Articles
Choosing Songs Of Worship: Word Salad or Holy Dialogue?
Posted on April 9, 2021
If you hadn't noticed it already, our Western culture has really shaped us for living for the moment. We live from event to event in an attempt to bring either excitement, pleasure, or even meaning to our lives. We make "bucket lists" of things to experience before we "kick the bucket." An insightful philosopher (Garth from Wayne's World) exhorted us to "live in the now." Robyn Williams, in Dead Poet's Society, told us to Carpe Deum (seize the day). Even (way back in the 1980s) Loverboy expressed the goal of a generation that Everybody's Working For The Weekend. All of this largely comes out of a worldview that is very existential. We are born. We live. We die. We need to get on with making the most of that window, shouldn't we more
Worship, Rinse, Repeat: Dispelling the Myth about Mindless Ritual
Posted on March 22, 2021
One of the advantages of being around a long time is that you get to see life across a bigger sample size. Cross-cultural travel and study help too, but sometimes it's helpful to examine one's own experiences to see if what we say as common sayings bear out any truth. One of those sayings associated with people in free-church or Evangelical faith is "empty ritual" - a holdover from the Reformation's reaction to the Roman Catholic ritualization of faith. Anything that smacked of repetitiveness was surely a sign that it was man's vain attempt at works righteousness in earning God's favor ... more
Have You Walked Alone? A Devotional based on Battle Belongs
Posted on February 13, 2021
Ever faced a vast army? Have you walked alone down your driveway to see an angry mob glaring back at you waiting for you to cross the residential boundary line so they could attack? Would you turn around and run back inside? The story in 2 Chronicles describes a vignette like this and is the inspiration behind the song "Battle Belongs." The people of God find themselves facing a war they cannot win without help ... more
When The Road Becomes Rocky - A Devotional based on The Blessing
Posted on February 13, 2021
I remember when the worship team first introduced the new song The Blessing. It was one of the last in-person weekend services before the first wave of COVID hit our area. As these powerful words reached our hearts, the Spirit moved profoundly through our auditorium. One by one, people stepped to the front of the church, hands raised, hearts opened to receive the gift in the blessing. The echo of this melody prepared our hearts for what was coming. We didn't know how much we needed to hear this. The timely reminder that His presence surrounds us; how He hems us in both behind and beside. While our world waged war with the invisible threat, The Blessing reminded us that through every hour of every day, our Father's face turns towards us ... more
Can You Hear Him Calling? A Devotional based on Graves Into Gardens
Posted on February 13, 2021
Not sure if you have been there before. The sweet moments of intimacy with Jesus where you know His closeness, are moved by His word and experience the fullness of His spirit. Walking into Sunday services being so close, feet hardly touching the ground as you walk to the stage, grab your music...plug in your instrument. Those are tender, meaningful times of worship; sweet moments of connection with a deep sense of purpose. You hear Him call your name on that mountaintop knowing that He is pleased with you ... more
September in Review
Posted on September 29, 2020
September has come and gone, and we are left with a world filled with new music. Among all the amazing albums, singles and EPs released this month there are three worship songs that stand out among the rest, here is September in review.
How To Match Your Vocal Range To Any Song With The Key Finder
Posted on March 28, 2020
Do you ever feel flustered, wondering what key you should sing a song in so that it matches your own personal vocal range? Every song has its own unique vocal range, and most of the time, the key of the original recording is not going to be a good fit for your own vocal range. You can see that at PraiseCharts, we create many custom key options for all the popular songs, but how do you know which key to choose? That is exactly why we built the Key Finder! It is free to use and incredibly practical. You can watch a full video demonstrating how it works by reading our blog, How To Use The New Key Finder ... more
Values and Practical Ideas For Leading Online Worship Services
Posted on March 21, 2020
These are both challenging and exciting times for the church! Every new movement in the history of the church has been accompanied by new music and new methods while the message never changes. During this Worldwide Pandemic, Worship Leaders have been given a great opportunity to incorporate new methods to communicate the unchanging message of the good news of Jesus Christ. You are a history maker!
Eleven Modern Worship Songs For A World In Chaos
Posted on March 15, 2020
COVID-19 has sent our world into a tailspin. It's a global crisis, for sure, but the effects are also very personal. Social distancing has become the new buzz word of our day. How can we survive this? We need each other. In all the seasons of life, this is a time for worship leaders to stand strong. We need you to bring us songs of hope, comfort, perspective, and truth. Songs put words of truth on the crest of melodic waves, triggering emotion and piercing our hearts. Music matters. Worship music matters even more. Authentic worship leaders, this is your time. We need you. Somewhat oblivious to the virus, we have seen a host of incredibly powerful worship songs rising to the surface in churches all around the world. During good times, these songs are lovely to sing together. During times of chaos, these songs take on new meaning as a lifeline to calm anxiety and help us fix our eyes on things that are true. Here is a list of eleven modern worship songs that can truly minister to you and the people you lead in this time of chaos and uncertainty.
Exclusive Pre-release: Christ Our Hope In Life And Death (Getty Music)
Featuring Getty Music Posted on March 12, 2020
We are excited to partner with Getty Music to give you, our PraiseCharts customers, exclusive pre-release access to one of the most anticipated new modern hymns of the decade. For a limited time, you can download the chord chart, choir sheet, and MP3 audio of Christ Our Hope In Life And Death for free -- only from PraiseCharts! We hope this song will be a huge blessing to your church and worship ministry. Don't forget to Pre-save the song on Spotify!
Song Story
What is your only comfort in life and in death? For centuries, believers have learned the Christian faith beginning with that question. It’s the first article in the Heidelberg Catechism of 1563. Why start there? Because death is our common fate. Unless Jesus returns first, we will all die. To find comfort in life, we must know how we can face death. Hope comes only in trusting the one who died to take the curse of death and who crushed the power of death by His resurrection. “Christ has been raised from the dead” (1 Cor 15:20). That is the only statement that can transform how we live each day and how we prepare for our earthly life to end.
