Do you remember how hard you prayed the first time you led worship? This week, Michael and Sam challenge you and themselves to return to total dependence on God for our ministry. Have you gotten too good at leading? Can we lead without God's help if we're not careful? Subscribe today to get more episodes without even trying.
Twitter: @worshiplabpc
Website: www.worshiplabpodcast.com
This week on the podcast, Michael and Sam offer tips on how to be a better band director:
Getting educated and your skillset - Not a natural? Besides college, they discuss how to improve in a way that benefits your band and ministry
Preparing for Sunday - Hints for closely listening to a song (also see episodes “Arranging for Your Band” and “How to learn a new tune” for more); how to handle inevitable last-minute changes.
Knowing your Ensemble Well - Relationships are key, how to be aware of your ensemble’s status, give constructive feedback, and when to do more than just “play through” a song.
Communicating in Rehearsals - “Transitioning” your ensemble’s focus to more than a set list,
compensating for technical limitations, communicating during rehearsal VS. during performance.
“Going Off Book” - Building flexible plans and keeping your band in the loop.
Twitter: @worshiplabpc
Website: www.worshiplabpodcast.com
Kids play an important role in our lives, and this week the guys discuss why and how they can be a part of your worship services. Subscribe now to get more episodes like this every week!
Twitter: @worshiplabpc
Website: www.worshiplabpodcast.com
This week on The Worship Lab Podcast, Michael and Sam discuss the challenges in bridging the generational gap in worship services. What are ways to lead each generation well without alienating the others? How can a worship service unite teenagers and seniors? Listen now and subscribe today!
Twitter: @worshiplabpc
Website: www.worshiplabpodcast.com
Volunteers carry the weight of ministry in many worship services. This week, Michael and Sam have a conversation with Sky Howard (Jersey Village Baptist Church) about how to make the most of your volunteers' efforts and time by leading them well. Subscribe today!
Twitter: @worshiplabpc
Website: www.worshiplabpodcast.com
It's the most wonderful time of year, and this week, Michael and Sam discuss some Christmas service ideas that might help you spruce up the season at your church! Subscribe today to get more episodes like this in your sleep.
Twitter: @worshiplabpc
Website: www.worshiplabpodcast.com
Pastor Lee Hsia (HFBC Downtown) joins the guys this week and discusses the importance of being evangelistic in worship services. How can we be more intentional about making disciples? Why is it important to share the Gospel even when there are no unbelievers? What are Lee's pet peeves? Find out this week on The Worship Lab Podcast.
Twitter: @worshiplabpc
Website: www.worshiplabpodcast.com
Michael and Sam are joined this week by worship leader Tim Bird (Parkway UMC) to discuss the many roles that worship leaders have to manage to lead successfully. Tim provides great insights and offers great advice to those of us who are lacking in one or more area. This is not a report card - nobody is great at all of these roles. Also, Michael rants about Microsoft Auto-Updates.
Twitter: @worshiplabpc
Website: www.worshiplabpodcast.com
Although lights can be a very controversial topic in churches today, when used tastefully, they can add a tremendous amount of value to a worship service. This week, Michael and Sam have a conversation about lights with the lighting prodigy Ryan Benson. Ryan blows their minds with his depth of understanding and intentionality. Listen now and subscribe to get more episodes like this!
Twitter: @worshiplabpc
Website: www.worshiplabpodcast.com
This week, Michael and Sam discuss how to avoid alienating everyone by becoming self-aware. Have you ever told a joke that not only didn't get laughs, but actually offended everyone? Yeah, us too. Listen now for tips to help you live and work with other humans as you do ministry.
Twitter: @worshiplabpc
Website: www.worshiplabpodcast.com
Michael and Sam interview Dr. Daniel Kramlich (Professor at HBU, Music Director at Mission Bend UMC) this week on The Worship Lab Podcast. Topics include: relevance of choir music, creative approaches to service planning, and adapting worship for a multicultural congregation.
