Author Archives: Warren Anderson
A Little Wisdom from Rich Mullins for Holy Week and Beyond, Part 1
“Sometimes I find it hard to pray. Maybe that’s why I’ve written so many prayer songs–’cause it’s easier if you sing sometimes.” Continue reading
A Whole Mess of Excellent Resources to Consider in These Unsettling Times
“Anyone who reads this blog with any regularity is probably well familiar with the wealth of great material generated by the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship. . . .” Continue reading
A Thought to Consider in Light of the Well-Intended (and Possibly Completely Correct) Exhortation to Seize the Moment of “Unprecedented Opportunity”
“Xer and Yer worship leaders, if you’re going to ask boomers and builders to sing along with your live-streamed/pre-recorded worship set in the confines of their kitchens, laptops in tow, please let them sing a song or two from the soundtrack of their faith, too. If ever there were a time to put ‘It Is Well with My Soul,’ ‘Great Is Thy Faithfulness,’ and ‘How Great Thou Art’ into regular rotation, this is it.” Continue reading
A Time of Worship in the Academy before Sending Students Home
“Sometimes I fear for the future—the future of the world . . . the future of Christian higher education and the school that shaped me so well 35 years ago and to which I’ve dedicated the majority of my adult life . . . the future of my family—but when I choose to worship regardless, through the process I usually find myself trusting God at the end of my worship.” Continue reading
A Thought or Two on “Learning to Like Contemporary Christian Music (the music I hate)”
“You want to play like Phil Keaggy–who has long contended his ferocious efforts on his ax are meant as an offering to the Lord–do it on the concert stage, not in the worship service. ” Continue reading
Reflection #44 on Worship in the Contemporary American Church
“Contemporary American worship can learn a thing or two from Taizé worship.” Continue reading
Reflection #43 on Worship in the Contemporary American Church
“Not wittingly, of course, but while encouraging worshipers to “celebrate Jesus,” “[run] out of that grave,” and/or “bow in humble adoration and there proclaim, ‘My God, how great Thou art'” (this isn’t just a contemporary worship issue), how often did I merely serve up a shot of spiritual cortisone when some kind of ministerial out-patient surgery would have been more appropriate?” Continue reading
Blessings for 2020 from a Small, Traditional Church
The pastor gave us three certainties for the new year: 1) We’re going to have needs (be they spiritual, physical, relational, financial); 2) we’re going to need help; and 3) we’re not alone. Continue reading
Lessons for Congregational Singing from Advent Worship
“There are lessons to be learned about congregational singing from typical churches’ Advent worship.” Continue reading
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Reflection #42 on Worship in the Contemporary American Church
“It’s been good to see so many other writers incorporating The Big Story’s essence.” Continue reading
Emmaus Road Worshipers 