Or, why mainline churches really shouldn’t try to do contemporary commercial worship. I’m always puzzled at the church’s attempts to capture the prevailing trends of the day, create jesusy knock-offs, and hand them out on Sunday mornings. It usually turns into something a bit embarrassing, like this Jesus Culture tune: That ultra-modern “worship” song sounds like something from the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In 1998. But then after evangelical churches peddle this stuff, the mainline denominations, self-conscious about their massive... Read more

What do patriotic celebrations teach non-Americans about our view of the gospel? Read more

Dear Christian, forsake the Sunday production. You have my blessing, even if you have no one else's. Read more

For those of you who are familiar with my work, that title might be a surprise. “Stop doing traditional worship?! Jonathan, for the love, what are you saying?” Please let me explain. I am for historic worship; that is, following the liturgical tradition rooted in the New Testament church that has continued throughout the ages. I am for the work of the people. I am for I am for singing hymns, new and old, corporate prayer, Word and Sacrament. But... Read more

John Blackburn was a classmate of mine at Baylor University. The first time I heard John play a service was the first time I can remember being struck by the incredible versatility of the pipe organ, and the way the instrument can draw the song out of a congregation. I asked John what makes the organ so good at leading congregational singing. This was his answer. I think the primary benefit of using an organ in worship is the dynamic... Read more

I really wanted the title to be “Sometimes Hymns Suck, Too,” but you have to draw the line somewhere… Whenever I or anyone else dares to speak out against the abysmal output of the worship industry, (and it largely is abysmal), I can expect two common themes in the replies. It is either… “But it’s not all that bad! You know, there’s all those songs by the Gettys and that other British fellow.” …or… “Yeah, well, some hymns are awful,... Read more

I gave it up because, honestly, CCM wasn’t really contemporary, and it wasn’t really Christian. And it eventually seemed more like a bait and switch technique to trap young people into an easy-listening, easy-believing gospel. Read more

He is risen, indeed. Alleluia! It’s still Easter, friends. Of course, if you come from the same evangelical tradition as me, you might not believe me. But just like Christmas isn’t really over at 12:00am on December 26, Easter Sunday begins a season of celebrating Christ’s resurrection that will last for six more Sundays. So fill up the watering can, Aunt Martha, and keep those lilies vertical as long as possible. Somebody grab me a box of tissues. Anyway… A... Read more

I dislike the silly little titles pastors give these series, the way it stamps their own brand on the gospel of Christ and peddles it out to a semi-captive audience. Read more

On the night our Savior was betrayed, he gathered with his disciples for his last Passover. This was certainly unlike any other they had experienced before. Loaves were broken and wine was poured, but they meant something quite different this time. The ominous spirit of Jesus’ words let them know they were on the precipice. They prepared to leave, keenly sensing the evil lurking in the deepening, darkening shadows. But first, they sang a hymn. Following the church year takes... Read more