The hope of the resurrection spurs us to sing. That’s why a group of songwriters from Getty Music wrote the modern hymn “Christ Our Hope in Life and Death.” Like the Heidelberg Catechism that inspired it, this song is honest about death. There is no need to shrink back from mentioning death in our hymns because we know the Living One who has conquered death forever. The Christian can sing hallelujah because Christ assures us of our glorious future. Now and ever, we confess: “I am not my own, but belong—body and soul in life and in death—to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.
Hear from Ryan Dahl in the Worship Leader Collective (WLCO) Podcast
Posted on February 10, 2020
Listen in to the latest episode of the Worship Leader Collective Podcast where host Jenni McGrew talks to Ryan Dahl (founder of PraiseCharts) about the heart behind PraiseCharts, and stories about where PraiseCharts is heading in the future. While you are at it, check out the previous episode featuring our good friend, Paul Baloche. Fun fact ... Ryan and Jenni are both going to be at the Worship Innovators Conference in Chicago, IL on June 8-9, 2020. If you want to join us, register soon www.worshipinnovators.com before it's full! ** Use promo code "PRAISECHARTS" to save $50 on your registration.
Top Worship Songs Of The 2010s - A Decade In Review
Posted on January 5, 2020
What an incredible decade the 2010s have been for modern worship songwriting. We have seen the rise of some amazing songs from world-class recording artists like Matt Redman, Chris Tomlin, Hillsong Worship, Hillsong United, Bethel Music, Lauren Daigle, and more. I am a huge fan of worship music. As we close out the second decade of the 21st century, I've put together a series of posts that will take you on a tour through the top worship songs during each of the last ten years. You can easily click through each year and take a journey down memory lane, reviewing some of the greatest worship songs that have been written in the last decade.
Taking Chord Charts To The Next Level In 2020
Posted on December 28, 2019
If there is one thing I can't stand, it is a poorly written chord chart. Wrong lyrics, wrong chords, spelling mistakes, misplaced chords, unclear rhythms, missing lyrics... the list goes on. I am a self-proclaimed chord chart fanatic. To me, there is an art to representing a song on a page with chords and lyrics in a way that is clear and memorable. A few weeks ago, I decided I was going to methodically go through all of our top selling chord charts and edit them to perfection. Perfect spelling, perfect chords, perfect phrasing, perfect line-breaking, perfect timing, and a perfect match to our corresponding lead sheets. Why should you have to waste your time at band practice with a bad chord chart? If you are interested, I'm going to take you on a back-stage tour of PraiseCharts -- to places that no one else has permission to access. Then, I'll show you some hidden features on the front-end of PraiseCharts that will unlock your hidden chord chart superpowers. Get ready to take it to the next level in 2020.
FinaleMusic Features PraiseCharts Lead Orchestrator, Dan Galbraith
Posted on February 4, 2019
We create a lot of different kinds of charts, but the crowning jewel of PraiseCharts is our modern worship orchestrations, uniquely designed for weekly congregational worship. Over the years, Dan Galbraith has penned more than 1500 full orchestrations for PraiseCharts. Along the way, he has attracted quite a following of music ministers who have come to trust his keen understanding of worship, music, and all the musicians that make up today's modern orchestra. Behind all the PDF's, Dan has literally become a master of one of the premier software platforms for arranging and transcribing: Finale. Recently, FinaleMusic interviewed Dan Galbraith, and have now posted a full story in their blog, highlighting Dan's journey as an arranger. Take a moment to peal back the curtain and get a behind-the-scenes look at the man who leads our network of arrangers at PraiseCharts. Read the full story at www.finalemusic.com/blog.
On Epiphany: The Manifestation
Featuring Dan Wilt Posted on December 29, 2017
“How does the church express the spirituality of being with Christ in his incarnation, manifestation to the world, death, resurrection, ascension, and coming again? How can we as members of the church participate in a present spirituality that is rooted in past events and anticipates a future event? The answer to this question is that we are shaped and formed spiritually by Christ in the church through a worship that continually orders the pattern of our spirituality into a remembrance of God’s saving deeds and the anticipation of the rule of God over all creation.
The Doxology by Dan Wilt
Posted on October 3, 2017
It is a crisp, Autumn morning in the year 1674. An 18-year old student at Winchester College, with the rolling countryside of county Hampshire and the great Winchester Cathedral whispering to him from his window, is preparing for his day. An open pamphlet on his desk, and the words of a Morning Hymn on his lips, the devout, singing student commits his day to his Lord. Unknown to him, the last of the 14 stanzas of that hymn will go on to become, very possibly, the most-sung hymn in all of history.
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Using Pad Tracks to Create Soundscapes
Posted on July 21, 2017
One of the many ways to use our Pad Tracks to create beautiful moments is to use them as a foundation for background soundscapes. In the following video, one of our producers simply loaded 4 of the different keys into his DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) and cross-faded between them. He then added some simple piano over top and just like that, a beautiful new piece of music was created!
We've Just Launched Pad Tracks
Posted on July 21, 2017
PraiseCharts is very pleased to announce the launch of our newest product: Pad Tracks! Pad Tracks are high quality audio tracks designed as background and transitional tracks that can be used in a variety of settings. These tracks are designed to create a beautiful soundscape that is contemplative and helpful in transitioning between songs in a worship setting. They are similar to Bed Tracks in that they can be used in a live band context, but also played in other situations such as during times of ministry, prayer, readings, etc. Pad Tracks allow for seamless transition from one song to another and can be easily played from an iPod, iPad, laptop or other device.
