Saturday, I’ll be giving an instrumental guitar concert at Yellow Wood Coffee & Tea in Alamo, Ca (check under Events for details), 4:00pm-6:00pm. On Sunday, 2:00pm-4:00pm, we’ll hold another Christian Guitarist Fellowship at Creekside Community Church (also on the Events page).
Putting together a worship service is not easy if you take it seriously. It helps for everyone to understand what goes into a worship service. In the third section of Bob Kauflin’s book Worship Matters on Healthy Tensions, he looks at nine critical areas that must be embraced and kept in balance. Before we look at those areas, Bob makes some good points I’d like to amplify.
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Now, let’s take a look at the many “tensions” involved in a worship service:
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God is so much beyond us we cannot fully understand Him and His ways. He is huge! He is “God of god’s, Lord of lord’s, the great, the mighty, the awesome God” (Duet. 10:17). Because of this, reverence is essential for worship (Heb. 12:28-29). He is holy and we are sinful. But God has made Himself reachable and near to us because of His deep love for us shown in the incarnation of Jesus. God became human to laugh, eat, sleep, and interact with those He created. The radical fact for Christians is that He is not only with us but He dwells in us. Can you get any closer than that? He is both majestic God and our friend (John 15:14-15).
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Churches can have a hard time connecting the knowledge of the mind with the passions of the heart. God desires us to set our minds on the things above (Col. 3:2). In Colossians 3:16, Paul tells us an important reason to use Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs is to let the Word of Christ richly dwell within you. Truth must be prevalent in all we do. Yet in many churches, it’s passionate worship from the heart that needs attention. Godly affections are deep and the result of focusing on what God has done and who He is. God’s transcendence causes us to feel awe. His holiness evokes sorrow for our sin. A view of his mercy leads to gratefulness. The knowledge of his sovereignty brings great peace. Many times we can feel wonder and joy in response to God. God intends for us to remember that neither biblical truth nor deep emotion is out of place when we worship God; they’re meant to be together.
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God looks upon the heart (1 Samuel 16:7) and the state of our heart is of primary importance because “from it flows the springs of life” (Proverbs 4:23). In Scripture, the heart encompasses everything from what we think to what we feel to what we choose. It’s not enough that people just attend meetings, something must be stirring in their desires, thoughts, and feelings. While heart worship is most important, what we do with our bodies isn’t irrelevant or unimportant. Physical responsiveness to God in worship is encouraged and modeled throughout Scripture. Various physical actions can bring God glory, including clapping, singing, bowing, kneeling, lifting hands, shouting, playing instruments, dancing, and standing in awe. We must help our congregations understand that God is worthy of our deepest, strongest, and purest affections…and that our bodies should show it.
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Worship, from beginning to end, is about God. He is complete in every way. When we worship God, we join an activity that began in eternity and will continue forever – the triune God valuing His beauty and worth above everything else. God’s nature is to give and He created the world so we could share in the joy of knowing Him, ultimately for his glory. God’s glory is the end of our worship, and not simply a means to something else. Biblical worship is God-focused (God is clearly seen), God-centered (God is clearly the priority), and God-exalting (God is clearly honored). The horizontal aspect of worship is about the importance of our interaction together as we worship God. We are not to neglect our meeting together so we can build one another up and “stir up one another to love and good works” (Heb. 10:24-25). We are “teaching and admonishing one another” (Col. 3:16). Worship is not about us, but includes us. Ephesians 5:19 reveals the perfect balance as we sing to the Lord we are speaking to each other, “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord.” Worshiping together is a time for us to be built up, all for His glory.
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I’ve been in situations where worship leaders don’t plan the service until 5 minutes before it. Others will have such a detailed plan that even the prayers are written out in advance. We need both planning and spontaneity. Planning can’t replace dependence on the Holy Spirit. Planning also can’t ensure we’ve made the right plans. Our goal should be to plan wisely, humbly, and prayerfully, fully expecting that God may provide fresh and unexpected guidance during the meeting. Plans are meant to serve us, not rule us. It can make us aware of our need for God before the meeting. It can cause us to clarify our goals and how to meet them. It can help us use variety and contrast as well as use God’s Word more consistently. It can help prepare all the team members for their contributions. But spontaneity is important as well when it brings freshness to the meeting. Gifted leadership is seen on the spot and in the moment. We can plan for spontaneity by playing through a simple progression at the end of a song, singing a line of Scripture, sing a prayer using a familiar tune, etc. Playing spontaneously gives us one more musical tool to help people see the glories of our great God and Savior.
