I’m always keen when I’m made aware when a new instrumentalist or singer comes on the scene. Those who know the person(s) usually make comments like: “You should here Jason play guitar – he’s amazing!” Or “Kylie sings like an angel – you have to hear her !” You’ve no idea how often I’ve heard …
Last week I suggested the need for every serving musician, to spend a little time each day during the week, on their instrument, honing their craft. The problem is, most don’t! So, here’s the issue… You can’t maintain what you don’t maintain. In other words, you can’t expect to stay at a level of …
It was Sunday night after church and I was having dinner with a surgeon. My long service leave had just begun, and he asked what my plans were. For one, I told him, I wanted to regain sharpness in playing piano as I had some recording sessions planned and I wanted to be at my …
I want to continue on this theme of writing for your home church, as I’ve had a few conversations with people over the last couple of weeks regarding their desire and struggles. It’s a universal theme – “how do I write songs that other people want to sing?” So this week, I want to encourage …
I can remember the situation quite clearly. My lead pastor came to me, told me he was going to preach on Isaiah 64, and that it would be helpful if I could write a song that would encapsulate the message and truth of that passage. I had less than a week to do it, a …
Well I’ve been quiet for a while as I’m on my long service leave (half way through) and so everything – just about – takes a break. But something came up that took my attention and I felt I needed to “break the break”, so to speak, and write about. More about that in a …
So… let’s get real practical. In this blog, I want to help you by giving you practical ways of praying when leading. Of course, I won’t give you the exact words to pray, but ways that will help you grow and learn in the “art” of public praying. Before we start, I’m assuming that as …
Have you ever struggled with knowing how to pray, and what to pray? If you have, then you’re in good company – Jesus’ own disciples wanted to learn from Him how to pray as they saw the power of prayer in His life (Luke 11:1). Jesus then taught His disciples a prayer construct that we …
As I’ve spoken to leaders of worship for years, one of their greatest fears is praying in public. It’s OK to sing and play their instruments because that’s comfortable, but when it comes to integrating prayer into the worship service, they baulk at the idea and want to leave it to the pastor or another …
Have you ever wondered if we should expect God to transform lives in our worship services? Last weekend I was at a conference for a couple of days, and got to share the experience with a few “ministry” mates. We were reflecting on the opening words of the Lord’s Prayer… “Our Father, who is …
