A Song Leader’s Guide…Pt. 3
Since February we have been following a series of three lessons that focus on the responsibilities of the song leader, otherwise known as the Song Leader’s Guide. This last of three articles will be centered around the Three “P’s” of song leading; Proactive, Practice and Plan. Though this article may over lap with the first point (being prepared), I hope you’ll find the “Three P’s of song leading” to be more focused on how you approach and lead the Lord’s church in singing. Just remember we should work as though you’re working for God… Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.“
And finally, a basic guideline for all song leaders is to follow the “three P’s” of song leading. Be Proactive, be willing to Practice and be able to Plan. This approach will teach the congregation that singing is not just something we do, but rather the 
value in singing hymns. Being ‘Proactive’ means you work on getting to know the song book better. Whether you use a book or project songs, review them and determine which songs you personally know and which ones you don’t. Go over each song (in the book or on the screen) and know what you’re doing well before Sunday morning. If you project songs, do not to rely on the church secretary to build the slide deck for you. Take the time to learn this procedure and know what’s on the screen behind you.
Though we addressed ‘Practicing’ earlier, here we should be more focused on practicing with the congregation as a whole. This is best done in a class setting on Sunday evening before services or on Wednesday nights. Some might want to limit this class to one quarter per year, or once a month but you will be better served to keep this as an ongoing class. Make singing something that is more than just 8 songs on Sunday morning, 6 on Sunday night and 1 or 2 songs on Wednesday. Fifteen or sixteen songs of praise per week seem to limit the Hebrew writer’s thoughts. Hebrews 13:15, “Through Him then, let us CONTINUALLY (emphasis added) offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.” So let us use some class time to learn new songs (practice) as well as 
singing old familiar ones (praise). You can even shake it up on occasion by splitting the group up into four parts and learn/practice harmony. But remember to practice by yourself so you know how to better lead and teach the congregation.
And as you ‘Plan’ out an approach to teaching the congregation the value of psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19), be sure you are familiar with and know the value of the songs we sing. Some of our songs date back hundreds of years and have a rich history we can learn from. Others are closely aligned with scripture and shed a new light on an old hymn. Some of our newer, ‘contemporary’ songs have a magnificent message that we’ll never know if we don’t broaden our repertoire. But as you plan, always check the integrity of the songs we sing (new or old) with scriptural accuracy. We strive to avoid heresy in our preaching, and so we must also be aware that it can creep into our singing as well. When we are attentive to planning out the song service, we are more apt to avoid any accidental error. Be proactive, practice and plan so that you can be the best song leader God is calling you to be.
We know that Sunday morning will come on the first day of each week and we might be the one called on to lead the congregation in song. When do we start selecting our songs? What songs will we select? Will we (Do we) prepare ourselves before we meet together for worship? These and many more questions are ours to 
answer long before Sunday morning comes around. Just remember that we are leading the family of God in praise to Him. For some, this will be the first and only time during the week that they bow before God’s throne to worship. Will they see Him or will they be distracted by us? My prayer is that as song leaders in the Lord’s church, we will take on the mantra of I Cor. 14:15, “Church, come join us…we’re marching to Zion!”
A Song Leaders Guide…Pt. 2
As we continue to look at The Song Leader’s Guide, you’ll remember previously we talked about “Being Prepared.” Though we can never underestimate the importance of working with the preacher and coordinating the song service, the second point is of equal value. In today’s 
article we’ll look at the next recommendation for song leaders. We must know and practice humility. Without a humble spirit, our song leading becomes nothing more than a stage for your assumed presentation. Not a good thing!
Not only should we be prepared…a good song leader will demonstrate humility before, during and after the worship services. Before worship services begin, walk down the aisle of the auditorium and visit with the members. Knowing them by name is an important connection you can make before you step up to lead. If you are too busy picking songs, or if you aren’t willing to visit with the members, you’ll never be able to properly lead them. A humble heart will see others as valuable, and be willing to invest time in them.