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We must keep rooted in the timeless truths and principles as well as stay relevant to those who come to our services today. Keep in mind that ours is not the first generation to think about and pursue biblical worship. The past holds many things worth keeping or repeating. There is richness for us in the liturgical forms from the past. Throughout history, hymns are brilliantly crafted with certain depth and theological precision. The greatest traditions in the world are meaningless unless they effectively communicate God’s truth to the people who come to our meetings. God is the same, but we don’t need to be thirty years behind in decorating styles, graphics, and technology. Our goal is to communicate clearly, not to distract or overwhelm. It’s good to sing new songs and offer variety in our services, but realize we are constantly changing. One of the benefits of rooted traditions is their ability to immunize us against the relentless changes in our culture and make us more attuned to faithfulness. Let us draw upon the rich heritage of the past, while at the same time seeking to communicate the eternal gospel in ways our culture can understand.
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In comparing a hundred-voice choir dynamically leading worship with an average singer/guitarist passionately leading worship, which is more pleasing to God? The answer depends on whether we define excellence from our perspective or God’s. God commends musical excellence (Psalm 33:3; 1 Chronicles 15:22; 2 Chronicles 30:21-22). When we worship God skillfully, we offer him what is excellent, our very best (Exodus 23:19a; Numbers 18:29-30). But taken to the extreme, an emphasis on skill and excellence can drift toward arrogance, formalism, and art worship (idolatry). God wants us to pursue both skill and heart. In building the temple, Moses called the craftsmen who were filled with the Spirit of God (Exodus 35:31) and whose heart stirred him up to do the work (Exodus 36:2). Jesus said, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in Spirit and in truth (John 4:24). Beauty and skill can be appreciated by all (especially God), but genuineness and heart is what God truly wants (and this builds us up as well).
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When you have a party at your house, there’s a difference between family and guests. The same distinction can be made in the church. I care for the guests, but my greatest concern is for those God has joined to my particular congregation. They’re my spiritual family (1 Peter 2:4-5). The first priority of our Sunday meetings is strengthening the church. God doesn’t intend for the people we lead each Sunday to remain perpetually immature. He wants them in every way to grow up into Christ. Their maturing can be hindered when we focus primarily on non-family members (unbelievers). However, scripture does tell us to keep unbelievers in mind and speaks of “outsiders” coming into our meetings (1 Corinthians14:24). Being aware of non-Christians in our meetings causes us to say things more simply, explain common Christian phrases or words, and occasionally address those with us who don’t know the Savior. When unbelievers visit our church, there are some things that really affect them: Authentic passion – Do they find people who are awestruck and amazed by the kindness and mercy of God? Love – Do they find people who reach out to them, serve one another, and maintain a “unity” as a spiritual family? The Gospel – The best way to hold a healthy tension of building the church and reaching out to unbelievers is by proclaiming and expounding on the gospel (Jesus Christ was crucified for our sins to bring us to God).
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There may be a misconception of the word “worship.” Some think it means merely singing. Others think it is primarily our gathering on Sunday mornings. Worship can happen when we have an event like Sunday morning, but scripture makes it clear that worship is a lifestyle of giving God worth and meant to be everyday. Evangelism is worship (Romans 1:9). Serving others is worship (Hebrews 13:16). Giving is worship (Philippians 4:18). Romans 12:1 connects worship to all of life as we “present our bodies as a living sacrifice.” However, it is important to be together. The early Christians are almost always seen worshiping, evangelizing, praying, singing, and living together. Why? Because we need the encouragement and support; God receives greater glory; We receive the teaching and care of God’s pastor-shepherds; We’re reminded that we’ve been drawn apart from the world and drawn together to God; We all need help transferring the truth we sing about on Sunday into the daily details of our lives. In both contexts – together and apart – we’re aware that this is the reason we’ve been created: to magnify the greatness of God in Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.
