"There are some experiences in life that shape you in ways you never expected. For me, it happened in 7th grade, when my parents dropped me off at a music camp in North Carolina."
​Click Below on Image 

Click on Image

Yesterday was my wife's birthday.  In honor of her, one of my personal development assignments was to write my spouse a note on what it's like to be married to me.....LOTS OF FUN.... TRY IT!  CLICK IMAGE BELOW.

CLICK BELOW ON GRAPHIC TO READ

Hey brothers,
Tomorrow’s Valentine’s Day! Take the lead and make it meaningful for your wife. As worship leaders, we pour out a lot for the church, but this is a chance to intentionally fill the emotional cup of the one who stands beside you in life and ministry.
Here are some ideas:
• Plan a surprise date—it could be a cozy dinner at home, her favorite restaurant, or even a scenic drive with coffee in hand.
• Write her a note sharing why you’re grateful for her love and support. It doesn’t have to be long—just from the heart.
• Give her a break—if she’s been juggling a lot, take something off her plate and let her breathe.
​• Revisit memories—watch your wedding video, look at old photos, and relive the moments that brought you together.
• Pray together—ask God to strengthen your marriage and thank Him for the gift of your relationship.
Most importantly, be intentional. It’s not about how extravagant it is but how thoughtful and personal you make it.
Go love well, brothers!

Worship from Every Angle #6: The Ear to the Next Generation
As we conclude our journey through the six dimensions of worship leadership, we turn our attention to the future. We’ve explored the mindset, the message, the movement of service, the preparation, and the posture of worship. Now we face the reality that worship—like the church itself—is not limited to the present. The final dimension, the Ear to the Next Generation, acknowledges that true faithfulness in worship leadership means paving the way for those who follow, ensuring that future believers can flourish in their own unique expressions of praise.
What Is the Ear to the Next Generation?
This principle involves more than simply acknowledging young people’s presence in the congregation. It’s about listening intently to their voices, their heart cries, their questions, and their fresh insights. Each new generation brings with it a set of experiences and perspectives that shape how they understand and engage with God. The Ear to the Next Generation calls us to honor these differences rather than dismiss them, recognizing that the Spirit of God is always at work, raising up new leaders and new songs.
Embracing Change With Discernment
Change can feel unsettling, especially when it comes to the music, technology, and formats that younger generations find meaningful. Yet, maintaining a healthy balance between honoring our heritage and embracing innovation is crucial. When we listen to the next generation, we demonstrate respect for their spiritual journeys. We show that we value the contributions they’ll bring not just in some distant future, but right now—through new songs, creative media, and evolving cultural expressions that still point to Christ.
This doesn’t mean embracing every passing trend or discarding the depth and richness of time-tested hymns and traditions. It means practicing discernment, asking the Holy Spirit to guide us as we adapt, blend, and broaden the worship experience. In doing so, we signal that the Body of Christ includes all ages, learning from one another.
Mentorship Over Gatekeeping
To truly listen to the next generation, we need to do more than tolerate their ideas; we need to empower them. Instead of guarding positions and influence, we should open doors. Invite young musicians to co-lead a set. Ask younger leaders to share their testimonies or choose a new worship song that resonates with their peers. Mentor them—offer feedback on their leadership style, help them understand theological depth, and encourage their growth as both musicians and worshipers.
When older generations mentor younger leaders, they don’t lose influence; they multiply it. By investing in future leaders, you ensure that the values, truths, and heart of worship are passed on. This mentorship also enriches the mentor’s own perspective as they witness God’s ongoing work through fresh eyes.
Practical Steps to Listen and Learn

• Host Intergenerational Discussions: Invite teens, college students, and young adults to small gatherings where they can share their experiences of worship. Listen without judgment, ask questions, and take their input seriously.
• Integrate Younger Leaders Gradually: Allow emerging leaders to take small, manageable steps in leading worship—a bridge of a song, a Scripture reading, a prayer—then guide them with loving feedback.
• Stay Informed and Prayerful: Keep up with current worship music and cultural shifts, praying for wisdom as you consider how new songs or forms of expression can enhance the congregation’s understanding of God.

