It seems that we have had a mixed relationship with Christian radio over the years. The disappointment comes in deciding how to approach Christian radio stations with our music. This challenge is repeated in these words: "Our listeners don't like a cappella music." In many cases, the radio "gatekeepers" prevent the music from having a chance to be heard so the people can decide for themselves. Imagine how pleased I was to wake up this morning and read this message from a Christian radio personality:
I'm now listening to your version of Awesome God!!! WOW!!! I LOVE THIS!!!! PLEASE send your music for airplay on Morning Light on WFIF!!! :)
This is exceptional!! Normally, I reject "cover" songs... but when they are BETTER than the originals, I LOVE THEM! :) WOW!!! The background vocals on this one are totally SUPERB!!! I have tears in my eyes as I listen to this! WOW!!!!! \o/
I cannot believe what I have been MISSING all these years since we last received any of your music!! <:o WOW!!! This is amazing! :)
I can imagine how Noah was discouraged when people didn't subscribe to his world view. Reading this message encourages us to continue reaching out with unique, God-honoring music to make it available to more people (even if it is considered peculiar by being all-vocal.) Would you pray for us in this ministry?
Our slogan is "hear it in our voice." Hear what? I hope people can hear the Gospel in our voice - the voices of ordinary people who have been richly blessed and transformed by the loving and compassionate God of the universe. I hope people can hear the grace of a wonderful Savior who is drawing people to himself to accomplish the purpose of creation.
Our God is an awesome God!
Also, pray for the upcoming recording of "Glorious God."
I don't know how many of the original singers on "Awesome God" are reading this blog, but I want to thank you again for volunteering to be a part of this project that God continues to grow! If you were part of the recording of Awesome God, what surprised you the most about the recording process and "the making of" Praise & Harmony?
Our friend, Paul McClellan (used to be Acappella's volunteer webmaster) has started a free Christian on-line community that is easy to use. It has functions that are similar to MySpace, but provides a Christian atmosphere and features members of all ages. (Okay, no age-jokes here.)
I was trying to pick five songs representing music I have sung over the years to play at the Shout Life Site. Give me input on the songs selected. Enough variety? When we finish the next Praise & Harmony CD (Glorious God), maybe we can post something from it.
Lots of healthy discussion this week about auditions. I've thoroughly enjoyed reading the responses. As to the actual yes/no question, we had 6 people answer directly. Tallies are below. -JP
My good friend, Gary Miller has led the Vocal Union into a very effective ministry. Last month, the Vocal Union sang at the White House in Washington, D.C. twice. (That's two more times than I have sung there.) Their approach to a cappella Gospel music continues to be in demand across the country. Gary is also the master engineer who captures the stunning beauty of the Praise & Harmony recordings (and has penned a couple of the songs on the next release.)
The Vocal Union is currently seeking highly talented vocalists to audition for this all-male ensemble. They search not only for talent, but for those with ministers' hearts. If you think you are the right person with exceptional talent and love of minstry and travel, contact them at vocalunion@yahoo.com
If you don't have talent, don't bother contacting them. Instead, audition for American Idol.
I have always enjoyed meeting celebrities. Instead of asking for their autograph, often I will go right up to them and sing one of their songs. After getting over the initial surprise, their usual response is to play along and sing a line with me. (Remind me to tell you about those occasions sometime.)
Yesterday, our daughter Kimberly had a photo shoot with a legend. She has photographed Bill Gaither, Mark Lowry and other great Gospel artists, but yesterday it was a bluegrass legend, Earl Scruggs. Can you say "Foggy Mountain Breakdown?" Flatt and Scruggs even appeared on the television show, The Beverly Hillbillies and Earl played the theme song.
I was thinking that I should have sung "Pearl, Pearl, Pearl" to Mr. Scruggs. But it was very exciting to hear him play "Shuckin' The Corn" with the Lewis Family in Kimberly's photo studio. My Father-in-law, Charles Moody, was honored to have Earl sign his banjo (you've got to hear Charles play the five-string!) That brought back memories of how I enjoyed playing in a bluegrass band at Freed-Hardeman called Sawdust. Most recently, (last Friday Night) I got to play with bluegrass aficionado, Eric Bright and the Bright Tones.
Eric Bright, KL, (hidden: Jimmy Kilgore), Bruce Bowman and Rob Wells
This photo is from several years ago at a praise team party. This is ample proof that we would never win a legs contest!
