The Challenge of Musical Leadership in the Church

Church musicians are all too typically regarded as those who sustain the church by providing musical services. This view has them responsible for creating fellowship and good feeling in the congregation—dispensing songs that keep everybody happy and engaged.  This job description creates tension that comes from the pressure of trying to satisfy the desires of … Read more The Challenge of Musical Leadership in the Church

Suicide is a Permanent Solution to a Temporary Situation

Today, there are more reported suicides than ever before. From the pre-teen to the teenager to the adult. Whether it be from isolation, loneliness, feeling like you don’t measure up, a death in the family, relationship failures, a failing economy, uncertainty, families splitting up or not speaking over political or religious differences, people haunted by … Read more Suicide is a Permanent Solution to a Temporary Situation

Worship in Mind, Heart, and Spirit

Worship is an activity that includes every aspect of human awareness: heart and mind, senses and intellect. St. Paul bids us, “offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship” (Rom. 12:1). We can see how he is using the word “spiritual” here: not in contrast to … Read more Worship in Mind, Heart, and Spirit

Early Christian Worship in House Churches

When the church first began in Jerusalem, the believers met in homes for fellowship and worship. Acts 2:42–47 tells us that the early Christians met in homes to hear the apostles’ teachings and to celebrate Communion (which is called “the breaking of bread”). During such gatherings the Christians often shared meals with others in what … Read more Early Christian Worship in House Churches