Being a pianist is often a solitary pursuit. You take lessons with one other person in the room, you practice by yourself, you play solos, while your friends who play string and wind instruments are always making music in groups. You might accompany a soloist or play duets with your organist, but your role in […]
You know the familiar quote: “the more things change the more they stay the same.” All of us (especially those in ministry leadership) go through change. Change is essential in sustaining life. God’s Word speaks of change as an ongoing necessity. For the believer, change is not only essential — it is to be preferred. […]
Composers Stan Pethel and Glenn Eernisse put their heads together to offer some basic advice and quick tips for those interested in writing and arranging music. Study the styles and techniques of established writers. Learn the varying styles and genres of music. Listen to the classics – those pieces that have stood the test of […]
“Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in the God of my salvation” (Habakkuk 3:18) The prophet Habakkuk’s final statement is quite different than how it starts out in Chapter 1. Sounds like a rough choir rehearsal doesn’t it? Many times we wonder if we have bitten off a bit too […]
Children begin taking piano lessons for many reasons. Most often, it is because their parents want them to learn an instrument. Children arrive at the door of the local piano teacher, and weekly lessons ensue. They typically participate in a few recitals and occasionally enter a festival or competition. Preparing for weekly lessons and recitals […]
The words to this familiar Christmas hymn were written by Phillips Brooks (1835-1893), an Episcopal priest who served as rector of the Church of the Holy Trinity in Philadelphia. Inspired by his recent visit on horseback from Jerusalem to the village of Bethlehem, he presented his poem as a Christmas gift to the children of […]
By Mark Burnett, Associate Pastor/Director of Music and Worship MinistriesFirst Baptist Church, Lawrenceville If you’re like me, you only work two days a week: Sunday and Wednesday. Yeah right! But there are plenty of people who think that’s exactly what we do. And, let’s face it, our work days are usually spent in preparation for […]
For those of you who grew up singing the missional hymn “Jesus Saves,” it is quite likely that you had to ask someone what it meant to “waft” something on a “rolling tide.” Now, for our Alabama friends, this hymn is not speaking of a school in Tuscaloosa. To “waft” simply means to gently glide […]
Psalm 46:1 states: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear” (NKJV). This powerful expression was the theme of Martin Luther in which he based his famous hymn “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.” The Psalm is a wonderful testament to God’s love and provision. “Sometimes […]
Will serves as minister of music at Ivy Creek Baptist Church in Buford. In this episode he discusses some ideas about intergenerational worship and the transition his church has made. Some of the topics include the tension and struggles that may arise as well as building community and ideas about involving the congregation in all […]
Here’s something you can use to amaze your friends. I’m sure you have noticed that there’s just something different in the sound of a grand piano and even the best of electronic keyboards. It’s a physical acoustics issue. Try this on a grand piano for best results, but it will also work on studio and […]
How can I engage the average church member in the pew? How can I Increase active participation in worship services? How can I help the average member in the congregation experience the joy of worship? I serve in what could be termed a county seat First Baptist Church and as many have done, we begin […]
In a couple months I will turn 36 years old. The church I’m honored to serve will turn 58 in February of next year. As a younger worship pastor in an established church, there have been several things I have had to prayerfully keep front and center in my ministry. Maybe some of these can […]
Now is a great time to start your youth choir ministry in your church. I found a great article on the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention website that I thought was relevant and helpful. It’s a great read for anyone who is looking to start a youth choir. I am available to help in anyway […]
As a follow up to the excellent blog post by Steve Brown dealing with the role of the choir member, this post will focus on why we should have choirs in the first place. Sitting in the pew next to my father is a memory that will always be cherished. After noticing my “lack of […]