Introducing: It All Happened in the Country, 20th Anniversary Edition
A message from the writers: Dennis and Nan Allen. There’s nothing more fun to write than a musical for children. Even though it’s been 20 years since we wrote and recorded It All Happened in the Country, we still smile (and sometimes laugh out loud) when we listen to it again. Writing a project like […]
The Importance of Worshipping When You Don’t Feel Like It
by Lauren Bruce “I hate this song, so I’m just not going to sing.” “I can’t lead others in worship when I’m not worshipping.” I have said both of these things on more than one occasion. And you know what? God still lets me worship Him. I’m still allowed in the throne room. Believe me, […]
The Power of the Unexpected Touch
Do you remember the last time God unexpectedly touched you? We all desire for His presence in our lives daily. But sometimes, He chooses an unexpected moment or an unusual circumstance to really reach us deeply. One of those times happened to me in December of last year. I was deeply stressed out about a […]
Story Behind the Song: Almost There
Songwriter Wes King shares the story behind the song “Almost There.” The powerful lyrics and melody invite you on Mary’s journey to Bethlehem. “Almost There” was featured on Michael W. Smith’s album The Spirit of Christmas and is the title track of one of our new Christmas musicals. Check out the musical on our site […]
How to Lead Worship Through Christmas (Without Missing It Yourself!)
By John Chisum “’Maybe Christmas,’ the Grinch thought, ‘doesn’t come from a store.’” —Dr. Seuss Beatle boots. I just wanted Beatle boots. But the package under the tree that had been so promising, the one shaped like the perfect pair of black Beatle boots, packed such a walloping disappointment on Christmas morning. Instead, I received […]
Conditional Worship
By Gary Durbin “I just can’t worship with that kind of music.” Have you ever said something like this? I’m pretty sure I’ve said this before. I’ve definitely thought it at times. I was at a traditional church several years ago when God opened my eyes to this. I was sitting there during the music […]
Handling Criticism: Part Two
In part two of this two-part series, Marvin Copaus introduces common conflicts choir directors and worship leaders face and how to deal with them. If you haven’t read part one, you can find it here. Communication issues There are some folks that really don’t mean to criticize, but they don’t understand the why behind what’s being done. […]
Handling Criticism: Part One
In part one of this two-part series, Marvin Copaus introduces common conflicts choir directors and worship leaders face and how to deal with them. It’s a typical Sunday morning at your church, and you are ready to lead God’s people in worship. You managed to get the family to Sunday School on time, and everyone […]
Have Yourself a Merry (Low-Stress) Little Christmas
Have yourself a merry little Christmas. Wishful thinking? As all church musicians know, Christmas starts in June or July when you begin planning and choosing music and doesn’t end until December 25 (or December 26 this year, since Christmas falls on a Sunday). The to-do lists never end and no matter how hard you try […]
Planning Powerful Band and Choir Rehearsals
By John Chisum Call me “idealistic,” but I could do with a lot less stress these days. Life itself is stressful enough, and if we were completely frank and honest with ourselves, leading Wednesday rehearsals can be one of the most stressful hours we face. Other than Sunday mornings when the sound system is emitting […]