Church Copyright Q&A Launch!
We are excited to partner with Christian Copyright Solutions to launch a new bi-weekly feature on our site, called “Church Copyright Q&A”! Here’s how it will work:
-You send us your questions related to church copyright via Twitter @AllAboutWorship or email: allaboutworship[at]gmail[dot]com
-Every other week, someone from Christian Copyright Solutions will address one or more of the questions we’ve received, right here on our website!
…just another way we are helping equip the Church!
“Rise Up!”, The Rizers – Album Review
“We want to instill in kids a love for Jesus Christ and his Word through Scripture memory, praise and worship,” this is the mission of The Rizers (short for Memorizers) a band represented as cartoons and sing Scripture verses in the form of upbeat, kid-friendly music. There is Gracie (lead vocals), Matty C (guitar and vocals), Mei Mei (keytar), A-Yo (drums), and Johnny Danger (bass). They meet in Matty C’s garage to make their joyful noise in their town of Rizing Springs. Their newest album Rise Up certainly accomplishes their mission and more!
Although designed for ages 4-10, Children ages 7 – 13 describe this group as “being better than any other Christian Kids artist I’ve ever heard!” With their opening song ”Make a Joyful Noise” a song which boasts an upbeat rap/funk flare, will have children and adults alike unknowingly memorizing this scripture verse from Psalm 100:1-2. ”I Can Do Everything” another track from The Rizers current album embraces a Calypso/reggae style while inviting children to learn Philippians 4:13, “I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.”
Track 3 ”Glory, Glory, Glory” gives way to a catchy techno/dance beat all while teaching 2 Peter 3:18. The vocals are very pleasant to listen to with catchy rhythms sure to engage the youngest child as well as adults. Track 4, as one child puts it is, “a very settled down techno style”. This song is brought down with more of a melodic ballad feeling, again, while teaching 2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is God breathed…”
Rise Up fittingly ends with the bands familiar techno sound while focusing on John 14:27, ”Let the Children Come to Me”. The Rizers are not only a band, but help to define Children’s Ministry today, not only within the wall of the church but also within the home. Their catchy lyrics and modern rhythms will certainly have children enjoying the music but also soaking in God’s very word into their minds and hearts.
-Review by Kerri Thomson
(review copy provided by the band)
Things We’ll Probably Not Say On Our Deathbed
I’ve been thinking a lot about the deathbed lately. Maybe because I almost lost my dad back in September 2011 to a stroke, and he is still in the hospital as a result. I’ve been wondering what might be going through his mind about his life. He is not able to speak, so I can only imagine what he might be thinking. Does he have any regrets? What kinds of things would he want to do over if he could?
That made me think about my own life. In my deathbed, what might be my regrets? What would I wish I could’ve done differently in my lifetime?
I know for most of us who are in ministry, whether as a full-time vocation, part-time, or volunteer, we pour our blood, sweat, and tears into it. It’s easy to forget to draw boundaries between ministry and family. I recently heard a podcast where Pastor Mark Driscoll was talking about the importance of maintaining a healthy family life with your wife and kids. He gave examples of “heroes” of our faith like A.W. Tozer, who may have had a great ministry, but they did not have a healthy family life. In fact, many of them neglected their wives and kids. Many of them believed, and taught, that ministry comes before family. To them, it was God, ministry, and then family.
I would have to strongly disagree with that statement. Family comes before ministry. Church and ministry leaders must be very careful NOT to neglect our families.
Here are some things I don’t think most of us, hopefully none of us, will say on our deathbed:
-I wish I could’ve spent more time on Facebook.
-I wish I would’ve spent more time in the church office perfecting the font on that one chord chart, instead of going home on time and having dinner with my family.
-I’m so glad I was always distracted while spending time with my family…with texting, facebooking, tweeting, Instagram, Pinterest, and phone calls!
-I think I spent way too much time with my spouse and kids! I should’ve spent more time with church members!
-I regret missing that one episode of The Office because of my kid’s soccer game!
-I wish I could’ve owned an iPad 2.
What else do you think we won’t be saying in our deathbed? Leave your comments below.
-Wisdom Moon
Free (for now) Church Presentation Software in the Cloud: Proclaim
Join something awesome.
Our friends over at Logos Bible Software recently released Proclaim, a church presentation software, that can help simplify Sunday morning. Now pastors, worship leaders, and production staff can build the entire service presentation online throughout the week.
