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"I realized that as the lead pastor, I'm uniquely positioned to create the climate I desire— a climate of collaboration. My worship leader can request it, but I can make it happen."
Hymns have been an integral part of worship for centuries. Their enduring melodies and profound lyrics make them ideal for adaptation across a variety of musical styles. Here are five hymns that are easily adaptable, along with examples of how different artists have reimagined them.
"While the Bible does not explicitly use a window as a metaphor for worship, the connection between worship and transformed vision is pervasive. In addition to other metaphors for worship—e.g., worship as a sacrifice (Romans 12:1) or worship as a banquet/feast (Revelation 19:9)—I’d suggest that thinking of worship as a window can illuminate and clarify how we approach worship ministry."
“Rather than considering art as additional or supplemental to our worship as Christians, it invites our contemplation of the profound essential nature of art in our daily worship and liturgical gatherings.”
While content may be king in many realms, in worship, the priority is communion and connection with God and fellow worshipers. Here are several ways to foster community during worship gatherings.
“Isaiah’s vision of heavenly worship, however, reminds us that ultimately the ‘vertical’ and ‘horizontal’ dimensions of worship are inextricably bound together. Just as the seraphim “were calling out to one another,” we glorify God not only through praise directed toward God but also as we exhort, encourage, and bless one another.”
“The most important thing I have done to lead with resilience and maintain a healthy well-being is to create a Rule of Life for myself. A Rule of Life is the practices and rhythms you want to include in your daily life that will help you remain close to God, dedicated to your calling, and committed to your most important relationships. It might be helpful to think of a rule of life as a trellis that supports you in staying committed to the things that are most important to you.”
“One of the most important strategies is clear and consistent communication. We spent a healthy amount of time fleshing out our church mission, vision, and values. These have helped us clearly communicate what our purpose is as a church. These also guide everything we do when it comes to starting and/or supporting different ministries.”
“It is essential that we don’t just make changes as a leadership team, but that the congregation is not only aware of what we're doing but also why we're doing it so we can all contribute and work together.”
Worship Pastor, Vanessa Hairston, shares song suggestions for building a Gospel-packed worship set list.
“New Hope had already been streaming their services for many years. But the pandemic led to a more intentional approach to improving the online experience.”
“Most people come to worship acknowledging their failures over the past week. Good advice or calls for more effort won't change their condition, but an encounter with Christ through the proclamation of the Gospel can be transformative.”
“Similarly, when we break bread and share it with those in need—which is all of us in different ways—when we kneel and stand and celebrate and sing and serve, the bread becomes a gift, a transformative symbol, and we become the Body of Christ.”
“Like a woman bearing her unborn child, these leaders carry congregations through the pain, struggle, and uncertainty that mark transitions to the possibility of new life beyond.”
“I've told members of my church family that if you don't like a particular song, look around and see who does and pray, ‘Lord, thank You that this music is reaching them.’”
“If sports can unite strangers, why does something of infinitely more importance—worshiping God—so often divide us?”
“Worshiping an implicitly absent, distant God of “control” maligns God’s character and encourages our continued absence from God, one another, and those in need.”
“While good advice is valuable, it's the Good News that has the power to change lives and, indeed, the world.”
“If you are only leading your congregation to change, then you are going to be myopically focused on the obstacles that are presented by to church. But if you see yourself as a change agent for your community—if you recognize that you are called to lead that community—then you begin to perceive both the real opposition and incredible opportunities for transformation.”
“In the midst of a transformational phase at Andrews University, we acknowledge that numerous churches are likewise navigating their unique transitions. These changes often present both challenges and opportunities in leadership and cultural adjustments. As we collectively ponder the question, "How do we lead through change?" it's crucial to ground ourselves in one constant—Jesus Christ.”
Paul writes to the Church in Galatia, “[T]he fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Using a bit of liturgical license, let’s consider how each of these characteristics might relate to our worship practices.
“The traditional path of a student specializing in music studies has aligned itself with a few key areas—performance, pedagogy, and education. However, as a society evolves, so do the needs of its people, and this has posed a broader pool of professional opportunities for those seeking a career under the umbrella of music.”
“The core of the social practice of music is connectedness. God is triune and also desires a relationship with His creation. We are also wired this way, and the arts in worship contribute with wide-ranging benefits, including healing our spirit. When we come together and worship God through music, we participate in a way that is physical, mental, and spiritual—the trifecta experience!”
“What I am most excited to share with the community who will be coming to the Worship Leadership Certificate in August is the extraordinary opportunity to engage with music resources, training, inspiring worship experiences, and a network of nationally and internationally prominent worship scholars and leaders.”
“We seek holistic transformation and pursue “best practices” in our lives and ministries—including worship. But we do this not so that God will love and accept us but because God already does.”
“How can our interactions with one another in worship encourage, empower, and enable us to be more responsive and present to a gracious, ever-present God? And, in turn, how might that transform the way we are present with all those around us?”
“Good and meaningful fellowship and community are most essential. Our team really enjoys spending time together every week and also during the week. We try our best to have team nights and vespers where people can connect outside of Saturday mornings as well. I think community is one of the main reasons why people are so committed.”
It has now become a tradition of mine to celebrate our young people’s baptisms through these means.
My response to such objections would be…
When something happens in Scripture in a set of three, we are to pay attention, and take note.
“We are very intentional with our worship—from our mid-day start time to our casual dress, snacks, welcome activities, interactive prayers, music, and fellowship. Our non-traditional services take place in a relaxed setting where people can feel comfortable, as if they have known us for years. We want every new visitor to feel at home.”
“We are never more connected to the Body of Christ than when we are actively serving, worshipping, celebrating, learning, growing, and loving—when we are ‘churching’ together.”