Passion And Praise

New Song: Chasing You

2010-10-16T09:58:00.001+08:00

Josh Wilson - Before The Morning

2010-09-08T09:38:00.001+08:00

Introducing: Chris Tomlin

2010-09-07T18:44:00.002+08:00

For nearly a decade, Chris Tomlin has been providing the soundtrack for Sunday morning worship services around the world.

His latest piece, "Our God," joins a vast collection of worship music including “Forever,” “Famous One,” “How Great is Our God,” “Indescribable” and “Sing, Sing, Sing” that have connected with audiences of all ages. His songs have been sung in many other languages—a fact that still even surprises Chris because all he’s ever been interested in is “having a shared experience of coming before God and worshipping Him.”

A Texas native, Chris’ music of choice while growing up was country. But when Chris’ father gave him his first guitar when he was sick with mono, it soon wasn’t just honky-tonk he was playing. By age 14, Chris had written his first worship song.

But pursuing music for a living wasn’t exactly Chris’s go-to life plan once he graduated from high school. Confident that God had a plan in mind for his life, but still not really sure what that was specifically, Chris enrolled in college thinking he’d ultimately pursue a career in physical therapy.

Of course, God had other plans for Chris.

After earning a degree in psychology, Chris became friends with Louis Giglio, founder of Passion, designed to create an awakening on college campuses. Responding to Giglio’s invitation to be part of the first Passion worship event, a landmark gathering of thousands of college students in Austin, Texas, Chris eventually found his life’s calling in leading worship.

In addition to writing and recording his own praise songs, Chris has continued to be part of the Passion movement ever since that first event in 1997, not to mention its now one-year-old church plant, Passion City Church, in Atlanta.

As fulfilling as it’s been for Chris to lead audiences in worship, simply serving as just another worship artist hasn’t been enough. Chris has always been passionate about helping worship leaders thrive in their respective churches.

So at the end of 2006, Chris launched on an online resource called Frequency. Describing the site as “a place to serve God and His people in worship,” he later partnered with Larry Tardy and expanded the effort. Now known as Frequency Worship, the webpage includes chord charts for popular worship songs, instructional videos and message boards for worship leaders to connect with—and learn from—each other.

While touring with TobyMac on the current “Hello Tonight” tour, Chris announced his recent engagement to his fiance, Lauren. The tour will continue this fall as Chris travels from city to city and celebrating God’s greatness with a new audience each night.

Online Christian Radio Station

2010-09-07T01:53:00.003+08:00

Hey dudes, are you sick and tired of listening to songs with lyrics that doesn't make any sense? Maybe you feel uneasy about the unwholesome content introduced in songs you hear on the radio? Do you know the songs you hear can either encourage/motivate/empower you or make you more emo/wordly/covetous? It may be subtle, but it sure does something to you and I.

I'd like to recommend this online Christian radio station to you, have a listen, I'm pretty sure you'll be blessed - click here. If you fill your ears with good stuff, you can be sure it affects your mood and productivity as a human (student or employee) You may also check out the YouTube channel here - pretty insightful for guitarists.

Last but not least, be encouraged to worship God with your lifestyle; not just what you sing on weekends, but also what you will allow into your ears on weekdays, which affects your thoughts. You have the power of choice, choose wisely! =D

David Crowder - How He Loves

2010-09-07T01:45:00.000+08:00

Andy Philip - Love Offering

2010-08-17T12:29:00.001+08:00

Verse 1:
I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Your name
It's the power by which I'm saved
I'm justified freely by the Father's grace
Your righteousness is mine through faith

Pre-Chorus:
I'll not waver at Your promises
With the voice of my heart
I worship You

Chorus:
O Lord, I lift You on high
Thank You for saving my life
It's more than a song I sing to You my King
I offer up my life as a love offering

Verse 2:
I stand in the hope of Your glory
It's the only thing that keeps me going
Your love, it sanctifies me
Making me holy, giving me life and peace

Tag:
As a love offering
Oh, take me
So, take me
As a love offering
As a love offering

Bridge:
I love the King and the King loves me
I love the King and the King loves me
I love the King and the King, He loves me

Download: As We Call On Your Name

2010-05-29T21:51:00.002+08:00

Hey dudes, I pray that you'll be blessed by this song and use it in your private worship. May you be consumed by the presence of God in your everyday living; experiencing the abundant life He promised. =)

Download the song here.

Stop Trying To Write Songs [Paul Baloche]

2010-05-14T21:32:00.000+08:00

What?! What a discouraging admonition you may think. Aren’t we encouraged to “sing a new song to The Lord” over and over again throughout the Psalms? Yes, exactly. Sing! Worship with a new song! Sing your prayers- from the depths of your soul. Cry aloud your honest expression of gratitude, praise, or lament, but try not to “try” writing a song. Are you confused?

I have discovered over the years that when I am in a room, trying to write a worship song from my head, searching for clever hooks and rhymes, it usually turns out sounding like a song that was written by a computer. A creative act that has the potential to draw our hearts toward God like nothing else can get poisoned when we start thinking too much about the process. Let’s ponder the shepherd boy David, tending sheep in the middle of nowhere looking up at the stars at night and singing , “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place …..who am I that you are mindful of me?” Observing doe and their offspring drinking from a desert oasis he muses, “As the deer pants for the water so my soul longs for You.” Imagine him singing that line again and again until sensing even more words that continue that strong affection he feels towards the Shepherd of his soul.

