Bob’s work involves helping pastors and musicians in the theology and practice of congregational worship and contributing to recordings produced by Sovereign Grace Ministries. He is also one of the congregational worship leaders under Josh Harris at Covenant Life Church.
Bob blogs at Worship Matters, usually discussing the topics of worship and music.
Most Christians probably still give financially to their local church by putting cash or a personal check in an offering plate or offering box, but many are giving through automatic bank drafts, debit cards, and credit cards.
The Dallas Morning News discovered that 55% of the 200 local churches they polled already accept debit cards and credit cards. Some churches have added kiosks in their lobbies, thanks to companies like Secure Give.
It seem like only a matter of time before this becomes the norm in most churches. No doubt some will resist, but should they?
Modeling Expressiveness. The Psalms encourage an unhindered, genuine, physical response to God in public praise that includes clapping, bowing down, dancing, standing in awe, lifting hands, and singing enthusiastically. . . . Having different vocalists model such expression can be an encouragement to a congregation to do the same. . . .
Unity in Diversity. Three or four people can more effectively models the “one body with many parts” aspect of the church. . . .
Musical Harmony. Vocalists can add variety and depth to congregational singing through the purposeful use of harmony and vocal fills. . . . Harmony can add depth, variety, beauty, and focus to certain lines or sections of a song. . . .
Authenticity. I don’t mean more authentic worship, but a more authentic musical style. For churches that use more contemporary styles of music, a vocal team is able to more accurately capture and communicate the emotional language of that genre. . . .
Greater Involvement. Using a vocal team can make room for more people to serve and bless the church with their musical gifts. That’s assuming, of course, that you’re not already using a choir. . . .
Bob closes with this warning, “If you do use a worship team, make sure they differentiate themselves from the performance-oriented, self-exalting culture of our day through demonstrating humility, joy, and a servant heart.”
Hampton Park Baptist Church has posted a helpful PDF on their website of the Scripture references to music. Someone wishing to study in depth what the Bible has to say about this important subject would surely profit from this list.
In the latest issue of RELEVANT, Mark Driscoll answers the question, “What trends in church and worship styles do you see? Are they positive or negative?”
I’ll be happy when we have more than just prom songs to Jesus sung by some effeminate guy on an acoustic guitar offered as mainstream worship music. Right now most worship music is still coming from the top down through such things as Christian radio and record labels. But the trend today in a lot of churches is writing your own music to reflect your culture and community, and I pray this trend of music from the bottom up continues.
Paul Schafer at Reforming My Mind has put together another helpful list of links to free audio sermons and lectures—this time for Bob Kauflin, Director of Worship Development for Sovereign Grace Ministries.
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Most Christians probably still give financially to their local church by putting cash or a personal check in an offering plate or offering box, but many are giving through automatic bank drafts, debit cards, and credit cards.
