Wednesday Night on American Idol, the eight finalists performed the modern worship standard “Shout To The Lord,” changing the line “My Jesus, my savior” to “My shepherd, my savior.”
Thursday night they performed the song again, this time with the original lyric — the name of Jesus — intact. Whatever we might say about the relative “hip factor” of American Idol, the state of the music industry, or any number of other discussions we could get into, the fact is that the Christian church has often endured persecution in centuries past, and does so today in parts of the world. But we Americans — we live in a nation where the top-rated television show gives prominent placement to a song with clear and decisive Christian, Bible-infused lyrics. That is something to give thanks for, and it is also very humbling. May we all find ways to serve — in prayer, resources, time and energy — brothers and sisters who are not so fortunate.
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Just a couple days ago, my copy of Bob Kauflin’s debut book Worship Matters: Leading Others To Encounter The Greatness of God arrived in the mail. I’m about half-way through it, and all I have to say is, if I could carve out some more time in my day right now, I’d finish it up before I did anything else (other than finish writing to you, blog pals). I’ll post more thoughts on Worship Matters after I’ve read it, but suffice it to say, if you’re a music minister of any sort, you should check this thing out. You can always visit Bob Kauflin’s blog from our Helpful Links section here at sojournmusic.com.
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I recorded two audio interviews with Sojourn worship leader Neil Robins (also of Dirt Poor Robins) at The 930 Art Center yesterday. In the first interview, we talked about the Sojourn Songwriting Seminar that he will host with his wife and fellow DPR Kate Robins Saturday, April 26, 3 pm at the 930, and about his background as a songwriter.
The second interview focuses on the upcoming Sojourn worship music project, which he will co-produce with Worship Arts Pastor Mike Cosper. I think you’ll be interested to hear his take on what we have in store for everyone. We’ll publish both of these audio interviews soon here on sojournmusic.com (be sure to subscribe to our RSS Feed to receive updated content whenever it appears. Click the RSS logo on the bottom of our page).
Check out our first Sojourn radio podcast interviews — part one and part two of a discussion on how to integrate hymns into contemporary worship services, with Sojourn worship leader Lorie King.
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I’m growing more excited about the Band of Bloggers meeting this Tuesday afternoon in downtown Louisville. Around 150 Christian bloggers from around North America will gather to talk about “The Gospel Trust.”Â
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Will Kotheimer has completed work on his text interview with Sojourn worship leader Eddy Morris. Eddy is the owner of Ear Candy Studio in Louisville, and has engineered all of Sojourn’s CDs. Look for that next interview week on this site.
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Twitter users, follow me at www.twitter.com/bobbygilles. I’ll follow you, as well.
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