Articles, Essays, Bibliographies, etc.
All downloads are in PDF format.
Articles
An interview with worship leader Aaron Keyes on all sorts of issues. This is an expanded version from the one published in Lines and Spaces.
An evaluation of the use of patriotic music in the context of church services.
Basic Principles of Song Selection
What makes a good congregational song? This article sets forth some basic ideas to help music ministers gauge a song's effectiveness. It is very helpful for evaluating new music.
What makes a good congregational song? This article sets forth some basic ideas to help music ministers gauge a song's effectiveness. It is very helpful for evaluating new music.
Those familiar with the praise song "Above All" will want to read and ponder this article examining the song's central premise, that Christ thought of me above all at His death.
An assessment of the theology of some invitational hymns.
Two articles discussing how symbols or activities in worship can rise to the level of idolatry. The first article discusses the little-known fate of the bronze serpent from Numbers 21, and the second article is the story behind the song "Heart of Worship."
Through the prayers of musicians, the ancient heresy of modalism is making its way back into evangelical churches. This error is a violation of the fundamental Christian doctrine of the Trinity.
An Article by Indelible Grace founder Kevin Twit
Cautions about trying to provide different types of services within a congregation or changing to a different type of service.
While these suggestions, provided by Dallas Theological Seminary, are focused toward filling a senior or solo pastor position, many of the procedures may apply to other pastoral positions, including a worship pastor.
An explanation that churches cannot simply be one or the other to be effective; they must be all three. Accompanying slide
This is an overview to some common features of contemporary worship. This two-page summary is particularly helpful for those who are unaccustomed to contemporary styles of worship.
Resources
A four part set of questions to help you gauge a musician's theological and biblical awareness.
The first part contains fragments of public prayers containing theological errors, requiring the student to identify and correct the problems. Similarly, Part II contains stanzas from two of Charles Wesley's more famous hymns that have possible discrepancies. The third section contains quotes from the Bible that must be identified (book only). Finally, a list of topics are given in which the musician must list hymns and/or praise songs that fit under the topic.
Learn basic principles for using slides in your churches' worship services.
Bibliographies
A bibliography for children's involvement in worship services.
A seven-page bibliography listing numerous books about Christian music and worship.
Major Books on the History of Worship
A list of some of the top academic resources on the history of worship provided by Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
A list of some of the top academic resources on the history of worship provided by Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
Song and Scroll Ministries
