Over the past few decades, in a futile attempt to re-engage the growing segment of non-church attenders, churches have shifted toward a model of separating parents and children on Sunday mornings. Virtually every megachurch or aspiring megachurch schedules their Sundays like this. They advertise a one-hour commitment, sending the adults to a “worship service” with commercial music and a self-help, teaching-style sermon, and corralling the kids elsewhere, where they do their own activities. After an hour of separation, everyone goes... Read more

Why don’t people sing in church anymore? A quick trip down Google’s memory lane reveals that the internet has been talking about this regularly since at least 2012. And everyone seems to know why. Nobody knows the songs. Singing makes men uncomfortable. It’s just a performance. We don’t love Jesus enough. There is truth to some of these points, but the longer I think about this problem, the more I’m convinced we’re asking the wrong question. Instead of figuring out... Read more

In a recent Church Leaders article, Jamie Brown fretted about the state of evangelical worship. He fears the “performancism” found in the modern worship culture will ultimately lead to a crash. I actually agree with him on a number of his points, but the sad reality is that his greatest fears have come true. It’s too late. I’m calling it. Evangelical worship has crashed, and performancism is at fault. Don’t believe me? Check out a few clips from some of... Read more

  I don’t know Art Briles personally. Maybe he’s taught his players some good life lessons on the way to building a successful program. But who cares? Who cares if he doesn’t bother holding them accountable for their actions? That’s one of those things that isn’t found in a textbook or a playbook, but it’s an essential part of becoming a productive member of society. I know schools have long put up with a little more crap from their athletes:... Read more

Resist the temptation to conflate patriotism, especially American patriotism, with the gospel of Christ. Read more

Better update those resumes! Willow Creek Community Church is now hiring for the position of Weekend Stage Manager. From the Work at Willow website: The Weekend Stage Manager works on a team of technical artists to execute Weekend and Midweek services. The Stage Manager leads the volunteer team to assist artists and speakers, coordinate and execute all theatrical stage moves, and assist the Technical Director with any other production needs during services. This role also executes live video projection, including... Read more

It tempts us to exalt motherhood as the highest calling on a woman's life. Read more

“Pleeeaaassseee , that’s the trouble with kids today , there’s not enough spanking going around which many kids really need!!!!” “This isParents should discipline their children. That they haven’t been spanking them is a testament to why they all feel so entitled and guilt free. It’s always someone else’s fault.” “Interesting, but I will still do it to my future child.” “Perhaps the next study will find that saying “no” is abusive.” “I wouldn’t over analyze it. Sometimes kids just... Read more

A while back, I was interviewed by Brad from a contemporary music website, Worship Links. I answered some questions on how I go about the process of worship planning, Having me on was a real departure for them, but I hope it added some perspective for their readers, and I was happy to have the opportunity. Click here to read the interview. One of the questions was phrased this way: Desert Island Worship Mix: You’re trapped on a desert island,... Read more

The Problem Protestant denominations have been singing people since the days of the reformation. Their hymns represented the mettle and fortitude they displayed in breaking away from the religious establishment and forging ahead in their new faith traditions. The American versions of these faith traditions initially carried on the mantle of hymnody, with much content being shared between denominational lines. In many churches today, hymns and hymnals remain, either as a vital piece of corporate worship practices or as a... Read more