First Love: A New Worship Collection from Dennis Jernigan
Posted on June 5, 2017
First Love is a 16 song collection of simple and intimate worship songs by Dennis Jernigan, writer of the popular You Are My All In All. These songs were recorded over a three day period in the studios of the American Family Association in Tupelo, MS. During those three days, Dennis simply worshiped Jesus - just him and the piano, and First Love is the result. First Love includes 10 of Jernigan’s most popular worship songs like You Are My All In All, Thank You, We Will Worship the Lamb of Glory, Who Can Satisfy My Soul and more. Also included is Passionate Obsession - a song of deliverance from the Father’s perspective.
On Pentecost: The Spirit's Coming
Featuring Dan Wilt Posted on May 19, 2017
What Is Pentecost All About? Over the course of the first few centuries of the Church, various Sundays began to take on a yearly meaning for celebration. With the goal to remember the whole of the Story of God’s activity among humankind, a demarking of dates began to occur that spawned literally hundreds of ways of giving meaning to Sundays across Church history.
On My Side: A 7 Day Devotional by Kim Walker-Smith - Day 7 Fresh Outpouring
Featuring Kim Walker-Smith Posted on May 4, 2017
DAY SEVEN: Fresh Outpouring
Acts 2:17-19 In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke.
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On My Side: A 7 Day Devotional by Kim Walker-Smith - Day 6 Undone
Featuring Kim Walker-Smith Posted on May 3, 2017
DAY SIX: Undone
Luke 22:41-42 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed. “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.
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On My Side: A 7 Day Devotional by Kim Walker-Smith - Day 5 On My Side
Featuring Kim Walker-Smith Posted on May 2, 2017
DAY FIVE: On My Side
Psalm 91:14-16 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
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On My Side: A 7 Day Devotional by Kim Walker-Smith - Day 4 Just One Touch
Featuring Kim Walker-Smith Posted on May 1, 2017
DAY FOUR: Just One Touch
Luke 8:43-48 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. “Who touched me?” Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.” But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.” Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”
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On My Side: A 7 Day Devotional by Kim Walker-Smith - Day 3 I Know
Featuring Kim Walker-Smith Posted on April 30, 2017
DAY THREE: I Know
Psalm 62:6-8 He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
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On My Side: A 7 Day Devotional by Kim Walker-Smith - Day 2 Throne Room
Posted on April 29, 2017
DAY TWO: Throne Room
Revelation 4:8-11 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.” Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to him who sits on the throne for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”
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On My Side: A 7 Day Devotional by Kim Walker-Smith - Day 1 Brave Surrender
Featuring Kim Walker-Smith Posted on April 28, 2017
DAY ONE: Brave Surrender
Hosea 2:14-15 Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her. There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the Valley of Achor (trouble) a door of hope.
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Worship Songs For The National Day Of Prayer 2017
Posted on April 11, 2017
The National Day of Prayer is not just a vital part of America’s heritage, but is as relevant and critical today as it was at the first call by our Continental Congress in 1775. Established in public law by a joint resolution of Congress signed by President Truman in 1952, then amended to designate the day under the 100th Congress and President Reagan in 1988, it states that “The President shall issue each year a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as a National Day of Prayer on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups and as individuals.” Check out the official song for this event as well as a list of other related songs to use for your worship set.
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Need Help With You Last Minute Christmas Service Planning?
Posted on December 16, 2016
Christmas can be an overwhelming time for worship leaders. With so many services and special events to plan for, it can sometimes feel like keeping your worship sets fresh is a bit of a challenge. Perhaps you are working down to the wire to put together your Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services. We are here to help! Check out the following lists to help you find the resources you need.
What's Hot
What's New
New Multi-Tracks
New Orchestrations
Don Chapman's Christmas Eve & Christmas Worship Service Guide
Featuring Don Chapman Posted on December 8, 2016
Here is a way to take the pressure off for planning Christmas Eve. We have Don Chapman's Christmas Service Guide, Love Came Down. Everything is laid out to a tee! The guide is designed to be two services in one: a 6 song Christmas Eve Service and a 3 song Christmas Sunday service. Check out Don Chapman's other guides for Christmas ... more
Church Copyright Toolkit
Posted on November 17, 2016
If you’ve been assigned the often confusing and overwhelming task of copyright compliance for your church, the Church Copyright Toolkit, provided by our friends at CCS, helps make your job EASIER and SIMPLER…with all-inclusive, practical step-by-step guidelines to protect your church ministry. The FREE downloadable Toolkit features the tools and resources you need to obtain licenses, establish policies and procedures and avoid copyright infringement This resource was designed especially for you. You may be just beginning to research the necessary copyrights for your church, or you may have extensive copyright knowledge. In any case, we want to equip you with the tools and resources to assist you, as you seek to educate and inform other ministry leaders. ... more
Home For Christmas (Christmas Day)
Featuring Vineyard Worship Posted on November 9, 2016
It is Christmas Day, and the Light of all humankind shines brightly on us all! In the first chapter of his Gospel, the apostle John retells in microcosm the story of Genesis, the beginning of humankind – only this time, through the lens of Christ. John’s vision of Christ is perhaps the highest we have in the Scriptures. For John, Jesus is the everlasting “Word,” the “Word made flesh,” the One through whom “all things were made,” and the “Light of all mankind.” Later, John will call him the “Alpha and the Omega,” the “First and the Last,” and the “Beginning and the End” ... more
A Long Wandering To The Place We Call Home (Christmas Eve)
Featuring Vineyard Worship Posted on November 9, 2016
The story of Little Orphan Annie has intrigued generations of readers for almost a century. The 10-year-old orphan with curly red hair is loved and cared for by “Daddy” Warbucks, a wealthy benefactor who has come to treasure Annie. Clever and feisty, Annie triumphs over all manner of trouble with quick-thinking and the loving support of her caregiver. Before living in her “Father’s house,” Annie is alone, abused, and fighting for her life. But the day she comes to live with Daddy Warbucks is her salvation – she finds renewed courage, faith, and strength to face every challenge before her ... more
The Heart Comes Home – To Love (Fourth Sunday Of Advent)
Featuring Vineyard Worship Posted on November 9, 2016
