Healing the “Generation Gap” in Christian Music – One Song at a Time

Today’s churches are having a find time holding onto their worship leaders, and at times it seems that every song rubs someone the wrong way. Why is this? Kenny Lamm, the Worship Consultant for the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, has this to say about the situation: […]

The Art of Celebration

“The dark is just a canvas for Your grace and brightness.” – Rend Collective, “Joy” To be honest with everyone, the last couple of weeks have been especially draining and I’ve felt the full weight of balancing four jobs and raising a family. On top of my hectic schedule (which included tense, […]

Throwback Thursday – Shanghai Summer

If I had to choose the one travel experience that has made the greatest impression on me, I would have to go with the summer I spent in Shanghai, China. It was the first time I had ever traveled out of the country, and with fresh passport in hand I raced […]

Putting Art (Back) In Its Place… A Book in Review

“A visually-oriented culture needs a visually-oriented church if it is to evangelize effectively and to give the congregation a culturally up-to-date experience.” – John E. Skillen From the beginning, great art has always been inspired by religion and religious ceremonies have been greatly enhanced through worshipful art. It is a relationship which simply makes sense, […]

A Theology of Work

Celebrating Work Happy Labor Day, everyone! This is a day set apart to reflect on the work of our hands, to rest from our daily toil and labor, and to celebrate the way God has blessed our work. Of course, work is typically something we dread, not something we celebrate! But if we look to […]

They Call Me “Pastor”

Well, I’ve dropped out of the wonderful world of blogging for a while…I suppose that moving across state lines, packing and unpacking all of your worldly goods, and beginning a new ministry will do that! But we’ve now settled in the beautiful desert mountains of New Mexico, where the people are friendly, the sun is bright and hot, and salsa only comes in “spicy” and “spiciest!”

It really has been a wonderful transition, and our new church family has welcomed us with open arms. At our Pastor’s Welcome Potluck, I became accustomed to having someone flag me down from across the room, calling “Pastor John…Pastor John!”

Pastor. Shepherd. What an honor, what a responsibility, and what a joy. I used to wonder what sort of work the Lord would call me to do, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with His choice.

I also take great comfort in the fact that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, goes before me and walks beside me in my every endeavor. Each of us has been called to shepherd others in some capacity, and as long as we follow His lead, all will be well.

Blessings to you, my fellow shepherds!

“I am the Good Shepherd, and I know my own, and my own know me.” – John 10:14

H: Handel’s “Messiah” and the Art of Reinventing Oneself

While I was working on my master’s degree in music, one of my professors told us something that I thought was incredibly profound. “If you’re going to survive as artists,” he told us solemnly. “You’re going to have to become masters at reinventing yourselves.” I took this advice to heart, and it has served me […]

Singing in the Rain – The Choice to Worship

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass – it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” Vivian Greene During the Summer of 2005 I had the once-in-a-lifetime experience of climbing the Great Wall of China – and it rained. As we trudged across the slippery stones, I remember feeling a […]

Breaking Chains

“But today I am freeing you from the chains on your wrists.” Jeremiah 40:4 Sometimes we become so familiar with declaring the name of Jesus in times of prayer and worship that we forget what power lies in this name. And every once in a while, He’ll allow us to be part […]

Worshipful Wednesday – Mankind’s Single Greatest Activity

“Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exists because worship doesn’t… When this age is over, and the countless millions of the redeemed fall on their faces before the throne of God, missions will be no more. It is a temporary necessity. But worship abides forever.” John Piper – “Let […]

The Artistic Christian

Art, Culture, and Life – from a Distinctly Christian Worldview

Worship Leadership