Twitter: @worshiplabpc
Website: www.worshiplabpodcast.com
This week, Michael and Sam have a conversation about the study of music theory. Does it really apply to worship leading? What does classical music have to do with contemporary worship music? Why are Michael and Sam so nerdy? Find out these answers and more by listening now and subscribing to our show!
Twitter: @worshiplabpc
Website: www.worshiplabpodcast.com
Most likely, you have two opposing worship cultures at your church - one group who wants the music to fill the room and surround them, while the other believes the band should accompany the singing in the room. This week on The Worship Lab Podcast, Michael and Sam discuss these two points-of-view and the article on the subject by Dan Wilt. Listen now and subscribe for more episodes like this.
Follow us on Twitter: @worshiplabpc
Website: www.worshiplabpodcast.com
It's happened to everyone. You're in the middle of a service, when things suddenly come to a screeching halt. It might be that the drummer forgot what song to start, or maybe you sang the worst possible lyrics, but in any case, you experienced a worship service fail. This week, Michael and Sam share stories of shame and failure. Hopefully, this will somehow encourage you, but at the very least you'll probably laugh. Subscribe on the iTunes Store and follow us on Twitter: @worshiplabpc
It seems to happen to everyone at some point in ministry, but believe it or not, burnout is avoidable. This week, Sam and Michael have a conversation about how to stay healthy in the long run and how to know if you're headed for trouble. Subscribe today to get more episodes like this in your sleep. Also, follow us on Twitter: @worshiplabpc
This week, Michael and Sam are joined by worship leader Justin Teague from Faithbridge Church. Justin provides practical advice and broadens our perspectives to pastor more than just the band. Listen now and subscribe to get more shows like this!
Michael and Sam are joined this week by Ryan Langford in a discussion about conflict. How do you deal with someone on your team that isn't meeting expectations? How do you provide clear feedback tempered with grace? How do you get the most out of volunteers that don't come prepared for Sunday? Listen now and subscribe for more episodes like this!
Sam and Michael explore the decision that many churches are faced with today - moving from a traditional to a contemporary worship style. After essentially trying to dissuade churches from making the change, the guys offer practical advice on how to do it without making a congregation resentful. Listen now, and subscribe today!
Michael and Sam have the privilege to interview worship leader and songwriter Ross King this week on The Worship Lab Podcast. Ross has a unique and genuine approach to making music for the church and great perspectives for all of us. Listen now and subscribe to get shows like this every week!
This week, Michael and Sam meet with Don Koch to hear his story and get some wisdom from a successful songwriter and producer. Don provides a great perspective into the world of the music business, and this episode is a must listen for anyone interested in songwriting or music production. Listen now and subscribe today!
Many worship leaders find themselves working alongside family or even their spouse, which can be a blessing - but can often lead to frustration and strife. This week, Michael and Sam chat with Dave Ray about his working relationship with his wife Jess, and provide some practical advice for working with family. Subscribe now to get episodes like this with no effort at all!
This week, Michael and Sam interview the talented and hilarious JJ Worthen. In addition to hearing JJ's story, the guys discuss the topic of self-promotion - when to do it, and how to do it without being weird. Subscribe today and follow us on Twitter: @worshiplabpc
Michael and Sam discuss their favorite service-planning resource on this week's episode of The Worship Lab Podcast. If you've never used Planning Center, or you're new to it, this show will explain it's basic functions as well as provide information about subscriptions and services. There are even a few tips for all of you advanced users. Subscribe today to get more episodes like this every week!
This week, Michael and Sam have a conversation with Justin Adams, Worship Pastor at The Ark Church in Conroe, TX. Justin shares his incredible story as well as shares many valuable insights into worship ministry. Subscribe today!
Why does tension exist between authenticity and virtuosity in our worship services? How do you discover what is appropriate for your congregation? On this episode, the guys discuss the different perspectives and avoid coming to any actual conclusions at all costs. Subscribe now!