For a moment, think about what you saw or read in your social media newsfeed over this past year. For the last 365 days, we woke up to news that made us laugh (cute kitten videos) or warmed our hearts (a newborn baby). We also woke up to interpersonal, national, and international news that shocked us, frightened us, or offended us. Each morning many of us turn on our mobile phones before having even one moment of silent reflection with God. When we do, we leave ourselves unguarded as a parade of injustice, violence, argument, and division – all publicly displayed on social media – assaults our emotions to start the day. Remaining “in the vine,” as Jesus taught His disciples in John 15, becomes ever more important as we walk as God’s people through times that are troubling ... more
The Heart Comes Home – To Joy (Third Sunday Of Advent)
Featuring Vineyard Worship, Vineyard Worship Posted on November 9, 2016
Apparently, God loves a good party. From the divinely-commanded feasts of the ancient Hebrews, to Jesus’ first miracle happening at a wedding reception, it seems that the God of the interstellar fireworks has a penchant for celebration. Weddings are “parties with a purpose.” After the ceremony and formal rituals of marital union are performed, well-dressed partiers of all ages typically join in a meal, a dance, and a time of festivity that rivals few others. In our time, constricting ties are loosened, and high heels are kicked off for a few hours of remembering that life is fleeting, and some parties should be embraced when they come along ... more
The Heart Comes Home – To Peace (Second Sunday Of Advent)
Featuring Vineyard Worship Posted on November 9, 2016
In the Christmas story so familiar to us all, there is one woman who gets most of the attention – Mary. As the mother of Jesus, this young girl courageously resists all ridicule to be found faithful to what she has seen and heard. Mary is iconic, a feminine vision of faith and trust in God for all the ages. In John’s Gospel, however, Mary is only mentioned twice – once when she asks Jesus for some practical help with a little wedding-wine- wonder-working (John 2:1-11), and the second time, at the foot of the cross, where Jesus asks John to care for her as he would his own mother (John 19:26-27). A different woman takes center stage in John’s Gospel, with almost an entire chapter devoted to her encounter with the “Word-made-flesh.” ... more
The Heart Comes Home – To Hope (First Sunday Of Advent)
Featuring Vineyard Worship Posted on November 9, 2016
Perhaps the most famous passage in the Gospel of John – even in the Bible itself – is John 3:16. We see the verse reference on banners, being waved enthusiastically behind the goal posts at professional football games, and on the bumpers of countless cars. But what do these words mean, and how do they speak of Advent? “For God so loved the world...” that “He gave...” are phrases that reveal two fundamental characteristics of the God of Christmas ... more
Heart Has A Home (Introduction)
Featuring Vineyard Worship Posted on November 8, 2016
Perhaps no theme is more resonant and present in Christmas literature - and throughout the literature of humankind – than the theme of coming “home.” In our most popular stories, people are always – either physically or metaphorically - wandering from home, looking for home, coming back home, or feeling at home ... more
Rick Muchow Shares 7 Simple Rules to Leading Worship For Small Groups
Posted on July 11, 2016
Over the years I have led worship for many small groups. I love it! Almost every small group I have led worship for has been grateful for the music as if they had a deep hunger to worship together in their intimate setting. One thing I have found in common with vibrant Small Groups is that they worship together. These groups find a way to sit together during most weekend worship services, attend Nights Of Worship, talk about worship, include worship in their group time and more. However many groups, sadly, have yet to discover or incorporate this missing jewel ... more
Good Good Father Devotional
Posted on May 26, 2016
After an unexpected storm of emotions and legal papers, my wife Beth and I found ourselves walking in to a small, cluttered, fluorescently lit room to meet with the adoption case worker. I don’t remember much about what was said: all of the things that we needed to do, all of the things that we wanted in a child, all of the things we might not. I don’t remember much because I was too distracted by a sheet of paper that was sitting in front of me on the table. There were these two tiny footprints in black ink. And even though the caseworker was probably saying some of these things in that meeting ... more
Freedom's Holy Light Patriotic Service Guide
Featuring Don Chapman Posted on May 15, 2016
Don Chapman's Freedom's Holy Light: Patriotic Service Guide is a good choice to make your Patriotic service planning even simpler. Purchase the complete Patriotic Service Guide or purchase individual songs. Be sure to check out My Country Tis Of Thee, America The Beautiful, and God Of Our Fathers.
New Orchestrations Released in April 2016
Posted on April 28, 2016
April was a busy month for orchestration production. Below is the list of songs that were released in the past number of weeks.
- Doxology (Amen) (Phil Wickham)
- Make A Way (I Am They)
- To Live Is Christ (Sidewalk Prophets)
- Send The Rain (William McDowell)
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Leading Publicly From The Secret Place
Featuring Watershed Music Group Posted on March 30, 2016
If one word could describe leading congregational worship in my 20s that would be it. “Leading worship and worshipping are two separate things,” I told myself. “I’m not here to worship but to take care of logistics so that others can worship.” It wore me out. It felt noble. It was rubbish. Years later an older man invited me to play a weekly two hour set at a local prayer room. Two hours. Seems like a long time, I thought. Twenty-five songs ought to do it ... more
Celebrating 15 Years of Getty Hymns
Featuring Posted on March 5, 2016
Easter is one of the most important times of the Church year. While every worship service we plan should be shaped by the Easter message, this is the time of year when everything in church life and in some sense the larger context of culture is oriented towards the triumph of Jesus over the grave. It is vital that we sing about the death and resurrection because in many ways that’s all we have (1 Corinthians 15:14). Yet for many people Easter will be their only connection with the Gospel. Easter is one of the best platforms to really encourage our congregation to sing well ... more
Christ Redeemer An Unforgettable Experiential for Easter and Beyond
Featuring Nate Marialke, Influence Music Posted on March 1, 2016
Christ Redeemer / Christ our healer / Christ the victor, servant king / Savior forever, mercy unending / Lord eternal, Price of Peace
When a songwriter pens the song that may be the crescendo of his or her life’s work, it would be great to think that there would be some kind of sign-a bell dinging or fireworks bursting overhead or even a little reveille horn bit to signify ‘This is the one!’ But that never happens. A more likely scenario, especially in the realm of worship songwriting, is this: the Spirit moves, the worshiper/songwriter writes and until the song finds its way into the hearts of the congregation, no one ever knows how far the song will reach or the impact it will have... more
Measureless: The Story Behind the Song
Featuring Shelly E. Johnson Posted on January 22, 2016
One of my favorite aspects of church music is the history. Some Sundays we sing songs that were written a year ago or a decade ago. And some Sundays we sing songs that were written centuries ago. We get to be part of this beautiful history of God's people singing God's story, generation after generation. There's an "old hymn" that I have been surprised to discover is largely unknown among many of my worship leader friends. It's called "The Love of God", and it was written in 1917 by a guy named Frederick Lehman ... more
Why Celebrate Advent and Christmas?
