Do you know what your visitors are thinking about your assemblies?  What do your first-time visitors say about your services?

Groups from many states have converged in northern Alabama for a gospel singing extravaganza this weekend.  This annual event is something everyone should experience.

If you live within driving distance of Athens, Alabama, you would be blessed to attend Southside's Homecoming 2008, held at Athens Middle School.  The a cappella Gospel singing is spectacular!  I'll share some pictures later.

The city of Belem was a wonderful visit on Acappella's tour.

I have taken so many photos of this photogenic city, I've made a separate category just for my Washington D.C. photos.

If you look straight up at the ceiling of the Capitol dome, you'll see a painting which includes George Washington gazing down from heaven.

What hit song was number one on your birthday?  Mine was a song by Pat Boone.
How about you?  Share the artist and song so we can see the diversity among our blog readers.

Check out this link.

Thanks to Don Moody for passing this along.

I've been prioritizing people shots in my recent photography.



Check out the latest additions to my favorite photos gallery.

Last week, I asked about special terminology that could be confusing to outsiders.   Those comments spurred me to think about humorous terminology - often quite unintentionally so.

Recently I heard the phrase again from the pulpit (usually during the "invitation"), "If you are here today..."  I know I've mentioned this before, but if they are not "here," then who is the preacher talking to?  It usually goes like this, "If you are here today and subject to the Lord's invitation, would you please come while we stand and sing."  I want them to add, "If you are not here today, then I'm not talking to you."  :)

I challenge you to listen for this phrase, as you may hear it so often that you do not even notice.

Have you ever heard anyone pray for the "Elders who have overlooked this church for years?"

My favorite common phrase in prayers is, "Be with those who are sick of this church."    I often wonder how many people are sick of their church.  :)  

It's a sad day when we can't laugh at ourselves.

What funny wording have you heard?

I've just posted some photos of Acappella's warm reception and radio and television visits in Campo Grande.

If you keep up with this blog, you may recall some conclusions I reached after conducting numerous workshops.  Although we have thoroughly trained preachers - comparatively, there have been few to no efforts dedicated to worship leader training.  Would churches be satisfied if they did not hire pulpit ministers, but relied on a few volunteers to fill the weekly preaching? (And, by comparison, fail to encourage any of these part-time preachers to seek any kind of training?)  That's exactly how most places approach the all-important role of worship leading.

Don't misunderstand me.  I'm not implying that volunteers cannot do a great job.  Of course, they can.  My question is, why do we place all our emphasis, expectations, money, college-training, planning and hiring decisions upon seeking full-time pulpit ministers while leaving the worship directors to volunteer and "fend for themselves?"

I didn't know if this was an Ethiopian dancer or Tina Turner.



I'll post the complete gallery when I get a chance.

It seemed that Forest Gump had the uncanny ability of being right in the middle of major events.  Sometimes, I feel like I also end up smack dab in the middle of current events.  In October, we flew to San Diego, just as the wild fires were starting to spread and people were evacuating. 

While in Charleston, South Carolina, Senator Obama was speaking only a couple of blocks away just before the South Carolina primaries.  The past two days I've been in Washington D.C. and who arrived right behind me?  The Pope.  I heard he may be coming to attend my worship leaders clinic.

This week in Washington D.C., Jeremy Post introduced us to Ethiopian Food.  What a treat!  I can remember the first time I sampled Chinese food.  I'll not forget the first time I visited a churrascaria.  We've talked about how Japanese steak houses are an entertaining way to enjoy a meal.  Dining at an Ethiopian restaurant turned out to be an entirely brand new experience for us.

Instead of using forks and knives, the method of eating is with a very tasty and unique bread.


The extra bonus at this particular restaurant was the presentation of Ethiopian music and dance.

According to Bobby Valentine, the Psalms are the blues.  Check out these quotes from his article:


Read the full article, Psalms: Singing The Blues at the Stoned-Campbell blog.

Thanks to the Zuerchers and Matt Straughn for sharing a wonderful version of the Lord's Prayer and a delightful version of the National Anthem.

Can outsiders understand the terminology we use?  I remember hearing of conducting "cottage meetings" for "alien sinners" to teach them about "propitiation."

What terms do we currently use that others may not understand?

Michale Ray of the Laurel, Maryland Church gave me this book.  Have any of you gotten to read it?  How important is it for Christians to hear these findings?

People from surrounding churches have been preparing for a weekend of praise in Georgetown, Texas.

I've already posted the concert photos of Acappella in Goiania, now I'm posting the "off stage" photos.

For the last year, my son, Anthony and I have been working with a wonderful congregation in Knoxville, Tennessee.  This positive church is a haven for hurting people and a mecca for families.

Have you heard the saying, "Perception is ALL there is?"  Even when the material is unfounded and inaccurate, people firmly hold to conflicting beliefs all the time.  Unless something changes their perception, they live with and are influenced by their particular views.

What do people think about Christianity?  It may (or may not) surprise you.  David Kinnaman, President of The Barna Group, has collaborated with Gabe Lyons to provide in-depth research and conclusions that provide a thorough description of the obstacles with which current believers must contend.  This book is both enlightening and convicting.  I recommend this book for every Christian leader, in fact for every believer.

I was recruited to be one of the judges for this delightful singing and dramatic competition of Lipscomb students.