This weekend, I’ll be leading worship for the second Father/Son “Mountain Men” Retreat at Sugarpine Christian Conference Center. There will be over 200 men and their sons. Pray that it will have a strong spiritual impact on the lives of all who attend.
The Coates family is enjoying life in the Danville area. Sherri is busy nurturing Brandon and Austin as they are growing like crazy (both are taller than me now). She is also involved at Creekside Community Church with girls in the Middle School Ministry, with greeting on Sunday mornings in the Frontline Ministry, and helping care for the babies in the Nursery Ministry. She truly makes our house a home with her laughter and love. Brandon is now 17 and will be driving soon. He is enjoying drawing and the High School youth group at church. Austin is 14 and is continuing in Tae Kwon Do and Gumdo. Both of them like Venture School (although they think they have too much homework). This week has been fun for me to be on vacation and spend time with family. Last weekend was so nice to be at Sugarpine Christian Conference Center’s Father and Son Retreat. I took Brandon and Austin and felt like it was one of the best times ever with a time of playing paintball, the cabin hang-time, prayer for each other and honest appreciation of each other. Sherri’s birthday was this week and we’ve had some good moments of celebration. All in all, we’re doing well. May God bless you as you keep him first in all you do! If you get a chance, visit me on Facebook, Twitter or MySpace.
This last weekend went very well as I led the men and boys in singing and worship. It was a “Mountain Men” fishing retreat with lots of fun activities and the singing and teaching time were spiritually inspiring. Scott Simmerok, from San Jose First Baptist, did a fine job speaking. I took my son’s with me and had one of the best times together. Some families had been coming to the camp for 10 to 15 years. It was great to see familiar faces as I’ve led worship there about 6 years.
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My first guitar lessons online really worked! I wasn’t sure how they were going to work out, but the two week beginner’s course on Strumming and Finger Picking was a success. A student from Portugal enjoyed the class and wrote, “I had a really nice time at the course. It brought my practice routines again. The course is very well structured, I think it’s pretty cool! It´s been a pleasure to study, as well as interact with you!” This course was the first in MusicDojo.com’s new series called Essential Worship Guitar.
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Ministry with Creekside Community Church has been busy but fulfilling. Easter, as well as the week before, was a good way to zero in on what Christianity is all about: Jesus as King, the cross, and the resurrection. Our four services (Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and two on Easter) reflected the celebrative and somber moods of each event and highlighted the life of Christ in us (Galations 2:20). I’m enjoying working with the people and organizing each worship service. We are currently going through 40 Days of Love and the musicians are studying the book The Missing Element of Worship: What’s Love Got to Do with It? by Tom Kraeuter.
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We had a conference call a couple of weeks ago to catch up with the personal happenings of the Board members and keep the momentum going for Heartfelt Music Ministry. I love those guys and appreciate their prayers and thoughtful insights as they oversee this ministry. The economic crisis we’re in right now is affecting everyone. Fortunately, faith and the “heart” of things really come out during hard times.
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I approach each lesson as I do most things with the attitude of, “What would I want if it were for me?” (Do unto others…). So, each student gets the best treatment in lessons, better than anything out there. Of course, learning is largely based on the student themselves. But, the lessons are top notch with tailored coaching toward personal goals, multi-media interaction during the lesson, quality resources and materials, multiple emphasis (guitar, songwriting, voice), a Lesson Summary Video, and communication throughout the month. I’m stepping it up because that is what I would want. My students appreciate it!
The April CGF Group
The April Christian Guitarist Fellowship was a blast! We had people from all over (those from out of the area were from San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Red Bluff, and Castro Valley). We went over Alternate Tunings, Jazz Chords, the 12-Barre Blues, the Am Pentatonic Scale, and Great Songs in the Key of G. Austin Graham shared a beautiful instrumental song he wrote and we had a good half hour of one-on-one jamming throughout the auditorium. It was a very encouraging day. Hope you can make it next time!
