Archives: Featured

Free iWorship Visual Trax

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Integrity’s iWorship Visual Worship Trax combine today’s most powerful worship songs with inspiring graphics and lyrics to provide an excellent worship resource for growing churches and home groups. iWorship trax can be purchased at WorshipHouseMedia.com and include 3 stand-alone song movies in original stereo audio, split-trax and click-trax versions. Perfect for use with your growing church, small groups or for solo and choir performance.

Enjoy this free stereo version of BLESS THE LORD featuring Jared Anderson, from his September 2012 release “The Narrow Road.” (right click the link and select “save as”)

Interview: Carlos Whittaker

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Carlos Whittaker, the well-known creator of Ragamuffin Soul, released his new album, Fight, this week. It is an explosive and expansive recording that lifts hearts in worship as sure as it lifts our spirits in fresh musicality and creative approach. Whittaker took some time to answer the things we had on our mind.

Tell us a little about your new release, Fight. What’s the significance of the title and what would you say are the prominent themes?
The purpose and mission of this next record is the kick the devil to the curb. Lol. What I try to do is to deliver to the listener tools to actually accomplish this mission. Ephesians chapter 6 verse 12 says this… “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” The record sits in a space where that is the end goal.

Fight innovates partially because in places it reaches back to a more synthy sound. What can listeners expect to hear on this new release? And what was your inspiration to move in that direction?
The sound is definitely driven by keys on this record. People consider me this creative guy. People hire me to be their creative coach. So I had to stretch my musical style and do something completely different.  The goal wasn’t to just come up with a different sound, but I surrounded myself with people that were farther along in their musical journeys than I am. The thought was not to have a more keyboard driven sound, but in the end the results was this. 

With that in mind, how important is it for you (for any artist) to stretch the creative boundaries inherent in the Christian genre?
I obviously believe that we serve a creative God. If we serve a creative God it is our utmost responsibility to pour our creativity into our arts. I think stewarding this responsibility well, is going to be what drives us to the next level musically

Why do you think there are stylistic “boundaries” in Christian music … worship music in particular?
Stylistic boundaries are found in all music genres. The thing is is that Worship music is still a newborn when it comes to a style. I believe that it will ultimately keep evolving beyond where it is today. But I definitely think the guitar-driven leads and delayed sound is going to be a thing of the past.

What are some of the elements that every worship record should have?
Scripture, Scripture, Scripture, if our songs are not coming from scripture and just from our hearts then there is a possibility that we will lead people astray. I do believe that we need to pool our stories out of our souls, but we must attach them to Scripture.

You have a thriving online community. How has this aspect of your life influenced what you produce as an artist and worship leader?
I believe that my online community is essential to the music that I create. The stories of struggle that come out of my blog comments are so many times the things that lead me to write specifically especially on this record about the fight we are in.

How do you envision a service of worship 10 years from now?
I definitely think that the style of worship service where we try to attract people with production and great music is soon going to fade away. I am finding more and more that people want the simplicity of Jesus, and that alone. This does not mean that quality will go away, it only means that it will not be front and center.

For more info: ragamuffinsoul.com

Bible Resources for Worship Leaders

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By Andrea Hunter & Lindsay Ruth Young

For our May issue of Worship Leader, we put the word out that we would be offering a Bible resource guide for worship leaders. And writers, publishers, and colleges all came back with a nearly overwhelming amount of Bibles and Bible resources. There was simply too much content to fit it all in the magazine, so here we present the unabridged version of the Bible Resource Guide for Worship Leaders.

Whether you’re preparing a sermon, writing a hymn or just looking for renewed clarity, the Bible is the essential resource for Truth, history, wisdom, inspiration, and most important, as a revelation of our Triune God.

* Those who write commentaries do so from a particular personal/theological/contextual vantage point, providing both brilliant and questionable conclusions, so enjoy, yet read with care and an ear connected to the Source of all biblical wisdom.

New Testament Commentary

The Gospel of Mark: A Commentary /Francis J. Moloney / Baker Academic
Francis J. Moloney, author of many noteworthy commentaries, takes on a book less popular among the four gospels. Moloney reevaluates the common interpretations of Mark and provides scholarly commentary that is both accessible and refreshing.

Salty Wives, Spirited Mothers, and Savvy Widows / F.Scott Spencer / Eerdmans A thorough analysis of the women in Luke that re-evaluates their notorious reputation and offers an alternate, fresh view that holds these women as respectable, dignified, and empowered in their identity in Christ.

Luke/ (Theological Commentary on the Bible) / David Lyle Jeffrey / Brazos
Refreshing. Orthodox. Seamlessly weaving his own accessible and inviting prose with that of poets and theologians to paint a living and captivating picture of Christ and the Gospel.

Ancient Christian Texts: Commentary on John / Cyril of Alexandria Vol 1 / Translated by David Maxwell / Edited by Joel C. Elowsky / IVP
Meet Cyril, patriarch of Alexandria (412-444), one of the most colorful and controversial figures of the 5th century Church. He liberates us from “fate,” establishes free will, describes Christ’s nature and addresses key heresies and proclaims enduring doctrine. Saint or “monster”? Judge for yourself. Easily navigated accessible translation. For the serious and the curious.

