There are a lot of factors that go into planning music for a church service! When I started listing factors I think about, I was surprised to come up with at least sixteen. It’s a lot of consider, but they are all important. Are there any other factors you would add? 1. Well-Written It might …
The 16 Factors for Planning Worship Service Music (Yes, 16!) Read More »
Imagine you have a beautiful garden in your backyard with amazing sunlight and soil, and plenty of room for practically whatever flowers and vegetables your heart desires. But then you move to a small apartment, and your only outdoor space is a teeny balcony with just enough room for some pots and planters. That’s like …
I am so delighted to be talking with author Andy Thomas about his new book Resounding Body: Building Christlike Church Communities through Music. So often we think that a great church music program must be heavy on financial resources, but he “encourages music leaders to step up and persevere in low-resource contexts, and challenges all …
In this episode, Dr. Adan Fernandez shares his positive approach to virtual rehearsals and performances.
You know the old joke: if you want to make God laugh, tell God your plans. Be that as it may, here’s how I’m planning for the fall. Not the usual hymns + anthems + a few handbell pieces, but plans nonetheless. Yes, the plans will change, but sometimes it’s good to imagine the possibilities. (Plus, …
How I’m Planning for the Fall, on Music and the Church with Sarah Bereza Ep. 51 Read More »
We’re putting church music online – whether we want to or not. Fortunately, we’re finding lots of grace and permission to fail as we figure out what on earth we’re doing! Craig Harmann and I talk about our mindsets as we live in this new season of life as church music directors.
Most of us church leaders are walking up a steep learning curve right now. Especially in smaller churches, we need technical and musical resources as we move our services and communities online. We also need grace for ourselves and for others as we learn, fail, succeed, and grow. I hope these resources are helpful for …
What a strange time we are living in. I think most or all of us have never considered canceling in-person worship even once for sickness, much less for weeks. As we consider how to help our congregations worship in the coming weeks, I’ve made a list of hymns for fearful times – hymns of comfort, …
As we enter a new reality around COVID-19, there are several low-tech strategies we can use to prepare and to take some stress off of our music programs. Remember: important as our collective worship is, we can “worship God in spirit and in truth” wherever we are, and whether or not our choir learns a …
5 Low-Tech COVID-19 Strategies for Church Musicians (Plus 2 Techy Ones) Read More »
What are your favorite hymnals? Crawford Wiley and I talk about our top five favorites. Since none are hymnals that our congregations sing from, we use them in our service planning and sometimes devotionally.