matt's thoughts

Change Your Links I Have a New Home!!

2006-10-20T12:23:00.000-04:00

This blog has found a new home with a new look! Update your links to:
http://mattmorgan.typepad.com

The new blog is still in process, but already I like it better, and I've become a reluctant convert to the benefits of typepad. So...here's to blogging...and paying for it....

Check it out [here]

Having a Baby Makes You Pray

2006-10-18T14:04:00.000-04:00

I was talking with a women from our church a little while ago who is really the back bone of some really important areas. She and her husband are so amazing in the way that they give of their time, their home, and their resources to what God is doing in our church.

Well they just had a baby...and if any of you know what kind of havoc that can bring to your normal routines...well...

They have been taking time off to adjust to a zone defense for parenting, and help their prematurely born son grow a bit bigger. I was talking with this woman though and she was lamenting about how she couldn't serve. Holy cow! You don't hear that everyday....but then she said something that has been sticking in my brain.

She said it has been good for her because it has forced her to just be able to pray...that was all she could do...but in reality that is what we have needed most right now in this season of our church. Sometimes I wish that I would have a baby so I had to stop and just pray...well not really...but you know what I mean.

Slowing down and listening and praying...

Video is for losers...fire is the wave of the future

2006-10-14T16:37:00.000-04:00

There has to be an application for this...oh so dangerous...but oh so cool!

HT: Two Blond Boys

Sound of Melodies

2006-10-14T14:08:00.000-04:00

Leeland's debut album, Sound of Melodies, has been rocking my world lately. Such great melodies, and vocals that just drip with passion for God...all from a kid who is just 18 years old! Don't let anyone look down on you for your youth...

My only complaint is that while these are clearly worship tunes...and great ones at that...they seem like that would be a challenge for a congregation to really sing. The vocal ranges are pretty big and the phrasing is a bit loose at times. Anyone singing these songs at your church? How have you arranged them?

Staff Bonding

2006-10-13T18:00:00.000-04:00

Spent the day today with the Arments exploring skyline drive, having a picnic, and hiking a bit of the Appalachian trail. All very interesting endeavors with 2 infants and 2 two-year olds in tow. :-)

It was a great time for us as a pastoral staff and our families to bond. It is easy for the busyness of ministry to get in the way of just building friendships...

It was a good day...

Robbie Seay Band Charts

2006-10-10T12:43:00.000-04:00

I've really been enjoying the new Robbie Seay Band album Better Days. There are a couple of songs on there that I'd like to use at our church, but I've been having a tough time finding charts for this album.

I just discoverd that they have posted pdf files of all of their songs with chords in a user forum section of their website. Check them out here.

Oh glory

2006-10-06T22:59:00.000-04:00

Having spent a couple of days at a conference with amazing worship at the forefront, I was again reminded of what I see as an interesting trend in worship songwriting.

There have always been trends in worship and in songwriting...the are alwys seasons...and I think that is ok and even good. At some point in the last two years or so the word "glorious" has been the catch word for new worship tunes. (everything glorious, glorious ones, my glorious...etc.) I love these songs...but whatever 'freshness' this word to laud the glory of God carried is slipping for me...

...so...if you are writing a new worship tune and the word glorious has found its way to the title...help a guy out and give it another look.

Songwriting for worship is such an interesting thing. We are pulling from a pool of themes that may feel limited, and we are writing for congregational consumption. But I really think we have to constantly be challenging ourselves to not settle for the canned lyrics that often come more naturally. (I say this as the chief of canned lyric sinners.) Let's work hard for God honoring lyrics that give the church fresh and current expressions of the worship to an eternal God.

Thoughts fom the halls at catalyst

2006-10-06T10:59:00.000-04:00

I've never seen such a high concentration of graphic tees, hair with product, and plasma televisions in my whole life...

Surprise guest

2006-10-05T15:53:00.000-04:00

I'm sitting here listening to Jeff Foxworthy here at Catalyst. He was a surprise guest!! He's great!

I have started to see his name on the back of Christian books...and he just spoke out the gospel in the middle of his comedy routine...

Now he's talking about paying $29.95 to see samson kill people...biblical redneck jokes...who knew.

Catalyst Update - Day 1 Morning Sessions

2006-10-05T13:25:00.000-04:00

So far the conference this year has been great. It has been good for Ben and I to be able to talk and process as we go. It has definitely added to my digestion of the material.

Andy Stanley, ever the amazing communicator, started things off with a great message from Daniel 4 &5. His big idea:

"the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone He wishes."

He said that really believing and living this truth should make leaders:

Diligent
Fearless
Humble

Good stuff...really challenging and really helpful for me.

Marcus Buckingham spoke during the second session. This was my experience with him, and I was really challenged. He spoke about playing to your strengths. I think I am still digesting all he had to say...but will definitely be reading his book very soon.

That's all for now! Thanks to ben for the pic.

Catalyst

2006-10-04T15:25:00.000-04:00

Off to catalyst? Are you going to be there?

Worship Central Oct 06

2006-10-04T10:04:00.000-04:00

The Worship Central Podcast has come great discussion on leading worship and listening to God in worship leading this month.

There is also a growing collection of really new songs coming out of this organization...

Check them both out [here]

Save the College Students

2006-09-28T14:25:00.000-04:00

Shot this video to introduce a campaign to send care packages to some of our out of town college students. Props to Phil for the editing.

Things I Love about Home Offices

2006-09-27T15:48:00.000-04:00

I work from my home, which sometimes is a frustration, but mostly is a pretty sweet deal. Here are two things that make it especially sweet.

1. I'm mobile and can set up shop on the patio on especially nice days...that is when Starbucks won't do... :-) The huge grill is a nice office touch, don't you think?

2. My daughter Hope comes and tatoos me with Cinderella stickers. :-) I have them on both hands, but alas one hand had to hold the camera.

Community Fair this Weekend

2006-09-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

We had an opportunity to serve at a local community fair. It was an incredible time! Our folks were out in force and really made the event happen for the community. Here are some pics:

Born Again Baldwin

2006-09-18T09:03:00.000-04:00

Just saw an interview with Stephen Baldwin on the Today Show about his faith. It was really great. He was so bold about how Jesus has changed his life and he brought everything that he talked about back to the Bible. He even challenged Bono to share the gospel during his concerts. Amazing stuff!

Its exciting to see such high profile and passionate words about the life changing love of Jesus. You can catch the story here.

favorite things about meeting in an elementary school - Part 1

2006-09-16T19:37:00.000-04:00

This is posted on the wall in our sanctuary.

Thanks to Jeff for the pic...he also has thoughtful commentary on this beautiful wall hanging.

I'm Goin to Catalyst!

2006-09-16T10:29:00.000-04:00

We hadn't planned on hitting Catalyst this year, as resources have been a bit tight, but we just found out that someone has generously given Ben and I tickets to this year's event! Check out the story here. [though most of you come from there. :-)] Big thanks to Jason and the folks at Life Center!

I'm so excited for this time to be challenged, and refreshed. Hope to see some of you in the blog world there!

survivor on itunes!

