Timeless or timely…which would you rather be? It was the mid 1990’s and my friend was in her first semester of seminary. She went to the … [Read more...] about 7 Traits of Thriving Congregations: Relevant Practices
Reflections on Worship and Music Ministry
"Tradition is the living faith of the dead; traditionalism is the dead faith of the living.” ~ Jaroslav Pelikan I am grateful that I serve Wilshire … [Read more...] about Reflections on Worship and Music Ministry
Developing Broad Bandwidth in Worship and Music
A Wilshire church member walked up to me after worship recently and said: “That’s two weeks in a row. Sanctuary Choir is singing so well!” I … [Read more...] about Developing Broad Bandwidth in Worship and Music
5 Things to Avoid and 5 Things to Accent at Your Christmas Eve Service
At most of the churches I have served, the annual Christmas Eve service is a treasured gathering in the life of the church. And it is usually a … [Read more...] about 5 Things to Avoid and 5 Things to Accent at Your Christmas Eve Service
Hold Your Applause and Show Your Appreciation
On Easter Sunday at Wilshire our Sanctuary Choir sang two great choruses from Handel’s Messiah, “Worthy is the Lamb” paired with “Hallelujah.” … [Read more...] about Hold Your Applause and Show Your Appreciation
Singing Is Praying Twice
On the book shelf in my office is a gift from a church member and former adult choir member, Frances. The ceramic plaque reads, “Singing is praying … [Read more...] about Singing Is Praying Twice
Church Fitness Tracker
Last Christmas my wife and I gave each other personal fitness trackers. These are tools that you wear on your wrist and the tracker will keep count of … [Read more...] about Church Fitness Tracker
How to ruin a sermon
Healthy churches are marked by engaging worship. Engaging worship is nearly always marked by excellent preaching. Good preaching comes in a myriad of … [Read more...] about How to ruin a sermon
Put your heart into it!
Recently, our staff was talking about things our parents would tell us that we find ourselves repeating to our children or ourselves. We had to admit … [Read more...] about Put your heart into it!