This Fertilizer is for my fellow procrastinators, those who have made a habit of getting things done in the nick of time to the point that it’s as addictive as the nicotine in cigarettes.

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

Have you ever felt stuck at what to say when you open a worship service or introduce a song?

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.

Every professional athlete has a pregame ritual.

Here are five unique and famous pregame rituals that athletes are known for:

Three short stories. (they include your goals for 2025)

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

Seeing where you’re going is more important than you think. Ask any of us who have meandered through a dark house on the way to a bathroom break in the middle of the night only to find out just how flexible our little toe is compared to the coffee table leg. Right?

“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.

I’ve been a church musician for 40 years. (since 1984)

Leadership is creational, meaning you create who you are and replicate what’s inside you.

Right now, you are feeling what you thought earlier. You believe what you think. This year, you’ll create the reality you’ve imagined.

One of the best things we can do today is sit down with our instrument to play and sing to the LORD.

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?

Do you love rehearsals as much as I do? I admit sometimes they are more fun than the actual service.