A Vibrant, Relevant, and Christ-Centered Future
By tuning our ears to the next generation, we affirm that our faith is alive and growing. The message of the Gospel doesn’t change, but the language and tools we use to communicate it often do. When we embrace the insights and creativity of younger believers, we create a worship environment that’s both anchored in truth and open to God’s ongoing revelation. We ensure that as time moves forward, Christ’s name will be lifted high by new voices and new songs, all grounded in the same timeless story.
Conclusion
The Ear to the Next Generation encourages us to nurture, not stifle, the evolving landscape of worship. It challenges us to recognize that part of our calling is to leave a legacy that will outlive us. By listening to and mentoring younger worshipers, we ensure that the heart of worship remains vibrant, relevant, and Christ-centered for decades to come.
In embracing the Ear to the Next Generation, we acknowledge that God is always writing new chapters in the story of His church, and we have the joy of helping the next generation pick up the pen.

Worship from Every Angle #5: The Heart of Worship
When it comes to worship leadership, we often focus on the outward expressions—the music, the words on the screen, the sound mix, the lighting. Yet beneath all of these external elements lies something far more important: the Heart of Worship, representing our posture of worship. This dimension calls us to consider the attitude and orientation of our souls as we approach the presence of God.
What Is the Posture of Worship?
The “posture” of worship doesn’t refer to whether we stand, sit, raise our hands, or kneel—though physical expressions can certainly matter. Instead, it’s about the position of our hearts before a holy and loving God. Are we coming to Him with humility, gratitude, and sincerity? Are we seeking to exalt Christ rather than ourselves? Are we eager to listen as well as sing?
Just as a respectful posture affects how we interact with others, a reverent heart-shape influences how we interact with the Lord. The Heart of Worship asks: Why are we here? For whom are we singing? Are we more concerned about pleasing human audiences or honoring the King of Kings?
Humility Over Performance
Leading worship can easily become performance-driven. Between social media clips, live streams, and comments on our music choices, we can slip into the mindset that success is measured by applause or approval. But when the Heart of Worship is central, we recognize that our primary audience is always God Himself. We aren’t performing for people; we’re offering ourselves before the throne of grace.
This posture fosters humility. It reminds us that our songs, no matter how beautifully arranged, cannot impress an all-knowing, all-powerful Creator. What God desires is a heart that genuinely seeks Him—a heart ready to surrender pride, agendas, and personal preferences at His feet.
A Place of Gratitude and Awe
The Heart of Worship also encourages a spirit of gratitude. Instead of viewing worship as something we have to do, it becomes a privilege and joy. When we realize who God is—His holiness, love, mercy, and faithfulness—we can’t help but respond with thankful hearts. Every note sung, every prayer offered, and every moment of silence holds potential for deepening our awe of Him.
As worship leaders, this internal posture sets the tone for others. When your congregation senses that your worship springs from sincerity and profound reverence, they are more likely to engage deeply. Authentic worship is contagious, spreading humility, adoration, and unity through the entire body of believers.
Cultivating a Worshipful Heart

• Begin in Prayer: Before practice, before Sunday morning, before stepping onto the platform, ask God to align your heart with His. Confess any pride or distraction. Invite the Holy Spirit to create in you a spirit of humility, gratitude, and openness.
• Reflect on God’s Character: Meditate on Scriptures that reveal God’s attributes. Let His goodness and greatness reshape your perspective. When you remember who He is, your heart naturally bows before Him in worship.
• Evaluate Your Motives: Periodically ask yourself why you are leading worship. Is your goal to look good, or to help others encounter God? Honest self-examination keeps you anchored in the right posture.

Transforming the Atmosphere
When the Heart of Worship guides your ministry, it transforms the atmosphere of your services. People sense the authenticity, and they respond in kind. Your congregation moves from spectators to participants, from critics to fellow worshipers. The emphasis shifts from entertainment to encounter, from human effort to divine presence.
Conclusion
Embracing the Heart of Worship means understanding that the most critical part of leading worship isn’t how well you play or sing, how perfectly you execute transitions, or how creative your setlist is. The essential element is the spiritual condition of your heart. Are you postured to honor God above all else?
As we align ourselves with the Heart of Worship, we pave the way for true spiritual transformation in our churches. Beyond the melodies and harmonies, beyond the stage lights and sound checks, a heart humbly bowed before the Lord invites His people into an authentic, life-changing encounter with the God who deserves our highest praise.