A couple of reasons why I appreciate this arrangement: It’s very singable. Cheryl and I first heard this at YLC conference, and picked it up reasonably quickly. It matches the words better. In my opinion, Thomas Hasting’s original “Toplady” tune and Richard Redhead’s Petra variation both sound a bit too bright and chirpy, compared with the …
Category Archives: musical styles
Redefining the term “hymnal”
Quite a thought-provoking opening paragraph (and rest of article) from WLMag’s Feb issue: “Worship leaders are hymnal editors. Whoever chooses the people’s song for their congregation is not only a hymnal editor but also is a primary shaper of the way their congregation understands and expresses faith.” – C Michael Lawn The author never gives …
CCLI’s latest Top 25 List released – what it tells (and doesn’t tell) us
CCLI (the copyright administration company that most churches deal with) have released the top 25 worship songs that churches reported using between April – September 2012. On their website there are lists for the US, UK, Australia and NZ. Comparing between them will reveal some interesting differences (e.g. the UK list has UK-based songwriters …
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A word about new worship music
“…There are several reasons for opposing it. One, it’s too new. Two, it’s often worldly, even blasphemous. The new Christian music is not as pleasant as the more established style. Because there are so many new songs you can’t learn them all. It puts too much emphasis on instrumental music rather than Godly lyrics. This …
Letting the Gospel Shape our Gathered Worship (preview)
In the midst of serving my family (two leading ladies), work (gracious employer) and church family (at Howick Baptist), I’m also excited to be planning the worship music for the upcoming Stand for the Gospel conference that our church is hosting. I’ve had the opportunity to do this for the past two years (2010 …
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