February 4, 2008  

Ministry Tools
Bob Burroughs

Quote

Whoever said that words were the only way to pray? [Dorothy Day]

Scripture

I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray [intelligently] with my mind and understanding; I will sing with my spirit [by the Holy Spirit that is within me], but I will sing [intelligently] with my mind and understanding also.
1 Corinthians 14:15

Prayer

Great Father in Heaven, Redeemer of all mankind, Giver of eternal life for all who will believe, I bless Your name this morning for Your goodness and grace to those who follow Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Savior of the world. I offer these prayerful words up to the Throne Room where Jesus is standing at Your right hand, interceding for all who will read these words. I am grateful that You have allowed us to pray with means other than words. I bless You for the creative gifts of music, dance, art, sculpture, pottery, painting, and so much more that allows us to offer our gifts to You in praise, adoration, and thanksgiving. You are a creative God. Your handiwork is so evident in all the earth--from shore to sea and from earth to the heavens. Help us to be more appreciative of Your gifts to us and teach us anew how to take care of what You have given us. I pray this prayer in the strong and powerful name of Jesus, who gave us many pray examples. Amen"

What Think Ye?

Creative Ways To Pray

In the Presbyterian Book of Order, these words are found: 

When artistic creations awaken us to God’s presence, they are appropriate for worship. When they call attention to themselves, or are present for their beauty as an end in itself, they are idolatrous. Artistic expressions should evoke, edify, enhance, and expand the worshiper’s consciousness of the reality and grace of God

Artistic creations do indeed have the power, beauty and majesty to evoke, edify, enhance, and expand the mind and consciousness of any worshiper to both the reality and grace of God, for God Himself gave His people the power of the artistic spirit—to be used to honor Him, glorify Him, and make His greatness known to all.

Dorothy Day makes quite a statement in her quote above: Whoever said that words were the only way to pray? 

Like many of you, I have prayed through the spoken word.—many times. But I have also prayed perhaps more meaningful prayers through the creation of music. There have been times—though not often enough—I have found myself weeping after writing a particular choral section or a setting of a handbell composition. It isn’t something one shares often with others publicly, but I know many of you have shared prayers through the means of artistic creations.

I remember vividly in the mid-80s, The Baptist Festival Singers were performing in Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, and as they began to sing the Doxology, I noticed the choir members were not watching me and became aware of tears flowing from many eyes as the singers looked over my head and experienced the beauty of the Rose Window that was placed there in the 12th century and has never had to be repaired or shored up for safety. It is a truly work of artistic beauty and that artistic expression melted the hearts and caused tears of prayerful joy in the faces of high school and college young people on that special day. That was a prayerful moment for me.

On a similar tour with the same group, I found myself weeping tears of joy when the pastor of the International Baptist Church, Salzburg, Austria, came down the aisle at the end of our concert and presented to me a plaster of paris head of the “young” Beethoven. The pastor had told me earlier that he had found this in a flea market near the church and had paid about $3 for it. I begged him to give it to me as I dressed for the concert, and he flatly refused—repeatedly. When he presented it to me in front of the Singers, I felt it was a “thanks offering—poured out to honor the Lord” and given to me as a true artistic love gift. I still have it displayed in our home.

I openly shed tears and pray every time I hear these convicting word by Ken Medema, from his work, Moses:

What do you hold in your hand today? To what or to whom are you bound? Are you willing to give it up right now. Give it up. Let it go. Throw it down.

M.C. Richards said these words;

All of the arts we practice are apprenticeships. The big art is our life. We must, as artists, perform the acts of life in alert relation to the materials present at any given instant. Art is a moral eye that opens and closes, helping us to see truly.

A great part of the aura of the arts is the challenge to learn to “be still and know that I am God.” We are far too busy today to be still--and know anything! But when one is creating art with the potter’s wheel, one can become quiet in prayerful thought of family and friends. When one is painting a canvas, splashing the colors, and creating a work of art, in the process of being still can cause praying in new and creative ways. Whether one is using a paintbrush, pieces of cut glass, a set of colored pencils, sticks of chalk, manuscript paper, a piano keyboard, an instrument of brass, percussion or wind, in process of writing a book, making candles, creating scrapbooks, dancing for and before God, or literally hundreds of other ways of artistic expression, all these can be times of prayerful expressions of thanksgiving, grace, and beauty.

Whoever said that words were the only way to pray?

What think ye?

Leadership

Trust - Contributed by Ferando Bartolome

Trust is the major component of leadership. Fernando Bartolome, Professor of
Management, Bentley College, shares six important factors in developing
trust between leaders and followers.
 
1. Communication. This is a matter of keeping employees informed,
providing accurate feedback, explaining decisions and policies, being candid
about one's own problems, and resisting the temptation to hoard information.
 
2. Support. This means showing concern for your employees as people. It means being available and approachable. It means helping people, coaching them,
encouraging their ideas, and defending their positions. It often means socializing with them. It certainly means taking an interest in their lives and careers.
 
3. Respect. Respect feeds on itself. The most important form of respect is
delegation, and the second most important is listening to subordinates and
third, acting on their opinions.
 