Because I’ve written so many bad, mechanical songs over the years I try to make worship and private ministry to The Lord a priority - thinking less about writing and more about worshipping. I’ll often encourage songwriters to “quit writing songs for the next six months” and simply sing their prayers to God. Like the proverbial monkey on our back, there is something in our brains that can get all tied up, nervous and self-conscious when we try, try, try and edit, edit, edit. There is a time and a place for that but if brought into the process too early it can stifle WONDER - an essential ingredient in cultivating child-like creativity and freedom.

A NEW SONG should sound more like a voice than an echo. I borrow that phrase from Spencer Cody, an American Indian who used to attend our church in East Texas. Often he would encourage and sometimes caution me with his verdict after I tested a new song in worship on a Sunday morning. He would simply say, “that sounds like a voice”, meaning the idea had roots and originality to it. Sometimes he would reluctantly share “sorry but that sounds more like an echo”, something contrived and assembled without authentic origins.

I believe that the best worship songs happen as a by- product of worship. We can tell our inner editor “hey get off my back, I’m not trying to write a song, I’m just singing my prayers.” I find myself enjoying the process so much more when all I’m doing is prayerfully singing out phrases, scriptures, or as the bible refers to “groanings too deep for words”. Sometimes just allowing our melodies to soar without words at the beginning of the process can stir up an honest emotion or perspective. There is a section in the song Glorious where the melody just cries out trying to express the inexpressible. “Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, You are Glorious!” That is repeated over and over again to give an outlet to this feeling-this raw sentiment that is reaching upward toward the Mysterium tremendum.

Once we feel like we have an inspired phrase or melody, it’s time to worship with it in a prayerful, musical way and see where it leads us. Sometimes it’s helpful to step back from our instrument and just sing melodies that are free from the constraint of a key or chords. As your song begins to grow and take shape, start experimenting with chords that will support the feeling of the idea. There is no formula but often the progression looks like this:

1. An inspired idea or phrase is birthed from a prayerful, worshipful posture. 2.Melody and lyrics start to take shape through repeated singing and worshipful, child-like “play”. 3. Chords and rythym are chosen to cohesively support the feeling of the message. 4. NOW bring in your editor and start filling in the missing parts by checking for biblical accuracy, lyrical freshness, and musical creativity.

Let’s strive for “all of the above”, but primarily yearn for a more intimate connection with our God that can be experienced very uniquely by singing a new prayer-by singing out our conversations to the One who sings over us with joy.

Paul Baloche

Paul is the worship pastor at Community Fellowship in Lindale, Texas, and is married to Rita. His songs include ‘Open the eyes of my heart’, ‘(Hosanna) Praise Is Rising’, and ‘Our God Saves’. For more info, visit www.leadworship.com

Taken from: http://www.worshipcentral.org/blog/guest/paul-baloche/stop-trying-to-write-songs

A Guide To Bass Strings

2010-05-10T14:27:00.005+08:00

Hi folks, Matthew Chew (fellow member of Encounter Service Team) has a good website to share regarding bass strings: http://www.bass-strings.com/bass-string-guide.

This webpage uncovers the different kinds of bass strings. It'll be beneficial for any bassist who wants to spend time defining his/her tone. After entering the webpage, there is a YouTube video. This video talks about a brand (GHS) that makes many different kind of bass strings and it's split up into 4 different videos.

The first - is being played when you click on the play button on the webpage.
(This reviews about the Precision Flatwound strings)

The second - look for GHS Pressurewound among related videos that pops up after the first video has finished playing.
(This reviews the Pressurewound strings)

The third - look for GHS Boomer among related videos.

The fourth - look for GHS Super Steels among related videos.
(This reviews the Super Steels strings and a bit on the Contact Core Super Steels and Infinity Steel strings)

Musical Worship (1st May 2010)

2010-05-01T22:48:00.002+08:00

The People:
Musical Worship Leader: Andy Philip
A.Guitarist: Justin
Back-up Vocalist: Joanie
Bass: Matthew Chew

The Songs:
Lincoln Brewster - Today Is The Day
Lincoln Brewster - Majestic
Hillsong - Here In My Life
The Vine Band - Relentless Grace

Musical Worship (24th April 2010)

2010-05-01T22:40:00.002+08:00

The People:
Isabel & Co.
Musical Worship Leader: Scarlet
A.Guitarist: Elissa & Andy Philip
Back-up Vocalist: Hong Xia & Xin Yi
Keyboardist: Venus
Sound: You Fu

The Songs:
Hillsong - You Deserve
Hillsong - Draw Me Close
Hillsong - With All I Am

LIVE Recording Session (23rd April 2010)

2010-04-24T07:46:00.006+08:00

LIVE Recording Session
(23rd April 2010)

Download

CSMusic

2010-04-20T13:52:00.002+08:00

Hi folks, I'm sure we're no strangers to big names like Hillsong, Chris Tomlin, etc. But do you know that there are actually worship artistes locally?! Check them out @ http://www.csmusic.sg/!