2006-09-15T18:00:00.000-04:00

Finally iTunes picked up Survivor! I don't have a lot of shows that I watch religiously, but I'm an old school die hard Survivor fan. With rehearsals on Thursday nights though, that doesn't work out so well.

CBS did an on-demand thing last season that worked, but was a bit laborious...this season iTunes finally picked up the show...so...hurah!

I know many of you think I should tivo...but I don't have that many shows I need to record...so a big shout out to the folks at apple for making my viewing life better!

Good Monsters Review

2006-09-14T15:06:00.000-04:00

Just picked up the new Jars. Holy Cow! It took me a while to admit that these guys were my favorite band...like 3 albums...but they definitely are at the top of my list.

Good Monsters is typical Jars...but in a good way. It has those musical markers that remind you it is the same guys playing, but yet again they have reinventerd their sound in some really fun ways.

Right out of the gate they start with a driving electric sound that perks up your ears...and my ears stayed perked right through the rest of the album. Leigh Nash of Sixpence fame makes an appearance on Mirrors & Smoke, that reminded me a bit of the rootsy vibe they had on Redemption Songs...but they certainly don't stay there.

Good stuff...buy it.

some pics of my team

2006-09-12T20:10:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Jeff for these.

reach between the prickles

2006-09-12T16:54:00.000-04:00

Had a great conversation with a guy today who to be honest sometimes comes off as a bit prickley. There is a soft heart under those prickles...but sometimes there is stabbing that happens as you try to get there.

But I'm learning that it is totally worth the stabbing, because the heart underneath is good.

Ministry is about people, and as we take risks in diving into life with people in real ways, we learn how to shed the prickley parts of us and be real with those around us....

rowing won't get you there

2006-09-12T13:05:00.000-04:00

Just listened to an interview with Louie Giglio on the Catalyst Podcast. He talked for a bit about the importance of a ministry sailing with the wind of the Spirit.

"Nothing is sadder than rowing ministry."

He talked about the tendancy for churches to still be going the direction that the wind of the spirit blew in 1998 or 1976 for that matter. When the Spirit moves we can either go with Him or we keep pushing where the wind has stopped...

Great Book

2006-09-11T21:01:00.000-04:00

Been working through this book lately...

Great stuff! C.J. Mahaney not only addresses this subject of pride and humility with a sound biblical perspective, but also gives practical advice for cultivating a life of humility that is really helpful.

I think those of us that serve in public and upfront roles in the church have such amazing temptation in this area...at least I do. We can grow so hungry for those pats on the back for "a great set." Pride is one of the enemy's biggest weapons in the lives of leaders...and humility is our greatest friend...

communicate this...

2006-08-30T16:49:00.000-04:00

I've been thinking about communication lately.

It should be primarily about the listener...and then about the communicator.

How can we as communicators (in multiple forms) listen better to our listeners so that we aren't the only ones who hear what we are saying?

I've been thinking about this in regards to my teams at our church, and I've discovered that I have a tendency to get comfortable with my thing...what works for me. As a communicator, I'm learning to listen and adjust...

props to dell

2006-08-30T16:41:00.000-04:00

I'm totally ready to make the switch to a mac, but alas my wallet is not quite so ready to make that switch so for now my dell laptop is my life.

Lately though I've been hating it. We use this laptop for all of our media at our church and well...its been flaking....which only increased my mac lust.

I called Dell yesterday to inquire about my problems...flickering external monitor...not so good for a media heavy church...and after a painful 40 minute conversation with tech support they came through with flying colors!!

I reported my problem to them mid-day yesterday, and by noon today I had a tech in my house replacing both my mother board and video card. Holy Cow!! I guess the exended warrenty was worth it. :-)

back

2006-08-30T16:40:00.000-04:00

sorry for checking out for a bit. i got swamped...ugh.

you're kidding me!

2006-08-22T14:05:00.000-04:00

So I once was tempted to pay 50 bones for some of these:

But now I can buy one of these:

Next thing you know someone will be selling me a life that is already lived....

Felt Like This Guy Today...

2006-08-16T15:30:00.000-04:00

Steve Burns: from Blues Clues to Indie Rock

Today I felt like this guy...only in reverse...and I don't play indie rock...or is that what they are calling worship music these days? ;)

We had a great time putting on Songs and Jokes for Little Cow Pokes at Fairfax Corner. The team did an amazing job...especially ben playing the part of british vulture...yep...no kidding....

It was so fun to connect with so many kids and moms who aren't a part of our church. We gave out a ton of water bottles with our logo and website on them, and got to personally invite a ton of people to our church. We are really praying for God to draw some of these folks into the church.

Kudos to jen for making this all happen...

My Trip Out of the Plane

2006-08-14T17:14:00.000-04:00

Ben has a great post about what this month has been like at History. It has been an amazing season of God renewing and birthing new evangelistic vision. I'm praying that it will only continue into the fall...great stuff is in store.

Yesterday was an interesting day...we tried some new stuff with our worship team. Just some out of the box arrangements for us...it went pretty well over all, but it seemed to throw me all out of sorts. I really struggled to stay mentally "on point" and felt like I stumbled through the service.

Ben's message though was really great and was so encouraging and faith building for me...so that was a help...

Then the evening came....wow what a night!! Tricia and I had some members of our small group and some of our neighbors who don't attend church over to our house. I was a bit nervouse about numbers as some of our small group was out of town, but it ended up being the perfect number of people and balance for the group that was there. It was such a fun and natural environment, and I think everyone had an amazing time.

I was so proud of the folks from our group...they were so outgoing and welcoming, and really tilled the soil of the hearts of our neighbors. I was also really blessed by the reverse hospitality of our neighbors as they offered extra chairs, and took time out to entertain all of our children...I was so psyched about the whole night.

We did get to share a bit about our church with one of couples who is really new to our neighborhood. I was so excited, and pray that there will be some fruit from that conversation. I was also excited as one of our friends from church talked afterward how helpful it was for him to see a different form of relational evangelism in action. sweet...that's what this deal is all about!

Back

2006-08-09T15:15:00.000-04:00

Had an awesome time with my team in Va Beach. There is nothing like getting away with people to provide focus and comradery. I'm so excited for what God has in store for us next. The worship time was incredible and there was a real sense of God moving through the music and through Ben's message.

My message on Sunday went well. I felt like God spoke through me and I didn't speak too much heresy. :) I was excited because there were some people who are a bit on the margins in our church and they seemed very engaged...awesome!!

The whole weekend kicked my butt...I'm old. I took yesterday off and just hung with my girls...a much needed break.

This week I'm learnin' songs for a program we are doing at a local town center called Songs and Jokes for Little Cow Pokes. Tons...I mean tons of moms and kids come out to events like this in the summer...I'm so excited to be able to serve them in this way, and to get the word out about our church.

Big Weekend

2006-08-04T16:26:00.000-04:00

I have a packed weekend, and this has been a bit of a crazy week...hence the lack of posting. Ben is headed to the baptidome in Va Beach to speak in their morning service. So I am covering the message at History this week. Right after church the band and I are hopping in the car to meet Ben in Va Beach to do the evening service at London Bridge.

