Posts about music at church
Music, particularly singing, isn’t just entertainment. It touches us much more deeply; it can heal, uplift, and transform our mental and emotional state. But why do we sing, and can this self-administered ‘music therapy’ really help us when we most need it?
Choosing new worship songs for our local Baptist church can be a minefield! There are many opinions about the best blend of old hymns and new worship songs, and about what kind of lyrics, form, style, and tempo are appropriate. Contrary to what some might think, we don’t just throw in any new song on a whim…
Music, I think, is wonderfully able to capture the very deepest of emotions and experiences. Hymns, particularly, can have rich backstories that reflect their writers’ personal journeys. In my exploration of hymn stories, I’ll share the remarkable tales behind five of our most-loved hymns…
Church music has radically transformed in both style and instrumentation from the organ-led hymns of my childhood to today’s multi-instrumental worship songs. This has brought vibrant and refreshing new musical expressions of our faith. However, the trend towards performance-focused worship, amplified by digital media platforms like YouTube, makes me feel increasingly uneasy…
Earlier this year, I came across some buzz about “ChatGPT” in the news. Being a lover of all things computer-related, I had to see what the fuss was about. It turns out, this innovative tool is an absolute treasure trove for someone like me who’s always juggling multiple projects. I now use it in numerous areas of my life and work. Here are some of the many Artificial Intelligence (AI) tricks and hacks I’ve discovered…
Having dedicated many years to playing and organising music in churches, I’ve witnessed a seismic shift in the way we worship through song. Traditional hymns that once echoed through our sanctuaries are now often accompanied or even replaced by contemporary tunes. But why is this happening, and how can we navigate the changing musical landscape in our churches?
