Yamaha Motif 06-06-2008 02:27

Forum: TEMPLE

I'm looking at purchasing two Yamaha Motifs... maybe not even the same model. My sales guy kept pushing me towards the "Motherload" of a keyboard, which would be expected from a sales guy . . . but he wasn't able to describe the keyboards enough for me to throw 4k at it.

Has anyone had their hands on a Yamaha Motif - specifically, the recording features? (I'm OKAY with the touch and sounds). I'm really back and forth between the Motif XS8 (very similar to ES8 ), and the Motif MO8. They both have multitracking, but the XS8 offers better control somehow?? That's what my sales guy couldn't describe - WHAT better control does it provide? (Saying "you can do anything!" doesn't cut it).

Any help is appreciated!! Thanks!

What Song is This 04-15-2008 10:21

Forum: TEMPLE

My Secretary emailed this to me today:

"JANE DOE is looking for a song for her mother-in-laws funeral. Theyve heard it just a couple of times on A CCM RADIO STATION, but they weren't able to help them. Its about footprints in the sand. I looked on the internet and had her listen to a few, but didnt find the right one. She said its a male singer. Do you know who the artist is?"


I have NO CLUE, guys. The radio station they heard it on does a really good job at staying current, so its probably been something in the past couple of years... very recent. Any ideas?

03-26-2008 07:51

Forum: TEMPLE

For something like this, I would consult the experts at Church Copyright Administration. They do that stuff all the time.

www.churchca.com

I'm a full service member with them. They're great.

03-24-2008 08:33

Forum: MIND

Right on, Sam. Jesus wasn't a republican. Nor was he a democrat. He was a Libertarian. Geesh.

But I hear you on the whole America Worship thing. I was asked to bring my team to a large community "National Day of Prayer Rally." I was very pleased when the organizer told me that when we led worship, she wanted us to do songs oriented around prayer - not America. But she also asked for us to specifically sing "God Bless America" and the "Star Spangled Banner" at other times in the program. It sorta bugs me to do the National Anthem, but I guess it makes sense as a great way to unite us before we pray for our Country. I think there's a good balance here we shouldn't loose. I mean, God instructed us to PRAY FOR OUR GOVERNMENT LEADERS, didn't he? So I don't think its any more wrong to pray for our nation than it is to pray for our neighborhood.

03-24-2008 08:28

Forum: MIND

Oh, nice photo shopping on the Jesus picture. Great parody.

03-24-2008 08:25

Forum: MIND

I see what you mean, but I feel you're throwing the Baby out with the Bathwater, Tim.

I do vote, and I will continue to vote. My first allegiance IS to a King and a Kingdom, but last time I checked my King instructed me to support the laws of the land and to pay taxes. Our King TOLD US to support our Government. And since voting is how our government is structured and is the only way to change our government -- I will be a faithful Christian and honor Jesus' teachings by voting.

I'm not saying that I think you're a bad Christian if you don't vote. But for ME, I more or less see voting as one of many things I can do to influence the world around me for Christ.

Does that mean I disagree with your viewpoints about depending on Jesus to change the world and the need to rise up and make change ourselves? ABSOLUTELY NOT!! You're right on, Tim. I just don't see how that conflicts with voting.

03-23-2008 09:21

Forum: MIND

Sam - I think your priorities are a little out of whack. I mean seriously - forwarding an email to your friends does not mean you love Jesus.

However, if you do love Jesus with all of your heart, you will vote for [XYZ presidential candidate], because we all know - God is a [insert political party]. So if you love Jesus - vote for XYZ. If you don't care about the eternal destination of American - vote for someone else and don't forward this to all your friends.

Gees Sam, get the priorities straight.

(In case you didn't get my drift... THIS IS A JOKE)

03-19-2008 07:44

Forum: MIND

Robin, if you're in campus ministry, you should look at www.luke18project.com. This ministry exists specifically to empower people to spark prayer movements on campuses.

03-17-2008 10:42

Forum: MIND

I've never read the book, but could I comment on the prayer meeting thing? Prayer meetings have been a huge deal to me in the past few months.

In my church, prayer meetings had always been 15 minute periods where 5 or 6 people (out of a church of 600) met together in a room, bowed their heads in their chairs, and sat there and didn't move or make a sound. The only thing "corporate" about it was that we were in a room together. I never really liked it, and I saw my generation (I'm 24) being lost in deep spirituality rooted in prayer. God laid it on my heart to start something different that might reach my generation.

So with the support of my pastor, last November I started our "Prayer Furnace." It's an hour long prayer meeting once a week... from 8-9 at night (I did it then b/c I thought it would target those under 30). I love it - and so do many others! It's sorta loud and crazy, but at the same time extremely structured. I make a 1 hour playlist on my ipod and then I lead everyone through a pretty structured prayer time... Personal God-focusing time, Corporate Worship, open mic (open mic prayers are only for prayers that everyone can relate directly to - mostly Bible-based prayers). We fuse worship with prayer alot... like "Hear Us From Heaven" ... that song is a great prayer as well. It's tight.