Should be a really fun time, the church we are playing at has been amazing and is putting us up in a great hotel. Looking forward to showing my team the old stomping grounds.

These are the graphics for my message that Jen our graphic designer did. Makes me want to preach better. :-)

I'm speaking from Rev. 2:1-7...really good stuff that God has laid on my heart, about his responsiveness to our real needs, regardless of whether we notice them, and his faithfulness in becoming what we need in meeting those needs...check it out here next week.

british invasion

2006-08-04T16:09:00.000-04:00

Came across this new resource via Tim Hughes' blog. I have so much respect for Tim Hughes and Matt Redman and that whole British camp that kind of emerged from the Soul Survivor thing. WorshipCentral.org has a great podcast that deals with leadership, and also has a new song once a month.

For those of you who hit the pd worship conference Tim's new song Happy Day is up on this site and talked about in the August podcast.

I'm also really psyched about the conferences they are putting on. They have 2 per year with just 20 worship leaders in a country cottage in England...sweet...

I also stubled across this album and am downloading it from iTunes as I type, but looks to be amazing.

Weekend Update

2006-07-31T20:02:00.000-04:00

Had a great weekend this week. We had a full house for this time in the summer, and a lot of teenagers back from YL camp. God has really blessed our church with a ton of YL students. It exciting to see them come back from such an intense time with God and have a desire to get involved in a local church. I pray that we will be effective in seeing them become mature disciples of Christ into adulthood.

With all these teenagers sometimes comes parents. Two fathers gaver their lives to Christ at History this weekend. That is why I'm in this thing.

The message was really good. Ben has been preaching from the life of Jacob and has had some amazing insites...check them out here. Worship was great. The congregation was so responsive, and the band nailed every song. We did one new song during communion that I think is becoming a favorite of mine: Let Us Love Sing and Wonder. It is an old 18th century hymn that Jars of Clay did on their Redemption Songs cd. The band did a great arrangement of it.

Finally got the final edit of the music for the History commercial. I'm pretty happy with it. I discovered that writing 30 seconds of music that is meant to blend into the background is tough stuff...huge thanks to David and Jesse for knocking this one out of the park! Ben posted a link to the mp3 on his blog.

Blogged with Flock

Please Read This

2006-07-29T14:54:00.000-04:00

[here]

I thank God for my friend Ginny and the work that she and many like her are doing around the world. May we never be so comfortable and calloused that we see God as small, convenient, and unable to do the impossible.

tools of the trade

2006-07-28T16:27:00.000-04:00

Jeff inspired me to speak out. I'm passionate about this pencil:
It is a Pentel Twist Erase...the greatest mechanical pencil ever. Just read this:

Featuring a rubber grip for non-stop writing comfort. New and improved twist barrel to advance and retract oversized eraser. Produces a smooth, crisp line with dark imprint for easy reading. Jumbo eraser is larger than all ordinary pencil erasers. Ideal for office, home, and school.

Its my conviction that a pencil is only as good as its eraser. (insert spiritual analogy here) And that makes this pencil hands down the best you will put your hands on. Go pick one up and try it out.

a word from Dr. Peterson

2006-07-27T11:22:00.000-04:00

I've been getting into the book of Revelation the past couple of days in my devotional times with God. Definitely a book that I have often wrestled with, but such a great book for worshippers and worship leaders.

Yesterday I read Eugene Peterson's introduction to this book in the Message...he has some amazing thoughts on worship:

Worship shapes the human community in response to the living God. If worship is neglected or perverted, our communities fall into chaos or under tyranny. [whoa!]

Our times are not propitious for worship. The times never are. The world is hostile to worship. The Devil hate worship. As The Revelation makes clear, worship must be carried out under conditions decidedly uncongenial to it.

Enough said...

time for an escape

2006-07-25T13:04:00.000-04:00

Just signed on the dotted line for one of these yesterday: .2005 Ford Escape. I've been a long time Toyota faithful, but it was time for something a bit larger and safer. My wife wasn't down with carting our two kids around in my 2-door Toyota Echo any more. :-)

It sucks down the gas...so it isn't as good for the environment...but my wife and kids are safer so as Mark Driscoll once said, "I'm protecting my environment!" :-)

frustration

2006-07-25T12:51:00.000-04:00

Today we had a conversation in our staff meeting that I hope we will have continually no matter how large God grows our church. We spoke of a dissatisfaction with our current effectiveness at reaching people. There are some great things happening in History, but there are some barriers that we are so anxious to push through.

As I reflect on that conversation, I think about how many times I have been in communities that didn't have this passion...where telling folks about the saving work of Jesus Christ was an after thought. I'm so thankful for this community and for our pastor and for the ways that I am continually challenged to think of the gospel and its proclamation as part of my identity as a follower of Christ.

For what its worth...as a worship leader, I have a firm conviction that this kind of passion is found first in a life that is steeped in worship...the more you worship...the more you get to know God...the more you catch his heart...the more you realize that you must speak it out.

Birthays and Bell

2006-07-22T10:00:00.000-04:00

So today should be interesting. I have two back to back 3 year old birthday parties...only to rush home to hop in the car to see Rob Bell speak at a pub in Arlington:
I feel like there should be something interesting or funny to say about this sequence of events, but I'm at a loss....feel free to add your own. :-)

Honestly I'm excited to hear Rob Bell in person. He is a great communicator and if nothing else has an amazing knack for making you want to hear what he has to say.

step up to the microphone....

2006-07-19T17:00:00.000-04:00

heading over to my bassists house tomorrow morning to try and get a good recording of the little ditty we put together for the commercial. looking forward to working with my guys in this kind of setting. i like the initial ideas that we have and i'm excited to flesh them out a bit.

just finished...

2006-07-18T13:21:00.000-04:00

...this book: Manifest Presence by Jack Hayford.

I have been a longtime fan of Jack Hayford. His ability to communicate the bible is simply amazing and his clear pastoral heart bleeds through every book that he writes. I'm so often struck by the influence that God has given him in the area of pastoral leadership and worship that truly crosses theological and denominational boundaries. He is truly a pastor's pastor. I find it so helpful to read the thoughts of a truly seasoned leader...

This book was typical Hayford...some of it sounded much some of his other books, but the last two chapters were really great. The last chapter especially captivated me. He spoke of worship as a unifying thing within the church...and the necessity of that happening. He cast vision for that...and what it will be like when that is ultimately the case before the throne of God. I think it struck me because so often "worship" is the polarizing thing in the church as a whole. We are all so different in the way we worship...but there is no greater unifier than the One that we worship....good stuff.

my new favorite distraction

2006-07-17T10:49:00.000-04:00

this thing borders on creepy...

an inconvenient truth

2006-07-16T19:35:00.000-04:00

We had a great weekend.

Before we moved up here to Northern Va, we really prayed that God would plant us in a community where we could form real relationships with the people in our neighborhood. God totally answered that prayer and last night we had a wonderful time out with our next door neighbors and a group of their friends. It was fun to just be out with my wife, but it was also fun to be out with new friends as well.

