It’s 2020, and already we have seen every analogy about vision and clarity we can imagine. I want to take a different approach to the year and decade in front of us. Instead of talking about the possibilities that lie ahead, I want to remind us of a few attitudes that could overtake our vision […]
Tips for the Production Survivors – by Mike Harland
The Christmas production is over. Because of the universal appeal of the Christmas season, churches take advantage of the opportunity to involve and impact your community with a special production. For many people, it’s just not time to celebrate Christmas until the choir does their program. You very much feel that pressure. So, you have prepared, […]
The Lesson from the Fall – by Mike Harland
With apologies to author Jim Harrison and the book that became a movie, “Legends of the Fall,” I coin this similar phrase today as a public service announcement for all worship ministry leaders heading into the Christmas season. First, let me share a story:
The Midnight Song – by Mike Harland
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to teach at the Write About Jesus Workshop in St. Charles, MO. This being my first time at the event, I was excited to teach classes around the topic of writing about Jesus. One of those topics ended up being the midnight song. This is the song we write […]
Through the Valley – by Mike Harland
Recently, I was part of one of the most special services we have at our church every year – The Service of Remembrance. It coincides on the calendar with All Saints Day which has been observed on November 1 in Christian churches across the world since the 8th century. This service is a memorial to those […]
3 Things Music Leaders Should Never Waste – by Mike Harland
The skills of your team. Do you have someone in your ministry that plays oboe? Find a way to use them. How about someone that writes songs? Ask them to write a special one for the Thanksgiving Banquet. Do you have a former band director in the congregation? Ask them to lead an instrumental group for […]
Where Does Praise Come From? – by Mike Harland
Worship leaders stand time after time and ask people to give our praise to God. But where does praise come from? Peter has a lot to say about worship. In his first epistle, he makes a connection between trials and worship that we should not miss. Read 1 Peter 1:6-7: “You rejoice in this, even […]
Blog to My Younger Self – by Mike Harland
There seems to be a bunch of writers these days writing something akin to the title of this blog. There are songs, letters, books, and more all written to the author’s “younger self.” So, when someone close to me suggested I do one of those, I thought it might be a good idea. As I’ve thought […]
The Big Rocks First – by Mike Harland
Nearly all of us have seen or heard a demonstration that goes like this: the leader places a big jar on the table and next to it are several big rocks, a few smaller stones, some small pebbles, and sand. Then, the question is asked, “Do you think all of this can fit into the jar?”