Now This Is Amazing!!

0
  • Posted by Troy Friesen
  • Dec 10, 2010
    • Christmas music performed entirely on iPhones & iPads - AKA an iBand.

    A Trend in Church Music?

    0
  • Posted by Troy Friesen
  • Nov 24, 2010
    • I recently received an email from a friend asking about a particular trend he's noticing in church music. He writes/asks:
    It seems to me like once upon a time church music ministry was about giving lots of people a chance to use their gifts and increasingly it's becoming more about the best possible "performance" Sunday morning. I'm not saying that those two are mutually exclusive, but am I reading the shift correctly? Is church music moving away from lots of people doing lots of things and toward the best musicians doing everything?
    My reply to him was that, while this is one approach to church ministry, it is not a trend at my church because we work hard to make sure congregational participation is the priority, not individual performance. But that's not to say there isn't pressure to make it so. Of course we always want to offer God our best, but I think that is different than the "best performance" mindset (our definition of best is not always God's). There is always a balance between professionalism and just letting anyone do whatever they want. High standards aren't bad as long as we're careful not to make our standards more important than God's. We do need to put leaders on the stage that are effective in leading people and not distracting because of their ability. (i.e. I don't want an out of tune singer on mic, or a drummer who can't keep time, because those things actually make it harder for the people to engage in worship).
    I have also felt like the professional performance mindset makes it hard to develop musicians in church. People in your church don't usually come in at that high of a skill level. If you can't ever use them in worship because they're not "good enough" then how will they ever get better (though there are people who aren't good enough to be on your main worship team - at least not immediately). I see a huge part of a worship pastor's job being to continually develop new people to help serve God's people. I have found this can be done by giving them opportunities to grow & develop (albeit not always in the main worship service). Sometimes teaming them up with some of your best musicians gets them better (i have been know to just have them come practice with the team for awhile, or have them play but keep their guitar volume off or down until they gain confidence and skill to be turned up). I think pastors should be about equipping the body to do the work (Eph. 4:11-12), not cutting them out of the loop. For me that's 2 things - trying to engage as much of the congregation as possible; and trying to involve as many people in the music ministry (or whatever ministry) as possible (which often means lots of time working with people to help them do that effectively).

    True Worship

    0
  • Posted by Troy Friesen
  • Oct 21, 2010
    • I received a nice card this week from someone in our choir which simply, yet profoundly, reminded me of what true worship is. The card said:
    True worship freely flows from hearts who've heard the melody of God's amazing grace.
    True worship shouldn't need to be coerced from those of us who have truly experience God's saving grace through Jesus Christ. It should be the natural overflow of a heart full of gratitude.

    Blog Facelift

    0
  • Posted by Troy & Adeana Friesen
  • Aug 17, 2010
    • I've got a new look. It's clean, easy to read and hopefully you like it!!

    Great Resources - Cheap

    0
  • Posted by Troy Friesen
  • Feb 5, 2010
  • Labels:
    • Sovereign Grace Ministries is having their huge February blowout sale. I know this is a shameless plug but we benefit from so many of their resources I thought I'd pass on this opportunity for you to get them at hugely discounted rates.

    I would encourage you to visit their website and check out their books and CD's and perhaps pick up a few.
    Read more »

    Not all Hymns are Created Equal

    0
  • Posted by Troy Friesen
  • Jan 22, 2010
  • Labels:
    • I want to suggest that it takes more than a great lyric to make a great hymn. Certainly, what a hymn or song says is of highest priority, but, unless a text is wed with a melody that is both singable and memorable, even the greatest lyrics are quickly forgotten.

    The reason "The Greats" survive the test of time is usually because their great texts are sung to great melodies that forever lodge themselves in our memory, making them accessible to us at any moment, in any place. This is one of the great powers of music - it's ability to cement those things associated with it (both good and bad) into our memory.In his book, Christian Leaders of the 18th Century, J.C. Ryle offers his thoughts on the power of good hymns.
    Good hymns are an immense blessing to the Church of Christ. I believe the last day alone will show the world the real amount of good they have done. They suit all, both rich and poor. There is an elevating, stirring, soothing, spiritualizing, effect about a thoroughly good hymn, which nothing else can produce. It sticks in men’s memories when texts are forgotten. It trains men for heaven, where praise is one of the principal occupations. Preaching and praying shall one day cease for ever; but praise shall never die. The makers of good ballads are said to sway national opinion. The writers of good hymns, in like manner, are those who leave the deepest marks on the face of the Church. (382)
    Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)