Guest Worship Leader

This Sunday, Anthony is coming to lead worship at Westwood. He grew up in the area and is no stranger to the congregation. He plays guitar and has a great voice.

I have always loved his style of leadership. He chooses songs that are relevant, speaks life into the church members, and honors God throughout the worship service. His authenticity and passion for Christ are very contagious.

He recently participated in a band competition (Opening Act). Many individuals wanted see a lot of energy, outstanding performances, and memorable solos from the bands that were competing. When Anthony got on stage to play, he slowed everything down, brought appropriate attention to the Lord, and we worshiped. It was such a blessing to experience his leading in such a unique environment.

I look forward to Sunday and expect a wonderful time of praise and worship.

Pancakes!

When we came into church yesterday, we were welcomed by the wonderful aroma of pancakes cooking in the kitchen. Once the Sunday morning services were over, those of us who had been doing our best to quiet our growling stomachs, entered into a well orchestrated fundraiser by the youth group.

As Brianne and I enjoyed plate after plate, the quality of service on display by the youth group was amazing. These kids came in at 7am, cooked, set-up, decorated the room, greeted with smiling faces, and efficiently cleaned up when everyone was done.

Jeff (Westwood's Youth Director) is leading the youth group on a life-changing retreat this spring and this fundraiser will help keep the cost down for the students.

The food was tasty, the service was excellent, the atmosphere was lively, and everyone left in great moods. I look forward to the next time the church can enjoy an event by the youth group!

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.