During the song service, demonstrate humility. Have a countenance of joy when the song calls for it, but avoid excessive facial expressions that draw undue attention to you. A smile will tell the congregation you believe in the message of the song. At all times, avoid a look of distress or frustration. If you mess up on a series of notes, or if you sing the wrong words, don’t let the congregation know it has ‘rattled you.’ Your brothers and sisters may not even know you made a mistake, but either way it won’t shake you because, “this is not about you.” When you lead a melancholy song, strive to focus the congregation on the seriousness of the song’s message. Remember, you can communicate the meaning of a song simply by the expression you have on your face.
And, humility must also be exhibited after the worship services. At times you may receive accolades regarding your ‘work’ following the worship. A common response by many song leaders is a simple ‘thank you.’ And 
though there is nothing wrong with this reply, perhaps a better response would be ‘to God be the glory.’ However, if someone acknowledges my song leading, I prefer the phrase, ‘the congregation was in good voice.’ It is always best to turn the focus away from yourself, and towards our God and His church. Just remember that a humble heart cannot be seen in words, but in actions. Give praise to God and uplift His church or you run the risk of leaving the congregation feeling like spectators rather than participants.
Next month (April) we’ll conclude this three part series of a Song Leader’s Guide to Worship.
A Song Leader’s Guide…Pt. 1
Over the years some of my brothers and sisters in Christ have asked me, “How do you do it? How do you know what notes to sing, when you’re 
directing the songs, how do you know how to move your arms, how can you sing in front of so many people?” First of all, I’m no expert. As a matter of fact my 40 years of singing in the Lord’s church and leading singing is my only call to fame. So with this experience I want to share with you a few guidelines that will hopefully help you as you direct/lead singing in the Lord’s church. This is the first of a three part series that will look into ways we can better lead God’s family in worship and song.
Consider first of all…
It is a beautiful Sunday morning in the small, country church where our brothers and sisters in the Lord’s church have gathered for worship. The preacher has prepared a message from God’s word, and the song leader has selected the songs the congregation will be singing today. One is a ‘hired’ employee who has focused himself all week for this morning’s assembly. The other has spent only a few short minutes pulling together some of his favorites. If the truth be known, this scenario happens every Sunday morning somewhere within the brotherhood. Song leaders often find themselves sitting on the front row, searching through the song book for a good invitation song. This Sunday morning, somewhere a song leader will only take a few minutes to determine what songs will be sung in praise to God. The sermon might be focused on the ‘Man of Sorrows,’ (Isaiah 53:3), but the topic of the song service is ‘the Great Commission.’ (Matthew 28:19) Some points of emphasis within the sermon maybe lost to worth-while songs that fail to support the message of the morning. It is important to remember that coordinating the songs with the sermon will take some planning.
Isaac Watts wrote a familiar spiritual song more than 300 years ago that should be an 
inspiration to every song leader. When we realize that we are all “Marching to Zion,” the song leader can understand more clearly the first few words of this song. “Come, WE that love the Lord, and let OUR joys be known!” As the song leader, you are asking the congregation to join you in worship, “Come, we….” Know that you are not just leading the congregation; you are joining the congregation in praise to God. So what should the song leader do as he considers his task of leading the Lord’s church in singing? Many times we fail to put our best effort into song leading and a mediocre song service is produced. How much time is given to selecting your songs for Sunday? Are the songs selected appropriate in tempo and fit the message…or will this service be as predictable as ‘the last time he lead singing?’ Gentleman, we have to ask ourselves how much time and energy will we be giving to prepare ourselves for worshiping with the Lord’s church.
Consider this first of three points as you ready yourself for the next time you are asked to lead singing. Whether you are the only song leader within your congregation, or if you are in a rotation, the following bullet points will give you some guidance in preparing to lead the Lord’s church in song.
First of all, you must be prepared both mentally and physically for the task of song leading. It 
may take some work, but contact your preacher and get his sermon topic, scripture references and key ideas early in the week (maybe even on Monday morning.) Don’t be overly aggressive, but let him know you can’t put the time into the song selection until you know the basis of Sunday’s message. By this, he will know you care about the worship and it may help spur him on as well. In the meantime, review your song book and make a list of 1) the songs you know, 2) songs you want to teach the congregation and 3) songs you don’t know. Be familiar with your song book and enrich your repertoire of songs! This can’t be over emphasized. The more songs you know*, the more growth you can provide to the congregation in song. During the week prepare your voice for Sunday. Avoid stressing your vocal cords but sing songs of praise daily. Turn off the radio in the car and sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs as you drive down the road. Your preparation doesn’t start on Sunday morning, though you should be singing (and listening to) A Cappella songs as you’re getting ready for Sunday morning worship. Your first step in making worship the best it can be on Sunday is to start by preparing, and practicing, on Monday.
*To ‘know a song’ means you 1) have committed to memory the words, 2) can maintain the tempo, 3) recognized/read the notes and 4) understand the message. This will take practice!
Next month (March) we’ll look at the second point toward the song leader’s guide to worship…
Good Morning, Lord!
“Well I’m up in the morning and I’m feeling OK…Don’t want the devil to get in my way so I’m down on my knees and I’m starting to pray, ‘Good Morning, Lord!’ Good morning, Lord! Send a little sun(son)shine down my way. Good morning, Lord! I just want to live for you today.”
Earlier this month I was honored to worked with more than 20 young people (JH/HS & College) at the 1st Annual Ark/La/Tex Singing Camp in central Louisiana. With the combined talents of Andy 
Baker, Benjamin Bruce and our camp director Doyle Bruce the young men were taught more than just how to read shape notes and understand music theory. We imparted a working knowledge that embraced the responsibility of leading singing and bringing the congregation closer to honoring and glorifying God. The young ladies were directed by Katheryn Baker, Kristy Huntsman and Emili Bruce.
When we consider our opportunity and obligation to sing and teach singing, we come closer to knowing how GREAT our God really is. We come to appreciate the vast debt we owe for the hope we have in this life and in the life to come. But when it comes to trying to understand that debt and how I should live in response to God’s great gift, we start by looking at the first chapter in the book of Psalm. Thanks, Andy, for taking us through this psalm as we sang and learned how to live for our God!
“Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and in His law he meditates…day and night.
He shall be like a tree
Planted by rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
Godly man…PARALLELED…with the Ungodly man
The ungodly are not so
But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the congregation (family) of the righteous.
For the Lord knows the way of the righteous
but the way of the ungodly…shall perish (shall not last).”
Make plans to join us next summer, but in the mean time let me encourage you with these words from Andy Baker…
“Spend time in the Son (sun),
Spend time in the Scripture and
Spend time in Self-Refection.”
A Time of Transitions
In the summer of 2002 more than 30 high school freshman and sophomores along with several adult sponsors from Texas came to Colorado to conduct a Vacation Bible School. Though we didn’t know it at the time, that was the beginning of a relationship that would last for the rest of our lives. When the group came back the following year, the summer of 2003, they helped our family pack and move from the Windsor church of Christ to work and worship with the Waterview church of Christ in Richardson, Texas. Thirteen years later we find ourselves, again, at a point of transition. Words fail me to express how much the brothers and sisters at Waterview have meant to my family and me. 
Few know that in the late spring of 2002, Jim Stigers called my father-in-law, Jim Knight for the sole purpose of finding a small congregation where the Waterview youth group might go to conduct a VBS. Their original plans had been to go to Nebraska, but due to some complications, the youth was without a mission point for the summer of 2002. My father-in-law, one of the leaders at the small, Colorado congregation, was glad to visit with his old high school friend and welcome the group to Colorado. Jim Stigers, one of the Waterview elders, read the following announcement, and perhaps there was no one was better suited to do so.
The following was announced on Sunday, July 24th:
“The future of Waterview church of Christ is bright! Jason Moon has just completed his first full year as the pulpit minister. Robert Oglesby, Robert Taylor, Warren Shepherd and Dustin Jones have forged a team that not only has welcomed Jason, but now Greg Parks into the ministerial service at Waterview. They work with the elders and deacons to set goals and objectives that reach heavenward…literally. Only the Lord knows how many families will continue to be blessed by Waterview church of Christ as they serve, grow and mature in Christ.