 4. Fairness. This means giving credit where it's due, being objective and
impartial in performance appraisals, and giving praise liberally. The
opposite kind of behavior--favoritism, hypocrisy, unethical behavior--is
difficult to forgive and is a destroyer of trust. Chronic lack of fairness will dry up trust very quickly.
 
5. Predictability. This is a matter of behaving consistently, dependably and keeping both explicit and implicit promises. A broken promise can do irreparable damage.
 
 6. Competence. This means demonstrating professional ability and good
common sense. Employees don't want to be subordinate to people they see as
incompetent.

Marriage & Family

FRANTIC FAMILIES--Time for a change--Karen Zurheide, Contributor

I’m sure you are aware that most middle-class children play two or more sports per season, take piano, art, drama, or dance, belong to a scouting organization, and must meet the demands of homework as well as participating in all the church-related youth events.

By choosing to allow/provide these wonderful achievement opportunities for our children, families are sacrificing precious relational time. We are in a phenomenal decrease of family conversation—meaning shrinking opportunities to talk!

So—why are we sacrificing valuable, unrecoverable family time for the sake of children’s busyness?

A multitude of positive activities create:

• Parental feelings of responsibility to offer every opportunity for success
• Underlying belief that “downtime” is wasted and that achievements are what count. Doing is more important than being.
• Peer Pressure on parents and children

Instead of going with the cultural flow, families can choose:

• Name and prioritize family values, such as time together, worship, academic efforts, physical health, artistic appreciation and more
• Pay attention to the needs and interests of each child
• Limit new activities
• Know when to quit an activity
• Make time for play—individually, with friends with family
• Relax and take a BIG and l-o-n-g view of the future of your child
• realizing the benefits of strong family bonds as greater than specific childhood accomplishments

Cutting back a little or resisting the pull to do more may increase the peace in your family, make life merrier, and experience the joy found in those activities your children do pursue.

Sustaining Youth Choir -- Long Term

Tim Mann, Guest Contributor

Change. It’s the word of the hour. You hear it in church hallways, school classrooms, corporate offices, from presidential candidates, and on newscasts describing some facet of our society. Whether referring to globalization, politics, Apple’s latest device, teaching styles, or church music, change (and rapid change at that) has become the norm.     

It was the 35th president of the United States, John F. Kennedy, who said, “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” So, in the midst of this current of constant change, how do we, as leaders of young men and women, steer and sustain Youth Choir Ministry for the long journey before us? I would like to offer these thoughts and ideas to reflect upon while we forge ahead each week in our ministries.

1. We must have a fundamental belief that the adolescent experience and God of Creation do not change. Young people need and desire a connection with God.   They have the capacity to understand, to feel, to have faith. They are in the period of their lives of self-discovery, questioning, doubt, energy, and passion. We need to provide opportunities musically, spiritually, and socially for kids to encounter a never-changing God.

2. We need to have a core personal conviction that “young people can do anything.”

3. We need to be directors who are totally dedicated, unbending, and relentless in our desire to lead a group of teenagers to musical excellence and deep faith.

4. We need to assemble, inspire, and lead a committed and hard-working adult leadership team. Our youth choir at our church has an adult section leader for each voice part. These section leaders model good vocal production, commitment, excellent musicianship, and servant hood. They also direct our 20-minute sectional rehearsals each week.

5. We need to help them to sing great, challenging literature from different periods, countries, and styles. Make sure that your youth choir folders always contain a wide variety of anthem literature.

6. An excellent choir needs an excellent accompanist. As the saying goes, “A director is as good as his/her accompanist.”    

7. Build your choir on respect--respect from youth and parents. Create an environment of respect for your youth singers, respect from your parents, respect for their parents, and very important, respect for the choral tradition which you are establishing.

8. Budget well. Always be a strong advocate for the Youth Choir when it comes to securing funds for the ministry, tours, and events. If the Youth Choir sings on a regular basis before the entire church and it is done well, folks will want to support the choir and its mission with needed ministry funds.

9. Create traditions in your choir. Allow the teenagers to help with this. Plan for Senior Dinners, sacred prayer time in rehearsal each week, invite alumni to sing at the Homecoming Concert, tour annually, welcome newbies (6th or 7th graders) with much fanfare.

10. Advance Planning. There is no substitute. Plan at least one year in advance. If your youth singers, their parents, adult leadership team, church staff, and pastoral team know where the youth choir is going, they tend to be much more supportive and involved.

11. Communication. Communication. Communication! Take advantage of all of the ways available today to communicate with your young people on a regular basis. Make sure that parents are brought into this loop as well. A hand-written note is the best form of communication! Keep the parents informed!!

12. Build your choir with a vibrant prayer ministry. Make sure that you include a prayer experience as part of your choral rehearsal each week. Invite adults to pray for your choir regularly.

13. Voice checks. This is the most important 15 minutes that I invest with each youth singer. I do about 70-80 of these each August and October. I spend about 10 minutes talking with each singer and about 2-3 minutes conducting their voice check. This is one of the bedrock foundations of our Youth Choir Ministry. It takes a ton of time, and is difficult to do, but I cannot overstate the importance of one-on-one time with your singer to give him/her vocal confidence and to establish and build upon a personal relationship with each singer.

