Sacred

I was raised in a Christian home where we prayed at every meal and bedtime, attended church Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, and Wednesdays. I am a student of the Bible…

I recently made a maintenance appointment for my car. One of the things they’ll check is wheel alignment. Good alignment prevents uneven tire wear, improves steering, and can even increase…

I grew up in a faith environment that placed a heavy emphasis on disciplinary consistency. Behavior modification, perfectionism, and impeccable rule-keeping became the hallmarks of my religion (though of course,…

Let’s talk about crescendos. I don’t mean the one at the end of last week’s choral anthem or organ postlude. I’m referring to the many things in our work that…

We invited a few composers to share one of their favorite Christmas pieces they’ve written or arranged. Their reflections are always fun to read—and we think you’ll find their choices…

My office is the first one on the long hallway to the main office as you enter the church. People often pop in to say “hello” or ask a music…

I recently had an unexpected experience at a memorial service. Catherine, the mother of a local colleague, had died tragically and unexpectedly. The community handbell group I conduct was asked…

In the mid-20th century, the Bell system launched a campaign to promote what in retrospect was an early form of virtual reality—long-distance phone calls! They used the tag line “It’s…

I admit I laughed a little when I realized this was the topic I had chosen! By hard-wiring and by life experience, I know my way around the heavier side…

Today’s post is more of a Bible study than usual for this blog because the topic we’re considering in AD 2025 was addressed so well in AD 62 by the…

To help you kick off your choir year, we asked our good friend Dr. Tim Sharp to share his thoughts and recommendations on valuable resources to help you prepare for…

Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. —Matthew 6:33 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,…

Educators and church musicians have two chances to begin a new year with energy and resolve: one is in January when the rest of the world is making high-minded resolutions,…

Let’s talk about preparation in music ministry. Preparation isn’t just something we do for ministry—it’s also something God uses to shape us. And if we let it, it becomes more than rehearsal planning and…

I am a child of the ’80s. Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith’s Thy Word based on Psalm 119:105 (“Thy word is a lamp for my feet, a light on…

It’s that time of year—fall choirs are starting back up, and preparation for Christmas is underway! To help get you in the Christmas spirit, we asked several composers and arrangers…

Matt is my only sibling. We’re only two years apart – almost to the day. He’s a fantastic older brother and role model. Like me, Matt is also a worship…

I am a busy person. There… I’ve said it in print! I fully admit I do too much. I come to you as a partially recovered workaholic. I’m also well…

Summer is finally here! I hope you’re able to plan time to relax and refresh before the reality of next season’s worship and music schedule kicks in. Summertime can give…

When I was younger, I thought the fruits of the Spirit were a to-do list. A really hard, holy to-do list—and I was in charge of making sure the fruit…

I probably know more songs based on Psalm 34 than any other chapter in the Bible. Here are the first eight verses: I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise…