Friberg's Friday Favorite

This well-written song could be used throughout the season of Lent and for a Good Friday service.

Spirit and Truth

I had the privilege of speaking to the youth group at Westwood last night on the topic of worship. We talked about Cain and Abel, the widow's mite, and Jesus' interaction with the woman at the well (John 4). Naturally, the question of the night was, "What does it mean to worship in spirit and in truth?"

Vernon Whaley (Called To Worship) succinctly described what it means to worship God in spirit and truth. I used his words as the springboard for our small group discussion.

"The center of worship lies in the position of our heart. To worship God in spirit requires that we are alive on the inside through the power of Jesus Christ as stated in John chapter 3 on being born in the Spirit. We cannot worship in spirit if God isn't present in our heart.

To worship God in truth requires that you worship Him for who He truly is. This isn't merely lip service but a life backed by the integrity that reflects the Spirit of God at work inside of you."

We had a great night! I believe a number of students left with a better perspective on worship and a deeper relationship with Christ.

Wednesday's Brian Teaser

Two questions -

(1) Name the city where I proposed to Brianne.
(2) In the same location (three years later), Brianne and I completed an event. What was it?

Prize to the winner?

New Music

What is the best way to introduce a new song to the church? How do you know if you have a good new song for the church to sing? A lot of what I learned has come from Bob Kauflin (Worship Matters).

Here are some steps that I take when choosing new songs:
1. The song should say something. In my younger years, I focused on how "cool" the groove sounded. While the arrangement of the music is important, the lyrics connect the congregation to God.
2. There should be some variety and creativity in the song. We all are different, yet uniquely created by God. It is important that the new song does not sound like all the other songs the church is singing. As Bob Kauflin said, "Musical variety communicates God's heart for all generations, cultures, and races."
3. The song should encourage the church to worship God. My personal philosophy is vertical worship (songs that draw one's attention upward to God). New songs are easier to sing when the focus of the song is on the Lord.

It is essential for the worship leader to lead the church in all types of songs (hymns, choruses, new music, etc.). It is also important that the worship leader have a plan when selecting new music. I appreciate what God is teaching me through worship music.

"Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy."
Psalm 33:3 (NIV)

Train Wreck

Yesterday, we experienced a monumental derailing of the first song in the 9:00 service. It was painfully awesome. The congregation cringed and smiled. The worship team enjoyed a good memory and something to laugh about later.

Here is what happened:

Before service began, we were rehearsing the song, Those Who Trust. The band had the groove and the vocals sounded great. Right before we left rehearsal, one of the singers wanted to make sure that we had all the parts covered in the chorus. We sang it about 7 times. We nailed it and were ready for the service.

However...

We started the service with the song. We sang verse 1 twice and then the chorus. When we got to verse 2, half the band thought we were singing the chorus again (because we rehearsed it 7 times at the end of practice). Two of the singers (and half the band) continued to repeat the chorus while the rest of us started verse 2. In musical terms, half the band was playing a C major chord while the other half was playing a E minor 7 chord; two of the singers were singing, Though the world moves like mad, while the other singers were singing, Those who trust in the Lord.

There was an even better crash after we sang the chorus the second time. Half of the group continued on with the chorus, while the other half played verse 3.

After the service, we all laughed and enjoyed the memorable train wreck. I only wish I had a video that captured the moment.