February 7, 2022
Harmony
When believers gather to share in the loaf and the cup of the Lord’s Supper, we too come together in harmony . . .
Articles for tag: Congregational Singing
August 25, 2012
The Half-Inch Solution
By Daniel Schantz One of my Bible college students came flying out of chapel, shielding her eyes with her hand. “Are you OK?” I asked. She shook her head. “It”s the music””it”s so loud it gives me headaches.” I can”t tell you how many times I have heard church members say, “Sometimes I just hate going to church because the music is so loud.” It”s not the type of music they are objecting to so much as the volume. Solve the volume problem and I strongly suspect the worship wars would soon die down. Music ministers seem to think that
May 20, 2011
Fifty-One Miles to Faith
Daniel Schantz reflects on the simplicity, family spirit, and unhurried worship of Leonard Christian Church, a small rural Missouri congregation that renews his faith.
March 29, 2011
In Praise of Congregational Participation
Becky Ahlberg urges churches to move beyond worship as performance and invite congregations into deeper participation through Scripture, prayer, testimony, Communion, baptism, art, and silence.
December 29, 2010
Family Resemblance
Teresa Schantz Williams reflects on the strengths she discovered in a cappella churches of Christ, including servant leadership, active elders, congregational worship, and bridges within the Restoration family.
November 10, 2010
Worshipping . . . or Watching?
Mark A. Taylor reflects on congregational singing and urges worship planners to move beyond polished presentations toward services that invite meaningful participation.
July 7, 2010
Hot Days, Fresh Thoughts
Mark A. Taylor reflects on summer’s slower pace as an invitation to reconsider worship, Scripture, and the Spirit’s refreshing work in Sunday gatherings and everyday discipleship.
November 4, 2007
Recovering from Excellence
A critique of the church’s “excellence” mantra, exploring how it can become elitist, expensive, exhausting, and divisive—and offering healthier alternatives like efficiency, patience, and inclusion.
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.
August 21, 2005
Doing Church in the City
A look at Keele Street Christian Church in Toronto’s Junction—its 1800s roots, changing neighborhood, multicultural congregation, and the practical challenges and ministries of doing church in a major city.
June 4, 2005
Engaging And Excellent
A choir concert by Purdue University’s men’s glee club packed an auditorium during a church music conference, stirring congregational hymn-singing and raising a lingering question about choral music’s place in local churches today.
