Worship Fails: 6 Tips to Avoid Embarrassment on Stage

Musicians can’t avoid failure on stage forever. So rather than obsessing on avoiding it, let’s look at how to gracefully recover from it. In this article, Jordan Holt breaks down six solid strategies for handling musical mishaps with grace and professionalism. From owning mistakes with confidence to managing technical effects, discover how to transform potentially awkward moments into opportunities for growth. Perhaps most valuably, the piece challenges the common misconception that professional musicians never make mistakes, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how the best in the business handle their own imperfections.

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56 Church Podcast Ideas Any Pastor Can Use

In an era where 62% of Americans are podcast listeners, churches are sitting on an untapped goldmine of community connection. Packed with 56 actionable podcast ideas and practical production tips, this comprehensive guide reveals how churches can transform their outreach through podcasting – and it’s not just about broadcasting sermons. From building bridges with local businesses to serving newcomers in the community, discover how your church can create meaningful connections through this powerful medium.

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Discipling the Choir

Some musicians may only worry about the musical prep, but as Christians, we are called to move beyond that. Integrating discipleship into choir rehearsals can revolutionize not just the quality of worship leading, but the spiritual lives of choir members themselves. Through real-life examples and experiences, this article from Kenny Lamm explores how taking moments during rehearsal to connect with song lyrics on a personal and biblical level can dramatically enhance a choir’s ability to lead worship authentically. Lamm shares a compelling story of how a simple pause during “I Speak Jesus” turned into a powerful moment of testimony and spiritual growth, demonstrating how these intentional moments of discipleship can transform both the choir’s presentation and their personal encounters with God.

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How to Handle a Slacker on Your Worship Team

Ever noticed a once-passionate worship team member who now seems to just be going through the motions? This doesn’t happen for no reason. And – exploring everything from burnout to personal life challenges – this article wants to help you understand why team members drift into coasting mode. More importantly, it challenges worship leaders to move beyond surface-level solutions and symptom-focused approaches, providing practical wisdom for having those difficult but necessary conversations. At its core, this piece presents a compelling message about valuing people over their talents and leading with genuine care – essential reading for any worship leader navigating the delicate balance between maintaining excellence and shepherding their team members’ hearts.

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Grammy-Nominated Newsboys Frontman Michael Tait Steps Down After 15-Year Run

Michael Tait, lead singer of the chart-topping Christian band Newsboys, announced his departure from the group on Thursday after a 15-year tenure that saw the band achieve numerous hits including the iconic “God’s Not Dead.” The surprise announcement came via social media, where Tait cited spiritual reflection as the catalyst for his decision.

“While this may come as a surprise given I’ve been touring ever since college, I’ve made for me what is a monumental and heartfelt decision that it is time to step down from Newsboys,” Tait wrote in his statement. The singer, who joined the band in 2009 as a replacement for former frontman Peter Furler, emphasized that his decision came after a period of prayer and fasting.

During his tenure, Tait led the band through several successful albums and tours, contributing to hits such as “Born Again,” “We Believe,” and “Worldwide Revival.” Prior to joining Newsboys, he had already established himself in the Christian music industry as a co-founder of the multi-platinum rap-rock group DC Talk in the 1990s.

The band’s current members—Duncan Phillips, Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, and Adam Agee—responded to the announcement with their own statement, emphasizing the group’s continuing mission. “Newsboys was founded in 1989 by a group of people with a calling to use music to bring people closer to the Lord,” the band stated. “That has been our driving mission ever since.”

In a tribute to his bandmates, Tait expressed deep gratitude for their shared experiences: “To my brothers—Duncan, Jeff, Jody, and Adam—thank you doesn’t even begin to cut it. The laughter and tears we shared together, the prayers, the late-night talks, and the moments we have shared together both on and off stage are things I will be grateful for forever.”

The transition comes as the band prepares for their Worldwide Revival Nights tour, which will serve as Tait’s final series of performances with the group. While no successor has been announced, the band assured fans that their ministry through music will continue. “We want you to know that Newsboys isn’t going anywhere; we’re going everywhere. The next chapter is just beginning!” the band declared.

The announcement marks another significant transition for the Newsboys, who have successfully navigated previous lineup changes throughout their three-decade history. The band’s statement emphasized this perspective: “Newsboys has never been one person, one lead singer, or one band member—it has always been something so much bigger than any one of us.”

As the group moves forward with their scheduled tour dates and plans for the future, they remain committed to their original mission of musical ministry. Meanwhile, Tait, while expressing nervousness about the future, maintains his excitement about new possibilities.

5 Disruptive Church Trends for 2025

As we step into 2025, church leaders are facing a fascinating mix of challenges and opportunities. From Gen Z experiencing both spiritual revival and retreat simultaneously, to a concerning 3-to-1 ratio of church closures to new plants, the landscape of ministry is evolving in unexpected ways. But perhaps most intriguingly, there’s a fresh movement emerging: churches are breaking free from the cookie-cutter approach to find their authentic voice.

This deep dive into the top five church trends reveals some startling statistics – like 99% of pastors saying their churches aren’t very effective at outreach – while also highlighting promising paths forward. For those leading a congregation, these insights offer a clear-eyed look at both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in 2025. Plus, you’ll find practical, actionable steps for navigating each trend.

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The Faces of Worship

From scowls to smiles, those faces in the pews tell quite a story. You can learn to decipher it all and use it to reveal insights on spiritual engagement. Through four distinct “facial profiles,” we’ll explore how outward expressions might mirror the inner spiritual state – and what that means for people’s worship experience.

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How to Help Your Church Production Team Thrive: 4 Goals for 2025

It’s not just about pushing buttons and operating gear – every fader movement, light cue, and camera angle is an act of worship; creating an environment where people can encounter God without distraction. And there are four key areas that can transform your technical ministry from good to exceptional.

From building a culture of excellence and fostering healthy team dynamics to implementing smarter communication systems and growing your volunteer base, you’ll discover actionable strategies that work for churches of any size. Whether you’re wrestling with consistency issues, searching for ways to better train your team, or looking to recruit new volunteers, this article provides a clear roadmap for growth.

Best of all, these aren’t just theoretical concepts – you’ll find specific, implementable steps that can help your production ministry thrive while keeping the focus where it belongs: pointing people to Jesus.

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