How many of your congregations publish an order of worship?
(I wonder what percentage do?)

Do you think it's a good idea to have a printed hand-out indicating the order of worship and song information?  Or, do you prefer another method?

Yesterday and today we enjoyed a special time of singing and worship with enthusiastic believers in Newburgh, Indiana.

So many labels are constantly being thrown around (sometimes in a harmless way and other times in a rancorous manner):  Liberal. Conservative. Progressive. Traditional.  Mainline. And the list goes on.

Regarding theological perspectives, why does it always seem that people are much kinder and more tolerant of folks who are on the right of their position, and intolerant of those on their left?  No matter what point of the spectrum people choose, it is not uncommon to see us manifest a "highly suspect" or condemning attitude toward more progressive thinking, while treating those more conservative with a gentle awareness of their slightly overzealous approach.

Being conservative, doesn't it feel strange when you realize that people who are more conservative than you are regarding you as "bound for damnation" because, in their perspective (even if you ARE conservative), you are on their left, thus you're "progressive" and "liberal?"

Have you ever witnessed this attitude? 
What has been your experience?
Do you use these labels in conversations?
Where do you regard yourself to be?
How much have your views changed in 5 years?  10 years or more?

And for those of us who are more mature, how would your attitude of "decades ago" judge your current beliefs?

Can you name these guys who sang with this particular combination of The Vocal Union?

We caught the colors at a good time in Banff.

One of the reasons I absolutely love leading worship at places like Madison is the large number of people who assemble to worship.  I realize that Jesus is present where two or three are gathered together, but there is something special about the combined sound of large assemblies who are fully engaged in pouring out their hearts in song.  Here's a a photo of the Park Plaza Church on a record-attendance Sunday for them.  We really needed an even wider-lense to capture the full crowd.

"A teacher affects eternity; she can never tell where her influence stops."

Yesterday, we interviewed Charlie Morris in "Blessed Are The Peacemakers." 


How do you feel that peacemakers are needed in the context of worship practices, attitudes and decisions?  Perhaps if we studied this topic more, we could avoid needless heartache.

What are your thoughts and experiences?

The topic of peace-making and conflict management applies directly to the current discussions and prevalent struggles over worship issues and practices.  Charlie, you have so much experience in mediation.  What kinds of conflicts relate to worship?
 
I doubt I have much expertise to focus just on worship. In fact, although conflict, both in and outside of the church may be related to content, it probably has more to do with our personal values, egos and the way we communicate. Within our brotherhood, Biblically-based differences exist and must be addressed. In addition, and I suspect more frequently, our personal values, egos and the way we communicate may come into play far more frequently than we sometimes recognize.   
 
What are our options in dealing with conflicts and where do we most often get off track?
 
It seems we have some options to choose from. Not all are appropriate in every circumstance, but it is often helpful to at least remember those options. I have found this model helpful.
 
Denial---This is basically avoiding an issue by claiming it does not exist.
 
Communicate---It is amazing how our views can change when we fully understand another persons views, carefully and caringly communicate our own, and explore together possible courses of action.
 
Negotiate---We see, both in scripture and in our daily lives that negotiation can bring about reasonable, mutually agreeable solutions. It does not mean "splitting things between us" but rather finding meaningful give and take, usually to life's daily problems.
 
Mediate---This is simply a step where a third party helps two parties in dispute find a mutually agreeable resolution. Frequently the mediator helps one or both parties better understand the source of the disagreement and a new way of addressing the differences.
 
Arbitrate---This goes beyond mediation, and involves that third party in becoming the decision maker. At home sometimes the parent takes on this role between children. The Bible calls for elders to fill this role at times for the spiritual family as well.
 
Litigation--- Most often, it is the outcome of  "If you do not like what I am doing, sue me".
 
Fight--- Sometimes literally with fists or weapons, more often with words and actions.
 
I believe we get off track by living in the world of denial and less the effective communication and jumping quickly to litigation and fighting. We stay on track as we live in the world of effective communication, negotiation, mediation and occasionally arbitration. A study of scripture helps us see Christ as a highly effective communicator and the ultimate mediator. The Scriptures also have much to say about negotiation and arbitration, with strong warning against much litigation and fighting.


In what ways was Jesus a "peace-maker?"
 
This is not an easy question. The same Jesus who was described in Isaiah as the "Prince of Peace" also says in Matthew he "did not come to bring peace but a sword". I can not answer the question quickly, but believe that through following Christ's teachings and his examples in living, we overcome the roots of strife, hatred, greed, and the many sins that cause inner conflict, conflict between people and conflict between us and God.  
 
How would you describe/define peace?
 
I do not believe peace is always easy to understand. In fact, nearly everyone has heard of a "peace that surpasses understanding."  It is certainly far more than the absence of conflict. As I recall scripture, it takes a combination of doing right things (from Isaiah 32:17), having meekness, (from Psalms 37:11) and faithfulness, (from Romans 5:1). I believe some characteristics of this peace include a sense of safety, security, contentment, and confidence in God's word and our future.
 
What does Proverbs tell us about peace?
 
