A Farewell Riddle: Birthing a New Reality Through Worship
“Like a woman bearing her unborn child, these leaders carry congregations through the pain, struggle, and uncertainty that mark transitions to the possibility of new life beyond.”
Cultivating Blended Worship
“I've told members of my church family that if you don't like a particular song, look around and see who does and pray, ‘Lord, thank You that this music is reaching them.’”
Unifying Worship
“If sports can unite strangers, why does something of infinitely more importance—worshiping God—so often divide us?”
Worshiping a Present God
“Worshiping an implicitly absent, distant God of “control” maligns God’s character and encourages our continued absence from God, one another, and those in need.”
Preaching the Gospel in Worship: A Conversation with Michelle Odinma
“While good advice is valuable, it's the Good News that has the power to change lives and, indeed, the world.”
The Courage to Lead Beyond the Congregation: An Interview with MyRon Edmonds
“If you are only leading your congregation to change, then you are going to be myopically focused on the obstacles that are presented by to church. But if you see yourself as a change agent for your community—if you recognize that you are called to lead that community—then you begin to perceive both the real opposition and incredible opportunities for transformation.”
Worship in Transition: Looking Ahead to the 2024 Andrews University Music and Worship Conference
“In the midst of a transformational phase at Andrews University, we acknowledge that numerous churches are likewise navigating their unique transitions. These changes often present both challenges and opportunities in leadership and cultural adjustments. As we collectively ponder the question, "How do we lead through change?" it's crucial to ground ourselves in one constant—Jesus Christ.”
The Fruit of the Spirit in Worship
Paul writes to the Church in Galatia, “[T]he fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Using a bit of liturgical license, let’s consider how each of these characteristics might relate to our worship practices.
Portfolio Careers in Music and Ministry: A Conversation with Anwar Ottley
“The traditional path of a student specializing in music studies has aligned itself with a few key areas—performance, pedagogy, and education. However, as a society evolves, so do the needs of its people, and this has posed a broader pool of professional opportunities for those seeking a career under the umbrella of music.”
Worship and Healing: An Interview with Richard Hickam
“The core of the social practice of music is connectedness. God is triune and also desires a relationship with His creation. We are also wired this way, and the arts in worship contribute with wide-ranging benefits, including healing our spirit. When we come together and worship God through music, we participate in a way that is physical, mental, and spiritual—the trifecta experience!”
Learning and Worshiping Together: An Interview with Adriana Perera
“What I am most excited to share with the community who will be coming to the Worship Leadership Certificate in August is the extraordinary opportunity to engage with music resources, training, inspiring worship experiences, and a network of nationally and internationally prominent worship scholars and leaders.”
Remembering the “Why” of Worship
“We seek holistic transformation and pursue “best practices” in our lives and ministries—including worship. But we do this not so that God will love and accept us but because God already does.”
Practicing Presence
“How can our interactions with one another in worship encourage, empower, and enable us to be more responsive and present to a gracious, ever-present God? And, in turn, how might that transform the way we are present with all those around us?”
Empowering Worship Ministry Volunteers: A Conversation with Crosswalk's Isai Moran
“Good and meaningful fellowship and community are most essential. Our team really enjoys spending time together every week and also during the week. We try our best to have team nights and vespers where people can connect outside of Saturday mornings as well. I think community is one of the main reasons why people are so committed.”
Wheelchair Wheelies and A Little Confetti
It has now become a tradition of mine to celebrate our young people’s baptisms through these means.
My response to such objections would be…
When something happens in Scripture in a set of three, we are to pay attention, and take note.
Welcoming Worship: A Conversation with MyGeneration Church
“We are very intentional with our worship—from our mid-day start time to our casual dress, snacks, welcome activities, interactive prayers, music, and fellowship. Our non-traditional services take place in a relaxed setting where people can feel comfortable, as if they have known us for years. We want every new visitor to feel at home.”
'Church' Is a Verb
“We are never more connected to the Body of Christ than when we are actively serving, worshipping, celebrating, learning, growing, and loving—when we are ‘churching’ together.”
Peacemaking and Christian Worship: A Conversation with Lisa Clark Diller from Adventist Peace Fellowship
“The Adventist Peace Fellowship wants people to live into the Peaceable Kingdom, and we do this when we exercise our sanctified imaginations. Music is, for most people in 21st century North America, the primary way they experience worship. The songs that we sing and listen to are vital in the forming of our view of God and each other. They help shape us and the community we create in our church.”
“Blessed are the Peacemakers”
“Our worship gatherings provide the rehearsal for us to live His peace in a fractured and tumultuous world. Jesus calls us to bring His peace into our communities. In so doing, we will experience the happiness and blessedness of becoming the children of God.”
Reflecting on Arena Worship at CALLED
Just over two months ago, pastors from across the North American Division and beyond gathered with their families at CALLED, joining thousands of our sisters and brothers in Christ to fellowship, dream, learn, celebrate, and worship together. Members of the worship ensemble were asked to reflect on how the experience inspired, affirmed, and encouraged them in their local ministry and leadership. Hopefully, you will resonate with what they shared.