And for now, it’s completely free through January. Plus, see below how to get continued free use of Proclaim through February with a simple Facebook post. Details below.
Why Proclaim?
- Proclaim is super simple. It’s the centralized solution to all your presentation needs. Proclaim lets you arrange lyrics, outlines, and images from anywhere, anytime. When you’re ready to present, just click “On Air.”
- Proclaim is collaborative. Proclaim lets you and your service team add to and edit your presentation throughout the week from any computer. Pastors can upload outlines, images, and Scriptures at any time, and the band can easily see what songs are slotted for upcoming weeks.
- Proclaim is smart. It preps itself. No need to copy and paste lyrics anymore—Proclaim interfaces with your CCLI SongSelect account and your Graceway Media membership. Proclaim also connects to Logos Bible Software, allowing pastors to send sermon notes directly to their presentations with a simple click.
See What Others Are Saying
“CCLI is proud to partner with Proclaim. Now that your SongSelect account is connected in the Proclaim church presentation software, preparing service slides and presenting them on‒screen is simple. Search the SongSelect database, and with Proclaim, lyrics are automatically formatted correctly across your slides. SongSelect’s connection with Proclaim is one of several exciting improvements we are working on to keep SongSelect as a valuable worship product.” —Howard Rachinski, CCLI President/CEO
It’s the new, simple way to put presentations together. Just register an account, download the app, and discover how effortless presentations can—and should—be.
Getting Proclaim for free through the month of February is simple:
- Post a photo of your church using Proclaim to our Facebook page this month.
- Tag Proclaim in the caption and tag your worship team members in the photo.
- You’re done. It’s free.
And just like that, you and your team can keep your On Air license for free until February 29—that’s all of January and four more Sunday mornings in February with no jump drives, no last‒minute stress, and no madness. Visit the Proclaim Facebook Page for more details.
AAW Podcast Episode 82, featuring an Exclusive Interview w/ Brothers McClurg
For our 82nd episode, we feature an interview with Anthony and Chris Hoisington, the brothers behind the worship band Brothers McClurg. They discuss their recent EP on Integrity (Alive), their first co-write (with Paul Baloche no less!), and their heart for their hometown, Buffalo, NY.
What Else?
-Wisdom and Ben are once again joined by All About Worship team members Chris Olson and Mathew Reames.
-Mat tries out for the open(?) co-host position.
-Wisdom invites Susan Foutaine Godwin, founder of Christian Copyright Solutions back for another discussion on copyright compliance.
-We learn more about Chris…maybe more than we really wanted to know…
Quick Links
Stay connected with us:
comment line: 913.735.4229
allaboutworship[at]gmail[dot]com
A special thanks to Christian Copyright Solutions for sponsoring this podcast. Be sure to use promo code, AAWPODCAST, on CopyrightSolver.com to receive a special 10% off the PERFORMmusic and WORSHIPcast licenses and the PERMISSIONSplus service.
Loft Sessions, Bethel Music – Album Review
Intimacy – it’s what we desire with the Lord (see Psalm 63), and it’s the one word I can use to sum up the latest of a long line of anointed and powerful albums from Bethel Music. Every song carries within it an overriding message of drawing closer to God, and moving deeper into relationship with Him. When combined with the setting, the worship intensifies to the point where the presence of the Lord is tangible, and this atmosphere has been captured perfectly on this album. Let’s take a closer look.
It may seem surprising to some that this album has yielded another version of “One Thing Remains”, as this song has appeared on several releases over the past year. However, once again, as with a few other Bethel songs (“Love Came Down” & “Here Is Love” spring to mind) we find that with an arrangement to suit the occasion, the song takes on another dimension. Piano and a high vocal line combine to produce a far more whimsical introduction, and from there the acoustics and bass, together with the undertone of a B-3, propel the song forward. This is a pleasing arrangement, and will provide worship leaders who favour the acoustic approach with a great alternative to previous versions.
Without a doubt the standout track on the album for me comes in the form of ‘You Have Won Me’. Just one listen to the following refrain had me hooked:
“Shout it out and lift up one voice in worship
Sing it out until all the earth can hear it,
Jesus is alive and He saves,
He rescues and saves”
The energy and passion of hearts that yearn to praise the Lord comes through with awesome power in this song. The only thing I can say against it is that I wish that it lasted twice as long!
