Should We Keep Singing Hillsong?

Body

“When a megachurch scandal makes headlines, it doesn’t usually affect your Sunday morning set list. But Hillsong isn’t just a megachurch. It’s a major global force in worship music.” - C.Today

Discussion

Faithlife Data Reveals Top Worship Song of 2021

Body

“Pat Barrett’s ‘Build My Life’ has regained the number one spot as the most popular worship song, a title it also held in 2019.” “In Christ Alone” remains in the top ten. - C.Leaders

Discussion

Raising the Roof of God’s House: A Call for Loud Praise

In Psalm 98:4, God’s people are called to crank up the volume of congregational praise:

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth;
Break forth into joyous song and sing praises! (ESV).

I’d like to offer a brief exposition of the key terms employed, followed by some practical observations.

Brief Commentary

The Psalmist employs three expressions in verse 4 that call for exuberant praise.

Discussion

Church music landscape rearranged as big publishers close

Body

“When it announced last month it was shutting down, Brentwood Benson became the latest in a line of major church music publishers closing their doors. Last year saw the bankruptcy of Lorenz Corp., which had purchased choral giant Word Music in 2017. Then a few months ago, Lifeway released its last box of new choral offerings for churches.” - BPNews

Discussion

How to introduce a new song in your church

Body

“…halfway through that epic bridge you scan over the congregation and all that looks back at you is a sea of blank faces. What went wrong?” - CPost

Discussion

“How are the lyrics of our worship music forming us?”

Body

“It matters whether those who lead us in song see their task as creating a mood or a memory. If primarily a mood, lyrics can take a back seat …. If primarily a memory, the lyrics are critically important. Like the Psalms, they should be able to stand on their own, combined with music or not.” - CToday

Discussion

5 Ways to Improve Your Small Congregation’s Singing

Body

“Do they hate these songs? Are they bad singers? Am I singing out of tune? … The church was newly established and small in number, and—to put it kindly—the singing in our gatherings was uncomfortable.” - TGC

Discussion