2012 February — Tom Jacksons Expressive Worship

Who Do You and Your Worship Team Reflect?

I’m sitting in my office, looking out a window. The moon and a big, bright planet right next to it looks awesome! My first thought is that it makes me realize how awesome God is. But truthfully, it only gives me a glimpse of how incomprehensibly awesome He is!

As worship leaders, we’re called to lead people into the presence of this incomprehensible God who is such a mystery. When we are in God’s presence and we’re leading people there with us, there is no better place. Not while we’re still here on earth anyway. [Read more...]

Baby Steps

By Amy Wolter 4 Comments

Recently I posted a blog (‘I’m a Worship Leader – Help!’) which addressed the unique issues that come along with becoming a new or transplanted worship leader.

I wanted to continue this discussion a bit, so I got on the phone with my friend Jay who took on that role at a new church a few years ago.

He was excited about this new position and had ideas for lots of change, but knew he would need to take baby steps. [Read more...]

7 Reasons a Worship Team is Different

By Tom Jackson 1 Comment

Last week I told you about the many similarities between musicians of every genre, including praise teams. (See my post on “I See the Resemblance”)

But worship teams are definitely different than the average band in several ways, too. As I sat down to write this, I came up with 7 ways they are distinct and quite unlike many musical groups.

I’m sure it’s not a complete list… in fact, if you can think of other atypical traits, go ahead and weigh in below.

But these are the worship band differences I came up with: [Read more...]

I See the Resemblance

By Tom Jackson Leave a Comment

Whether I’m in Europe (as I am this month), or in Canada (as I will be next month), or in the USA, I find that there are similarities between musicians, singers, artists and bands everywhere!

I’m sure you think I’m talking about people being people – making mistakes, working through temptations, trying their best to do their best – and it’s true, we’re all alike that way.

Or maybe you think I’m talking about all of us being created by God and gifted to varying degrees in music and creativity. And that’s true, too.

But what I really mean is this: [Read more...]

Expressive Worship Team Training Idea

By infoattjp Leave a Comment

Let’s face it – there are dozens of things you’d like to do to train your worship team so they can do their best in serving and leading worship on Sunday mornings.

You’d probably like to teach them the best way to learn the music and be prepared when they walk into rehearsal. Maybe you’ve been thinking about helping some of them learn to play their instrument with more skill.

And there’s a whole list of practical things they need to know (cut offs, how to transition between songs, learning and following hand signals, etc.). Not to mention the whole “presence on the platform” and “emotionally connecting” thing that Tom Jackson teaches!

So where do you start?! [Read more...]

All Because I Wanted Their Picture

By Amy Wolter Leave a Comment

I remember the feeling. Too amazing for words really.

Our band was invited to play in Sao Paulo, Brazil at a huge festival. The driver threaded his way from our hotel past scores of buses that lined the streets for miles leading up to and around the soccer stadium.

People had come from all across Brazil for this 2-day event. Arriving near the venue, we were then led through what seemed liked miles of underground rooms and tunnels. Finally we climbed a stairway that opened up to the bright lights of the huge stadium.

In front of us were 110,000 people. Word was that there were another 10,000 not able to get inside. My heart raced – half adrenaline, half fear. How was I going to get through this? Your mind tells you that you just have to go out there and do what you always do. [Read more...]