For the past 13 years, the Bruce family has been a part of the fabric of love and devotion, courage and faithfulness established by decades of faithful elders and solid preaching found here. In January 2015, Myron stepped away from full-time ministry but continued, on a part-time basis, striving to lead our hearts and minds toward a clearer, more focused worship to God. That has been and always will be his mission. But this morning, we need to inform you that the Bruce’s have announced that they will be moving from Plano and the Waterview church of Christ to live in Wichita Falls. He will continue to lead our Sunday morning song service until August 14th, but then will be making the transition to Faith Village in Wichita Falls where they will continue to work and worship.
“In the spring of 2003, Vicki and I, with our three children (Logan…9, Emili…8 and Dillon…5) began a journey from the comfort of Colorado and the Windsor church of Christ, to the Dallas metro-plex joining Waterview as the Congregational Life Minister. We didn’t really know anyone, but over the years, have grown to love everyone. Now thirteen years later, we can’t begin to “Count Our Many Blessings.” The joy of raising our family to serve and worship God with this body of believers makes this day very difficult. To us, you are more than just a member at Waterview. You are, and forever will be, our brothers and sisters in Christ!
These next few weeks we will be packing up boxes and take pictures off the walls. But more importantly, we’ll be storing up the memories and reflecting on the years God has given us with you. Raising our children in the shadow of this congregation is something we will never forget! With a common love, we have grown close to each of you!
The old hymn writer said it best, “When we asunder part, it gives us inward pain; but we shall still be joined in heart, and hope to meet again.” However, God’s word expresses our deepest emotions. In Numbers chapter 6, God spoke to Moses telling him to instruct his brother, Aaron, with the following: “Thus, you shall bless the sons of Israel. You shall say to them: ‘The Lord bless you, and keep you; The Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace!’.”
We love you and thank you for blessing our life!”
Before & After the Wedding Cake…Sept. 21st
Weddings are wonderful occasions adorned with tears of joy, songs of emotion and words 
of commitment. But ask one of my boys what he likes the most about weddings (if he has to go) and he will tell you, the reception. Not for the greeting and visiting, but for the food. The mints are nice and the chocolate fountain is a highlight, but everyone steps forward when it’s time to cut the cake.
Still one might wonder why focus on the wedding cake for a Sunday morning sermon? What comes before and after the ‘cake’ that gives us pause to preach about? Join us Sunday while we learn more about the wedding as we look at the marriage. God gave us a pattern for marriage and the wedding day, but when the world distorts God’s perfect plan, chaos ensues. Perhaps it’s time we step back and take a look at what’s happening before and after the wedding cake.
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, Sept. 21, 2014
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Give Me the Bible” – 450
We look forward to things in this world that are temporary. A young person wants his freedom, an older person wants peace and quiet, and a child (the world) wants its toys. But what does the child of God want? This morning we’ll sing it, but do we really want it, “…the Bible…” Do you want it? Do you believe it will guide you in the narrow way? If we know what’s good for us we’ll do more than sing about it, we’ll read it!
“How Shall the Young Secure Their Hearts?” – 432
What a great song of dedication to encourage each other to hold on to God’s word. But not just holding on, passing the message on to our children. Sometimes I wonder if we’re really concerned about the souls of our youth, or if we just want them to have fun. Until we believe and understand that the Bible will guide our children and well support our age we will never be secure in this life or the life to come.
“How Beautiful” – 365
How beautiful are the hands of those who serve, and the feet that bring the good news of Christ. And how beautiful is the bride of Christ, His church, as she waits for His arrival (return.) But nothing compares to the beauty of Christ. We sing, “…and as He laid down His life, we offer this sacrifice, that we may live just as He died, willing to pay the price…” As we commemorate the Lord’s Supper consider just how beautiful…is the body of Christ.
“A Common Love” – 705
We sing about loving one another and we talk about our Christian love for each other…but do we really have a common love? In 1974, Charles Brown wrote this song and punctuated the objective we should all have. Not just a common love, but a common gift and a common bond. We share a common strength and a common hope in Christ. What a joy we find in the truth of God’s word when we understand and appreciate that common love.