Our neighbors aren't Christians, and it was such cool thing to be invited into their community of friends and that not be a weird thing...I know that sounds silly, but people get all squirrelly when it comes to issues of faith. Tricia and I pray for them regularly, that God would bless their family, and that they would see the love of Jesus in us.

I got to meet one of their good friends and we had a really interesting conversation. He just recently came from a viewing of Al Gore's new film, An Inconvenient Truth, and was so moved by it that he bought 100 tickets at $7.50 a pop to give to his friends in hopes of getting more people passionate about the issue of global warming. He said, "if something is wrong at home you just have to take care of it...there is something wrong with our home."

I was so struck by his passion. It was a great glimpse into the things that move our culture today. It reminded me that when people really care about something...when they are personally invested...when it is a personal crisis...they are moved to do great things.

If we could be like this in the church. If we could see the hurt and need for Christ in peoples' lives as a truly a crisis...we could be moved to great boldness, sacrifice, and effectiveness...and even beyond that we are offered the power of the living Christ...that would make some noise...

Saturday Task

2006-07-15T15:26:00.000-04:00

Had a hankerin for some new "clothes" for my blog. So here's the new look for now.

leading people

2006-07-14T15:04:00.000-04:00

If you are worship leader and not actively striving to grow as a leader of people then you are simply leading a cover band playing to a captive audience.

going commercial

2006-07-13T14:33:00.000-04:00

Just spent the better part of the day working with a guy on my team coming up with some music for the commercial that we just shot for History. It wasn't an easy task, but it was a fun day!

It was a great time hanging out with Jesse though...he's super talented, and the chance to collaborate with him was awesome. I like what we came up with in the end...so now we just need to hand the rough cut off to the video guys, and then get working on a better recording. This process has made it painfully clear that I need to pray harder for some better recording gear. We were definitely piecing stuff together to get something down.

To contribute to the Matt Morgan recording fund send your gifts too.... :-)

I love my job!

Worst Music Video EVER

2006-07-12T13:45:00.000-04:00


so i was looking online for the best cowboy song ever, looking for music for a kids event we are doing a couple of weeks. i stumbled upon this...the worst music video ever. enjoy...or not.

Just Finished...

2006-07-12T12:35:00.000-04:00

...this book. I have been a fan of Walter Brueggamann ever since seminary when I read his Texts that Linger, Words that Explode. He's a bit of a heady writer, but he writes about the OT with a sense of imagination, story, and applicable truth that for me makes me hungry for that ever so long part of the bible.

His commentary on the psalms is a must read for worship leaders. The psalms are so much a part of the world we live in, we need to be chewing on them all the time.

He approaches this book with a bit of a different perspective that I found really insiteful. He breaks the psalms into three basic categories:

Psalms of Orientation
Psalms of Disorientation
Psalm of New Orientation

He uses this to format to describe a fairly normal spiritual journey that happened in the life of the psalmists, and I think is a good reflection of the journey that we often go through.

Anyhoo...check it out...

ps: despite the sweet 1980's cover art, the book is actually really good. :-)

set list 07.09.06

2006-07-11T15:43:00.000-04:00

It was so good to be back on Sunday. History is such an amazing church, and I really love what I do, so its tough to be away...though I have to admit...a week in OC wasn't ALL THAT BAD. :-)

The team did great, we had a last minute issue with our bass player, and I had to call on one of our guitar players to step in and play bass for this week. He hadn't acutally ever played bass, but you wouldn't have known it. He did an amazing job. When I found out the situation we were in, I made sure to choose songs that were very familiar and had some fairly easy bass lines. Its important as worship leaders that we set our teams up for success whatever the circumstances may be.

Here's what we did:
No One Like You
Blessed Be Your Name
Marvelous Light
Wholly Yours
This was an acoustic version during the offering...this week we'll add in the full band and give it a bit of punch.
There Must Be More Than This (Consuming Fire)
I enjoyed doing this one after seeing Tim Hughes play it last week.

just like being there...well not quite...

2006-07-05T20:58:00.000-04:00

One of the messages that really challenged me at the pd worship conference last week was John Ortberg's talk. He shared from the book of Ester and talk about mission and our tendency toward a "shadow mission." Come to find out he used some of the same material when he spoke at his church this past Sunday. Their materials are free!!

You can check out a video of this message here.

pd worship day #3

2006-06-29T20:43:00.000-04:00

Got those batteries charged up...so I've posted some pics below. This was my favorite day so far. John Ortberg spoke this morning. He was awesome. I was really challenged by much of what he had to say. He talked about us having a shadow mission, that often distracts us from our God given mission from God. Often this consumes us and unknowingly we slip into patterns that have nothing to do with what God has called us to.

Later I went to a songwriting session with Tim Hughes, and then a session on dealing with divas with Saddleback's vocal director, tonight after dinner we head back to the church for a Mercy Me concert.

a good day...

2006-06-29T20:42:00.000-04:00

Takin a break after lunch...sufferin for Jesus here in OC. :-)

2006-06-29T20:40:00.000-04:00

Tim Hughes lead worship this morning. amazing...such an incredible time with God. God has really gifted and annointed him as a leader. My favorite part of the week so far.

2006-06-29T20:38:00.000-04:00

Tim Hughes did one of the best song writing classes I have ever been too. I often get frustrated with these, because they all say the same thing. Tim had some fresh ideas, and capped the whole thing off by playing through the evolution of the writing process of one of his songs. It was really helpful to see that in action.

2006-06-29T20:36:00.000-04:00

all this conferencing has made us tired!

pd worship day #2

2006-06-29T00:31:00.000-04:00

This will be a short one...batteries on the camera were dead...more pics.

Some good sessions again today...lots of good nuggets that I am anxious to apply to my leadership of our team. A great tech session with Lincoln Brewster.

The highlight of the day though was dinner with los and his team from Sandals Church. They are a great bunch of folks, and I was so excited to finally connect with los in person. I love how the blogospere can make connections...we had a great time talking, and sharing about our families. He had some great things to share about how he structures his ministry as well. I was so encouraged to just sit and talk with another worship pastor who is doing church in ways similar to us at History and hearing how they have overcome some the challenges that we are facing.

I also got to meet pat he too hails from the west coast, and got to know los through blogs. He came to dinner with us and I'm looking forward to keeping up with him too.

a good day...

pd worship day #1

2006-06-28T00:16:00.000-04:00

Wow...the conference started with a bang! There was a great time of worship lead by Rick Muchow from Saddleback. The team was amazing and it was so refreshing to just sing at the top of my lungs in worship to God. Looking forward to more of this...

Rick Warren gave the keynote address and did an amazing job. He talked on worship...big suprise...but gave some great testimonies about his journey in starting Saddleback. This was especially interesting to me being from a church plant. One big thing that hit me between the eyes was what he had to say about worry. He said that when we worry we are trying to do God's job...we are trying to prove to God that we are helping Him. But....The antidote to worry is worship.