03-15-2008 07:51

Forum: MIND

I love lyrics that are . . . real. Like...

What does it mean to be saved? is it more than just a prayer to say? More than just a way to heaven?

-"Say So" by Israel Houghton and Michael Gungor

03-15-2008 07:42

Forum: TEMPLE

We're actually doing a large Easter Musical during our weekend services. Namely, Word's "The Sacrifice." We've interjected some drama as well. We'll start out with a couple acoustic songs, and then the musical, and then a challenge and appeal for salvation at the end. We've done big musicals like this before, but never in a weekend service. We'll see how it goes.

01-28-2008 12:23

Forum: TEMPLE

All i can think is finale... but that'd be if you're doing your own arrangements. If you've already got nice music then just photocopy (CCLI doesn't necessarily cover specific arrangements of songs, I believe). If appearance is a big deal you might want to use a program like finale just to make each page look the same.... but that's more detail than most care to worry about!

01-26-2008 12:48

Forum: MIND

Tough man, I'm sure. I'll be praying. If you want to prevent the fallout from becoming the end of the church, make sure that while you're still there you support and keep unity with the people who will be there after you're gone. It only makes sense - but I'm sure is harder done than said.

Sanctity of Human Life 01-04-2008 12:19

Forum: TEMPLE

January 19 is Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. We came up with a great creative idea, and I want to share it here so others might steal it.

My church is talking about our spiritual birth that weekend, and we were planning on just making a mention of ending abortion and how we believe each life is valuable to God.

But then we found www.bound4life.com. They have these "Life Bands" similar to the livestrong bracelet. Now I'm all for ending Testical Cancer (Livestrong Bracelet), but I think ending abortion is a much better and higher cause. My church is buying a bunch of them at $2 each, and we'll make them available to anyone who wants to make the "Life Band" Pray-Vote-Obey committment (we'll ask them to put $2 in the offering specifically for it which will significantly recoup our costs):

1) Pray for the ending of Abortion every time you see the red band.
2) Vote for candidates who are actively pro-life.
3) Obey what God tells us to do in changing the world around us.

I thought this was a great creative thing to do and I wanted to pass it on to others. It's still soon enough to do something about it. www.bound4life.com

I apologize for sounding like an advertisement. I swear they didn't ask me to advertise - I really do believe in it, and I'm wearing one right now.

12-18-2007 01:33

Forum: MIND

YOU'RE RIGHT KITTY! Jesus is the shepherd and the only head of the Church (capital C).

But I think I disagree on another level, Kitty. (I still love you!) My opinion is that local churches (lowercase c) should be shepherded by a Pastor(s) ("Elders" could work as well, depending on the church government). I believe this is clearly Biblical for two reasons:
1) If it wasn't, then why did Paul write personal letters to individual pastors giving them advice on leading their local church? (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus). I mean that's a significant portion of scripture right there.
2) If it wasn't, then why did Jesus himself charge Peter three times - "Do you love me? Then feed my sheep." I believe this is a charge for leaders (pastors and elders) to be shepherds.

That's my "rebuttal" and explanation. And thats all I'm going to say unless someone wants to start a new post. This post is about helping Matthew. Matthew needs to search his heart and make difficult decisions here.

We all love you Matthew! Let us know what's going on.

RE: A Check In 12-16-2007 06:31

Forum: MIND

1. In the last year, what has been a big blessing that God has given to you, your family, or your church?

I BOUGHT MY FIRST HOUSE!!



2. What direction has the worship of your church or ministry assembly taken in the last year?

I'd say... the team has taken a step up when it comes to LEADING people in worship instead of just standing there and doing the music.



3. What are your learning about worship personally?

Just when I think I understand how big "worship" is... my mind is blown and I realize how much I don't have a clue.




4. What are you learning about your voice or instrument?

Eh... I'll answer about music in general. I'm learning that what I like in styles, song choices, etc. is irrelevant to worship leading. What I like in music styles is also irrelevant to the way I should do a song. The song is the "boss" and if the song needs to be calypso - I'll do calypso, even if I don't like it.



5. What is one of your biggest hopes for 2008 for your ministry?

To engage LOTS of people in ministry in special productions.

12-16-2007 06:21

Forum: MIND

I don't have a lot to say about "when" to leave. But I would like to contribute some information on "how."

I've seen people leave church before while I was in leadership. I've seen people do it wrong, and I've seen people do it right.

