Upcoming Worship

You will notice a subtle shift in our worship over the next few weeks. The early morning service at 8:30 a.m. will feature at least a couple of hymns, combined with some familiar praise and worship songs. The later service (11:00 a.m.) will feature more progressive praise and worship music. Then, the evening service - beginning in a few weeks - will feature a variety of different styles, including a "vintage" or "traditional" service at times and an acoustic style of worship, at others. We are also working on a couple of Sunday Night concert events. You can find more details right here as we move forward and I would love to hear your comments.

Choir Officers and Section Leaders Meet Sunday!

Because the First Fruits event begins at 5:30 p.m. this Sunday evening (July 27), we will have our Choir Meeting for all officers and section leaders at 4:30 p.m. in the Choir Suite. Please be present or have someone represent your position - if you cannot attend.

This Choir is Amazing!

If you had asked me to pick a mid-day time frame on a Thursday, during a regular work week, after a Holiday week, and said, "Have a great representation of your choir for a special event that will only take about ten minutes", I would have been shy about any predictions regarding participation! However, the Sanctuary Choir of First Baptist Church Joelton made a "believer" out of me concerning what we can accomplish! We had fantastic representation - even with many of our regulars out-of-pocket or at work - and the enthusiasm was contagious. The choir loft was filled to overflowing (literally) and the sound was awesome! I have been promised a "pre-airing" DVD for our enjoyment and the jingle itself will begin appearing in the late fall. Thanks to everyone who made this happen! I look forward to bigger and better things in the near future from the choir. Begin praying now about opportunities to spread the message of our Lord and to present our church in fresh and exciting ways! Stay posted for further opportunity!

WSMV Shoot TODAY!!!

Don't forget: We are taping a Holiday jingle for WSMV-TV Channel 4 today at the church. We will rehearse the song beginning at 11:30 a.m. in the Music Suite and recording begins at High Noon! Bring someone with you and be ready to sing! Lunch is immediately following the shoot!

You Say Music, I Say Music

I have been intrigued to watch the "evolution" (if I may use that word) of music in the church over the past few years. I am old enough to remember when Andrae Crouch, Lanny Wolfe, Bill Gaither, and other "classic" writers and artists were considered the "new music of the day". They developed a new contemporary sound that melded the traditional components of Black Gospel, Southern Gospel, Traditional Church, and Inspirational music, with elements of modern pop music of the day.

In some ways, I believe they ushered in this new chapter of church music history. It's ironic that many of those who appreciate and follow Bill Gaither's music are the ones who fight against new modern music infiltrating our churches today. It was Bill Gaither himself who brought a contemporary edge to church music a few decades ago. In today's church, the word contemporary takes on a brand new meaning. Changes in church music and worship practices have caused a boom in growth at some churches, while bringing deep hurt and division in others.

People are certainly passionate about the styles and modes of music utilized and that's a good thing. However, our likes and dislikes amount to nothing more than just that - our preferences. There are no clear cut methods outlined in Scripture regarding music in worship. We only know that it is indeed important.

There are a few Scriptural hints that Paul and some of the Disciples did know and sing a few songs themselves. The songs probably didn't sound like what we have grown accustomed to and were definitely not performed on synthesizer, guitar, or pipe organ. Peter didn't step over to a Korg Keyboard, tap on a microphone to be sure it was "on", and then belt out a praise and worship song for the group.

I will pursue some thoughts on worship music in coming days right here and Brother David will talk about this in his upcoming sermon Sunday as well. For now I want to ask a couple of questions and hopefully we will get some responses:

How does a church determine what to do musically-speaking to reach new people and still satisfy the masses that already attend? What things are important to consider?

WSMV TV Opp THURSDAY!

Don't miss an outstanding opportunity to "shine" for FBCJ this Thursday! Our choir has been invited to sing a jingle for WSMV-TV Channel 4's Weather Team! The song is to the tune of "We Wish You A Merry Christmas", so it'll be easy to learn. We need about 50 to sing it. We'll work on the song Wednesday night, Thursday morning starting at 11:30 a.m., and then will perform it for the cameras Thursday at High Noon. We are wearing robes so you don't have to wear Christmas clothes to work in July (this will air during the Holidays). The Fine Arts Department is providing childcare and lunch. Be here and BRING SOMEONE with you!