Featuring Vineyard Worship Posted on December 12, 2015
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year...” ring the words of an old Christmas song. But why? Why does celebrating Christmas, and the season of Advent that leads up to it, matter? In the early centuries of the Church, it became clear that the rhythms of time – days, weeks, years, and lifetimes – could be used to help Christians remember and reclaim the saving events of Jesus life. Jesus’ birth (the Incarnation), and Jesus’ triumph over death (the Resurrection), were the two obvious themes that would shape the year ... more
Bethel Music Kids Come Alive
Featuring Bethel Music Posted on December 11, 2015
As Bethel Music introduces their new brand for kids with the debut album, Come Alive, they invite the next generation to experience worship and live in wonder of God. With reimagined songs meant to get kids dancing and praising in every hour of the day, the high-energy worship is ready to kindle fire in a whole new audience
- Breaking Through (Bethel Kids)
- Chasing You (Bethel Kids)
- Deep Cries Out (Bethel Kids)
- Ever Be (Bethel Kids)
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Christmas Piano Classics by Dennis Jernigan
Featuring Dennis Jernigan Posted on November 29, 2015
Dennis Jernigan loves to play the piano and he loves Christmas. Dennis feels the piano is an extension of his heart when he plays. He believes his life forever would have been one of futility had Jesus never been born. Christmas Piano Vol 1 & 2 combines those two loves and the result is a simple yet majestic worship experience for the listener ... more
HOPE: It’s More Than A Wonderful Life (First Sunday of Advent)
Featuring Vineyard Worship Posted on November 20, 2015
In the beloved Christmas movie, It’s A Wonderful Life, George Bailey (played by Jimmy Stewart) is faced with a continual stream of failed attempts to rise above his small, hometown existence. Finally, at the moment of his deepest despair, he prepares to end his life by jumping from a bridge. Before he can leap, an angel appears on the scene to show him how his “insignificant” life has impacted the lives around him. Not only was this movie the top-grossing film of 1947 ... more
My Response To “8 Reasons The Worship Industry Is Killing Worship”
Featuring Dan Wilt Posted on November 9, 2015
According to the social media gurus, subtlety and nuance is out, and sweeping, provocative language is in. People listen when we cut it short, and say it strong. When we’re talking about worship however, in all its forms, nuance will always matter. On the whole, we should always be more like Ents from The Lord Of The Rings trilogy, taking a long time to say anything important, anything of eternal import, rather than offering sharp sound bites that spark a conversation we may or may not be committed to curate ... more
The Light That Leads Us Home (Introduction)
Featuring Vineyard Worship Posted on November 3, 2015
“’Twas the night before Christmas…” the 19th century poem begins, and goes on to say, “…the stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there.” Saint Nicholas. Known in many countries for over a thousand years as Father Christmas, Pere Noel, Weihnachtsmann (“the Christmas Man”), and, of course, Santa Claus, the name of Saint Nicholas has become synonymous with the ideas of winter, generosity, festivity, presents, children, box stores, outrageous sales, and last, but not least – Christmas ... more
PEACE: Beyond A Christmas Carol (Second Sunday of Advent)
Featuring Vineyard Worship Posted on November 1, 2015
Scrooge is the Christmas poster boy for selfishness, greed, and the desire to win at all costs. We love to hate (or at least pity) the Scrooge that appears early in the first half of the story A Christmas Carol. We also love to see the transformation that occurs in him by the end of the story. After meeting the ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Future, Scrooge is “scared straight.” Waking from the most terrifying night of his life, he becomes generous, and turns over a new leaf ... [admin]
JOY: The Miracle On 3:16th Street (Third Sunday of Advent)
Featuring Vineyard Worship Posted on October 31, 2015
In a Macy’s department store, a strange Christmas happening occurs. In the movie, Miracle On 34th Street, an old man going by the name “Kris Kringle” sets about the task of bringing back the spirit of Christmas by filling in as a Macy’s department store Santa. The children love him, but the story hinges on Kris convincing Doris, the store’s special events director, that he is the real Santa Claus.
