Brave Worship Blog
Many times as songwriters, we believe we are supposed to fit into one of two categories: words or music. Have you heard this before? After over 1,000 co-writes, I have come to believe that I see seven types of songwriters. Seven tribes, if you will. I hope this broader view helps you to understand who you are as a writer and those you write with in greater ways. There are amazing things about every one of these types, and we need them all in the Kingdom!
I created a resource a few years ago called "The 4 Pillars of Christian Music". Surprisingly, I've had a number of people come to me since then telling me how valuable it was for them to do an honest overview assessment of their music and marketing. So, in that same spirit, I'd like to update it a bit (back then, there was no Instagram or Snapchat, and mobile phones weren't as popular as they are now, for example) and add a twist to it for artists and songwriters recording music (that's you!) today.
Have you ever wondered how worship leaders choose which songs they use? Have you ever wondered how YOU should choose the songs you bring to your church? After years of planning worship services I can say that there are a few key things that I consider when choosing songs. By no means is this a complete list…and there’s lots of biased sprinkled in all along this process. However, I believe that these ten tips will help you be more confident in choosing the right songs for your congregation. Here we go!
There are a few things in nature that really speak to my spirit: the ocean, clouds, and trees. I can sit and look at any one of them and feel like God is telling me a story. Their sound and movement always seem to be sharing something about His character. They remind me that while He is so much greater than I can comprehend, He also cares about each little part of us, every moment and breath…
Dear Brave, I would much prefer this introduction be in person, over a cup of coffee with good music playing in the background, rather than a letter I’m writing from my front porch in Ohio. However, God seems to find ways of connecting us all despite geographical divides, so I’m being obedient and believing that community pervades distance. As I write, I’m picturing you all in my mind. I’m hoping this letter finds you rested, healthy, and whole.
I long for a day when each woman called to serve the church is shepherded the way I was when I entered ministry. I long for couples to do ministry together the way that Chris and I have been honored to do. I’m a mom to four boys and I want them to be able to serve without being held back, but I also want them to be able to support their future wives in serving in their callings as well…
Motherhood is an invitation into the up-close-and-personal of our lives. It’s one of the most beautiful and crucial parts of God’s design for His children. And contrary to a lie that has gripped our generation: you don’t lose your identity when you become a mom… your identity is added to. God made YOU, with all of your gifts, talents and passions to be your kids’ mom, and they need to see the real you. They need to see what gets you fired up, what refreshes you and makes you come alive!
…This is the beauty of being a follower of Jesus. We have constant, unlimited access to the God of universe and he doesn’t just tolerate our presence, He absolutely delights in it. So the most effective thing we could do as Christians is to take full advantage of that access and to seize every opportunity to remember His goodness and faithfulness. When our awareness of His presence is heightened, the ability of other gods to creep in diminishes.
Have you ever felt as if you were invisible or that life is just plain hard? I know what that feels like…
… wondering if the heartache will ease
… questioning if your words and efforts really make a difference
… thinking back to when life just seemed easier
… trying to praise God in moments when He feels so distant
It is so easy to compare our spiritual gift with someone else that has the same gift. This other person might appear to have more influence or have more opportunities to share their gift with others. We don't need to worry about that. We need to concern ourselves with using our gifts for the Kingdom, no matter how big or small it may seem.