Musical Worship (17th April 2010)

2010-04-20T13:49:00.000+08:00

The People:
Musical Worship Leader: Le Fa

The Songs:
Hillsong - My Redeemer Lives
Hillsong - Till I See You
Hillsong - You Hold Me Now

Musical Worship (20th March 2010)

2010-03-21T08:06:00.000+08:00

The People:
Musical Worship Leader: Andy Philip

The Songs:
Chris Tomlin - Made To Worship
Chris Tomlin - Unchanging
Hillsong - From The Inside Out
Chris Tomlin - Enough

Musical Worship (13th March 2010)

2010-03-15T12:57:00.000+08:00

The People:
Musical Worship Leader: Andy Philip
Back-up Vocalist: Scarlet
Drummer: Le Fa
E.Guitarist: Justin

The Songs:
Lincoln Brewster - Today Is The Day
Lincoln Brewster - Majestic
Jeremy Camp - Beautiful One

Musical Worship (6th March 2010)

2010-03-15T12:55:00.001+08:00

The People:
Musical Worship Leader: Andy Philip

The Songs:
Chris Tomlin - Forever
Jocelyn Ong - Fight Of Faith
Andy Philip - Ever Faithful

Learn: Ever Faithful

2010-03-14T19:19:00.001+08:00

Download mp3
Download Chord Sheet

CCLITV

2010-03-07T22:33:00.001+08:00

http://www.ccli.com/cclitv/

Musical Worship (27th February 2010)

2010-03-05T05:14:00.002+08:00

The People:
Isabel & Co.
Musical Worship Leader: Scarlet
A.Guitarist: Elissa
Back-up Vocalists: Esther, Xin Yi & Yvonne
Drummer: Le Fa
E.Guitarist: Andy Philip
Keyboardist: Venus

The Songs:
Andy Philip - Free
Hillsong - You Hold Me Now
Paul Baloche - What Can I Do

DARLENE ZSCHECH // WEEK 4

2010-02-25T21:51:00.006+08:00

Hey lovely people…I have been in the studio for the past couple of weeks.. recording songs of worship and trying to hone my writing skills.. and I have really had such a wonderful time. I’ve been surrounded by great friends and musicians, all who passionately follow Christ and have a commitment to bringing their best in worship…whatever that looks or sounds like in each of us.

During the process, I have been downloading HEAPS of worship recordings, listening and being challenged and inspired, listening to tracks that use strings beautifully in their band mixes….aahhhh, my heart has been so fuelled. But in the midst of it all, I put on Michael W Smiths’ You be Lifted High’.. piano, vocal.. simple, strong, with a melody that soars and lyrics that could have been sung and written by King David. And there I found myself in a tangle of emotion, my spirit crying out for more of Jesus, my soul finding strength, and my body feeling empowered somehow to cry Holy is the Lord Almighty with my life once again.

And such is the power again of bringing an authentic song of the heart to our wonderful Jesus...stripped back, without all the musical reinforcement (even though we all love it and it SO has its place..).. After days and days of intense ‘listening’ to worship, here I was being ministered to THROUGH the song of a worshipping heart, presented as an offering by a man whom Mark and I love dearly and who has been around long enough for his music to bypass trends and soundscapes, and for his unseen life of worship to be tested again and again, and for Michael and Debbie his wife to continue to stand all because of the righteousness of Christ. A beautiful example to us all….

So, as we all go into your rehearsals and services this week, as we spend time fine tuning our musical expressions of what God has done in our lives … make it the PRIORITY to take some time to strip back the sounds, and simply come before Jesus and worship. Lead your teams in moments of holy adoration, play, sing, dance, create….but let the worship rise higher than the art, the craft, the colours that we bring to the table.

Jer 29:13 says, You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with ALL your heart….

Lets seek Him, truly seek Him… to search for, lean into, with all we have to truly SEE Him, I do wonder what awaits us across the earth, as we truly seek, exalt, glory and honour our King… I pray that He would find us trustworthy to carry His plans for this hour…

Love you all and so totally believe in you… Darls

Darlene Zschech is a singer, songwriter (Shout to the Lord), worship leader and speaker, most notably for her involvement in the music from Hillsong Church. In 2004 Darlene and her husband Mark initiated Hope: Rwanda, a global endeavor designed to bring hope to a nation seemingly forgotten since the horrific genocide of 1994. Darlene and Mark live in Sydney with their three daughters, Chloe and Zoe, Amy and son-in-law Andrew. For more info visit darlenezschech.com

Taken from: http://www.worshipcentral.org/blog/guest/darlene-zschech/darlene-zschech-week-4

DARLENE ZSCHECH // WEEK 3

2010-02-25T21:49:00.004+08:00

Growing up singing and playing, I found as a young Christian that the performer in me had to die, so that the disciple of Christ could grow and learn...yes, it has been a journey.