LOVE: I'm Dreaming Of A Bright Christmas (Fourth Sunday of Advent)
Featuring Vineyard Worship Posted on October 30, 2015
According to the Guinness Book Of World Records, the song “White Christmas”is the bestselling single of all time. Written in 1940 by Irving Berlin in his hotel room, the song has sold over 100 million copies worldwide, and the version sung by Bing Crosby (highlighted in the movie White Christmas) has alone sold an estimated 50 million copies. Written during World War II, Berlin apparently told his secretary, “Grab your pen and take down this song ... more
Musician & Worship Leader's Guide to the Musical Instrument "Carry On" Law for Air Travel
Posted on October 6, 2015
A couple weeks ago, I was headed out on a vacation to Hawaii. Prior to the trip, we'd made plans to visit friends who happen to have moved to the big island of Hawaii only months before. As it turned out, we put together a worship night and invited more local friends on the island to join us ... more
Moving Toward God With Doxology
Featuring Dan Wilt Posted on September 21, 2015
In working with artists and worship leaders, I am often drawn to Genesis for insights that help us to understand God, ourselves, and the raw power of “making” in the world. A recent study in Genesis unearthed the following nuggets from poet and Old Testament scholar Walter Brueggemann in Genesis: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. Here are a few selections that moved me in the first section of the book ... more
5 Reasons Lament And Praise Must Stand Together In Worship
Featuring Dan Wilt Posted on April 20, 2015
I lead worship every week for my community, and the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – as well as disease, unemployment, divorce, and many other struggles – are always in the room with us. If a theology of resurrection (the empty tomb, renewal, personal transformation, healing, miracles) does not stand together in worship with a theology of suffering (the full cross, intercession, trouble, sorrow, struggle), then I contend our worship is out of accord with both the Scriptures and the daily news. more
8 Ways A Worship Leader Can Be A Good Host At Rehearsal
Featuring Dan Wilt Posted on April 9, 2015
A worship rehearsal is about to happen. Band members begin to roll in, to get set up for downbeat time. As they come in the door, the worship leader is there, already set up and prepared, ready to help them bring in gear. Sounds crazy? Maybe. more
My Response To “5 Reasons Jimmy Fallon Is One Of The Best Worship Leaders In The World”
Featuring Dan Wilt Posted on April 1, 2015
My daughter showed me the post someone shared on Facebook. I’ll be honest; when I saw the title, I was angry. I even ranted in our kitchen. The title (and, I assumed, the post that would follow) was taking another pop-culture hunk out of the high calling of worship leadership. She said, “It’s viral; people really love it.” I said, “Of course they do.” more
Throne of Praise Devotional by Phillips Craig & Dean
Featuring Posted on March 24, 2015
Many years ago, while in London and Oxford, I toured some historic sites and saw various famous chairs and thrones. I remember thinking, “They aren’t as big and lavish as I thought.” Some were simple wooden thrones. Others were bejeweled with a few rare gems set in prominent view. What would have made the scene more spectacular would have been to get a glimpse of some royalty seated there, scepter in hand, servants standing by to carry out orders. The room would have taken on a whole new atmosphere had Henry VII or Queen Victoria been seated there. It’s who is seated there that makes all the difference. more
7 Best Practices For Running A Great Worship Rehearsal
Featuring Dan Wilt Posted on January 13, 2015
Rehearsing is just plain, hard work. Every worship leader, band member, and pastor I know all loves the end result of rehearsal – seamless music, the rising and falling of beautiful, passionate worship, and the silent hum of a well-oiled community doing ministry together. But as I said, rehearsal is just plain, hard work. more
With You We Walk A New Year Prayer For Churches
Featuring Dan Wilt Posted on January 5, 2015
I wrote this New Year prayer 4 years ago in a time of great transition, and wanted to share it with you. It is designed to be read in a church service, or at a family meal table some time more
3 Keys To Leading A More Meaningful Life In The New Year
Featuring Dan Wilt Posted on January 5, 2015
Every year, as we enter a New Year, we have high hopes for living a more meaningful, purposeful life. Here are three ideas, that can be applied by anyone from any walk of life, that will help you move on your desire to lead a more meaningful life in the New Year. more
Three Benefits Of Prepaid Credits
Featuring PraiseCharts Posted on January 4, 2015
The start of the year is one of the best times to think about storing up some prepaid credits in your PraiseCharts account. We designed this program many years ago, specifically for people who make use of PraiseCharts on a regular basis. If you want to make the most of your worship music budget in 2015, consider these reasons to buy prepaid credits more
The Fraction Principle How To Make Beautiful Music By Playing Less
Featuring Dan Wilt Posted on December 29, 2014
The Fraction Principle is, perhaps, the most important band-arranging principle any musician, worship leader, or arranger can implement immediately to make their music start sounding 100% better. I first heard about The Fraction Principle from my master arranger/co-writing buddy, Bruce Ellis. He spoke in terms of the “Layering Principle” (which includes The Fraction Principle, plus other ideas on building a band’s sound from the ground up). Then I heard Brian Doerksen more
Christmas Carols For Acoustic Worship Saves Church Worship Service
Featuring PraiseCharts Posted on December 19, 2014
The best part of what we do at PraiseCharts is connecting with the people who use our resources on a weekly basis. We often hear stories about how a worship leader's job has been made a little easier through a simple download. Truthfully, this is why we do what we do. We are passionate about resourcing the church with worship music. The Christmas season can be a very busy time, both personally and within the doors of the church. It is often at this time that we find people rely on PraiseCharts for their many Christmas season services. Today, once again, our hearts were touched by a call we received from a priest in a small town in Nevada. more
An Open Letter To My Fellow Worship Leaders The Secret To The Most Effective Worship Leading On Planet Earth
Featuring Dan Wilt Posted on December 17, 2014
My Fellow Worship Leader, in the short space of this blog post, I’d like to disclose what I believe is the powerful secret at work within the most effective, influential, impacting, and Christ-modeling worship leaders/songwriters of our generation. more
Make No Mistakes 3 Ways To Move From Sloppy To Solid In Your Musicianship
Featuring Dan Wilt Posted on December 5, 2014
The night was seamless. On the stage were 4 of Nashville’s most respected songwriters, and an acoustic house band made up of musicians in their 20s or 30s. They were doing an intimate concert for television. From the first note played it was clear – all musicians on the stage were fantastic in their own right. It was also clear that not one audible mistake was going to occur over the course of 15-20 songs. more
