Category Archives: Worship Leadership

Worship after Easter: 10,000 Reasons to Praise God for the Gospel

Have you suffered the post-Easter duldrums? It sounds heretical, but I’m not talking theologically. Many pastors and worship leaders experience a natural let down after the proper focus we place on the Holy Week and especially Resurrection Sunday. It always … Continue reading

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Arts and Worship: 5 Thoughts on the Nature of Biblical Artistry

What is biblical art? Or what makes art biblical? For that matter, how do we know if someone’s artistry is truly biblical? What difference does it make for worship leaders and thoughtful cultural artists? If those questions have ever traveled … Continue reading

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The Role of Music in Global Missions: 10 Reasons Why We Need Musicians to Take the Gospel to the Nations

I’m currently reading K.P. Yohannan’s Revolution in World Missions, (get it free here). He has seen phenomenal results throughout Asia in taking the gospel to villages through national missionaries who are literally willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of … Continue reading

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Phil’s Top Ten Lists: 10 Reasons Why Every Worship Leader Should Play or Sing Outside His/Her Church

This week I’ve been playing in the pit orchestra for CYT Wichita’s production of Cinderella Enchanted next week. My participation has reminded me of some sage advice I received from Wade Williams of Perimeter Church in Atlanta. He encouraged me … Continue reading

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The Drama of Worship: 5 Ways to Improve Your Gospel Storytelling in Worship

Why do our children find themselves bored in our worship services? Is it because we don’t have enough cool videos or tantalizing children’s sermons? No. It’s because we’ve lost the art of storytelling. Children love to hear and watch great … Continue reading

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Phil’s Top Ten Lists: 10 Things to Make 2012 Memorable

The end of a year always provides a chance for analysis and forecasting. While it’s an arbitrary marker in certain respects, it allows us a chance to evaluate our work and lives. John Piper recently released his end of year … Continue reading

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Worship As Story: Crafting Worship Services that Rehearse the Gospel (An Album Review)

I love a great story. I especially like seeing a great movie or musical. Even now I can hear the haunting music as the tension rises only to be released in a moment of ecstatic joy. Characters facing overwhelming challenges … Continue reading

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God With Us: 5 Implications of the Incarnation for Corporate Worship

I love singing Advent songs like “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” and “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus.” They help me remember the longing Israel felt as they waited for God’s promised Messiah. Check out the two cool arrangements of these … Continue reading

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Phil’s Top Ten Lists: Top 10 Reasons to Celebrate Advent

If you grew up outside the church or in a broadly evangelical congregation, there’s a good chance you don’t know what to do with Advent. For years I thought Christmas and Advent were synonymous. Not true. They are inseparable, but … Continue reading

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Excellence in Worship: 7 Ways to Overcome the Tension Between Excellence and Performance

If you’re a church musician, I’m sure you’ve heard, said or been a victim of one of the following statements: “Worship is not a performance, so stop showing off every Sunday.” “God is more concerned about our hearts in worship, … Continue reading

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