The Saddleback campus is really outstanding...very different from anything I have ever seen. My one big observation today is that their value on community is strongly expressed in their architecture.

Some Pics
Got to meet up with Carlos Whittaker of the blog world. It's awesome that blogs can connect us in ministry even on opposite coasts!

location, location, location

2006-06-27T10:06:00.000-04:00

My wife and I arrived here in the OC for the P. Ditty worship conference yesterday. The conference gets going in a couple of hours, just after lunch today. I'm psyched about the amazing lineup of worship leaders, and speakers...so anxious for what God has to say to me this week.

Buuut...I also can't complaine about the location...

We spent the evening last night exploring the Pacific Coast Highway and made our way down to Laguna Beach of TV fame. It was gorgeous! Today we hit the conference. More to come soon....

hittin' the road...

2006-06-25T15:05:00.000-04:00

Tricia and I are hopping on a plane tommorrow to head out to the Purpose Driven Worship conference in Southern California. Small group and packing is on the agenda for tonight...then a bit of sleep and our flight leaves at 7:20am tommorrow!

reimagineering

2006-06-23T16:58:00.000-04:00

I'm almost finished reading Rick Mckinley's book Jesus in the Margins. I've enjoyed it so far...it is very gospel focused...definitely a book that I would give to a friend who is investigating faith in Christ.

One thing that struck me this week as I was reading was McKinley's repeated use of the word reimagine. He is inviting people...people in the margins to imagine a life where those margins are transformed.

To those with a broken childhood, "Jesus invited us to reimagine life as a child of God." To those who struggle with the idea of God as father, "He invites us to reimagine life in relationship with the perfect father."

All of this imagining got me thinking...we often talk in our staff meetings about the creative techniques of Disney's Imagineering Team. How they use story and creativity to creative immersive environments to their patrons.

In the church we are up to something significantly more eternal than Disney is, but God has still called us to creativity. The leap that has to be made from "no Jesus" to "knowing Jesus" and the reality that entails is pretty huge for most people. Perhaps God has called us in the local church to be on reimagineering teams...working together creatively to help people reimagine their lives in the hands of a loving Savior.

Diet Coke + Mentos = Science

2006-06-21T19:58:00.000-04:00

you gotta see this.

amazing....by the way...mentos has a great website.

who knew...the fresh maker.

sing a new song...

2006-06-21T13:51:00.000-04:00

Against my better sonic judgement I posted a quick peak at the new song we are doing called Speak It Out. This audio is straight from the board so its got that wonderful "bootleg with lots of mistakes" vibe going. :-) This was our first go at the song...so you can hear us trying to get our feet under us a bit, but it has really solidified in recent weeks, and I'm really happy with it.

I'm so passionate about song writing in the local church. There is a freshness to worship that comes from songs that reflect the seasons of a particular congregation. One of my biggest prayers that God would give me and our church new songs to sing about what He is doing in and through us.

("Speak It Out" Copyright 2006 Matthew C. Morgan)

set list 06.18.06

2006-06-20T14:58:00.000-04:00

This past Sunday was Man Day at History. It was great fun, and Ben gave a challenging message to our men about preserving their integrity. Worship went well over all, but we did have a rough go of it technically. We were a bit short staffed with some of our volunteers out on vacation, etc so I had a couple of my guys spread really thin...they did awesome considering all they had to do! (thanks Ed!!)

I learned some good lessons on the technical side of things and will be implementing some safe guards to try and simplify some steps for our volunteers. I am learning over and over that assumption is a killer in technical areas. We need to make sure that things are really clear for the folks that are working hard behind the scenes. It makes our lives and theirs so much easier.
Here was our set:

Musical Intro
No One Like You - Crowder

Break for folks to get ribs (thanks Julie!!) and root beer. There was also a nacho cheese fountain... (you rock Ally!)

Everyday - Hillsong United
King of Glory - Chris Tomlin

From the Inside Out - Hillsong United
This came right after the message. This is fast becoming a favorite with the band and with our church.

Overall this week was kind of tough for me...I get easily distracted by little things, but I did get great feedback from the folks that came, and I saw so many fathers there that didn't normally attend church that it really makes it all worth it. Many of them responded so well to the fact that we went out of our way to make them feel special.

Funny how much a guy in a nascar uniform on the back of a truck handing out root beer from a baby pool can communicate the love of Christ... :-)

its a race...guess who's winning...

2006-06-19T19:54:00.000-04:00

check this out...and vote....
...nice to see things as they should be...music that glorifies God pushing the musical envelope and rising above the fray.

in his words:

first i must say that, "i'm completely astounded." second i must say, "please go vote." i realize voting for a band such as ours is a strange and awkward thing, and i hesitate to ask, but i'm certain it would generate some attention from folks normally uninterested and possibly bearing pessimistic opinions regarding music of this nature. it's just not everyday we can have a voting contest, pitting busta rhymez vs the crowder band. and we must take advantage, yes? it shall be fun and rewarding. so i humbly ask that you click the link and vote and then forward to your friends and family, of course requesting they help you crush mr. busta as well. we love mr. busta dearly, but he has a burgeoning film career and we do not.

Yuck!!

2006-06-14T20:23:00.000-04:00

just had some of these tonight...nasty...but worth the laughs.

Click here for a list of flavors

summoning self

2006-06-14T09:07:00.000-04:00

Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.
Psalm 103:1-2

This passage really struck me this morning. It is the self summoning the self to praise (as Brueggamen puts it). But I was struck by the similarity of the language to that used at the end of this song:

Praise the Lord, you his angels....
Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts...
Praise the Lord, all his works...
Praise the Lord, O my soul...

I think sometimes there is a tendency in worship to wait for it to arise...to wait for the mood, the zone, the Spirit. And while there is a place for waiting in worship there is also a place for us to summon the reluctant self to join with creation in the worship of the God who made us and has redeemed us.

set list 06.11.06

2006-06-13T10:12:00.000-04:00

This past Sunday was great! I was so proud of our team. Jesse our electric guitar player broke a string at the very beginning of the second song, but he didn't miss a beat, and not many in the congregation even noticed.

We also added a second electric guitar this week. A college student who is home for the summer has been coming to rehearsals, and this was his first week on the team. He did a great job playing on the team, and then did an amazing rewrite and cover of "crazy" by seal during our offering time. I get the most satisfaction as a leader when I see guys on my team stepping out and flourishing!

Here was our set for this week:

"Crazy" - Seal (This was just a short instrumental teaser for what was to come)
Marvelous Light - Charlie Hall
No One Like You - David Crowder
Speak It Out - Matt Morgan

"Crazy" - Seal
Terry played this one with just an acoustic guitar during our offering and it provided a really nice feel and contrasted well with the volume and fullness of the rest of the set.

Everything Glorious - David Crowder
This last song we did after the message and during communion. I was curious how it would fit as a communion song, but it fit really well I think. It speaks of redemptive themes that fit well with the active remembrance of the body and blood of Christ. We have done this song a lot in recent weeks, and it really resonates with our church. I've only found it on the most recent Passion album...

b collision

2006-06-09T13:40:00.000-04:00

Looking forward to this:

You can read about it here.