Israel’s Hope On Your Journey To Bethlehem (An Advent Message And Hymn)
Featuring Dan Wilt Posted on December 3, 2014
Advent, the beginning of the Worship Year in the Christian calendar, is the start of our journey toward the celebration that is Christmas. The Worship Year is a way that Christians have ordered their daily, weekly, and yearly spirituality around the Christ event, or Christ’s coming in the adventus (Advent means “the coming”). We observe the Cycle of Light, which is Advent (anticipation), Christmas (celebration), and Epiphany (proclamation). We then round out the year observing the Cycle of Life, which is Lent (anticipation), Easter (celebration), and Pentecost/After Pentecost (proclamation). As Advent begins, we are each entering a new journey into the meaning, the heartbeat, of Christmas – and today we step across that starting line into the possibility of a fresh encounter with God in the Advent season. more
My (Short) Response To Ed Stetzer’s “Letter To My Worship Leaders”
Featuring Dan Wilt Posted on November 26, 2014
I am deeply grateful for Ed Stetzer, and the profound wisdom and insight embodied in his articles posted by Christianity Today, “A Letter To My Worship Leaders” Part 1 and Part 2. Every worship leader should read them, own them, and keep them in front of them. I have trumpeted similar calls in everything I have ever written or said as a trainer of worship leaders/pastor for 25 years. However, there are just two areas within the letters, one macro and one micro, that unsettle me. They unsettle me not because they are explicitly wrong – they unsettle me because they represent two classic Evangelical approaches to corporate worship that are “in the water,” and are now conventional thinking on the topic. I would like to respectfully challenge them, as one who is within this tribe. more
Manners 101 For Worship Teams (Or 5 Ways Your Attitude Changes Everyone’s Sunday Morning)
Featuring Dan Wilt Posted on November 12, 2014
Many of us have been part of a worship community where worship leaders, musicians, sound techs, and visual techs have interacted for years. Every worship community has a “relational climate,” a tone of interacting that (eventually) dramatically influences both the worship experience of the church and the Body Life of the worship community. From my experience, especially during rehearsals, we could all use a Manners 101 course. When Susie has stress in her eyes, and Jim Bob is wrestling with some hidden anger, it changes the music. more
Get Ready For Online Multi-copy Permissions
Featuring PraiseCharts Posted on October 29, 2014
Finally, after more than a year of development, we are ready to roll out a major update to PraiseCharts that offers online multi-copy permissions. We have tried to make the process easy and affordable for all our products. First off, you can make up to five copies of anything you buy at PraiseCharts with your initial purchase. If you need more copies, they are $1 each for vocal and instrumental parts, and $0.25 cents each for chord charts and audio tracks. more
10 Best Practices For Worship Sound Techs
Featuring Dan Wilt Posted on October 27, 2014
Perhaps no technical leader faces more challenges on any given Sunday morning than the Sound Tech. With demands from every side, opinions aplenty, an ear to the Pastor (the real head Sound Tech), an an ear to the worship leader/band, and an ear to the Holy Spirit, this role requires a saint, a sound technician, and a servant – all wrapped up in one. Gleaned from some of the most skilled and great-hearted Worship Sound Techs I know, here are 10 Best Practices For Worship Sound Techs. more
12 Elements Of A Thriving Worship Culture
Featuring Dan Wilt Posted on October 20, 2014
Every church has a culture, and every worship ministry within a church has a culture as well. Our worship culture determines our long-term effectiveness at loving each other deeply, making beautiful music, creating environments that disciple, mentor, and release others (often to replace us), and building consistent spaces that empower our community in Kingdom worship. I put together the following “Our Worship Culture” statement for our own worship community at the Vineyard Church of Franklin in TN, and am posting it here if it can be helpful in forming your own for your church. more
10 Best Practices For Worship Vocalists
Featuring Dan Wilt Posted on October 20, 2014
The vocals in a worship band are an instrument, and when played well, musically, and in intentional connection with the rest of the music the band is making – can lift the worship experience in a local church to some beautiful heights. Here are 10 Best Practices for Worship Vocalists I’ve gleaned from many effective leaders, arrangers, and producers over the years that will help take the vocal instruments in your band to the next level. more
The Vision Behind the Album Salvation Rise by NewSpring Worship
Featuring NewSpring Worship Posted on October 14, 2014
Weekly Worship Team Devotional Are You Ready To Risk Again?
Featuring Dan Wilt Posted on October 2, 2014
ARE YOU READY TO RISK AGAIN? From John 6 in The Message. “The Spirit can make life. Sheer muscle and willpower don’t make anything happen. Every word I’ve spoken to you is a Spirit-word, and so it is life-making. But some of you are resisting, refusing to have any part in this.” (Jesus knew from the start that some weren’t going to risk themselves with him…).’” more
In-Ear Monitors 10 Best Practices For Worship Musicians
Featuring Dan Wilt Posted on September 30, 2014
Many churches these days have moved to IEMs (In-Ear Monitors) to reduce stage clutter, tighten up sound, and heighten musicality in the band. The sound and individual control of IEMs is fantastic, but it takes some getting used to – especially because the relational, community environment that is worship is very different from a straight performance. Gleaning from some great friends who have gone before us in the IEM world, here are 10 best practices for using IEMs in your worship environment. more
4 Silver Bullets For Battling Depression In Your Life
Featuring Dan Wilt Posted on September 25, 2014
Like millions today, I’ve faced the demon of depression for much of my life. In fact, I’ve battled severe depression ever since I was in the 7th grade, when I would cry my way through a long day of classes with a book held up in front of my face to hide my tears. My parents didn’t know what to do with my incessant sadness, and a brief mental breakdown during my high school years raised everyone’s awareness – especially my own – that something was not right inside. Even as a leader in the worlds of faith and the arts for over 25 years, the battle has never left – but a few silver bullets have made the clouds lift more often than not. more
How To Bring Your Congregation Forward In Worship
Featuring Dan Wilt Posted on September 22, 2014
We all know the feeling. On any given week, the worship leader has invested hours of work preparing for that 20 minutes, 30 minutes, or 45 minutes of musical worship expression on Sunday. Themes have been chosen, songs have been selected, arrangements have been decided, and the band has been well-rehearsed. Then, Sunday morning comes. more
Weekly Worship Team Devotional What Is On Your Spiritual Business Card?
