There Is Hope
Why is it that the latter churches are experiencing growth while others continue to struggle through change? They realize that people matter to God. They are not willing to throw the older generation out the door to serve a selfish desire to have it their way. They have made conscious decisions to effectively meet the needs of each person in their congregation and God’s Kingdom. Their attempts to be relevant to all people and not just the younger crowds is paying off not only in attendance and growth, but in creating unity where strife has resided for so many years. It is a travesty to discard anyone’s desire to worship in a manner that is Biblical and culturally relevant. Anytime self enters the picture, worship cannot survive. When we let a segment of the people dictate direction in an area so precious to God, we hurt the very thing He has called us to do as a body together.
Our challenge over the next decade is to continue to provide relevant worship experiences for all ages. If it takes traditional, blended and contemporary services to make this happen, then so be it. It may mean that we have to preach and lead an extra service a week. We may need to hire more staff to accomplish our goals. There may come a time when I will frown upon the younger generation for their choice of music. My prayer is that I will allow them to express themselves to the Father with music that helps them do that and not fight and force my style on them. I also hope they will allow me to worship in a corporate setting that helps me connect in worship too:).
Used by churches all over the world to help teach worship, the Experiencing Worship study can help your worship team too.
Your team will learn why we worship and gain a better understanding of how to worship.
One user said..."Your 5 week study course has made a tremendous impact on my life in the study of worship... I would like to express my thanks for a well written study course that leads into a higher realm of praise and worship."
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.