But the Word of God reminds us in Hosea 4:6 ‘that my people die for lack of knowledge’. Prov 4 says ‘Get skillful and Godly wisdom, get understanding…’

There is great fruit as a result of understanding. Trust and Stability among other things but for me, the greatest fruit is that of WILLINGNESS. Being willing is all about a heart motivation, and if you are willing, you will have so much more staying power than simply having enthusiasm.

2 Cor 8:11 says ‘Finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may match your completion of it, according to your means.’ Verse 12 says, ‘For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, NOT according to what one does NOT have.

1 Peter 5:2 says ‘Be shepherds of Gods flock, not because you must but because you are willing.. NOT for money, but eager to serve.’

Give me a team of willing people any day…and anything is possible. How willing are you when it comes to your team, your church, your passion to lead people to the greatness of our God? If you are getting a little bit complicated in your approach, maybe due to disappointment or maybe you’ve become a little complacent or too familiar with the Holiness of what it is we are doing, THEN I lovingly suggest you just ask God (who is SO SO kind) to come again, to speak to your soul. GET HUNGRY for the reality of His presence. Just by reading the Word, the ALIVE, transforming word of God… and stir up that fire again for service…that your willing heart would be refreshed and ready for all that is in front of you in this season.

These are incredible days… as His song, His sound, His Kingdom culture is declared across the earth in power and might. We must all simply take our place, and pour ourselves out wherever and however we can, to bring this message of Jesus to our perishing world.

By the Way… getting real practical here… Pastor Jack Hayfords teaching on worship is stunning and easy to digest, so is Pastor Bill Johnsons… and the list goes. Understanding is not gained by wishing, but by feeding on all those Words that can help shape us.

Love you guys…have the best week ever!!!

Darlene Zschech is a singer, songwriter (Shout to the Lord), worship leader and speaker, most notably for her involvement in the music from Hillsong Church. In 2004 Darlene and her husband Mark initiated Hope: Rwanda, a global endeavor designed to bring hope to a nation seemingly forgotten since the horrific genocide of 1994. Darlene and Mark live in Sydney with their three daughters, Chloe and Zoe, Amy and son-in-law Andrew. For more info visit darlenezschech.com

Taken from: http://www.worshipcentral.org/blog/guest/darlene-zschech/darlene-zschech-week-3

Darlene Zschech // Week 2

2010-02-25T21:39:00.000+08:00

I don’t know your story but when I said yes to following Christ at the age of fifteen, I said a devout YES to following Jesus, whatever that meant. I was desperate for a sense of HOME in my heart.

I was already living out of home at this stage and had become lonely and quite complicated in my young and fragile self. I was looking for acceptance with no strings, and I was SO looking for some peace. I had NO idea about the benefits of accepting Jesus, the joy, the strength, and I certainly did not know about the Holy Spirit who comes as help and comforter. SALVATION to me was, and is enough; everything Christ did and is doing in me continues to take me by surprise. So you can see, I am EVER grateful for that Friday night when JOHN 3:16 – 22 was preached, and the light of Christ drew me home. A worshipper was released from prison that day...a prison of self, of disappointment, and of shame. And this worshipper lives in response to His great love, my life poured out as a thank you.

The reason I tell you this story is by way of testimony, of stirring up the grateful heart within which was built to give praise and honour. Psalm 78 says to us to tell our story, to speak of His faithfulness and wonders across the fabric of our everyday lives. As complicated as life may become…there is ALWAYS a way to bring forth that TRUTH of His kindness toward us, And this is one of the reasons I love the power of worship, as we sing the song of God that declares His goodness and faithfulness, His immense magnificence coming to meet us where we are at. And it may make some of you uncomfortable, BUT, when you are leading or singing, writing or creating from this place.. WOW, that sense of being abandoned to His will is highly contagious when it is authentic.

To all of you who are involved in leading, writing, playing, pastoring, or organizing any part of our congregational times of worship.. I encourage you today to do whatever you are doing from a constant platform of gratefulness. Maybe you too have to take some time to write down and remember how far you’ve come since Christ made His home in your heart. The miracles, the words He’s whispered deep into your soul, the breakthroughs…Lets always REMEMBER, lets TELL the story of His goodness, and lets worship the ONE who saved us! There is nothing worse than being led or instructed in worship by people who are going through the motions….c’mon…It’s a new day, there is an urgency in the air , the world is desperate to hear about this amazing ONE TRUE GOD. ! Lets lift up His name, bring our finest, and spend our 24/7 lives saying a deliberate and genuine THANKYOU.