Featuring Dan Wilt Posted on September 16, 2014
From Luke 3 in The Message. “After all the people were baptized, Jesus was baptized. As he was praying, the sky opened up and the Holy Spirit, like a dove descending, came down on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: ‘You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life.’” more
How To Start A Worship Circle In 7 Steps
Featuring Dan Wilt Posted on September 11, 2014
Many years ago I gathered about 50 college students into a room on the upper floor of our small university’s main building. I had called the idea a “Worship Circle,” based on a phrase that was floating around at the time. I invited anyone who wanted to come, from kids, to students, to adults. I wasn’t prepared for what would happen that night. Since that night all those years ago, I’ve run many Worship Circles with groups of 5 to 200, in many denominations – and they work. First, I’ll give you an example of a Worship Circle, then we’ll look at how to start your own. more
Gungor Beeching And Moving On From Christian Celebrity Culture
Featuring Dan Wilt Posted on September 3, 2014
On this blog, I intentionally stay focused on supporting worship leaders and teams with ideas, inspiration, and hopefully raw encouragement that keeps us strong in doing what we do for the long haul. But some things get going out there that ruffle feathers, cause confusion, and even stir fear in us. The recent news items about Michael Gungor/Genesis, and Vicky Beeching/Gay have had quite a ripple effect. My response here, as usual, is neither my perspective on Genesis or homosexuality. My opinions are strong on both issues, but something else felt more important than those. more
Weekly Worship Team Devotional Worship Is Collaboration With The Congregation
Featuring Dan Wilt Posted on August 31, 2014
Worship is collaboration with the congregation. From 1 Corinthians 14:26 in The Message. “When you gather for worship, each one of you be prepared with something that will be useful for all: Sing a hymn, teach a lesson, tell a story, lead a prayer, provide an insight.” more
Weekly Worship Team Devotional Create Something For Others
Featuring Dan Wilt Posted on August 22, 2014
The very first verse of the Bible tells us something about the way God works in the world that should cause us to sit up and take notice. God creates. From nothing, He creates. For something, He creates. God is about making things, but those things He makes always have a purpose. At the beginning of time, God creates all things, in part, for you and for me. Every shining star, every dancing rain drop – it all started from Love. more
Congratulations to the 45th Annual Dove Award Nominees!
Featuring PraiseCharts Posted on August 14, 2014
The Gospel Music Association (GMA) released the 2014 Dove nominations this week at the Lipscomb University campus, the same place the awards will take place on October 7, 2014. Here is a list of all the nominations. We wanted to personally congratulate all the nominees! more
Alert 1970 Was (Almost) 50 Years Ago
Featuring Dan Wilt Posted on August 8, 2014
My blog post for today contains a little math. This math does not a contain a revelatory or revolutionary idea, but when applied to worship music, church design, communicating to different demographics in our churches, and reaching out to the world of the 21st century – it matters. more
Why "Worship Is All About God It Is Not About Us” Is Dead Wrong
Featuring Dan Wilt Posted on August 4, 2014
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a hundred times. I’ve heard pastors and conference speakers say it, too. You probably know the phrase, or some version of it: “Worship is all about God!” The crowd always responds with some measure of enthusiasm. After all, we are called to make God famous, to proclaim His renown, right? But then, after I’ve made that bold and seemingly noble statement, I’ve followed it up with a phrase that carries the weight of a logical afterthought. Confidently I would say, “Worship is all about God – it is not about us.” I know what I’ve meant all these years. And in most ways, I’ve been wrong. Dead wrong. So has everyone else who has said it – especially without qualification. more
Weekly Worship Team Devotional Come Out Of Hiding
Featuring Dan Wilt Posted on July 30, 2014
Many of us as worship leaders, musicians, and technical leaders have gotten somewhat skilled at hiding from God. Just like Adam and Eve, we avoid the vulnerable moment where God speaks into an area of quiet unbelief, misguided hope, disobedience or sin in our lives – even if we know His goal is to heal us and love us to life. We especially avoid those moments if He chooses to speak through someone else. Becoming whole is a vulnerable process, and Adam and Eve knew it as well as us. more
7 Tips On Taking Your Sunday Morning Worship To The Next Level
Featuring Mark Cole Posted on July 24, 2014
I love leading God’s people in worship. I have been blessed to have lead church worship teams at home and around the world for over twenty-five years. Here are a few things that I have learned along that way. more
What I’ve Learned About Picking New Songs For Worship
Featuring Mark Cole Posted on July 11, 2014
Picking great songs for worship is one of the most important skills a worship leader needs to learn. There are many different kinds and levels of songs. Some songs are written about God, some songs are written to express our feelings, some songs are sung prayers, some songs are upbeat praise songs and some songs are pure worship to God. more
Is It Too Loud? Worship Accompaniment Vs. Worship Immersion Culture
Featuring Dan Wilt Posted on July 9, 2014
A few years ago, after our worship gathering one Sunday morning, two very different people came to me. One was a young man in his late 20s, and the other was an older woman in her late 50s. After they spoke to me, I realized that there are two profoundly distinct “worship experience cultures” gathering in our churches today – and their diverse perspectives on worship are making the creation of effective gatherings a tremendous challenge. more
Choir Sheets Now Available With Four Part Harmony For Your Worship Choir
Featuring PraiseCharts Posted on July 9, 2014
This summer, we have been updating our most popular charts with a Choir Sheet, specially designed for your worship leading choirs. These charts offer four part harmonies in a traditional SATB format. You can use them along with our regular Lead Sheets, Rhythm Charts, Piano Parts, and full Orchestrations. Your choir members will enjoy these concise, easy to read charts, that focus on harmonies and lyrics. more