the one in skinny jeans, designer hair, with the voice of a Nightingale. Remember the famous bully party line; “sticks and stones will break your bones, but words can never hurt you.” It sounds nice, but any person knows this phrase is chalked full of deception. The truth is, words are like containers. They are filled to the brim with meaning, and they are profoundly forming. Words shape the way we see life. Words filled...
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes, Turn and Face the Strange: Moving to a New Church
Okay, so last time I quoted The Clash and this time I’m quoting David Bowie. In my last post “Should I Stay or Should I Go?” I raised a big question many of us in ministry have asked ourselves before, when is it time to move on? So naturally this brings up the question, what do I do when I get to my new place? This is something that most people in ministry have experienced at least once, if not multiple times before. If you...
WMC-0156 – Dealing With Change…
Dealing With Change… Change is hard for some people. There are some who like it, but it seems that most struggle with it on some level. In this episode of the Worship Ministry Catalyst Podcast, David and Kevin talk about some of the changes Kevin’s church is going through. Kevin also shares some great insights he has learned through the process. So, if you’re looking for some wisdom when it comes to change, this is...
Leading Through Change
Change. That word can be a very troubling thing for some people. And for others, it is a welcomed reprieve from a monotonous pattern. Regardless of where you personally fall on the continuum, the reality is that at some point in each of our lives, we will be faced with change. And there’s nothing you can do about it! But how you react to that change and how you help others walk through change; now that is what you can do...
WMC-0155 – Creativity and more with Dave Yauk of The Garden City Project
Dave Yauk of The Garden City Project In this episode we have the distinct privilege of talking with Dave Yauk of the Garden City Project (http://www.gardencityproject.com/). It’s something you’re going to want to get familiar with. We just scratch the surface of what Dave is doing over there, and we’ll be talking more in the future. If you find yourself intrigued with the content, make sure to get in touch...
Should I Stay or Should I Go?
The words of the band The Clash have been in my mind for a while now. Should I stay or should I go now? Should I stay or should I go now? If I go, there will be trouble And if I stay it will be double So come on and let me know Now while this song is about a relationship and really has nothing to do with discerning God’s will, it is an interesting question to ponder. We all know that God has a plan, and our lives are just a part of...
Exploring the Heart of the New Song—the Song and the Singer
Generally, when we talk about new songs, we either mean an unknown song (could have been released yesterday or even a hymn written centuries ago) or a known song reworked musically in a fresh arrangement—sometimes with a new chorus/refrain/bridge added also. In this article, let’s look at something deeper than that. In John’s visions recorded in the book of revelation, we learn two profound aspects of the “new song” that we will be...
WMC-0154 – Taking a Break With Your Team
Taking A Break With Your Team As I once heard from the great leader and mentor, Bill Hybels: Sundays come around with amazing regularity. Every 7 days there is another Sunday to put together. We are constantly in the process of process. Because of this, there is a need for us as leaders to take some time off as a team. As another great leader says, we need time to work on it, not just in it (Andy Stanley). We need some time throughout...
Learn Unto Him A New Song
I was recently asked to be a guest worship leader for a service I didn’t plan. This was really weird for me, because for the past fifteen years or so, I’ve chosen essentially all of the music that I’ve sung in church. So when the church that was hosting me handed me four songs that I’d never sung (three of which I’d never even heard), I walked right into a whole new world. Normally, I learn a song inside and out before I even consider...
WMC-0153 – Sing To The Lord A New Song
Sing To The Lord A New Song As worship leaders, we like new songs. But, if you haven’t noticed, not everyone feels the same way. But, how do we deal with this tension? When someone really prefers old songs and hymns, how do we help them move along in their walk with God? And perhaps the bigger question, is there a bigger spiritual issue at work in the heart of this struggle? Listen in as David and Kevin talk about this very...
Re-emphasizing The Real Essence of Easter In Worship
It’s that season of the year again; Easter is here again. It’s the season when a lot of folks love to spend time with their loved ones and enjoy themlselves, similar to the Christmas season. But just like the Christmas season, the partying and celebrations overshadow the true essence of this season. It’s not a season of Easter bunnies & eggs, it’s not a seaon to watch the latest movies in cinemas, and...