articles

Jim Tomberlin says church models are shifting to better support today’s church-goer. The multisite strategy has become the “new normal” for healthy and growing churches in urban, suburban and rural communities. leadership network reports that an estimated 5 million people attend one of the more than 8,000 multisite churches across…

Nancy Beach warns against embellishment: I have been a fan and faithful viewer of NBC News Anchor Brian Williams for the last decade. Throughout the recent controversy, I continue to hope that some new revelations will explain his actions and even exonerate him. But I am also sobered by the…

Tim Adams offers a checklist for your equipment maintenance: One of the oft forgotten realities of using technical equipment is that it will break, fail or otherwise develop issues and will need to be repaired. The question is, what are your next steps? Here’s what I recommend: Check Your Warranty…

Doug Lawrence says the primary complaint he hears from congregants is that the worship is too much of a show. Here are some ways to put the corp back in corporate. Stop being a slave to glitz! It is a commonly held belief among worship leaders that the expectations are…

Dan Wilt says few have learned the real secret to the most effective worship leading on planet earth today. The following is my observation, gathered over 25 years. Many worship leaders are skilled in leading worship. A smaller number are strongly gifted to lead worship. Even fewer still, in my view, are distinctly…

Russ Hutto: When that first note is played or sung, you’ll want to make sure that you and your entire team are wearing these… Worship leaders, we’ve put together the definitive fashion guide for you as we enter into the new year. We know that choosing which upbeat praise song…

Editor’s note: Yet another backlash article about Rock Star Worship Leaders. Joseph Mattera has come to the conclusion that many involved in Christian worship seem to have a very superficial relationship with the Lord and His Church. The past several years there has been no shortage of prominent contemporary Christian…

Church consultant Chuck Lawless offers observations on worship. A few weeks ago, I posted findings on common worship distractions. Since that time, some readers have questioned me more specifically about our findings regarding the musical component of worship. So, the goal in this post is to respond to that request.…

Russ Hutto offers several helpful tips for learning how to be an effective worship leader. 1) FIND A MENTOR Know that every step along the way, we all have room to learn and grow. There is no such thing as a worship leader who is perfect in every aspect. There…

Phil Haydn reacts to negative worship blogs. Recently I have came across a few articles that focus heavily on “Why church worship is not as engaging as it used to be.” To say these blogs were disheartening would be an understatement. Why? Because worship is my lifeline to God’s heart,…

Mary Crowson says certain practices that can lead to health and growth in a church choir. Will you join the choir? While I have been blessed with more faithful musicians than I can say grace over at times, some choirs languish. Let me say at the outset that this not…

Dan Wilt introduces the phrase that will revolutionize your rehearsals. It’s Sunday morning, and rehearsal was supposed to begin at 8:00 am. Your electric guitar player shows up, as requested, at 8 on the dot – but then takes 20 minutes to set up his gear. Is there a better…

Editor’s note: Artist and worship leader Shaun Groves wonders if he should be using worship songs that come from a ministry with questionable theology. He doesn’t mention the ministry so I’ll save you the Google search: it’s Bethel Church, and here’s a summary of what their pastor is teaching. For…

Russ Mohr says we need to keep the classics alive: Last night, while relaxing on the couch, I overheard my wife streaming a movie trailer on Facebook. I immediately rolled my eyes. It was for a new Cinderella movie. “Well, so much for Elsa,” I said. “Now they’re gonna start…