Behind the Praise
I have also discovered that some of the new worship songs are actually readaptations of older hymns. “My Savior, My God” by Aaron Shust uses the verses from the hymn “I Am Not Skilled to Understand,” or Billy James Foote’s adaptation of the hymn “Sing to the King” by Charles Horn. Many think there are only stories behind the old hymns, but I have found that if you dig deep enough there is some special point behind many of the new songs we sing today.
I was talking with a friend about my blogspot and how this new tool was creating somewhat of a buzz around our church and how it was helping people to better engage with some of the newer songs. He asked if I’d be willing to write and post the customized information for his church, (kind-of like a ghost writer). I said yes and things sort-of took off from there. Our office receives an email with the song list including the composer and then we produce an interactive report that can be emailed to a church’s congregation. There is also the option of setting up a blogspot where we can post the stories and information directly to the website. Members are then sent a reminder email on Thursday to go and check out the website. Most of our clients are friends who’ve heard about the ministry by word of mouth. Here are a couple of the comments from some of their church members who receive the information.
We absolutely love your “Behind the Praise” emails! Being able to read some information about the songs and sing along with the videos on Saturday night really helps me prepare to worship on Sunday. I believe the idea is truly inspired and is a wonderful way to prepare our hearts and minds for Sunday's worship.
Sally Ft. Worth, Tx
The “Behind the Praise” email each week makes our worship even better. I have really enjoyed reading the background behind the songs and the people that wrote them. I enjoy listening to the music at home and appreciate it more as we worship. Thank you so much for sending the email.
James, Canfield, Ohio
Our congregation has been using “Behind the Praise” to popularize our worship blog for almost six months now. As the worship pastor, I love the thoroughness and the reliability of what Mark posts each week. My week is busy enough, and the ability to so easily pass along this kind of insight and understanding of the songs we sing is invaluable. “Behind the Praise” enables our members to learn the back story of all the songs we sing and to understand the rich meaning of each of them. I would highly recommend “Behind the Praise” to you and your congregation!
Bill Simpson, Old North Church, Canfield, OH
www.oncworshipfromtheheart.blogspot.com
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This is the debut album by EXW friend Paul Langford. Paul is a Chicago based singer, arranger, keyboardist, producer and conductor. Paul has a career that spans 14 years. Paul's work includes arranging for groups like GLAD, Voices of Liberty, VoiceTrek, The Chicago based "Caroling Party" and Day of Discovery Singers. His arranging has appeared on recordings side by side with greats like Gene Puerling and David Maddux, and he has sung with Don Shelton, Bonnie Herman and Bob Bowker, among others.