Worship in music.

I believe Musicians are called by God but need to learn practical skills.

Reading, learning the music, breathing correctly,

using expression, dynamics and technique.

In my own life, a personal lifestyle of worship using music is vital.

I am real with God and I can be myself with him.

My heart is true to him, even if I get confused at times as to what I may be doing.

He is everything to me.

I aim at all times to create an environment that God can be comfortable in, in my life;

I aim at all times to create an environment that people can feel comfortable in.

Worship, using music, is intimacy with God, God is in the music.

In using music to worship God, I must know that I am accepted by God,

I find assurance in the bible.

The Bible tells me in Ephesians .1 verse 4 ‘You are not your own, you were bought at a price,’ And in Corinthians chapter 2 it says, ‘We are washed, sanctified, justified.’ There must be no feelings of guilt.

2. Corinthians chapter 3. Verse 4 says ‘Such confidence as this is ours.’

After a service people often say that they ‘feel better’ for going to Church.

I do also.

The reason, I believe, is this,

God always gives back more than he receives and He will bless the one who gives him true praise and thanksgiving and love which comes from the heart.

The Westminster Shorter Catechism says, ‘The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.’

I’m looking at the second part of this statement, ‘and enjoy him forever’

God always planned that in worship we would find joy, blessing, fulfillment and purpose.

Worship is an opportunity;

Worship is a gift to bless,

To meet the spiritual needs of his people.

I believe, if forced to choose between good music and good preaching,

Young adults will choose a church with music that they can identify with spiritually.

Bringing the old and new together, Modern and Traditional,

Declining Churches only present one musical diet or style;

Growing churches have an effective music ministry;

Adding a youth choir and music group;

We require expressive music that touches the heart of all tastes in music.

To worship in his presence together, as a Church,

we can experience release, redemption, and restoration,

moving forward to reach out to this area in the Parish of St. Mark’s in Dukinfield.

In our walk with God there is

Challenge, adventure, increased competence, purpose in life,

Discipline, endurance, sacrifice, this is exciting….this is my experience

In our worship in this Church of St. Mark’s Dukinfield I pray that

We may be part of a team.

United in purpose,

Mutually supportive,

Accomplishing great things,

To the glory of God.

I have been reading various books on music and worship for years

and have no doubt formulated my ideas from these books.

Many thanks to the various writers, including Chris Bowater, Graham Kendrick,.

My latest book that I am reading is 'The Magnetic Music Ministry' by Bill Owens.

 and 'The Prayer that Changes Everything'  by Stormie Omartian.

she says, in her book,

Worship is...... not just a song, it's a way of life.

It's not just for musicians and good singers, it's for everyone.

It's not just 20 minutes once a week.

It's an ongoing daily attitude that reminds us of His greatness and our dependency upon Him.