Set List 06.04.06

2006-06-06T12:57:00.000-04:00

Following the example of Tim I thought I'd start posting our setlists from the previous week. So this is what we did:

Everyday - Hillsong United
Favorite Friend - Darrell Evans
From the Inside Out - Hillsong United

Speak it Out - Matt Morgan

Beautiful One - Tim Hughes.

Things went really well. We tried my new song out this week during the offering time, and it seemed to go pretty well. I was so psyched with what the band did to take this song to new levels.

my idol vote

2006-05-23T21:29:00.000-04:00

Taylor should win...he's the first contestant on this show I might buy an album from.

...unless they make him sing that terrible "music" the producers chose for the finale!

flying into a review...

2006-05-23T16:21:00.000-04:00

Just downloaded a copy of Charlie Hall's new album Flying Into Daybreak, and all I have to say is wow!

Typically my preference for worship albums is that they are recorded live. Worship tunes are written to sung congregationally and often its a big challenge to communicate them well in a studio recording.

A few folks do this well (Crowder for example) and with this album, I have to admit that Charlie Hall joins the camp of those who can capture the creative freedom that a studio setting lends to an artist and pair it with an amazing spirit of worship that works its way through the music.

I love the arrangements of some of the live songs that I have heard previously such as Marvelous Light and Center. Some of my favorites from the album were Song of the Redeemed and Bravery. Great songs that start to slip out of the worship box a bit, while still being really approachable.

Two big thumbs up from me!!!

Just the Guys

2006-05-20T09:26:00.000-04:00

So the girls of the Morgan household hit the road for Gloucester this morning to see Tricia's family...so that means its just the guys...er..just me...this weekend.

It'll be lonely without them aroud, but I have plenty to do to prepare for our partnership dinner at History tommorrow. It looks to be a pretty packed night! Awesome!

lead for growth

2006-05-17T10:05:00.000-04:00

I'm coming up on my one year anniversary here at History. It's been an amazing year. Definitely a time of refreshing and blessing after a fairly tough season prior to History at the beginning of my career in full time ministry.

Milestones are always great times for reflection and growth. My wife and I have a small pile of rocks in our garden that we have collected at significant milestone events in our life as a family so that we will remember the things that Lord taught us in the different seasons that He has brought us through. (trying to take a hint from guys like Joshua and Abraham.)

Anyway...this year has been one of big growth for me as well...particularly in the area of leadership. Ben made the comment in a staff meeting a couple of weeks ago, that we need to "lead for growth." Funny statement? Doesn't good leadership naturally produce growth...hmmm...maybe...but I think sometimes church leadership can slip into "lead for survival" or "lead for appeasement" or "lead for applause"

I'm pretty comfortable with the motivating and nurturing aspects in "leading for growth," but the reality is that sometimes growth in an organization and in individuals can only come through difficult decisions that perhaps they won't like. I had to do that on an organizational level just before I came to History...and I have been learning to do that on a personal level this past year as I have dealt with my team. It's tough for me...I'm the nice guy, and have a deep need for people to like me. But sometimes as leaders we have to let that go by the wayside, for the sake of spiritual growth in the people God has called us to lead.

As a side note it has been helpful, that my daughter has just turned two in the midst of this season in my life. I have been learning to discipline and lead as a father in tandem with this development in my leadership and spiritual life.

i was buzzed...must have had a longer hangover

2006-05-10T20:27:00.000-04:00

...because it took me so long to post some photos...

Had a grea time last week at the buzz conference. I especially enjoyed hearing Ed Young speak. His content was great, and I was really challenged as I watched him engage with us as a communicator...he was amazing.

Anyhoo...I was looking over my buzz pictures and I decided not to post the same picture of the buzz logo and the blurry person that everyone else has posted. Seems like we all had the same idea for pictures...I'm sure if someone took a picture from the other direction they would see 300 pastors in jeans and untucked striped shirts all holding up their new treos trying to grab that super sweet shot for their blog.

Yes that was me.

I did take this picture of Tally though in Ebenezer's. What's that on your coffee sleeve Tally? Hmm....

nothing like a little automation

2006-05-10T15:57:00.000-04:00

I've been in charge of editing and uploading our message audio and podcasts in my tenure here at History. Like many things in life...time and experience is a great teacher.

We started this whole deal with lots of steps in the process...recording, download, edit, upload, edit html and links on website, upload and post to itunes. Too many steps for the average bear to have great success and consistency, and to be quite honest we fell the way of many churches right now. Starting a podcast on itunes and letting it become but a memory and an incomplete list.

I've been working the last couple of weeks to resolve this and coder extraordinare Andrew Luck from History has provided the ultimate solution. He created a tool that will read the information on my uploaded mp3 files and automatically update the html and links on our website and post the information and proper links in itunes. Now I simply edit the message file by adding an intro, and then upload it to the server...the rest just happens. He has even added a streaming audio option on our site...awesome!

I am reminded again of that thing that Paul said in I Corinthians about toes needing arms etc. etc. Awesome when God uses people's gifts to help his church find a groove...

Check us out on itunes...just look for History Church. God has been saying some challenging things through our pastor, Ben.

team is better

2006-05-09T16:37:00.000-04:00

Just got back from a whole day of planning and meeting with our team at History today. It was a great day...our longest meeting yet, but we made some amazing progress in planning for a power packed summer of reaching our community.

It has been awesome to add our new children's director Jen to the team. One more voice has stirred up our creative juices, and we are crankin in the creative productivity area.

Ben has included us all as we discuss and plan in our individual areas, and it has been really helpful to have fresh voices speaking into our ministry areas.

Team is better....

I'm Alive

2006-05-04T09:27:00.000-04:00

I realized I hadn't posted in like a week...ugh! And I was on such a roll.

Anyway...I had a really rough week last week, some leadership issues came to a head in the midst of a really busy week with Ben being out of town. God really used my circumstances to shape me into a better leader...so I'm glad for that. I'll post more when I have processed it all a bit more.

On another note. Off to DC today for the Buzz Conference. Noticed on some of the blogs out there that many folks got in last night. Again I realized how fortunate I am to be living so close to the nations capital.

...well that was a borderline lame post...but more later I promise! :-)

722 on My Treo!

2006-04-25T15:39:00.000-04:00

Hey all you treo toting worshippers. I just discovered that 722 makes their video stream available to mobile internet users. Everything is shrunk down and treosized so you can experience great worship and teaching anywhere!

Go here on your windows mobile enabled device:
http://www.722.org/togo

Root, Root, Root for the Home Team

2006-04-25T15:24:00.000-04:00

So one big benefits of living here in Reston is finally having some pro sports teams to cheer for. Being from Hampton Roads, we've been denied that privilege.

Last night Phil, a friend from my small group, had a bunch of tickets to a Nationals game, so we rounded up some guys and went to ball game. Thanks Phil!!! It was great fun! It was my first MLB game in over 20 years...so needless to say I was psyched.

