A few years ago I went through a challenging time spiritually. I heard people talking as if they knew God so well that they had Him all figured out. It was as if they could read his mind and know what He would say for any situation. They had, effectively and in my opinion, packaged God into a convenient travel-size package like a genie in a bottle – ready to do whatever they asked Him to. I was challenged by this approach because I did not agree with it. Had I missed something somehow? I thought, surely God’s thoughts are higher than mine, His ways are not ours… Continue reading »
The cymbal. Something I never gave much thought till I had to decide on which one to buy! I suddenly realised that intricate complexities, the subtle nuances and incredible soundscapes that these bronzed alloy compositions held within themselves. This disc-like object shimmered to life at the hint of a touch to its brazen armour. And then, after producing millions of sound waves, it gently and softly continues to sing a song of endless tones in a distinct voice unique to its make-up. Wow! What an instrument! Continue reading »
Has it ever happened that your worship leader has introduced a new song at your practice session (which I hope your team has!) and then expected you to play it that very next Sunday? As eager and zealous as your worship leader may be to run in the “bleeding edge” of worship, he/she may be doing more harm than good to the song and perhaps, even, the worship. Continue reading »
Sometimes the best beat, the best rhythm, is just your plain old 4/4 – bass on 1 and 3, snare on 2 and 4. Nothing more needed! I think, sometimes, we try get too fancy with our music and lose the heart of it. It becomes a project, rather than a prayer. It becomes an album, rather than an expression. It becomes commercial rather than intimate. We take a means of Christian expression to God and package it, label it, brand it and sell it to other Christians. We make Top 10 charts of the best ones, we perform it at concerts – worship concerts..? Continue reading »
An interesting article caught my eye and as I read it, a lot of it rang true. Although I see two sides to the story, it is an article that raises awareness of the ‘worship music industry’. There is no wrong or right but there are lines I believe… have those lines been crossed? Chris Beaumont, whose blog I read for interesting drumming stuff writes an article about the commercialisation of the worship music industry..this topic has always been on my heart so it’s refreshing to see someone else tackle it too!
Below is an excerpt from the beginning of the post and then a link to read the original post.
Posted with permission from Chris Beaumont.
Following on from my post last week, I have been mulling over the nature of worship as presented in contemporary Christian culture. A few months ago I saw an advertisement for well known worship leaders album saying something like this (see quote on right side)…
x presents their first studio album in x years. This album has ten of x’s most anointed songs plus two new songs.
Firstly what makes songs anointed? Does popularity make it anointed? Or is it a marketing moniker designed to make us want to buy a product? Secondly, why do you record a load of songs that people already know and love again? My thoughts are that the project is designed to make money, not resource the church, which is an excuse which is given to justify recording worship albums.
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