Don’t Just Sing – Study! Why Theology Matters for Worship Leaders

Worship leaders, it’s time to break the stereotype and embrace theology! This thought-provoking read issues a rallying cry for us to deepen our understanding of God’s truth. Because let’s be honest – while we excel at creating an atmosphere for worship through music, many of us shy away from seriously studying Scripture and doctrine.

But what if knowing more about God helped you actually know Him better? The author makes a compelling case that grasping complex concepts like the Trinity or Christ’s sacrifice will completely transform how you lead worship. You’ll gain rich context to make lyrics resonate and be equipped to address theological questions seamlessly.

Of course, the idea of cracking open dense doctrinal books may seem daunting. But this piece is packed with practical tips to make theology engaging and manageable, even for the busiest worship leader. From podcasts to online courses to reading plans tailored by your pastor, you’re sure to find an approach that works for you.

Get ready to be challenged, motivated, and most importantly, brought closer to the very God you lead others to worship. Don’t let the “unintellectual” stigma hold you back any longer – it’s time to become a theologian for His glory! This read is a must for any worship leader longing to lead their congregation into deeper biblical truth.

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Phil Wickham on God’s Calling

Phil Wickham is on a mission to “light people’s hearts up for Jesus,” and his words are sure to spark a revival in even the weariest of souls.

In this candid interview, Wickham opens up about the profound calling he feels to create music that ushers people into an authentic encounter with God. He has an unwavering commitment to use his gifts for God’s glory, even when it means making sacrifices.

But Wickham’s vision extends far beyond the music industry. He fervently longs to see the church experience a sweeping revival that draws believers back to the heart of Jesus. His prayers for a church awakening that replaces judgment with love.

Get ready to be challenged and inspired as Wickham casts a powerful vision for a revitalized church burning with zeal for the Lord. Whether you’re a fellow worshiper or simply someone in need of spiritual renewal, this interview will fan the flames of your faith.

See the interview here.

7 Reasons Why Pastors Need Encouragement Today

Pastors, the unsung heroes shepherding our souls, often go unappreciated outside of Pastor Appreciation Month. But let’s be real – the burdens they shoulder are immense and the encouragement they need is year-round. This insightful read delves into the unique challenges pastors face daily, from grappling with weighty matters of eternity to the never-ending demands of their role.

From the grueling work of sermon preparation to being perpetually on-call, even on days off, the author offers a candid look at why a simple word of affirmation can make all the difference. You’ll discover the unexpected impact a thoughtful note or call can have, especially on those dreaded Mondays when self-doubt creeps in.

Whether you’re a church member looking to uplift your spiritual leader or a pastor needing a timely reminder, this compelling piece is a must-read. Get ready to be inspired to spread some much-needed encouragement to the very ones pouring out for others daily. After all, even shepherds need tending from time to time.

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Church Graphics: How to Make Them Fit Your Community

Are you struggling to make your church graphics and visuals truly connect with your unique community? In today’s media-saturated world, standing out with authenticity is crucial – but how? Dive deep into leveraging the power of church graphics as an outreach tool while staying true to your ministry’s identity.

You’ll discover practical tips on understanding the “why” behind using visuals, ensuring they align with your vision to reach the lost and disciple believers. From announcement slides that captivate to maintaining a consistent aesthetic across all platforms, this guide covers it all.

But it gets better! You’ll learn how excellence and simplicity can go hand-in-hand, even on a tight budget. With pre-made templates, affordable software, and a vast array of worship media resources, achieving a polished look that resonates with your congregation is easier than ever before.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting to embrace church graphics, this article is a must-read. Unlock the secrets to harnessing the power of visuals in a way that’s authentic to your community’s needs. Get ready to take your outreach and engagement to new heights!

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The 8 Rules for Talking While Leading Worship

Worship leaders, be honest – are your between-song ramblings more cringe-worthy than anointed? If your vocal talents outshine your public speaking skills, you’re not alone. But fear not! This hilarious yet insightful article lays out 8 must-follow rules for when (and when not) to open your mouth during a worship set.

From the importance of planning your words to using scripture over opinions, these tips will save you from scattered thoughts and awkward silences. You’ll learn when a simple song transition is better than an over-explanatory intro. And most importantly, how to let the songs (and the Holy Spirit) do the heavy lifting rather than rambling on yourself.