This was a group of guys that I don't normally get to hang out with a lot together, and they are all loads of fun, so a good time was had by all. BTW we had amazing seats. The only bad part of the evening was that I had to leave my wife at home because we didn't have a baby sitter. She is such an awesome wife though and gladly let me out of the house to hang with the fellas! Thanks Darlin!

The crew waiting for the game to start...

Andrew...well actually I was taking a picture of the guy in the brown shirt...he looked like someone famous...can't remember who...so that makes this picture just of Andrew...

Our sweeeet seats

Always a camera watcher...never on camera...apparently they think if you have good seats you don't need to be on the jumbo tron...they're wrong...

In Favor of Repetition, Repetition, Repetition

2006-04-21T11:02:00.000-04:00

Psalm 63:3-7
3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. 4 So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. 5 My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, 6 when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; 7 for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.

Verses 3 - 5 of the verse above make up the chorus of a song I wrote a while back...I'm not even sure I like the song anymore, but I always remember those words...they are ingrained in my heart because I have sung them and meditated on them.

Sometimes I will complete a set list for a given Sunday and look at it and wonder if we should sing that song again. Then I bring the set to the band and sometimes they moan...but then we sing with our church and after a while the peoples voices soar on the songs that they know. When they aren't focused on learning a melody or a lyric, they are free to worship, and there is a marked increase in their expressiveness before the Lord.

Beyond the corporate context I think there is a real value repetition of worship music. If people know the songs in their guts...that's what they'll be singing during the week. I would love it if the words of Scripture put to music could win out in the meditation of folks hearts over coldplay, or eminem, or whoever....

I'm always challenged by the accounts of Jonah, and Jesus, and others who in moments of great distress and need, turned to Scripture songs that were deep in their hearts...the natural outflow of themselves in that moment...their spiritual reflexes per se, were in that moment...worship.

As a worship pastor part of my job is helping to shape this in the people who attend our church. That's why I lean more toward repetition. That's why we often have "theme songs" for a particular sermon series or season in our church.

That doesn't mean we don't do new songs...I love new music, and we are doing something wrong if fresh songs aren't being sung, (I think the Bible says something about singing a new song...) but I constantly ask myself if the way and frequency that I present new songs is leading people toward really engaging with God in worship, and getting His truths in their hearts, or just tickling my need for a hot new guitar lick.

It's Official...

2006-04-20T16:05:00.000-04:00

Just booked my flights and registered...I'm headed to So-Cal in June. My lovely wife is coming with me...I'm super excited! Anyone else going?

Easter Thoughts

2006-04-19T20:24:00.000-04:00

Wow...this has been quite the week and weekend. Yes I realize that it is Wednesday night...last weekend is well past.

Right after our Easter service we headed to Va Beach to spend some time with my parents. It was a great time of lots of food and lots of just doing nothing.

Some reflections from Easter at History:

1. It was Awesome!!!!

2. Great attendance, but I was bummed some of my neighbors didn't come...we are developing such good friendships with them, and I so desire that they could see first hand what we do, and most importantly hear about Jesus in the context of that community. I am praying that they see Christ in me...in the way that we love them...

3. Five people put their trust in Jesuss...the best part of all!

4. We used a third center video screen...way cool...it will be tough to go back to just two. It was a ton of work, but our team handled it amazingly and it really added a lot to the feel of the worship set.

5. It was definitely a bit more of a rock n' roll Easter worship set than I have done before, but it was great...

6. My worship team rocks...

7. Had a really good setup time on Saturday night...saw some new sides of Ben (can you say "Ice, Ice, Baby?")

8. Was reminded of some important things:
It was really easy for me to get distracted by the music and the new media elements that we included in this service. My stress level leapt up during the days prior to Easter. It was hard for me to even sit still...thinking of all of the details involved in morning. But over and over I was reminded that the music, eloquent delivery, and great uses of technology are all for not without the power of God sweeping through that place and changing peoples hearts. The Lord has been reminding me lately of what Paul says in I Corinthians 4:20:

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

We definitely must be relevant to our culture and communicate in ways that make sense to them...this was the way of Jesus...but Jesus also relied on the power of Holy Spirit and partnership in His Father's mission as He ministered...

All that said...I think God showed up at History this weekend...God changed lives...and we got to be a part of that...that rocks!

A Good Friday Song

2006-04-14T16:37:00.000-04:00

Psalm 22:1-31

TO THE CHOIRMASTER: ACCORDING TO THE DOE OF THE DAWN. A PSALM OF DAVID.
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? 2 O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest. 3 Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. 4 In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. 5 To you they cried and were rescued; in you they trusted and were not put to shame. 6 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people. 7 All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads; 8 "He trusts in the LORD; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he delights in him!" 9 Yet you are he who took me from the womb; you made me trust you at my mother's breasts. 10 On you was I cast from my birth, and from my mother's womb you have been my God. 11 Be not far from me, for trouble is near, and there is none to help. 12 Many bulls encompass me; strong bulls of Bashan surround me; 13 they open wide their mouths at me, like a ravening and roaring lion. 14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast; 15 my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you lay me in the dust of death. 16 For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet- 17 I can count all my bones- they stare and gloat over me; 18 they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots. 19 But you, O LORD, do not be far off! O you my help, come quickly to my aid! 20 Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dog! 21 Save me from the mouth of the lion! You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen! 22 I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you: 23 You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him, and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel! 24 For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him. 25 From you comes my praise in the great congregation; my vows I will perform before those who fear him. 26 The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the LORD! May your hearts live forever! 27 All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you. 28 For kingship belongs to the LORD, and he rules over the nations. 29 All the prosperous of the earth eat and worship; before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, even the one who could not keep himself alive. 30 Posterity shall serve him; it shall be told of the Lord to the coming generation; 31 they shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn, that he has done it.

"God" in Spanish

2006-04-12T12:46:00.000-04:00

My little girl Hope, who is two years old, was downstairs today walking around saying "Hallelujah!" My wife asked her: "Hope do you know what Hallelujah means?"

Hope replied confidently: "It means 'God' in Spanish!"

Close enough... :-)

More Love, More Power

2006-04-12T12:29:00.000-04:00

Some of the methods that we use each week to share the love of Jesus with people involves needing to plug lots of stuff in to get more power...(yes I realize the spiritual metaphor and tangent evident here, but I will refrain as this is a very practical/technical post.)

To avoid tripping breakers in the elementary school we are meeting in we have extension cords going everywhere trying to spread the love..and with the addition of some new lighting and sound gear recently I've been a bit skiddish about tripping a breaker in the middle of a service.

This weekend our power worries will come to an end. I just talked with an electrician who is building us a panel that should handle the load of all of our gear, and then some. It will have its own breakers and outlets, an be plugged into a 220V outlet in the kitchen behind our stage at the school.

It wasn't cheap, but it should really help us as we need more power to share more love....

Fatherhood

2006-04-10T18:45:00.000-04:00

the cure for a busy schedule

2006-04-07T11:50:00.000-04:00

my wife always has something fun and tasty planned for us after rehearsal on thursday nights...there are definitely some drawbacks to rehearsing at my house but large amounts of ice cream and goodies are definitely a plus!

