ACAFEST photos are starting to come in.  Here are some shots taken by Randy Glover at the 8:30 A.M. class.


Check out the ACAFEST gallery here (we'll be updating it.)
We also have some great shots taken of the Praise & Harmony recording by my friend, Mary Lewis.


Check out the entire P&H recording gallery here.

I grabbed a few portraits of some of the wonderful people who sang on the upcoming Praise & Harmony CD.  I believe that happy people make happy recordings!  I believe that hearers can tell so much more about the singers by listening to the finished product and can actually "hear it in their voice."


Check out some of the other folks in my Portrait Gallery here.

It takes quite a number of people to make a recording run smoothly.  Here are a few from our team, including the recording project leader, John Bynum.

Mary Lewis captured quite a few photographs I'll be sharing as soon as I get them uploaded.

Are leaders held more accountable for their speech?

What do you see emphasized more often – godly example or public giftedness?

How does what we do every single day affect our ability to lead worship on Sunday?

These weekly discussion questions are taken from Bob Kauflin’s book, Worship Matters. What can we learn about leading worship from a man who led an a cappella hymn-sing in prison at midnight after being beaten and thrown in the stocks?

How much administration is involved in excellent worship leading?

How does technology help or hinder the worship leader’s role?

Blessed with a wonderful turnout, the Poteau church of Christ came alive with praise (and harmony).  Sitting in sections according to bass, tenor, alto and soprano, the participants invested their voices and hearts into focusing on how to offer 100% in singing and worship.

How important are communication skills for the worship leader?

How does knowledge of music theory aid the worship leader?

One of the unexpected byproducts of our worship workshops has been the gathering of multiple congregations in various cities for the purpose of combined singing and worship.  It is so rewarding to see churches fellowship together, at a time when that kind of activity seems far too rare.

Most of the combined worship settings have been overseas.  My challenge is for America.  How about dreaming, planning and implementing an area-wide, combined worship in your city?  Perhaps we can have a singing and worship emphasis the day before?  It all starts with a prayer and a dream.  Would you like to see unity in your city?  It would require a lot of footwork.  Worship can bring brothers and sisters together who don't normally get together.  Let me know if I can help.

In what ways does worship leading inevitably lead to disappointing people?

We are launching a major nation-wide talent search.  Please help us spread the word.  If you are responsible for helping us fill any of these positions, you can receive some free music from The Acappella Company.

 Worship Leader Internship
This internship will be based in Oklahoma and last for several weeks, beginning in September.  Four-year degree helpful.
 Worship Leader Institute
Advanced, in-depth training for song leaders - September 6-9.  Limited enrollment. Now accepting applications.
 SATB Quartets For Recording
The best volunteers from around the country from each congregation will rehearse and prepare for a Praise & Harmony recording on September 4, 5 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
 Marketing / Public Relations Director
This position will handle marketing and P.R. for Acappella.
 Music Typesetter
Knowledge of Finale and photoshop required for this position.
 Vocalists In Acappella
College age males needed to apply.
 Groups to appear at ACAFEST
A few short time slots are still available for outstanding a cappella groups to appear at ACAFEST 2009, July 1-3.

Tracy Dean at our home office will be handling information for these and posting information soon.
Her address is:  tracy@acappella.com

Recently, I introduced you to Jules Cseszko, conductor, musician and concert violist living in Melbourne, Australia. 

I am excited that Jules will be attending our next Worship Leader Institute in September.  I'm excited to think about the impact he'll be having in Australia and New Zealand as he continues to train other leaders.

Share how skilled worship leading can be described as "undistracting excellence."

I heard this mentioned tonight about our workshops, as Christians are coming together who don't normally fellowship with each other:


I'm very happy to witness God at work.

What a joy to be with the brothers and sisters in Dunedin!  Everyone was participating in the Spirit-filled experience of worship.  Some drove from hours away to take part in this event.

In the South Island, we stayed with the Knotts family who made us feel so very welcome.

Today, we were interviewed for a radio program in Dunedin, New Zealand.

How does the worship leader's countenance affect other worshippers?

I vote that we establish an "Encourage Your Local Worship Leader" Day.  Most of the leaders are volunteers and have not received much training at all.  They are involved as a labor of love, because they want to have great worship experiences and they want to bless others.  Often, they only hear from people when they don't like things.  Why not change that trend and encourage your local leaders?  It would mean a lot.

Melbourne was alive this evening with praise as Christians from the entire area came together for exactly that purpose - to praise God in harmony with each other.

Most students of the New Testament will easily conclude that God loves unity.  This awareness puzzles most observers as Christians tend to be quite fragmented; the very opposite of being unified.

As they say, you don't get to choose your family.  We should attempt to act like family, even if we don't see eye to eye on everything.  (Can you tell me any family that does?)

One of the unexpected byproducts of our Praise & Harmony workshops has been an impressive show of unity among the cities where we travel.  Churches who never fellowship with each other or cooperate on anything else are coming together for the purpose of singing and worship.  I can't help but think that God is smiling.