Acts an Exegetical commentary Craig S. Keener / Baker Academic
Two of 4 volumes are available: (1) Introduction and 1:1 – 2:47, and (2) 3:1 – 14:28. Monumental, exhaustive, insightful, a lasting and significant resource for students of the Bible and early Christianity.

Paul’s Letter to the Romans / (Pillar New Testament Commentary)Colin G. Kruse / Eerdmans
Based off of the Greek text, Kruse, an acclaimed evangelical scholar, addresses issues in Paul common in our culture today. This book provides historical background information of the Romans and chapter-by-chapter commentary, flushing out overarching themes and topics, which are comprehensive and scholarly, yet easy to understand.

First Corinthians / (Paideia: Commentaries on the New Testament / Pheme Perkins / Baker Academic
A reader-friendly commentary for pastor, student, or Scripture/history buffs. The series is aimed at shaping theological perspective. Perkins brings context and therefore fresh meaning to this much loved NT book, delivering a generally moderate interpretation.

The Life and Witness of Peter / Larry R. Helyer / IVP
Critics and readers attest: Helyer fills a “gap” in scholarship. We agree. And if you’re teaching a class: Helyer has included consequential questions for discussion. He includes a meaningful affirmation and encouragement for worship leaders, writers (and all believers): “Proclamation of God’s saving acts constitutes the highest order of ‘spiritual sacrifices’” (1 Pet 2:9).

Revelation / (Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary) / Mark Brighton / Concordia
Accessible commentary on the book of Revelation for beginners that provides both ESV and KJV in parallel columns.

 

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Why We Sing?

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By TJ Miller

We enjoy singing. It’s fun. Music plays a big part in our lives and we take satisfaction in using it to express our hearts and as a tool to explore our relationships with God. It’s good for us. But that’s not why we sing.

Singing connects us to one another. It’s an activity we do together that is an important part of the glue of what we do when we gather. It’s an expression of our identity and our relationship with one another. But that’s not why we sing.

Singing is a way of serving the Lord. We honor Him by doing our part in providing the congregation with an environment, an opportunity, and an invitation to worship our King. We honor Him by setting aside our pride and trying to model worship and to be willing to make ourselves vulnerable by showing others our hearts as we interact with Him publicly. But that’s not why we sing.

Singing impacts my mind. The lyrics of songs teach profound truths about God. Songs reinforce biblical values and are part of transforming our minds by moving our thoughts beyond ourselves to focus upon Jesus. But that’s not why we sing.

Singing is a way of our giving back to God. It’s part of our sacrifice of praise that we prepare and offer to the Lord. Through it we express recognition and thanksgiving to our Creator and Redeemer. Preparing an offering of music is like raising the sacrificial lamb to present at the altar as a special gift that each of us give personally to the Lord. But that’s not why we sing.

Singing is a form of prayer. The songs provide us with a vocabulary to express and explore who God is and to declare what He is doing in our lives. Moments during a song when we are not singing provide little pauses to pray our own thoughts to the Lord and to listen to what He has to say. But that’s not why we sing.

Singing is tied to the promises of God. God promises to show up in a special way when we gather in His name according to His purposes. He literally “indwells” the praises of His people. He promises to draw near to us as we draw near to Him. Scripture ties music to spiritual and physical freedom from bondage, to healing, miracles, repentance, and other holy actions by the Lord. But that’s not why we sing.

Singing impacts my body. It forces us to become physically involved when we express worship. This reminder of our own weakness and flesh is another part of giving ourselves as living sacrifices to the Lord. But that’s not why we sing.

Singing is something the Bible commands us to do. We are far more often commanded to sing that almost anything else in the Bible. God built us to sing; we are designed for it. He invented music before He even created us, and we are specially crafted so that it powerfully impacts us as well as the spiritual realm. When we sing, we obey God’s command. But that’s not why we sing. 

Singing affects our emotions. Music bypasses our mental filters and stirs our passion. It challenges us to arise from the depths of our emotional slumber and coldness, fanning the flames of our hearts to burn brightly for the Lord. But that’s not why we sing.

Worship through music is one of the few things that we know goes on in heaven. It’s powerful enough to shake heaven’s very gates. Music accompanied many major events in the Bible. It led God’s people forward in battle. Even Jesus’ birth was announced through song, as will be His triumphant return. But that’s not why we sing.

Why do we sing? One simple reason. God deserves our praise. This is good and right and true. But worshiping the Lord is something that we each must decide to do for ourselves. We choose to sing. How dare we arrogantly decide that He should not receive something that He declares He wants? Do we know better than He does whether the noise we make is good enough when He says it is? Who are we to judge our worship —when that right belongs only to Him. 

We must not withhold from the Lord the glory that is due to Him from ourselves. 