It takes a lot of wisdom to be a peacemaker and to achieve peace. Proverbs gives us lots of practical help. The list is rather long, but it includes avoiding mockery, choosing our words carefully, avoiding gossip, minding our own business, maintaining confidences, keeping our priorities right, practicing gentleness, knowing when to let things drop, sometimes giving gifts, and living a life of self-control that is pleasing to God.
 
How important is forgiveness in the peace-making process?
 
It is essential. To have peace, we simply must let go of offenses and forever cancel a wrong or a debt. A long answer would likely be better, but the short answer is that there is no substitute for forgiveness in achieving peace.
 
Which is easiest to attain: peace with others, peace with yourself or peace with God?
 
I doubt that there is just one answer to this, but it is often the case that something God has forgotten and no one else knows about still haunts too many of us. That is not the picture scriptures paints of the peace Christ brought us.  
 
Any other random thoughts?
 
I hope my responses have not been presumptuous. They are important questions that take extended study to achieve a truly workable understanding. But I love the topic, believe that as Christ lives within Christians, that we become His instruments of peace, and welcome the opportunity to discuss the topic and study together with others seeking to become blessed as a peacemaker. 

Charlie is an elder in the church of Christ in Morgantown WV and has extensive experience in mediation and dispute resolution. The theme of this interview, "Blessed are the Peacemakers" is also the theme of classes and seminars Charlie offers. For more information about workshops and seminars, he may be reached at cgmlkm@comcast.net or at (304) 685-3175.

We utilize various methods to teach four-part harmony singing.   Without sufficient time to go in-depth, we introduce some basics of reading music which will hopefully encourage participants to pursue self-study.

A wonderful spirit of praise is overflowing in Morgantown, West Virginia, as several congregations join together in enthusiastic praise.


With a view like this, "How Great Thou Art" must sound mighty special in this auditorium.

Even a mediocre photographer like me can take some great shots in Banff.

Yesterday we were in the Canadian Rockies.  Last night, at almost midnight, we became reacquainted with our home in Tennessee.  This morning, we flew to Pittsburg for a Praise and Harmony workshop in Morgantown, West Virginia.  We love traveling.

What a wonderful congregation!

Here's one of the many things that impressed me about this group of God's people:  They are devoted to the concept of "church planting."  Recently, this church of around 300, sent 70 of their fine folks (workers) to another side of town to plant a new congregation.  This is a very healthy, godly and visionary practice.  Not only does it help spread the Gospel to new regions, but the "host" church seems to always make up the loss of numbers/leadership over time, thus allowing the process of multiplication.  Members who were inactive before are challenged to fill the void left by previous leaders/teachers.

With all the flying we've been doing, we get to see the world from a little higher vantage point.

Thinking about leadership and the term "worship leaders," what exactly constitues leadership?

You can probably guess by this photo of a speed limit, we are not in the United States.

I recommend you read Gary Kirkendall's post on "Leaders & Mobs."

Here are some excerpts:

"Leadership” is not the same as being able to walk by faith.

Leaders who trust in their own strength are not worthy to be followed.

Spiritual leadership and walking by faith often means swimming upstream.

A mob always responds emotionally and poorly.

God blesses those who trust in him.  God brings down those who trust only in themselves.

It is impossible to make up for faithless actions.  All you can do is repent and trust in God’s power.

He (God) doesn’t need our “brain power” or our own efforts to accomplish His will.  God desires our partnership in the obedient faith that brings all glory to Him.  We are a lot like the wanderers.  The issue isn’t whether or not God has brought us this far.  The issue is whether or not we believe He can lead us all the home.

Remember — walk by faith, lead by faith, avoid the mob — they are the masters of bad ideas.

I'm sure that many of you have been to both P.F. Chang's and The Cheesecake Factory.  Which one would you choose as your favorite?

This week, a friend asked me this question and I'd like to hear your thoughts:

Are you acquainted with people who know the Bible and don't know Jesus?

When we heard that George Benderim had taken a turn for the worse in his extended battle with cancer, we decided that this week we would go to Cabot, Arkansas to tell a precious saint goodbye.  But as things happened, George caught a flight to glory before we got there.  The funeral "celebration" was held on Monday, and we got to visit with the family on Tuesday.

Yesterday, we left Tulsa and traveled to Wichita - having breakfast with Larry and Linda Sparks, Kim and Caleb.  We motorcycled to Kansas City to get the trailer serviced and to enjoy fellowship with Allen French and his daughter, Rachel.  Leaving Kansas City, we ran into some rain and donned our Frogg Togg rain gear to continue the journey.  We went through "Peculiar," Missouri (a place I'm sure I'd feel at home.)

What's your favorite ride at Epcot?  Mine is Soarin', because you feel like you are gliding around California's most visited destinations.

No, this is not the Village People.  I'm still not sure why they had so many uniformed police officers at Park Plaza for Sunday morning services yesterday.  No, I wasn't being arrested.  Maybe they were directing traffic for the 1,100 people gathered to worship?   We coaxed them into posing for this singing photo.