“Dad, aren’t you going to use filtered water to soak the oats?” Aspen scolded.

I was talking with an audio coach in rural Illinois and we were reflecting on the realities that many churches don’t realize how far from their potential they have settled for, how they’ve grown accustomed to simply functioning on the lowest possible rung.

I was reviewing a worship video recording for a local church. I was struck by the singular thing they could do to improve their music quickly and increase congregational engagement exponentially.

Every week, our team sets about the task of creating music to worship with. We create spaces where our congregation can meet with God. And we do it primarily through the tool of music.

Sometimes lighting a fire feels like lighting you’re using soaking-wet wood. It’s impossible despite your best efforts. Other times, the gas-lit fire practically jumps on you.

I recently mentioned the name “Neo” to a room full of worship leaders, and they knew.

Do you struggle to learn new songs? Before you say you don’t, let me clarify what I mean.

We are living on a coffee plantation. Most weekday mornings, the small crew of coffee pickers come through the gate, dragging along their nine and eleven-year-old children to play while they pick.

But what if no one is ministering to the Lord?

“What if where you feel the tension you discover God’s intention for you?”

Next week, I fly to Columbus, Ohio, to encourage a worship and creative team. I’ll be rehearsing them and leading the Sunday services as part of the training weekend. In preparation, I’m sending them notes on one of the songs we’ll lead.

I was speaking with a church that has been without a staff worship leader for nearly a year.

When I was a kid, I hated tomatoes.

I was talking with coach Walter K, and he was reveling in a simple idea that has made a significant difference in congregational engagement.

My three teenage children went to a youth camp recently.

Who Are You Chasing? New pedals?
Bethel’s vibe? Happiness? A bigger worship team?

I’m working with a worship team that has been trained well.

We live on a volcano. Don’t worry. It’s sleeping.

I sat around the table with my worship leader friends and asked them this question. “What’s it like when you schedule training for your team?”

My dear friend, George Yellak, allowed me to eavesdrop on a conversation with one of his team members.