Happenings

2006-04-07T11:31:00.000-04:00

Blogging has been a bit sparse this week for me. We have been going full blast with getting ready for Easter. I almost feel like this Sunday is sneaking up on us for all the attention that Easter is getting...

A few things happening:

1. Jen Anderson is coming on board as our new Children's Director and Graphic Designer. I'm really excited about this next step for History.

2. Plans for Easter are coming along quite well...we are pushing ourselves in some new areas, and I think it will really produce good fruit. I have some thoughts brewing about this...but will take longer than there is room here...

3. Bought one of these this week. I'm so excited about what this will do to our sound.
4. Firming up plans to head out to the purpose driven worship conference in June. I'm super excited about this. The conference looks amazing, and I have never been west of the Rockies...or even as far as the Rockies...in fact beautiful South Dakota just about does it for me...California has to be better!

5. Taking a couple of days off after Easter to visit with my family. It will be great for my girls to spend some quality time with Nanna and Boompa (I can't wait till I can pick a crazy grandparent name for myself!), and it will be great for me to just veg a bit...

New Gig Bag (box)

2006-03-31T13:59:00.000-05:00

I was recently inspired by Phil Ayers on his Bald Worship Leader Podcast to think about my gig bag. Lately it has just been a plastic bin with who knows what inside...it was tough to move around and tough to find stuff in, and it wasn't stocked all that well.

I went out today and bought a new solution! Its just a tool box that I have converted into a Worship Pastor's ultimate gear resource kit on wheels. I'm so psyched about being more organized! We have been working really hard lately in every area of our setup to be more efficient...and I'm happy to personally get on the band wagon.

Its so important as worship leaders that we work hard to prevent or eliminate distractions from our corporate worship time. This includes things that will distract us as worship leaders, and things that will distract our team. Having the right gear, and being prepared for emergencies is part of that stewardship of our role.

Here are some pics of my sweet new box, I got it at Walmart...its the little things that make me happy!

It even separates into two parts for more storage...going on a smaller gig...need less stuff...just take the top!

Oh yeah...it has wheels...sweet!

Thursday Trip

2006-03-31T13:52:00.000-05:00

Went down to Richmond yesterday with Ben for a meeting of church planters in VA. Those times are always valuable in one way or another. Ben and had some great planning time in the car ride down. We also got to spend a bit of time with Tally. Here are some shots of us totally paying attention...

Iraq on America

2006-03-27T18:32:00.000-05:00

My friend Ginny McKinney is doing some great work over in Iraq. She teaches English courses, and is the presence of our Father there in the midst of a dark place.

She has an amazing post here about the cultural presuppositions that Iraqis have of Americans. If you aren't reading her blog you are missing out...there is such perspective there that you can't find in the news.

Ebenezer's Coffee House

2006-03-27T17:58:00.000-05:00

Spent this Monday out with the family on a trek into the city. While we were there, we stopped in to grab a cup of coffee at Ebenezer's the new coffee house that Mark and the folks at NCC built. I have to say, I was really impressed. It was a first class place, and the coffee was even good! I didn't get to see the downstairs or the offices, but if it is anything like the coffee house it is amazing.

Small Group During the NCAA basketball finals

2006-03-27T17:45:00.000-05:00

Our small group meets on Sunday nights...I love it! Its tough for folks though any time there is a major sporting event. What's cool, is that it is usually the sports that give, when push comes to shove...that speaks so much to the community that has developed!

This weekend our local team GMU continued its cinderella ride right into the final 4. The game was still happening as folks were supposed to arrive. It was great watching people sprint in during timeouts, trying not to miss anything between the radio broadcast and what we were watching.

Needless to say we started our bible study a few minutes late to watch a nail biting OT! Go GMU!!!The score is tight just before the start of our small group....

We know what's important...sometimes its just better to wait! :-)

here with me

2006-03-23T09:57:00.000-05:00

...when i awake, i am still with You. -psalm 139:18b

I am speaking this week at History from psalm 139. Ben has been doing an awesome series on Truth, and we are concluding it by hitting on some really tough topics, as they relate to God's truth...this week I'm on deck for abortion. Not an easy subject...

I was meditating devotionally on this psalm this morning and the second part of verse 18 nearly jumped off the page at me. What a simple but profound phrase..."when I awake, I am still with You."

We worship, serve and intimately know a God that is not relegated to the relm of dreams, or nirvana, or even heaven...while we can look expenctantly towards heaven, while we can dream and see the goodness of God there...His promise is that He is "here with us." Immanuel.

He matters in what we are doing and experiencing here today...while we're "awake." Seems like good news to me...

podcast love!

2006-03-21T12:29:00.000-05:00

My blog was mentioned on two podcasts this week! Carlos Whittaker, and Phil Ayers both have amazing podcasts that deal with issues related to worship leading. They have proved to be an invaluable resource for me.

No man is an island, and I love that there is community to be found online in the areas where we are serving Christ. Check out the podcasts that these guys do...there are links on my sidebar to their blogs.

And they both answered questions that I through out in their most recent podcast. Thanks guys!!

Response to the Da Vinci Code

2006-03-17T13:41:00.000-05:00

Carlos Whittaker has an interesting post about how Christians should respond to the release of the new Da Vinci Code movie on May 19th. Check it out here

Stage

2006-03-16T15:19:00.000-05:00

Our church is meeting right now in an elementary school cafetorium. We are working on improving our stage lighting. This setting makes lighting a unique challenge.

What has worked for you in the past. Any good ideas?

managing chord charts...paper paper everywhere!!!

2006-03-14T15:54:00.000-05:00

I don't know about you, but when I compose a set list I am fanatical about flow. Inevitably this means that I am transposing songs, and making great use of my capo. This could end up to be a chord chart nightmare, and more paper and typing than I can shake a stick at! I have found some great free software to help me manage all of this thought I thought I'd share with my blogging friends.

I use an open source music management tool called Open Song. You can download it [here]. It was written to be a lyric/chord management tool, as well as basic projection software and set list manager. It does a whole lot for being free ware...thank you open source fanatics!!!

I don't currently use the projection capabilities as they are fairly limited right now, but if you are on a tight budget and want to get started with video projection this might be something to check out. What I do use is the chord and lyric data base. You just have to input your songs into the data base (there are some song packs available for download as well), lyrics and chords, using their coding format (easy to learn) and then you can transpose your entire library at a click of a button.

I often will download chord charts from iwillworship.com or some other similar site and cut and paste songs into my library. Then when I need a song I just find my key and print it out. This makes having charts in the correct key for your bass or piano player a breeze when playing with a capo.

I will then print the charts that open song makes for me to a pdf file (you will need some adobe software...decidedly not free) and post them to webspace for my team to download. I currently use another blogger account for my team to access charts.

I'd love to hear what some other worship leaders are using for this most tedious of endeavors....

what's the world coming to?

2006-03-11T20:27:00.000-05:00

from Kirsten's blog