September 10, 2008
Interview with Gary Johnson
Gary Johnson explains how Indian Creek Christian Church plans creative worship experiences around one clear “bottom line” to encourage transformed lives and reach people not yet following Christ.
Worship & Prayer
Worship & Prayer explores resources to help individuals and churches grow in worship and prayer. Find practical guidance on prayer habits, corporate worship, spiritual disciplines, the meaning of worship in Scripture, and leading gatherings that center on Jesus. This category includes biblical teaching, devotional insights, and ministry-focused articles to strengthen personal devotion and congregational life.
May 14, 2008
Some Prayer Requests Can Hurt
Mark A. Taylor warns that prayer requests can become gossip when curiosity, self-righteousness, or public criticism replace humility, privacy, and genuine concern.
April 6, 2008
When Our Prayer Requests Are Not Granted (Part 2)
Why doesn’t God grant every prayer request? H. Lynn Gardner explores biblical reasons prayers go unanswered, the role of sin and selfish motives, and how believers can trust God’s wisdom and keep praying with Christlike humility.
April 6, 2008
Public Prayer
Orrin Root reflects on the meaning and responsibility of public prayer, urging leaders to pray with sympathy, specificity, eloquence, and thoughtful preparation.
March 30, 2008
When Our Prayer Requests Are Not Granted (Part 1)
Why doesn’t God grant some prayer requests? H. Lynn Gardner examines Jesus’ prayer promises in context, showing how Scripture connects confident prayer with God’s will, obedience, and trustful submission.
March 30, 2008
A Simple Prayer
Facing neighborhood violence and ministry strain, a pastor learns to pray one simple word—“Help!”—and watches God provide through quick answers, long delays, unexpected people, and renewed outreach in Pittsburgh.
March 30, 2008
Are You a Prayer Warrior or a Prayer Wimp?
Gen. George S. Patton once asked a chaplain for a prayer for fair weather during the Battle of the Bulge. Learn how Scripture, simple words, bold requests, and great expectations can strengthen your prayers.
February 10, 2008
Every Tribe, Every Tongue, Every Nation
Ken E. Read describes how learning global musical “heart languages” helped the World Music Worship Ensemble lead multicultural worship at the National Missionary Convention—and how such worship prepares the church for heaven’s diverse song.
January 27, 2008
Worship/Service: A Conversation Between Paul and David
By Mandy Smith Last year I started a new job that means I will never get to worship, or so I have been told. It is my responsibility every Sunday to help others worship by overseeing the sound board, musicians, PowerPoint, seating, bulletins, and Communion cups. No time for singing or sitting or listening. No worship for me. As part of this new job, I got a subscription to Worship Leader magazine and, while flipping through it, I became convinced of something we already know: “worship leader” has come to be synonymous with “music minister.” Of the 51 advertisements in
December 31, 2007
Worship Ideas from The Creek
A downloadable resource from The Creek in Indianapolis shares orders of worship, monologues, and responsive readings—practical examples to spark creativity and support worship planning in your local church.
November 25, 2007
Praying with Tears
When tragedy strikes, our attention can drift into “looky lou” watching. Jan Johnson invites readers into prayers of lament—joining God’s tears, praying Scripture for the suffering, and even praying for enemies toward mercy and transformation.
November 25, 2007
Faith’s Fallowness
Mother Teresa’s private letters reveal spiritual silence alongside decades of prayer and service. This reflection explores doubt, dry seasons, and the perseverance of love when God feels distant.
October 14, 2007
TRIED & TRUE: Traditional Worship
Traditional worship can still engage multiple generations when leaders plan thoughtfully and lead with excellence. Don Seevers II shares practical ways to keep services fresh through Scripture-shaped themes, strong congregational singing, and creative use of choir and instruments.
October 14, 2007
Finding and Focusing on Living Water
Reflecting on Jesus’ conversation at the well, Greg Allen explores “thirst-quenching worship” rooted in the Holy Spirit—not personal preferences. Practical steps help move beyond worship wars toward spirit-and-truth worship.
July 22, 2007
Behind the Music
In an age of endless media resources, worship leaders thrive with a clear philosophy, a cohesive team, and an efficient planning process. See how churches collaborate, adapt to new communities, and build services that point people to God.
July 22, 2007
10 Things any Church Can Do to Enrich Worship
Ten practical ways to add a fresh spark to Sunday worship—from prayer and tech preparation to Communion, responsive readings, and special emphasis Sundays—so services stay engaging and God honoring.
July 18, 2007
Simpler Times, Different Expectations
A look back at predictable Sunday-morning services—and how modern options have raised some expectations while lowering others. The central question remains whether worship connects us with God and calls for true congregational participation.
July 1, 2007
Experiencing Traditional Worship
A mother and son reflect on a month-long church visit and discover how quickly any worship style can become predictable. A thoughtful dialogue on labels, variety, and keeping worship Christ-centered and Bible-based.
June 3, 2007
Trees, Runs, and Prayers
As Dave Smith reflects on moves, memories, and the outdoors, he shares how running, wilderness solitude, and steady rhythms of movement have shaped a life of honest prayer and attentive listening to God.
January 21, 2007
Two Examples of Emerging Worship
Dan Kimball says “emerging worship” is more than new styles—it reflects deeper questions about the church itself. See how two congregations are reshaping weekend gatherings around participation, dialogue, and community.
