Art – Alive365

March 18, 2012 0Likes 0Comments

Breathturn

This short film depicts the power of hope in the midst of difficulty. Hope does not depend upon our surroundings, but looks ahead, in confidence, to the beauty that is coming. Far too often, we give up too early and forget what is ahead. As believers, we have vibrant, dynamic, and active hope in Jesus Christ. Not only did our faith begin with an empty tomb, but we toward to His return — and His beauty that will far surpass our current surroundings. It is this hope that enables us to be joyful when everything else seems bleak. Ultimately, our…

March 18, 2012 0Likes 0Comments

April 1, 2011 0Likes 0Comments

Why Update Hymn Arrangements?

An important, yet often neglected, reason to update hymn arrangements relates to chord structures and patterns. Updating a song, or becoming more relevant, is not merely a matter of instrumentation. Simply adding guitar and drums does not make a hymn contemporary. In fact, many of the hymns were composed for piano or organ, so we can do them a disservice by simply swapping instrumentation. Arrangements need to be flexible. In the music world, arrangements are part of the “language,” just as authors vary their sentence structures. We need to be cognizant of this as musicians — not berating people for…

April 1, 2011 0Likes 0Comments

October 20, 2010 0Likes 0Comments

The Structure of Worship

Helpful comments from C.S. Lewis on experiencing the “art of worship” within familiar forms: “Every church service is a structure of acts and words through which we receive a sacrament, or repent, or supplicate, or adore. And it enables us to do these things best– if you like, it ‘works’ best– when, through long familiarity, we don’t have to think about it. As long as you notice, and have to count, the steps, you are not yet dancing but only learning to dance. A good shoe is a shoe you don’t notice. Good reading becomes possible when you need not…

October 20, 2010 0Likes 0Comments

September 25, 2010 0Likes 0Comments

What Makes “Christian” Art?

What makes “Christian” art? This debate has gone on for many years, but at least in my circles, the discussion has not progressed very far. In some ways, this question can be misleading because there is not necessarily a single answer. There are at least 3 ways to define Christian art: 1. In terms of source: art made by a Christian individual or a group of Christians. 2. In terms of motive: art intended to minister to others or to glorify God in a general way. 3. In terms of message: art that communicates a message about the Christian God…

September 25, 2010 0Likes 0Comments

August 24, 2009 0Likes 0Comments

Lyric Formatting for Worship

In many churches, there has been a subtle change over the past decade. When we started using PowerPoint for worship, the majority of churches would use a slide for a verse, another slide for the chorus, and so on. Today, however, the trend is to use a slide for 2 to 4 lines — more like a snippet — in order to display larger font, include artwork, or show video of the band. While this generally looks better and in a few cases is helpful, we should not accept it without question. One downside of fewer lyrical lines being displayed…

August 24, 2009 0Likes 0Comments

July 29, 2009 0Likes 1Comment

What is a Hymn?

A friend recently asked me to explain what a hymn is, and it is a great question. Here are a few observations. Feel free to comment and add any of your own. 1. A hymn is not determined by when it was written. The date is irrelevant. Many hymns are being written today — usually more modern in style and easier to sing. 2. Hymns often consist of a progression of lyrics, thus the need for multiple verses. (e.g., progressing from the incarnation to the consummation) 3. Hymns are generally more eloquent and theological, and for that reason, they appeal…

July 29, 2009 0Likes 1Comment

June 15, 2009 0Likes 0Comments

All of Creation – Psalm 19

Before God created music, He created the heavens and earth. Think about it for a moment. There are many styles of music, but we all share the oceans, the stars, the sun and moon. All over the world, we look at the same handiwork of God. Incredible! Psalm 19:1-2 tells us that the skies display the glory of God. David says that the world around us declares, proclaims, speaks, and displays truth about God. In other words, God’s creation speaks to all cultures, to every part of the globe — regardless of language or dialect. Everyone can see God’s glory…

June 15, 2009 0Likes 0Comments

January 27, 2009 0Likes 1Comment

Technology & The Church

I am a huge proponent of incorporating technology into the local church. It deserves to be said, however, that when it comes to technology in the local church, we need to think through our options. Just because we can do something, doesn’t mean that we should. On a practical level, one instance of this is the recent increase of multiple video screens (usually in larger churches) and the rise of satellite churches (which incorporate sermons via a video feed). After nearly 2000 years of church ministry, only in the past decade or two has this technology been an option. In…

January 27, 2009 0Likes 1Comment

September 24, 2008 0Likes 1Comment

Theology of the Arts

Recently I was asked about my view of the arts in local church. I thought I’d post my brief response, in case it is helpful to anyone. —————————————————– When it comes to the creative arts, I believe that art is a wonderful part of the Christian life. Various passages of Scripture reveal that God loves creativity, He enjoys various expressions of art, and He desires to be glorified through the arts. In the local church, creativity’s primary purpose is to glorify God. A theme verse of mine has been Psalm 115:1, though there are many to support this. In no…

September 24, 2008 0Likes 1Comment

September 16, 2008 0Likes 0Comments

WorshipGod Worship Conference (Sovereign Grace, 2008)

Very rarely do I post links to other websites, but this one is so beneficial, I couldn’t resist. If you are interested in worship or lead worship at your church, Sovereign Grace has graciously posted 37 audio sessions on their website at: http://www.sovereigngraceministries.org/Events/WorshipConference.aspx Worship conferences usually cost several hundred dollars, so this is a blessing for those of us without such resources. Although I did not attend the conference, these audio sessions are the next best thing.

September 16, 2008 0Likes 0Comments

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