“Happy the Home When God is There” – no book
Though the title of this song might be new to you, perhaps you’ll recognize the tune. Written in 1846, Henry Ware penned this poem and 20 years later, John B. Dykes offered the musical accompaniment (St. Agnes). Many may remember the song, “Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee.” These two songs share the same tune, so if you don’t recognize the words to “Happy the Home When God is There,” perhaps you’ll recognize this tune.
“God Give Us Christian Homes” – 843
A beautiful song before our lesson that addresses all elements of the family; father, mother, children. However, we’ll miss the message if we don’t follow verse one, “God give us Christian home! Homes where the Bible is loved and taught, Homes where the Master’s will is sought, Home crowned with beauty Thy love hath wrought (provided, created); God give us Christian homes…!”
“I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” – 674
So what is your decision? How will your family be led? Has God been the same before and after the wedding cake? This lesson might cause some to stop and consider just how we’re handling the issues of marriage? The one who has decided to follow Jesus knows…do you?
“God of Our Fathers” – 1025
Not a hymn we typically sing in the congregational setting, but an exceptional message we must never forget. Perhaps it’s the ‘Old English’ that gives us hesitation, but if you’ll consider the words, you’ll see the wisdom. “God of our fathers, whose almighty hand leads forth 
in beauty all the starry band of shining worlds in splendor thru the skies, our grateful songs before Thy throne arise…” Would that we take God’s word as our law and our chosen way. Our nation was founded on Godly principles, but sometimes I wonder if something happened after the wedding cake?
Parents and Children…Aug. 24th
The responsibilities of parenthood can be, at times, overwhelming. When our children are babies we worry about their health, strive to keep them clean and always well fed. As they grow we focus on keeping them ‘well balanced’ in life. Opportunities for sports, the arts and growing and maturing. But still we worry about their health, keeping them clean and well fed. As our children grow into young adults we determine to give them the best direction, guidance and support. All along 
concerned about their health, are they ‘keeping themselves clean’ and are they well fed.
Parents want what’s best for their children. Whether we’re talking about their health or their social well-being, we feel responsibility for our children. But with that responsibility we must ask ourselves; how are we doing when it comes to monitoring our children spiritually? Do we ignore the signs (Do we know the signs) of spiritual sickness in our children? Are we keeping them clean (from the world) or do we let them experience life? How cautious are we about the spiritual food our children are being fed? Do we care if they are getting filled up on spiritual ‘junk food?’ God’s commandments are to be taught to our children early and often. Deuteronomy 6:7 tells us how often; “…when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.” The Parent and Child relationship is all about teaching them the commands of God.
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, August 24, 2014
You’ll notice the following songs come from the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“O Worship the King” – 303
Singing the first verse of this classic hymn we set the stage for our praise to God. You’ve sung it for years but notice how this verse concludes; “…Our Shield and Defender the Ancient of Days, Pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise.” Obviously this is a description of God as our Shield, our Defender, One who has been with us for a long time ‘Ancient of Days.’ But what do those last words mean? A pavilion is something that offers cover or protection, and to gird something is to encircle it or wrap around it. Is this song saying God is my cover and protector? Without a doubt He is! But here we sing, ‘Our Shield and Defender is surrounded and covered over with heavenly praise!’
“We Praise Thee, O God” – 4
And so we continue our worship together offering our praise to God. “Hallelujah! Thine the glory, Hallelujah! Amen!” Would that we praise our God just as the heavenly host praise Him. “All glory and praise to the God of all grace, Who has bought us and sought us and guided our ways…”
“I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord” – no book
This older hymn is a strong example of ‘singing to Him.’ Perhaps the signature piece of this hymn comes in the second staff as only the ladies sing, “…I love Thy church, O God! Her walls before Thee stand…” How much do we love the commandments of our God? How much do we love the church Christ died for? Enough to tell our children about it? Enough to make it our top priority when we sit down, walk around, lie down or rise up? Honestly…how much?
