Proclaimer Blog
Choosing songs for the EMA
It's taken a whole day to shortlist things we're going to sing at this year's EMA. You wouldn't believe the angst this causes. For the record, I'm driven by content (always first) musicality (singability), practicality (length). But it's still no easy task. So, the PT conference manager and I have been sitting around the piano in my office (I know, I know) trying out various things. We think we've just about nailed it. As it happens (and this wasn't deliberate) we've got something from 17th Century, 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st. A few earlier things on the long list didn't make the final cut but will be stored up for another year.
As it happens, the book I highlighted yesterday has been very helpful. Let me expand a bit more on it. I found this particular section useful:
- worship has one object: the triune God himself
- worship has two contexts: worship scattered (what we do all the time) and worship gathered (what we do when we gather together)
- worship has three audiences: God, the church and the watching world
Mike Cosper proves all these robustly. Then he makes a very insightful observation – most worship trouble is caused by neglecting or confusing these categories. It works in lots of ways, but the answer each time is to regain a more balanced, biblical approach.
Reflecting on this book last night I wondered if it would not be too strong to say, here is a book every pastor and musician should read?
Oh, and no reveals yet. You'll have to come and sing with the 1,000 or so others….