Whether you have a bad habit of winging it or sermonizing, this piece will rein you in with some much-needed wisdom and humor. After all, the goal is to usher people into worship, not distract them with our attempt at being overly loquacious. Read on and never again be “that worship leader” who can’t stop talking!

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Mandisa’s Cause of Death Revealed: Complications of Class III Obesity

On June 3 the official cause of death for Grammy-winning singer Mandisa Lynn Hundley was released, nearly seven weeks after she was found dead in her home on April 18 at the age of 47. According to Dr. Feng Li, a medical examiner, Mandisa died from complications of class III obesity, a disease characterized by a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher or a BMI of 35 or higher accompanied by obesity-related health conditions, The Tennessean reported.

Mandisa, known for her positive and uplifting songs such as “Overcomer” and “Stronger,” had openly discussed her battle with depression in her 2022 book, “Out of the Dark: My Journey Through the Shadows to Find God’s Joy.” Her father, John Hundley, addressed rumors surrounding her death during the funeral service at Brentwood Baptist Church in Brentwood, Tennessee, stating, “She did not harm herself.”

The K-Love Fan Awards recently aired a special tribute to Mandisa and another CCM artist, Gabe Patillo, introduced by Colton Dixon and Danny Gokey. Mandisa’s openness about her mental health struggles had led to speculation about the cause of her death, but her father emphasized, “Mandisa loved the Lord, and the Lord loved Mandisa.”

In a 2022 interview with Crosswalk Headlines, Mandisa expressed her hope that her book would encourage open discussion about mental health among Christians. “Ultimately, Psalm 40:3 is my prayer for it. ‘As many will hear what God has done, they will be amazed and put their hope in Him,'” she said.

Mandisa’s powerful vocals and lively demeanor propelled her to a Top 9 finish on American Idol in 2006, after which she found success in contemporary Christian music. Her debut album, “True Beauty,” and her last two albums, “Overcomer” and “Out of the Dark,” all reached No. 1 on the Billboard Christian album charts.

Friends and colleagues remembered Mandisa’s passion for unity, diversity, and her love for Jesus. “She loved the Word and poured her heart out in worship,” said Sydni Simons, a friend who toured with Mandisa as a dancer. Author and speaker Beth Moore, who worked with Mandisa during the Living Proof conferences, praised her ability to connect with her audience and her genuine love for Jesus.

Class III obesity, if left untreated, can shorten a person’s life by up to 14 years and increase the risk of developing serious health complications such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, and certain cancers. Mandisa’s passing serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing obesity and its associated health risks, as well as the need for open discussions about mental health within faith communities.

Beating Worship Team Burnout: Tips for Healthy Volunteers

Struggling to keep your worship team fired up? Feeling the weight of volunteer burnout? Discover fresh perspectives that flip the script on church leadership. Learn counterintuitive yet powerful tips to prioritize your volunteers’ wellbeing, foster a thriving team culture, and reignite passion for ministry. From granting much-needed breaks to celebrating wins, this guide reveals innovative strategies to show your people they matter more than what they do. Breathe new life into your team by valuing souls over skills and watch connection flourish. Don’t miss this game-changing approach to volunteer management that will leave your crew feeling refreshed, unified, and reignited for service.

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5 Ways To Repurpose Your Sermon To Extend The Reach Of Your Ministry

Are your thought-provoking sermons reaching their full, life-changing potential? Discover game-changing strategies to repurpose and extend the reach of your messages far beyond Sunday morning. This eye-opening guide unveils five powerhouse methods to multiply your ministry’s influence and connect with your congregation like never before.

From captivating blog content that caters to diverse learning styles to comprehensive e-books that foster deep exploration of key themes, you’ll gain a fresh perspective on maximizing engagement. But that’s just the beginning! Brace yourself for insights into crafting dynamic discussion guides that spark meaningful conversations and ignite spiritual growth within your small groups.

And for those seeking to elevate their digital presence, you’ll uncover the transformative power of online courses – immersive, interactive platforms that nurture continuous learning and cultivate a thriving virtual community.

But perhaps the most exciting revelation? How to harness the revolutionary capabilities of AI to streamline your workflow, unlock new levels of creativity, and amplify your impact across platforms with stunning visuals, music, and more.

If you’re ready to shatter limitations and unleash the full potential of your sermons, this comprehensive guide is an absolute must-read. Get ready to experience a ministry revolution!

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Essential reading for worship leaders since 2002.

 

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