This week's question is about planning thematic services. Every song, every Scripture reading, the sermon and every element of the service ties together with a theme of the day.
Does your congregation plan thematic services: ___ All the time? ___ None of the time? ___ Sometimes? (how often?)
What are your thoughts on the benefits and challenges?
The trick this week was simply trying to figure out how many different names we had for the same type of minister! Eight people voted. The results are tallied below. -JP
1. Preaching Minister Votes: 8 Score: 54 Most people voted: #1
2. Worship Minister Votes: 8 Score: 42 Most people voted: #2
3. Youth Minister Votes: 8 Score: 31 Most people voted: #3 and #5
4. Involvement Minister Votes: 7 Score: 27 Most people voted: #4
5. Children's Minister Votes: 7 Score: 16 Most people voted: #5 and #6
6. Outreach Minister Votes: 4 Score: 15 Most people voted: #3
7. Family Minister Votes: 2 Score: 9 Most people voted: #3 and #4
8. Senior Minister (other than Preaching Minister) Votes: 1 Score: 7 Most people voted: #1
9a. Counselor Votes: 2 Score: 6 Most people voted: #4 and #6
9b. Missions Minister Votes: 1 Score: 6 Most people voted: #2
10. Administrative Minister Votes: 3 Score: 5 Most people voted: #6
11a. College/Young Adult Minister Votes: 1 Score: 4 Most people voted: #4
11b. Congregational Care Minister Votes: 1 Score: 4 Most people voted: #4
12a. Seniors Minister Votes: 2 Score: 2 Most people voted: #7
12b. Small Groups Minister
Votes: 2
Score: 2
Most people voted: #7
13. Evangelism/Assistant Minister Votes: 1 Score: 1 Most people voted: #7
After prayer and fasting, we have decided to enter a new phase of ministry - conducting worship seminars and Praise & Harmony events full-time. I have been blessed to serve as the worship minister for the Madison Church of Christ for over eight years. Ever since the days as lead singer for Acappella, traveling has always been a passion that we enjoy and we really miss the road. It is a special blessing to have the opportunity to travel and fellowship with people around the globe, especially when the connection involves singing and worship.
Madison is a very, very special family of believers who are marching forward and doing great things in His name. We will greatly miss this church family and cherish the years of ministry with them. Lord willing, this experience will only enrich the worship leader training, Praise & Harmony seminars and praise team clinics that I’m invited to lead.
This year marks the beginning of our empty nest experience, so the timing is good to follow through on these opportunities. Please pray for Sharon and me as we enter this new phase of our ministry in helping churches navigate changes and issues involved with worship. All of my bookings will be handled through Keith Reid.
Steve Jobs, in referring to innovative products like IPod, etc. made a statement this week about how special (and rare) it is for an individual to get the chance to work on one ground-breaking project in their career; and how Apple has introduced several. I feel that way about my opportunities. It is exhilarating to see how Acappella is being used around the world for God’s purposes. Now, it is refreshing to be involved in yet another chapter of God’s work, specifically involving congregational singing and worship.
I remember the days when youth ministers were a "brand new" idea. Of course, even many of the smallest churches (and churches that have only one) have pulpit ministers. Until recently, you never heard of worship ministers in the churches of Christ. Now we have involvement ministers, student, children, youth and campus ministers, outreach, evangelism and small group ministers, administrative (and "senior"), family life/counseling ministers and the list goes on.
Assuming an average large church membership (is there such a thing?) in composition and an attendance of thousands, list the top seven ministers that are needed to serve a church like this (in your opinion.)
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
This should provide some interesting discussions and insights.
Short discussion, but really good thoughts. This week there were 7 answers (poll votes). Some were hard to categorize, but I tried to put them in the category best fitting what I thought were the writers' intentions. So here are the results. -JP
Here are some great choices: Caribbean or Mexican Riviera? Miami or San Diego? 6 Days or 8 Days? Congregational Singing or Durant Concerts? July '07 or January '08?
Now that you are planning your vacation schedule, plan to go on one with us. For more info, see the two attached flyers.
If you know of a worship minister who has an outstanding and excellent praise team, please forward their contact information privately via e-mail, to Keith@Acappella.com
We are working on a project and are assembling praise teams - groups of eight - for a worship recording.