Jenn Johnson’s “Come to Me” released at the start of December, so may be one of the more familiar tracks to some from the album. This song is the Lord’s response to Jenn’s heartfelt questions about the state of the world – with so much hurt, pain and destruction going on in the world around us, He answers “Come to me, come to me, I’m all that you need”.
Some of you may be slightly less familiar with Steffany Frizzell, who leads “You Know Me” on this album. Steffany’s heart and expression of worship is truly something to revere – her love and passion for the Lord come out in abundance every time she worships. As such, there is an underlying crescendo to this song, that peaks right toward the end with a layering of vocals that sit succinctly over the strings and piano.
There has been a seemingly never ending contingent of gifted worship leaders and musicians coming out of Bethel over the past couple of years. Added to the already flourishing ministry we now find two newer faces – Hunter Thompson and Matt Stinton. Hunter leads the evocative “My Dear”, and Matt leads “This is What You Do” – a catchy, refreshing song that speaks of the newness we find with God every time we approach Him.
I must admit that for me, a Bethel album primarily consisting of 4-5 minute worship songs wouldn’t have been my preferred option as I love the spontaneous moments that live Bethel albums generate. However, I respect that Bethel has explored a different, more “live studio” angle, and has thus ended up with slightly shorter tracks. For those of you who enjoy Bethel’s full band, rip-roaring worship with spontaneity, there is another album of that ilk on the horizon.
Matt Stinton kindly agreed to share with us his personal insight to this review – and I’m going to leave you with his reflection on the album as a whole:
“There is something very special and intimate about a simple, stripped-down worship set and that was what we hoped to capture with this album–a simple, creative expression.”
Many thanks go to Matt Stinton for taking the time to input into this review.
Rating: 5 out of 5
-Review by Ed Rotheram
(review copy provided by Kingsway)
Where I Find You, Kari Jobe – Album Review
Chris Olson and Julie Terwilliger had the opportunity to co-review Kari Jobe‘s new album, Where I Find You, releasing on Tuesday, January 24th. Here’s their conversational-style review…
Julie: Hey Chris! Once again we team up for a review of an epic album release! First things first, what was your first impression of this highly anticipated release?
Chris: After my first time giving it a full spin, I was immediately in love with the album. Admittedly there were a few songs that I wasn’t as bought into from the get go, but they came to grow on me upon future listens.
Julie: Same here, it grew on me & now I can’t stop listening to it!
Chris: I kinda expected this to sound like Kari’s last album, but it doesn’t. Hard to explain, but I believe this album more. Both albums have some nice layering and arrangements, and both have some good textures. But this one seems deeper, both sonically and lyrically.
Julie: I definitely noticed how polished it sounded at first. Although pretty much all of the songs are congregational friendly they are also masterfully produced for a radio hit. A few creative new sounds incorporated, but not to the point that the art is more noticeable than the heart of worship expressed.
Chris: The feeling I get listening to this album is far more tangible than I got with the last one. It’s still Kari’s soft, sweet voice, still a lot of “pretty” going on in the music. Directionally, the focus of this album is a little different. Kari herself says that this is about experiencing God’s presence, even in the midst of hardships. All of these songs definitely feed that theme, in the best way.
Julie: So what is your favorite song on this album? I would have to say mine is “Find You On My Knees” & “Stars In The Sky” – wonderful lyrics & lovely soaring vocals.
Chris: This isn’t a fair question! When I asked you the same thing in our last review together, you couldn’t pick just one, and I can’t either! My favorite songs on the album are “Stars in the Sky”, “Love Came Down”, and “Here”. “Stars in the Sky” just has an amazing groove with one of the best chorus melodies I have heard in a while. “Love Came Down” is by far the best rendition of this song I have heard, and the arrangement truly brings this song to life for me. “Here” is simply amazing. Listen to this song through some good headphones with your eyes closed. Do it.
Julie: Comments on the collaboration of some of the contributors to this recording? Did that question have a lot of C’s in it, or is that just me? : )
Chris: Ed Cash produced this album (Best. Name. EVER.) with Matt Bronleewe. Matt’s addition to this on the producing side (although he did also cowrite a few tunes on the album) likely is part of why this album has a different feel and vibe compared to the last album.