WOW...I start blogging, and I feel like we are all just hanging out at my kitchen bench, having a good long natter about King Jesus… what a privilege. Love you…

Darlene Zschech is a singer, songwriter (Shout to the Lord), worship leader and speaker, most notably for her involvement in the music from Hillsong Church. In 2004 Darlene and her husband Mark initiated Hope: Rwanda, a global endeavor designed to bring hope to a nation seemingly forgotten since the horrific genocide of 1994. Darlene and Mark live in Sydney with their three daughters, Chloe and Zoe, Amy and son-in-law Andrew. For more info visit darlenezschech.com

Taken from: http://www.worshipcentral.org/blog/guest/darlene-zschech/darlene-zschech-week-2

Learn: Good Morning, God

2010-02-24T16:04:00.001+08:00

Download mp3
Download Chord Sheet (Key: A)
Download Chord Sheet (Key: G)

Learn: Free

2010-02-24T16:00:00.001+08:00

Download mp3
Download Chord Sheet

Learn: God On High

2010-02-24T15:52:00.001+08:00

Download mp3
Download Chord Sheet

Musical Worship (20th February 2010)

2010-02-23T19:51:00.001+08:00

The People:
Presence Eternal
Musical Worship Leader: Le Fa
Bassist: Eugene
Drummer: Nicholas
E.Guitarist: Justin
Keyboardist: Yue Seng
Sound: You Fu

The Songs:
Hillsong - Everyday
Desperation Band - My Saviour Lives
Chris Tomlin - How Great Is Our God

Hillsong - It's Your Love

2010-02-10T00:22:00.004+08:00

Verse 1:
Upon the hill of Calvary
He came from Heaven's throne
Our falleness and mercy meet
Where blood and water flow

Verse 2:
What grace divine what selflessness
That Christ would bear the weight
Our proof is scarred on hands that bled
That we were worth every nail

Chorus:
All the praise and glory to God
We sing hallelujah, sing hallelujah
For the King has carried the cross
He has risen from the grave

Verse 3:
Beyond the tomb to holy skies
He rose in victory
And bridged for us the great divide
His life is our liberty

Bridge:
Your love, it's Your love
It's your love, that has saved me
Your blood, it's Your blood
It's your blood, that has claimed me

Musical Worship (6th February 2010)

2010-02-10T00:18:00.001+08:00

The People:
Musical Worship Leader: Andy Philip
Back-up Vocalists: Scarlet
Bassist: Eugene
Drummer: Le Fa

The Songs:
Jeremy Camp - Beautiful One
Hillsong United - Now That You're Near
Chris Tomlin - Your Grace Is Enough
Andy Philip - God On High

Musical Worship (30th January 2010)

2010-02-10T00:10:00.003+08:00

The People:
Isabel & Co.
Musical Worship Leader: Scarlet
Back-up Vocalists: Elissa, Esther, Venus, Xin Yi, Yvonne & Andy Philip
Bassist: Eugene
Drummer: Le Fa
A.Guitarist: Justin
E.Guitarist: Andy Philip

The Songs:
Hillsong United - One Way
Starfield - Reign In Us
Hillsong - One Desire

Darlene Zschech // Week 1

2010-02-10T00:07:00.002+08:00

Mark and I and the family have just returned from what would have to be one of the best holidays we can remember. We spent it at the beach where we grew up, surrounded by friends from way back, many who are in ministry and have been for a long time...

...and the conversation was so rich and inspiring, we left feeling refreshed and so hungry for what God has in store for this season.
When the conversation turned to worship, the upside of the comments were that overall, many pastors were feeling so well supported musically, their teams were growing, it seemed from what I was hearing is that the standard of what was coming from platforms all over the country has vastly improved over the last couple of years. But then there was a moment when one dear man said ‘ Oh, but just to sense the presence of Jesus, that is what I am longing for. I would rather have something less sophisticated if it means finding worshippers to lead us into the Holy Place, not just great players.’

Wow… I have pondered that thought since coming home.. and I guess as a pastor and a leader of worship, I sense the responsibility, like many others leaders around the globe, to keep speaking it out.. that JESUS must be our goal, our focus, and the One we are living to please and serve as we worship. Not complicated, but simply committed our focus clean and clear. A statement that I read in Bill Johnsons book ‘ Face to Face with God’ said of Moses.. ‘Moses preferred the wilderness with God, than to enter the promised land without God’. As he said in Ex 33:15 ‘ If Your presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here..’.

So there you have it… what and who are you desiring as you worship? Whether what we do actually IS worship is up to us.. for it is about the heart, its agenda and passions. I pray that every single day, our devotion to His song, this glorious anthem that stretches into the eternal would be refined in us as we learn to live in His power, covered by His grace, forever and ever… AMEN.

Darlene Zschech is a singer, songwriter (Shout to the Lord), worship leader and speaker, most notably for her involvement in the music from Hillsong Church. In 2004 Darlene and her husband Mark initiated Hope: Rwanda, a global endeavor designed to bring hope to a nation seemingly forgotten since the horrific genocide of 1994. Darlene and Mark live in Sydney with their three daughters, Chloe and Zoe, Amy and son-in-law Andrew. For more info visit darlenezschech.com

Taken from: http://www.worshipcentral.org/blog/guest/darlene-zschech/darlene-zschech-week-1

Free Lessons Online [Update: 26th January 2010]

2010-01-26T23:34:00.000+08:00

Hillsong Creative (Vocals & All Instruments):
http://hillsong.com/blogs/creative/training/

Vocals:
http://www.singingsuccess.com/
http://www.singingsuccessonline.com/drupal/

Acoustic & Electric Guitar:
http://www.guitarlessons.com/
http://www.grahamchoo.blogspot.com/
http://guitarpraise.blogspot.com/
http://justinguitar.com/

Drums:
http://www.freedrumlessons.com/
http://rhythmpraise.blogspot.com/

Musical Worship (23rd January 2010)

2010-01-25T23:23:00.005+08:00

The People:
Presence Eternal
Musical Worship Leader: Le Fa
Bassist: Eugene
Drummer: Nicholas
E.Guitarist: Justin
Keyboardist: Yue Seng
Sound: You Fu

The Songs:
Hillsong - Freedom Is Here
The Alternative - Depths Of Your Love
Hillsong United - From The Inside Out
Planetshakers - Nothing Is Impossible

Spontaneous Song [Al Gordon]

2010-01-25T09:46:00.000+08:00

Ever tried singing a spontaneous song in a time of worship, only to crash and burn?!

