It was a year of losing members—an energetic young couple because of a job transfer, several families because of theological disputes, and another family because, frankly, they didn't get their way about several issues. Trying to answer the congregation's endless questions of "Why don't we see So-and-so here anymore," the church board was feeling weary, put-upon, and defeated.
DEVOTIONS Altered Reality It is impossible to encounter the presence of God and remain unchanged. David L. Goetz
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In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another:
DEVOTIONS Not Off The Hook God doesn't let us off the hook by offering us a life of ease. Max DePree
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Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"
And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"
He said, "Go and tell this people: 'Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.'
"Make the heart of this people callused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with ...
What's the Big Picture Recognizing God at work can help overcome low morale. Steve Bierly
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The Case
It was a year of losing members—an energetic young couple because of a job transfer, several families because of theological disputes, and another family because, frankly, they didn't get their way about several issues. Trying to answer the congregation's endless questions of "Why don't we see So-and-so here anymore," the church board was feeling weary, put-upon, and defeated.
In this interview, Tim Keller, pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in midtown Manhattan, New York, reflects on the "learned skill" of worship that pleases God.
Is worship doing what comes naturally? Or is it a skill that must be learned?
Tim Keller: Worshiping God is an instinct that's gone awry. As a result, it must be learned, but as it's learned, it feels utterly right and natural.
How God Evaluates Worship Putting good theology into congregational practice involves more than just the mind. Jack Hayford
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In my experience, theological discussions about worship tend to focus on the cerebral, not the visceral—on the mind, not the heart. True worship, we are often taught, is more about the mind thinking right about God (using theologically correct language and liturgy), rather than the heart's hunger for him.
But the words of our Savior resound the undeniable call to worship that transcends the intellect: ...
Bring Down That Wall How can we lower the barrier between pastors and musicians? Nancy Beach
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In too many of our churches, there is a wall, not made of brick and mortar, or even drywall, but just as real. Although rarely acknowledged, this wall effectively divides musicians and other artists from pastors and teachers.
In most cases, the wall is not erected intentionally or maliciously, yet it blocks vital communication and damages Sunday services more than we know. Even if they can't identify ...
Sparring Over Worship 5 points to make when your congregation dukes it out over musical styles. Steve Bierly
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I wrestled with whether to let Kevin sing during the morning worship service. I felt uncomfortable with one of his selections, a soft rock song done in a falsetto. But I overrode my reservations; the song was theologically correct and had a clear message.
Afterward, one church leader told Kevin his song was "an abomination that totally ruined the worship service" and that "this sort of thing has no ...
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