AMEN!!!! :)

ThankSinging was great. I love that we sang so much. Most of the time in worship, (not in Bixler P&P) I don't think we sing enough, but ThankSinging was incredible. The diversity among songs, and the way each one was lead really helped people sing louder. That made that worship experience so much better. So many people were singing too, I really enjoyed that.
Looking forward to the next blog.

It's all for Christ.

The leader trio - some refer to us as Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego. :)

Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego is better than another famous threesome...Nak..Nak...Nak You guys did a great job!

HA HA! Good one Lee...and that one is better than Peter, Paul, and Mary! No comment on who Mary might be! ha ha ha!! ;) I'M JUST KIDDING!!! :)

Gotta watch out for those 'sweet elderly sisters'. How dare she use consistent rational logic and reason when dealing with traditional positions on subjects not addressed in scripture but claiming to be based on first century practice!!!!!! She's obviously a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Or shall we refer to them as the 3 Stooges! Just kidding. As always I am blessed and encouraged by the ThankSinging each yr. This is just a taste of what heaven is gonna be like. Singing praise and expressing ourselves in worship really is a unique way of connecting to the Father. I could feel that when we were singing "Worthy Is The Lamb". That's just one of those songs that gives me that kinda feeling hard to put into words. The words are so powerful.
Zac

O yes, Zac. This song is powerful!

"Thank you for the cross Lord,
Thank you for the price you paid
Bearing all my sin and shame in love you came
And gave amazing grace.

Thank you for the love, Lord.
Thank you for the nail-pierced hands -
Washed me in your cleansing flow,
Now all I know
Your forgiveness and embrace.

Worthy is the Lamb seated on the throne
Crown you now with many crowns
You reign victorious!
High and lifted up - Jesus, Son of God
The darling of heaven crucified
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb"

Keith,

Where can I find the music for "Worthy Is The Lamb"? I am interested in the 4 part version that either Acappella or Watershed Worship did at Tulsa this past year. We've got a little quartet at our church that is trying to sing some newer stuff and we really would like to learn this. Thanks for any info.

Brad,

We use the Zoe version.

KL

Hi Keith
Can you tell me more about the 3 song leaders article? I'm a congregational song leader looking for ways to kick our worship services up a knotch.
Thanks

I'd be glad to share some more. When we first initiated multiple leaders at Madison, I spent a lot of time working and "practicing" with the other two leaders. We wanted it to be the best we could offer, so we spent plenty of time preparing.

Of course (in my opinion) it is best to choose leaders who are not afraid to display enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is contagious. Unfortunately, the opposite is true.

I strongly recommend that only ONE person direct, since it is unlikely that two people would lead at the exact same tempo (cut offs, etc.) - in that scenario (with more that one person directing tempo) you are always sending conflicting signals.

Spend extra time in the sound check, since it can easily be mixed poorly - having three melodies, in many cases not blending. My approach emphasizes three leaders as more of a visual benefit to lead worshippers, not the sound.

As "icing on the cake" so to speak, I like to develop unison fillers and "step outs" that bring the songs to life, especially the old standards.

We even decide ahead of time where we will be standing so that it is balanced.

Although the primary purpose is to lead the congregation, I have found that it is effective when the leaders are very comfortable with each other (which is why they should pray together, fellowship and become a "team") and include eye contact with the other leaders while leading - it seems to bring out the personality of each person and helps create a natural and less stiff atmosphere.

These are some thoughts about how we have used this technique effectively. Hope this helps.