I've had some shockers over the years, from singing out 'spontaneous songs' that are so tuneless and irrelevant, that the whole congregation seem to stop worshipping and start staring in astonishment, to trying to get phrases to rhyme only to realize that the word I'm trying to rhyme either only rhymes with very rude words. But for every time things seem to go pear-shaped, there are those sweet times when a phrase or lyric pops into your mind that seems to capture what the Holy Spirit is doing, and is picked up by the congregation and suddenly the whole place explodes, each person responding to God.

After reading the great thread in the forum, I've been thinking through the theory again. We want our worship times to be led by the Holy Spirit: we try and be those who 'worship by the Spirit of God' (Phil 3:3) in everything we do, from the way we choose our songs, to what happens in the times of worship. Our objective is to be a people who don't just make music, or sing to entertain each other, but to be a dynamic, responsive community that are a blank canvas for the Holy Spirit to create and lead worship in us.

There's a little classification of songs that Paul uses twice, which is very helpful for understanding this: 'psalms, hymns and spiritual songs' (eph 5:19, col 3:16), meaning the Psalms (the Old Testament hymnbook), hymns (new songs written for the church) and the 'spiritual song', a song that is led by the Holy Spirit, inspired, released by cooperation with what the Spirit seems to be doing.

Practically, I wonder if there are lots of ways this works in our times of worship, including: making up a totally new song on the spot, or repeating a phrase, scripture together so that people can carry it and worship with the phrase. I find this sometimes works a little bit like giving a word of knowledge: you get a sense as you're leading of something the Spirit is saying to the church, and then you perhaps sing a little phrase off mic first, then if appropriate, on mic so that people can join in. Like all aspects of the prophetic, we need to do this stuff in community, in conversation with our friends ('what did you think was happening this morning?') and we also need to recognize that it's a learning journey. We're going to mess up, but we're not going to give up.

I also don't think we should get too mixed up worrying about whether something is rehearsed or fresh out of the heart, but rather the question is whether the Holy Spirit is leading or not. The most prophetic worship leaders I know lead you into that place of spontaneity because they spend hours cultivating worship on their own, and seeking to be obedient to the Spirit in private before they are in public. I have to admit I find this challenging - I'm so often at my most reliant on God when I'm on a platform doing 'ministry', whereas I should be just as open and hungry for the Spirits leading in the supermarket.

Other times, spontaneous songs can be little ideas that the worship leader has been playing over in their quiet times, but now feels like the right time to drop them into the congregation setting. For worship leaders to rehearse a little phrase or idea or song that God has put on their heart for the meeting, is a good biblical thing. Paul writes, "When you come together, everyone has a hymn..." (1 Cor 14:26). We should expect to bring songs that the Spirit has been laying on our hearts. Sometimes, the most prophetic spontaneous songs can be old gems that someone starts singing in a quiet moment at the back of the room.

The key is that we open wide our gathered times of worship to the in-breaking of the kingdom of God, that we step out in faith a little more, trusting that the Spirit will lead our worship. This will mean times of awkward silence, songs that bomb, but it will also mean a fresh dependance on the Spirit in our worship, and a fresh hunger to see Jesus glorified.

Taken from: http://worshipcentral.org/blog/al/spontaneous-songs

To Speak or Not to Speak – Is That the Question? [Bob Kauflin]

2010-01-25T09:36:00.000+08:00

In my early years of leading worship I thought I had to share a mini-teaching or heartfelt prayer between every song. I’m not sure why I thought that. But when my pastor finally brought it to my attention I realized how annoying it was.

Many worship leaders I’ve talked to have struggled with knowing what to say when leading, when to say it, and whether to say anything at all. Here are four thoughts that have helped me over the years.

1. Know your goal.
Worshiping God in song means more than having a musical experience. We can do that at a concert or with our iPod. But a worship leader’s goal is to magnify God’s greatness in people’s hearts, minds, and wills. The person and atoning work of Jesus Christ must become bigger in our eyes and more relevant to our lives.

That means I want to do whatever I can to ensure that people are singing with their minds as well as their spirits (1 Cor. 14:15). I want to help them engage with the truths they’re singing. That takes words. Spoken words.