“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” – 315
All five verses will be sung this morning, though we’ll sing the first 4 before the Lord’s Supper and the last verse after. Notice what we ‘survey’ in the third and fourth verses; “See from His head, His hands, His feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down…”, and “His dying crimson, like a robe, spreads over His body on the tree…” When we truly survey the cross of Christ we see His amazing love. Now are you prepared to sing the last seven words of 
this song? As you do, remember His love, “…demands my soul, my life, my all.”
“Hear, O Israel” – 446
Before our lesson we’ll sing the ‘Jewish confession of faith,’ the Shema. In Hebrew it is defined as ‘Hear.’ And though it is recorded here in Deuteronomy, Jesus repeats it in the gospels. “Hear, O Israel. The Lord thy God, is one God. And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all of thy heart…with all thy soul…with all thy mind (added by Jesus in Mark 12:30)…and with all thy strength.” We sing it and the Jews proclaimed it, but are we teaching it to our children? Maybe we should ask what it means to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. EVERYTHING in our life should be focused on loving, serving, and pleasing our God.
“On Bended Knee” – 791
A humble, penitent heart comes before God on bended knee. Perhaps the second verse helps me understand why I come before my God on ‘bended knee.’ With a broken heart I come… Asking for a change in life, and to be made fresh and new is only part of it. Being a holy sacrifice and teaching that sacrifice to our children is where we must start.
“Let Me Live Close to Thee” – 831
Living close to God in life is paramount. Serving Him with ‘sickles brave and true’ is essential, but are we working or shirking our responsibilities in teaching our children. The parent can best care for their child when they walk and talk each day with God.
Heavenward ‘Applause’
For a moment, think about how we train our young people. Those in our children’s Bible classes and up through the teen years.
So often we talk about teaching our young men to lead, but stop short of providing them with the opportunity. We provide summer trips, monthly activities and weekly Bible studies, we even practice song leading and preaching (with Leadership Training for Christ, Lads to Leaders, Timothy classes, etc.) But how much of the teaching and training of our young people is focused on actually leading as opposed to entertaining. Young men prepare talks, practice singing and then stand up before the congregation to lead. But rather than accept 
their work, honor their contribution and receive edification from their message, we smile and applaud. In like manner a young person makes the great confession, is baptized into Christ and the first thing they hear coming up from the watery grave is the sound of clapping. What message are we hoping to give when we clap for their service? Are we saying, “good job,” or “congratulations,” or “we approve?”
In a society that is devoid of hard work, the sound of applause is heard at the accomplishment of a task. A beautiful, musical score played or sung by a talented musician is means for applause. The athlete hitting a deep drive into the gap, or making a catch or scoring the winning run is honored with a standing ovation. But when he’s training and practicing for the performance, where is the clapping? Yes, we want to recognize the accomplishment, but why clap for one who is training to lead and teach? Too often we honor the servant when we should be glorifying the Master. In John chapter 13, verse 16, just hours before His arrest and crucifixion he said, “…truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him.”
A congregation in Nashville, Tennessee (Woodson Chapel church of Christ) participates in the Lads to Leaders program. During an extended training opportunity for their boys who have been trained, one young, 3 year old boy asks if he can lead a song. Not being old enough to participant in the ‘official training,’ this little man stepped up to lead the congregation. Listen and watch him as he ‘directs’ the saints in the song, “Blue Skies and Rainbows.” But more importantly listen to the lesson this body of believers teaches him AFTER the song has been sung.
You’ve heard it said, “Actions speak louder than words.” Our children will learn from what we do as well as what we say. If we truly want to glorify God, we’ll consider carefully how much ‘glory’ we give each other. We must train our 
young people to ‘…honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God and honor the king.’ I Peter 3:17. Honoring all people and the king doesn’t mean to applaud their service. Loving the brotherhood doesn’t refer to clapping at their new birth, but fearing God does mean…‘By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy, And before all the people I will be honored.’ Leviticus 3:10 Remember the preacher and the song leader are nothing more than servants, and each of us should concern ourselves with who we honor and how we honor them. Perhaps we should focus more of our ‘applause’ heavenward.
