“Glory of it All” - Performed Easter 2012

By Eva Phillips

Many times we wonder what it would take to go to a deeper level, whether it is at work, relationships, or with God. One of the ways we have been challenged as a staff, through Pastor Aaron’s leadership, is to read constantly. Read books. Read blogs. Read and grow.

I read a quote today and it says this, “Part of what makes a leader a great one is relentless learning. A great leader is never satisfied, never stagnant, but always pressing onto new things.” With that in mind, I thought I’d share with you three blogs that are good for people who love worship, who lead worship, or who just want grow in their worship experience.  

1) Elevation Worship  - They give you the stories behind their songs as well as link you to other resources. Make sure you check out their new worship album, if you haven’t already, “Kingdom Come.

2) Worship Matters - I read the book “Worship Matters” a few years ago and it is phenomenal. Definitely a great read. For those who just love worship and have a heart for worship, I recommend this book. This blog site is an extension of the book and is by the same author, Bob Kauflin. 

3) WorshipCentral.org/blogs – this is the collective blog of some incredible worship leaders. I love to find out how these leaders write songs and to hear how God inspires them.

Growth is essential for everyone.  If we don’t grow, we will become stagnant. I hope you are inspired today and challenged by these incredible worship leaders.

An iPad band? You bet! Check out their performance from last weekend!

What does it look like when thousands of students give their all to God in worship? Noel Miller gives us a glimpse of this year’s Youth Convention.

By Eva Lepa

Many people ask me about my favorite worship songs or worship bands. So I thought I’d give you my all-time favorites! This list changes all the time, but for now, here are my favorites (in no particular order).

TOP 5 WORSHIP LEADERS/BANDS

1. HILLSONG - Hillsong has been able to evolve and change it’s sound and worship style throughout the years and still produce songs that change people’s lives and views of worship. From “Shout to the Lord” in 1993 to “God is Able” in 2010, they continue to lead the way for great worship songs.

2. JESUS CULTURE - No matter what mood I’m in, Jesus Culture’s songs lead me to Jesus and evoke a spirit of worship and prayer.

3. CHRIS TOMLIN - One of the greatest songwriters, hands down.  I had the privilege of hearing Chris Tomlin share how he writes many of his songs, like “Our God” and “Holy is the Lord.”  His humility and love for the Lord is apparent when he speaks and in every song he writes.

4. BROOKE FRASER - Maybe it’s because she’s a female worship leader or maybe it’s because I adore her voice, but Brooke Fraser is one of my favorite people to watch and hear lead worship. And she, too, is an incredible songwriter.  

5. ISRAEL HOUGHTON - I like some good ol’ gospel music. I love the energy, the intricate music, and the passion behind each song. And the talent this guy has is ridiculous. If you can hear him live, DO IT! 

TOP 6  (BECAUSE I CAN’T PICK JUST 5!) WORSHIP SONGS

1. “Resting” by Rita Springer -The moment I hear the song, no matter what is going on, I feel God’s presence and I worship.

2. “You’ll Come” by Hillsong - The bridge gets me every time – “Chains be broken. Lives be healed. Eyes be open. Christ is revealed.”

3. “Tear Down the Walls” by Hillsong United - One of my favorites because it’s all about salvation for the lost. The lyrics are powerful. Read the lyrics while you listen to the song. Unreal.

4. “How He Loves” by Jesus Culture - Every time I hear this song, I am reminded, almost as if it’s for the first time, of the love of God. And each time I am blown away.  

5. “Healer” by Planetshakers - Every word of this song brings tears to my eyes. And each time we sing it at Life Church, I am convinced that God is healing someone in that room.  

6. “Healing is in Your Hands” by Christy Nockels - This song changed my life. I can’t put it into words exactly, just that God did a miracle through this song in my life.

Like I said, the lists change from time to time, but right now, these are my favorites, and I think you might enjoy them too. 

While we’re talking music, I can’t help sharing some cool songs and albums for you to check out. I’ve been impressed by each of these songs, and I love the artists. 

I also love “Awaken the Dawn” by Keith and Kristyn Getty; it’s a great album and very different. 

So there you have it! Hope you’ve discovered some new tunes that speak to your heart!

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free…” (Galatians 5:1). Happy Fourth of July! Here’s Life Church performing “Star Spangled Banner.

By Randall Cartwright

A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to catch Hillsong United, at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee.  I’ve seen them before, and always left refreshed.  They are one of the best worship teams out there.  

A couple of days before the concert, Hannah and I decided to really open our hearts and ask God speak to us individually in any way He wanted to during the concert.  I prepared my heart and asked God to show me new things.  

During the concert they sang a song called “Aftermath.” Joel Houston, the worship leader for United, explained why they chose to call it Aftermath. He said that normally “aftermath” has a negative or a traumatic meaning. Similarly, when you look at the Crucifixion as an event, it brings to mind a negative and horrific picture.  But the “aftermath” of the Cross is Hope for all mankind.  The aftermath of the Cross is grace, freedom, peace, life and everything that is good about God. Some of the lyrics go like this…

And in a moment of glorious surrender

You were broken for all the world to see

Lifted out of the ashes

I am found in the aftermath

And I know You’re with me

And I know You’re with me

And I know You’re love will light the way

When they sang this song I felt the comfort of God like never before. In that moment I felt God reassuring me that everything is going to be ok no matter what comes my way. No matter what’s in the past, no matter what’s in the future,  God is with me.  It was just what I needed to hear. That I am found in the aftermath.

By Kevin Ganiere

Lately I have been singing (and annoying my wife with) some old school church songs that I remember from way back. One of the “oldies but goodies” was titled “Jesus on the Mainline”. It’s a catchy little tune that said “Jesus on the mainline, tell him what you want…”  I don’t know why I was randomly singing that song but it made me think about the simplicity of prayer.

Prayer is powerful! Prayer changes things. 1 John 5:14 says,” This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”

Wow. Think about that for a minute. I don’t know where you are today or what you have been praying for, but let me encourage you to keep praying! Be confident that the God we pray to is ALIVE AND WELL and hears us! Don’t stop now. Don’t give up! Keep praying!

Jesus on the mainline tell him what you want, Jesus on the mainline now…

“…The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective,” (James 5:14).