Here’s how that looks for me. After the first or second song, I’ll take about 1-2 minutes to biblically, personally, and clearly help people understand why we’re about to sing the next song. I’ll generally pull from a number of possible sources: a point from last week’s message, the focus of a teaching series we’re currently in, a new song I want to introduce, a common temptation or trial, reasons for singing God’s praise, or even a news event (the tragedy in Haiti for instance). My goal is to connect an aspect of what God has done for us in Christ with where people are living. And whatever I say, I want to make sure that it’s based on the unchanging truth of God’s Word, not just my opinion or feelings.

2. Know your context.
Taking into account who I’m leading helps me know what to say. I tend to say more in a smaller group where I can read people more easily. In a situation where people aren’t very expressive, I’ll take time to explain how our bodies can glorify God. If people are familiar with the songs and each other, I may say less.

3. Know your limitations.
Some worship leaders don’t communicate effectively because they’ve never worked at it. Others just don’t have the gift. Whatever your situation, don’t assume that you’re the one who has to speak. There’s no biblical command that says the person leading the music has to be the one who speaks between songs. Seek your pastor’s counsel on how much you should say or not say. Trust me. He’s probably been waiting for you to ask.

4. Vary what you do.
For years, I worked hard at developing an “exhortation” that I would share at some point between songs. Just as I thought I was getting good at it, my senior pastor suggested that we not do the same thing every Sunday. Bummer. I couldn’t depend on my routine anymore. I actually had to listen to the Spirit’s leading.

Following the exact same format every week can lead a congregation into lifeless, formulaic, worship. Even if we call it “charismatic.” Try reading a portion of Scripture, praying as a church, having someone share a testimony, or allowing someone else to talk about a song.

A Final Thought
Some musicians will serve the church better by not saying anything. But don’t assume you’re one of them. Because worship leaders love the glory of the Savior, we want to use whatever means we have – music AND spoken words — to communicate just how great Jesus Christ really is.
My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever. (Ps. 145:21)

Bob Kauflin is the director of worship development for Sovereign Grace, based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA. This involves overseeing its music projects and teaching on congregational worship. He has written the fantastic book ‘Worship Matters,’ which in Tim’s opinion is one of the best books currently written on worship. He and his wife Julie have six children and an ever-growing number of grandchildren. Find out more by checking www.worshipmatters.com

Taken from: http://worshipcentral.org/blog/bob-kauflin/bob-kauflin-week-3

Passion & Praise: City Harvest Church

2010-01-23T21:52:00.002+08:00

Desperation Band - Refuse To Be Denied

2010-01-22T01:24:00.004+08:00

Contributed by: Matthew Wong

Verse 1:
I am Yours, you are mine
I refuse to be denied
All of You is my heart's cry
I refuse to be denied

Chorus:
I'm coming after you
I'm coming after you
I'm coming after you

Verse 2:
Though I'm weak, though I'm dry
I refuse to be denied
All my life, a sacrifice
I refuse to be denied

Musical Worship (16th January 2010)

2010-01-18T07:55:00.003+08:00

The People:
Musical Worship Leader: Andy Philip

The Songs:
Chris Tomlin - Unchanging
Hillsong United - From The Inside Out
The Alternative - Depths Of Your Love

²¹"But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. ²²This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, ²³for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. ²⁵God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— ²⁶he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus."
- Romans 3:21-26 (New International Version)

Passion & Praise: The Alternative

2010-01-14T16:15:00.005+08:00

Soul Music

2010-01-12T00:51:00.004+08:00

Brought to you by OurDailyJourney.org.

Soul music is a term adopted to describe popular black music in the United States as it evolved from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. It’s a style heavily influenced by gospel music. Soul music is known for its intimacy, passion, intensity, rhythmic sounds, and spiritual roots. In essence, it’s an expression of the soul. I believe this is what David had in mind when he wrote Psalm 103, a soulful ballad that took the people of God into the beautiful place of sincere expression of worship to the Lord.

David began this soulful song with “Let all that I am praise the Lord” (v.1). This phrase was an expression of the intimate relationship between David and Yahweh, the covenant-making and promise-keeping God of Israel. David’s soul music was an intimate expression of love and gratitude to the God who loved him first. David’s soul music was intense. He praised the Lord with his innermost being, which for him was a physical, emotional, and spiritual experience. He didn’t hold back anything in the worship and praise of his God. David’s soul music was intentional. It found its power and passion in constantly remembering God’s blessings. When David thought about God’s provision, he couldn’t keep from singing and giving Him praise.

Biblical soul music starts from within our hearts and expresses itself outward. If we want to experience the journey of intimate, intense, and intentional worship of God, we need to get close to Him. This happens as we spend time talking to Him and listening to Him. Don’t hold anything back. Relish how gracious, merciful, and loving God is as you offer up a sacrifice of praise.

Musical Worship (9th January 2010)

2010-01-10T09:07:00.006+08:00

The People:
Musical Worship Leader: Andy Philip
Bassist: Eugene
Drummer: Le Fa

The Songs:
Hillsong United - I'm Not Ashamed
Andy Philip - Free
Hillsong United - Here In My Life
Planetshakers - Nothing Is Impossible

^1-2 "So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you."
- Romans 12:1-2 (The Message)

Practice Advice & Tips!

2010-01-08T23:26:00.001+08:00

Brought to you by FreeDrumLessons.com.