This Monday, MusicDojo.com is hosting my “Strumming and Finger Picking” online lessons for beginning guitarists. MusicDojo.com has quality lessons by outstanding musicians like Adam Nitti, who plays bass guitar for Steven Curtis Chapman. They are starting a new series for guitarists who play in churches called Essential Guitar Worship Series. My coarse is the first in this series offering five strumming patterns and five finger picking patterns to enhance both faster and slower songs. I also explain syncopation, groove, creating mood and more as each lesson opens up over the two week period. There are video examples and clear explanation of each technique being taught. It’s a cool way to learn online and I’ll be available daily through email and a live chat. Check it out (Click Here https://www.musicdojo.com/ ) and tell the beginning guitarists at your church. More details below:
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Essential Guitar Worship Series: Strumming and Finger Picking, Level 1 (GW102)
The first guitar course in the Essential Guitar Worship Series is designed to introduce students to the most common right-hand strumming and picking techniques used within contemporary worship music. This course will help you to gain facility with the flat pick and will introduce you to finger picking techniques. It’s only $29.95 for 10 lessons.
Lesson 1: Holding the Flatpick; The Best Way to Strum; 2/4 and 4/4 Time; Strum #1
Lesson 2: Finger Placement for Picking; Guitar Tablature; 2/4 and 4/4 Time; Pick #1
Lesson 3: Strum #2; Understanding Syncopation
Lesson 4: Pick #2; Finger Picking with Popular Songs
Lesson 5: Strum #3; Creating Groove
Lesson 6: Pick #3; Creating a Mood
Lesson 7: Strum #4; More Songs
Lesson 8: Pick #4; More Songs
Lesson 9: 3/4 and 6/8 Time; Strum #5; More Songs
Lesson 10: 3/4 and 6/8 Time; Pick #5; More Songs
Fatal accident
I am stunned to hear of the sudden death of Mike Swalley. Last Monday, he was hit head-on by another car (the article is at http://pattersonirrigator.com/content/view/3073/42/ . I lived with Mike for a few years during our college years in San Jose where we became friends. We worked in Young Life together helping to change teens lives which is where I experienced his compassion and love for people. We played guitar together and he helped me start a guitar group called JAM in the early ’80s. Just recently, I began a new guitar group in Alamo called the Christian Guitarist Fellowship and Mike came to the first one, February 1, 2009, with his children Laura and Brian who both brought guitars to learn. I gave them their first guitar lesson while Mike beamed as a proud father. Mike had a heart of Gold…had a deep love for God, his family, and people. I am in tears thinking about this tragedy, though I know He is experiencing unbelievable joy and peace in God’s presence right now. My heart goes out to Michelle, Laura (14) and Brian (6). My dad died when I was 6 years old and my mom died when I was 14. Though it was very difficult, God used it to draw me closer to Him, shape my character, and value people like never before. I pray this will happen for the Swalley family as well. Please pray for them!
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Coming Events
March 1 (Sun) The Christian Guitarist Fellowship in Alamo
March 6 (Fri) The BASS Convention in Castro Valley
March 13 (Fri) Private Lessons in Danville
March 20 (Fri) Private Lessons in Los Altos
April 5 (Sun) The Christian Guitarist Fellowship in Alamo
April 17-19 (Fri-Sun) Sugarpine Father/Son Mountain Men I Retreat in Oakhurst
April 24-26 (Fri-Sun) Sugarpine Father/Son Mountain Men II Retreat in Oakhurst
The first Christian Guitarist Fellowship was a blast and went very well. Ten people came which was just fine for the first time considering it was the Superbowl weekend. I started out with a Phil Keaggy video as people were coming in. We started at 2:00pm with an introduction and discussion as to people’s expectations and desires. I gave a lesson on contemporary chords, did a little demonstration, and then we paired off in order to “jam” together. I took two young beginners, an advanced guitarist friend took another adult beginner and the rest paired off with varying skill levels. We came back together and played through some well known praise songs. Everyone enjoyed it and said they want to come back in March. We are going to hold it the first Sunday of every month. I’m excited about it!