THE WRONG WAY:
Get other people rallied around you. The problem you have is not an issue of sin -- its just not working out for you (but it may be working for others). Because of this, you should utilize the sacred art of keeping your mouth shut. Please read this blog post: http://www.stevenfurtick.com/uncategoriz...ing-your-mouth/

Whether you like it or not, the pastor is the shepherd for that church. That pastor will be judged according to what he is called to do - and so will you (and all of us). Should he be the pastor? That's not your call. If you go to other sheep in that local church to rally around you and start talking behind his back - wouldn't you be spreading dissension in the body of Christ? If you make a big announcement to everyone, "I'm leaving the church and this is why," won't you leave them with so many questions and cause them to doubt the spiritual direction of someone that may very well be feeding THEM?

THE RIGHT WAY
1) Go to the Pastor. Take an elder with you if you feel it would be necessary (notice... the elder's for support and clarity - NOT to rally behind you).
2) Tell the pastor the way you feel and what you're going to do. If you feel its time to go- just tell him, "I need to leave."
3) Ask your pastor, "How can I leave with the least amount of pain and fallout?" He may suggest you just quietly leave. He may make an announcement about it. Whatever. Just leave it up to him. He doesn't want pain and fallout any less than you do. Remember - there WILL be pain and fallout if you leave, and the pastor will be the one to handle the fallout after you're gone. Don't be a pain in his butt.

I must add a personal testimony. I've had people leave my church. I've had my closest friends leave (to plant another one ). I've had people leave BECAUSE I DID WHAT I FELT GOD DIRECTED ME TO DO, and they didn't like it. I've seen people leave because they got offended by another person. I've seen people leave because they got a job and moved out of state. For me, as a pastor - ALL OF THESE HURT EQUALLY. I've lost sleep and have been sick simply because of people leaving my church (even when they left with our blessing - IT STILL HURTS THE PASTOR!). Your pastor should know that it happens in ministry, but it will still hurt. That's why I suggest you leave in whatever way he suggests would be most beneficial. He's already going to have a hard enough time as it is cleaning up after a person leaves - don't leave him a million fires to put out.

The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly: Re-Examining the Psalms 11-05-2007 02:59

Forum: MIND

One thing I find very interesting about the book of Psalms is the rawness of the lyrics. Alot of the stuff doesn't sound pleasant:

"The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in darkness like those long dead." (143:3)
"But you crushed us and made us a haunt for jackals and covered us over with deep darkness." (44:19)

These are the genuine cries of the human spirit... and way back in the day that's the stuff that was a part of their hymn book! I don't think we grab that "human cry" stuff enough in our services. We want the feel good stuff like... "I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Selahhhh (emphasis on the "ahhhh"). "Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand days elsewhere." Selah. That's the feel good - but there is more to the original hymn book than the feel good.

I've always wondered how to integrate that stuff into today's worship.

Last Sunday I did a scripture reading from Psalm 69:1-3:

1 Save me, O God,
for the waters have come up to my neck.

2 I sink in the miry depths,
where there is no foothold.
I have come into the deep waters;
the floods engulf me.

3 I am worn out calling for help;
my throat is parched.
My eyes fail,
looking for my God.

This led us directly into the song "Made Me Glad" where we proclaim that God is our strength and our strong foundation - a very present help in our time of need. I saw our congregation connect with this song better than in the past. I think the scripture reading really helped us grasp what the song is really saying.

10-27-2007 06:49

Forum: TEMPLE

Sorry man, i'm confused. You say you HAVE a headphone amp that will feed 4 headphones... but you NEED a cheap amp? I'm confused - If you have it why do you need it?

Or do you need more of them? Or do you need something different? What are you trying to do here?

Thanks Joseph. I look forward to helping you out here man!

09-14-2007 06:44

Forum: TEMPLE

If someone actually has a hissy-fit about whether or not I'm using a microphone -- I'd tell them to grow up (in nicer words). That's ridiculous. I am sorry that's even an issue for you.

If this is a college retreat with people of all different backgrounds - I think you should shoot for the "middle." Don't go ultra conservative -- but don't go to the other extreme either. I would have a praise team -- I would have instruments -- I would put females on the team if they would help it -- if the facility was large enough I needed amplified, I would use a microphone.

I suggest talking with the leader of this event and see what he envisions -- he's going to have a good grasp on what would work best, assuming he's done multi-background college ministry in the past.

For an event like this, I would go after "blended worship" with passion! That's your best bet, I think. Try songs like Tomlin's Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) and The Wonderful Cross. These songs take the verses of a hymn and add a modern chorus to it in the arrangement. In Christ Alone is a great MODERN song, but sounds like a hymn. Travis Cottrell does a lot of blended worship stuff -- hymns AND modern songs together. One of my favorite arrangments to do is to do Tomlin's How Great Is Our God and then go STRAIGHT into "THen Sings My Soul, My savior God to Thee - How Great Thou Art..." at the end -- VERY COOL.