Preacher Training School…May 11th
Training comes in different forms to accomplish different results. But regardless of the method, there will never be success without proper training. A teacher goes through years of education (training) to become a 
professional educator. A skilled carpenter must be trained by a competent mentor. And in like manner, an effective preacher needs years of practice, study and training from a God-centered heart.
We search out the best coaches for our young athletes. We find the strongest examples to prepare us for the job. And schools hire some of the most revered ministers to train our preachers. But where are these schools? Sunday morning’s sermon might surprise you as we consider, Preacher Training Schools.
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.”
I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, May 11, 2014
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“He Has Made Me Glad” – 103
The psalmist penned, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise…”, and this morning we’ll sing these words. “I will enter His courts with thanksgiving in my heart, I will enter His courts with praise…” Begin your morning singing this psalm together with the saints as we proclaim, ‘I will rejoice for He has made me glad!’
“Anywhere with Jesus” – 414
Are you concerned about the affairs of the day? Difficulty presses in on every side and the world seems more determined to abandon God’s word. But what about you? Will you stay the course? Are you confident in knowing ‘where you go?’ The Christian can say with confidence, ‘anywhere with Jesus I can safely go, and with confidence…I am not alone.” An important thought to remember and pass on to our children. Don’t leave home without Him.
“Tis Midnight and on Olive’s Brow” – 334
An old spiritual song and, in part, a solid psalm as we read some of the elements surrounding Christ’s final hours in the garden of Gethsemane. Yes there is poetry, but notice the scripture: ‘…the suffering Savior prays alone.’ Matthew 26:44, “e’en (even) that disciple whom He loves (John) heeds not his Master’s grief and tears.’ Mark 14:32-35 and ‘The Man of Sorrows weeps in blood…” Luke 22:44 & Hebrews 5:7 and finally, ‘…unheard by mortals are the strains (the words) that sweetly soothe the Savior’s woe.’ Luke 22:43. Don’t just sing it because you know it, read Biblical detail, remember His death, and tell someone of His love.
“More Precious than Silver” – 273
Solomon writes about wisdom in Proverbs chapter 3, verse 15 “She is more precious than jewels and nothing you desire compares with her.” Maybe this passage is the basis for this song. Also, consider that the psalmist wrote, “How blessed is the man who finds wisdom.” We could conclude that knowing Christ, finding wisdom, is more precious than silver, more costly than gold and more beautiful than diamonds. What do you desire?
“Lord, We Come Before Thee Now” – 797
Open our eyes that we may see and open our ears that we may hear…a message many of us would be better off practicing. But what am I looking for? What should I be listening to? The simple, short answer: Jesus!
“Bring Them In” – 880, “Jesus Loves the Little Children” – 1015 & “I’m Not Ashamed to Own My Lord” – 609
This medley before our lesson features three songs that build upon each other. “Hark! ‘Tis (it is) the Shepherd’s voice I hear…bring the little ones to Jesus.” Why the urgency? Because…“Jesus loves the little children…” And then we’ll conclude this medley with another familiar spiritual song, “I’m not ashamed to own my Lord…” Preacher Training School’s have a unique responsibility; to train preachers to know how to…’defend His cause’ and ‘maintain the honors of His Word.’
“Swiftly We’re Turning” – no book
Some might not see this as an effective invitation song, but after you hear the lesson you might think otherwise. We have the gospel to share with precious souls that are dying. And the hours are changing to years. How will we use the moments God gives us? Will we pass on the message of salvation, the gospel of Jesus Christ, or keep it to ourselves. “How are we using God’s golden moments?” If we ‘point the way to heaven’ we shall reap glory. If we don’t, if we fail to train our children…we shall reap tears.
“God Give Us Christian Homes” – 843
Our closing song this morning provides a clear view of who is working in the Preacher Training Schools. Our homes are the institution to train up preachers; and fathers and mothers have the responsibility to ‘bring them in.’ Homes (schools) where the Bible is taught. Homes (schools) where the fathers are true and strong. Homes (schools) where mothers honor God and teach the same to their children. And homes (schools) where the children know about the love of Christ. Who will take the responsibility to ‘train our preachers?’