Julie: I concur we could converse about this album quite a bit longer, but will conclude with any of your closing comments & considerations of these carefully crafted choruses. (Did I just do that ‘C’ thing again…?)
Chris: Ten C’s in that one! Nicely done! This album is something special. Lyrically profound and sonically inspiring. I have listened to this album several times, quite often through headphones while working. I have genuinely been moved almost to the point of tears while listening to this album. Almost. I don’t have tears . . . I am a man . . . So, if you crave a creative choral consideration of God’s consistent covenantal commitment to His children, consider cranking this album in a cab or your casa, or anywhere else you care to. You will be blessed! (Julie . . . that’s 13. Check. Mate.)
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
(review copy provided by EMI)
Spirit Break Out, Worship Central – Album Review
The team from Worship Central, a school of worship in London, has just released Spirit Break Out in the US, its first live worship album. Spirit Break Out was recorded live at London’s famed HMV Forum theater and features 14 tracks from the Worship Central team of Tim Hughes, Ben Cantelon, Al Gordon, Nikki Fletcher and Luke Hellebronth.
As the title implies, Spirit Break Out’s overarching theme is the cry to allow God more freedom and power in worship. “We always need to be looking to be Spirit-led in our worship,” says Tim Hughes. “The Spirit gives life, releases freedom and joy, puts a new song on our lips and reveals the beauty and majesty of Christ.” This theme is well-explored throughout the album, which combines new songs with all new live versions of favorites such as Hughes’ “Counting On Your Name” and Ben Cantelon’s “Savior Of The World”.
The album opens in a very appropriate way for this album, with Tim Hughes’ take on “Spirit Of The Living God” fall fresh on me. That sets the tone for the whole album! “New Day” comes next, by Ben Cantelon, a great up-beat, catchy opening song! Tim’s classic “At Your Name” is also included here, with a cool keyboard sequence that’s very reminiscent of Owl City’s “Fireflies”.
It’s the title track, though, “Spirit Break Out”, that sets this album apart. It probably wouldn’t translate well in many churches live, but it works well in this live concert/conference format. It combines rap and vocals with the band, and is really the heart cry of this project. As Hughes explains: “The title track feels like a revival song… a cry to see God smashing out of the box, turning us upside down, inside out and leading us into more of His presence and glory.”
Other standouts include “Undivided Love”, “For Your Glory” and “All Glory”. There are many songs on this album that would work great for congregational use. It’s also a perfect album to have for your own personal worship, with the live, free-flowing feel. Great job, Worship Central!
Rating: 4 of 5 stars
-Review by Barry Westman
(review copy provided by Kingsway)
All About Worship Awards 2011 – Winners Announced!
End of 2011, we held our 2nd annual All About Worship Awards, where you (our online community) got a chance to vote for your favorites in various categories. We announced the winners of each award on the first episode of 2012, All About Worship Podcast. In case you haven’t listened to that episode yet, here are the winners. We will be sending a trophy to all the winners.
Male Artist of the Year: Matt Redman
Female Artist of the Year: Kim Walker-Smith
Band of the Year: The City Harmonic and Jenny & Tyler (tied!)
Album of the Year: Be Lifted High by Bethel Music
Song of the Year: “Furious” by Jeremy Riddle
Blogger of the Year: Vicky Beeching
From the All About Worship Team, HUGE congrats to all the winners! Big thanks to hundreds of you that participated and made this a very fun second year for the AAW Awards!
Recorded Roundtable Discussion: Catering Weekend Services?
Back on November 14th, 2011 we hosted a live, online round table discussion on the topic of catering weekend services.
We invited the following worship pastors/leaders to be part of the panel:
Fred McKinnon (Worship Director/Founder of TheWorshipCommunity.com)
Rich Kirkpatrick (Blogger/Worship Pastor)
Chris Vacher (Director of Worship)
Rob Rash (Blogger/Worship & Creative Arts Pastor)
Troy Kennedy (Worship Pastor)
We discussed topics like:
-Doing secular songs during service (is it okay or is it not okay?)
-Convergence worship vs. separating the styles out into different services
-Designing the service for Christians vs non-Christians
-and more
We intentionally invited leaders with different perspectives in order to help church leaders understand others’ perspectives and also learn from our differences.
You can watch the recording by CLICKING HERE.
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