That’s why we sing.

 

TJ Miller serves as the Pastor of Worship Arts at Walloon Lake Community Church, a multi-campus church in northern Michigan. He loves to see people become equipped to be successful in ministry. For a glimpse into his ministry approach, check out “WLCC Worship Arts Team Manual” available from www.thebookpatch.com.

Hillsong College

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Didn’t know Hillsong Church had a college that has classes for worship leadership? Neither did we. So when we found out, we asked Hillsong’s Aaron Mullay to share a little bit about the program and how it’s connected to the church.

Tell us a bit about the school. 
Hillsong College is a Life-Leadership Training institution that comes out of the life of Hillsong Church & the vision of Pastors Brian & Bobbie Houston. It has been running since 1988. It has 1,100 Full time students plus multiple students in evening college courses & specific leadership. Hillsong College has Australian Government Accreditation in the Vocational Training area and is therefore able to enroll International Students.

What is the general mission/purpose for the school?
Our mission flows out of the mission of our Church: So for us specifically as a college that looks like reaching & influencing the world by building a large-Christ Centered Bible-Based college, changing mindsets & empowering people to lead & impact in every sphere of life, with a specific & purposed focus on the raising, training, equipping & sending of the future leaders of the Global Church.

Where do your students come from?
They come from over 65 different nations including Australia, The United States, South Korea, Canada, Brazil, South Africa, The United Kingdom & many Scandinavian Countries. Over 80% of our students are international.

Why did a Hillsong church decide to start a college? How does that fit into the overall mission?
Pastor Brian many years ago sat down at his desk & began to write the Church that he saw but didn’t yet exist. As part of this “vision statement” he penned, “The Church that I see is a Church so committed to raising, training and empowering a leadership generation to reap the end-time harvest that all its ministries are consumed with this goal.” Therefore Hillsong College is as much a part of the vision of Hillsong Church as any other department or ministry. We are ultimately all part of one vision & therefore we don’t have a vision for Hillsong College, we as Hillsong College have a vision for Hillsong Church.

Do students in the music program have the opportunity to play on Hillsong’s worship team? Where else do they get plugged in for ministry purposes?
Yes the majority of our students all have opportunity to either play, sing, mix sound, create videos or dance on one of our Church platforms. At Hillsong we have in our Australia Campuses & extensions 36 services plus youth & Children’s service, so there is plenty of opportunity for our students to be involved. The student body of Hillsong College serves right across the breadth of our Church

What have the graduated classes gone on to pursue? What does this college equip them for in the real world?
We recently received some feedback from numbers of our graduating students across the last 20 years & it was really encouraging to read that the majority of our students seem to continue to Love Jesus, Love people, not only attend but continue to serve faithfully in a local Church, whether that be in a Church-Ministry capacity or in the marketplace. As already mentioned, the outcomes that Hillsong Church is believing for are that all of our people, including our students, would lead & impact like Christ in every area of their lives.  So we have students who then pursue careers outside the church, we have graduates who work with Para-Church organizations & many Alumni Pastoring Churches, leading Worship Teams, leading Dance Ministries & TV Ministries in local churches & beyond.         

What are some of the unique programs you offer, and how does it differ from worship studies at other schools?
We are a skills-based training institution & therefore we give our students the opportunity to quickly apply the knowledge they are learning in classes in a practical way, be that musically, relationally or in a leadership capacity. So for example, a first year student will have a music theory & application class & then not long after, go to our musicians, vocalists or song writers workshop & apply the knowledge they’ve learned, thus turning that into a skill that can bring competently. One of the other unique opportunities for our students is that they become immersed in our Hillsong Creative Team, & this is a significant place where they see the skills they are learning applied in a variety of settings by staff members & volunteers – thus they are immersed into what is hopefully healthy, growing & thriving.

Who are some of your faculty? How intimately is the faculty involved with the students?

  • Pastors Brian & Bobbie Houston are the Senior Pastors of Hillsong Church & Presidents of Hillsong College, without them our college wouldn’t exist.
  • Pastor Mark Hopkins is our Executive Vice President & has been in this role for the past 17 years.
  • Pastors Lee Burns & Catrina Henderson are our Campus Principals, overseeing the running of our Hills & City Campuses respectively.
  • Juliette & Adam Spurling pastor our new students & their initial integration into College & Church Life as well as the Australian way of life

Our staff are very much hands-on in the training of our students, specifically focusing on seeing them raised, trained, equipped & sent as Christ-Like people & people who want to lead in life & make a difference as

What is the next step of action I should take if I were interested?
The best place to find out about Hillsong College & Hillsong Church including our variety of courses would be to visit our websites

1. Hillsong College – www.hillsongcollege.com

2. Hillsong Church – www.hillsongchurch.com

3. The Project – theproject.hillsongcollege.com – this will give you a glimpse into the creative & artistic environment within our college

This should help considerably in answering any questions you might have.

From there please feel free to either contact me at aaron@hillsongcollege.com or give us a call on +61 2 8853 5200.