Practice Tips Without a Drum Kit!

2010-01-08T23:23:00.001+08:00

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Christ For The Nations - Alabaster Jar

2010-01-08T22:11:00.006+08:00

Contributed by: You Fu

Verse 1:
This alabaster jar
Is all I have of worth
I break it at Your feet, Lord
It's less than You deserve

You're far more beautiful
More precious than the oil
The sum of my desires
And the fullness of my joy

Pre-Chorus:
Like You spilled Your blood
I spill my heart
As an offering to my King

Chorus:
Here I am take me
As an offering
Here I am giving
Every heartbeat for Your glory
Take me

Verse 2:
This time that I have left
Is all I have of worth
I lay it at Your feet, Lord
It's less than You deserve

And though I've lived astray
And though my days are few
You gave Your life for me
So I will live my life for You

Tag:
Worthy, worthy, You are worthy
Worthy is the Lord

Hillsong United - Here In My Life

2010-01-08T17:37:00.004+08:00

Verse 1:
I have never walked on water
Felt the waves beneath my feet
But at your word Lord, I’ll receive Your
Faith to walk on oceans deep

Pre-Chorus 1:
And I remember how You found me
In that very same place
All my failing surely would've drowned me
But You made a way

Chorus:
You are my freedom
Jesus you’re the reason
I’m kneeling again at Your throne
Where would I be without You
Here in my life, here in my life

Verse 2:
You have said that all the heavens
Sing for joy at one who finds
The way to freedom, truth of Jesus
Bought from death into His life

Pre-Chorus 2:
And I remember how You saw me
Through the eyes of Your grace
And though the cost was Your beloved for me
Still you made a way

Bridge:
You are my freedom
Jesus you’re the reason
You are my freedom
Jesus you’re the reason

Always Warm Up (Brett Manning)

2010-01-08T01:58:00.000+08:00

Brought to you by SingingSuccess.com.

Why Warm Up? (Brett Manning)

2010-01-08T01:46:00.006+08:00

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Featured Post #1

2010-01-07T21:26:00.008+08:00

Taken with permission from Matthew Wong's Blog.

So on the bus back with YM we were talking abit about stuff relating to music
(yea I think most of us know that YM's dream is to be a musician. YM!! I BELIEVE
IN YOUR DREAM!!). So I'll talk abit about one part of what we were talking about
then.

I dont know about all of you out there but for me, I tend to think
of worship as like, prayers that are musical.

Like say, nothing is
impossible, something that we spam all so often, beyond the hype, beyond the
cool sounding stuff, I think the most important thing ultimately lies in the
lyrics of the song, and what it means to you. And for me, when I sing 'through
you, I can do anything', its more than just singing it, but its kinda like
declaring it out.

And listening. Sometimes I dont sing I just like to be
quiet while all those around me sing, or perhaps when im listening to my mp3,
and during those times its like, the music is a 'prayer' and im in agreement
with it. Essentially the amen.

Perhaps the reason why majority of the
songs I listen to are Christian songs. Because though songs like say uhh 'Viva
La Vida' sounds cool and nice, they are songs that dont have meaning to me. It
doesnt have a personal touch, and these songs I will listen to alot then forget
about it after all. But it is the songs that really capture my heart, songs that
really make me agree with them that I continually listen to.

An example
of a non Christian song I listen to that resounds with my heart would be like
'Little Wonders'. Its really a wonderful and meaningful song and I love it.

Back to worship songs, so for me, I feel that the most important part of
singing a worship song is that your heart must agree with it. Its more than
words, more than melody. Some people say that some songs are overplayed and I
agree. 'I See Grace' and 'Overcome' are overplayed alright and this may have the
tendency to make it lose its meaning and all. But nevertheless I still lift my
hands when they are played because I still agree with them. Its not so much of a
'I dont feel in the mood so I wont' kind of thing. I do it anyway because its
kinda like an 'amen' on my side.

So yup. This is my take on this issue.
Imo, sing the worship songs only if you mean every word you sing in your heart.
And I do =).

Vocal Tips: Brett Manning’s Top 3 Exercises

2010-01-04T20:20:00.004+08:00

Brought to you by SingingSuccess.com.

Legally Free #1 (AP's Studio)

2010-01-04T18:47:00.007+08:00

Pictures Of Your Love.mp3
I Know.mp3
Good Morning, God.mp3
God On High.mp3
Free.mp3
Author Of Life.mp3

Download

My dream is to encourage you with the songs God has placed within my heart. And I thank you for believing in my dream; for it has given me added courage to continue pursuing. May you be blessed by God through the music.

Musical Worship (2nd January 2010)

2010-01-03T23:04:00.013+08:00

The People:
(Left -> Right)
Bassist: Eugene
Co-Leader: Scarlet
Musical Worship Leader: Andy Philip
Drummer: Le Fa

The Songs:
Planetshakers - Nothing Is Impossible
Andy Philip - Free
Kari Jobe - Healer

^23-24"It's who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration."
- John 4:23-24 (The Message)

EQUIP SEMINAR// BAND DYNAMICS // 14MAR09

2009-12-31T09:03:00.004+08:00