14. Take every opportunity to communicate your Youth Choir philosophy. In parent meetings, rehearsals, publicity pieces, letters, emails, and the like, always send the “why” message of youth choir.     

15. We need to understand that Youth Choir Ministry might not have the nation-wide broad scope which it did 20 or 30 years ago. But we need to be faithful to “making it happen” in our place of service.

This is what a Youth Choir needs to look like in 2008.

March Topic: How To Make Youth Choir A Success in Your Church  

TIM MANN is Minister of Music, Shades Crest Baptist Church, Birmingham, AL. He is nationally recognized as one who has proven he knows how to build and maintain a healthy, active, involved, and exciting Youth Choir. During his Youth Choir writings, if you wish to contact him for a specific question, his email address is: tmann@shadescrest.org

Inspirational Corner

Ralph Carmichael, Guest Contributor

Mention the name of Ralph Carmichael in most any circle of church musicians and the name will evoke the words/melody to so many of his great compositions, including He's Everything to Me, A Quiet Place and The Savior Is Waiting. Ralph is one of the great icons of contemporary Christian music. The musical, Tell It Like It Is, co-written by Ralph's dear friend, Kurt Kaiser, literally changed the face of church music forever! Ralph has a long and varied history of music composition and performance. You can Goggle Ralph Carmichael and find out everything you wish to know about him and his career. I wanted him to share his heart and soul with our MME readers.

Proverbs 23:7 says, “As a man thinketh in the heart so is he.”

Psalms 19:14 says, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord…”

One day, I saw a bumper sticker, written by Frank Outlaw, that jumped out at me and left such a lasting impression that it has become my personal mission statement.  Here it is:

Thoughts become words.
Words become actions.
Actions become habits.
Habits become character.
Character becomes destiny.

The thought becomes a lyric and a melody. An idea is birthed in my heart and mind and has to get out. It has to be shared. That turns into action--lots of action. I have to show that little song to an artist. I have to record it. I have to teach it to an audience. I have to publish it. Writing one song does not make me a composer. It has to become a habit--a life long commitment. Gradually, the truth that I communicate through God’s inspiration and a blessing is, not only my habit, but it defines who I am and becomes my character. I become a channel of blessing for the people, the church and a messenger of redemption with the promise of eternal rewards--and, oh, what a destiny I have to look forward to!

I find great joy in being a gospel songwriter, to be numbered with those who have communicated Biblical truth through music. I enjoy arranging and recording the great old hymns of the faith. They are the heritage of the church. They are not archaic…but rather, timeless treasures. The hymn writers have translated precious bits of scripture into poetic verse and set them to music that transports us into the very throne room of God.

When arranging a gospel song, new or old, I study the lyrics and feel like I’m painting a sermon in sound with melodies and harmonies, rhythm and chords, tempos and dynamics. I want the listener to feel the flame of inspiration, the warmth of eternal hope, the joy of heartfelt praise, the security of absolute truth, and the comfort of everlasting love.

Oh, by the way, I’m approaching the ripe old age of 81 and I’m still doing concerts. One format that has sort of become a favorite is with my big band. For those of you who don’t know what a Christian big band sounds like, you can find out by faxing me at (805)523-7242--and asking your questions. Also, I’m still involved in symphonic concerts with local symphonies and mass choirs. If interested, again, you may find out all the details by faxing (805)523-7242.

This Idea Will Work

Are You Ready for Valentine's Day?

That special day is almost here. If this date has slipped up on you, how about a few suggestions to get you thinking about that special person in your life:

* Plan a nice, home-cooked meal for your Sweetheart--and do all the work yourself...or get help from the kids. Set a nice table. Use the best China and silver. Perhaps have three courses, like soup, salad, and any "favorite" dishes. Desert (whatever that might be) is optional.

* Have stickies everywhere with "I Love You" on each one and place them in strange and unusual places the night before.

* Pick up some flowers and present them to your Sweetheart with a very special Valentine's Day Card. Order your flowers early, like NOW!

* Take your Sweetheart on a food tour of favorite places to eat. This is tons of fun. Have your appetizers in one place...salad in another...main course in another...and dessert/coffee at the final stop. This will be a long-remembered event because of the time it takes to do it.

* Write your Sweetheart a long love letter, telling all the good and wonderful things you love and admire.

Worship Quote

Rick Averill, Guest Contributor

During my personal time of worship, I can use whatever music I enjoy. But during corporate worship, I must never allow the style or my dislike of it to prevent me from worshiping. If I can't put aside my preferences during worship, then I am not worshiping God, but I am worshiping myself. I only wish our congregation felt the same way.

Numbers

FOUR GASOLINE TIPS

Everyone is experiencing frustration over the rising price of gas! This information came across our desk in mid-January and seemed a good idea to pass along to our MME readers. It is from a gasoline distributor in California.

TIP #1: Only buy gas in the early morning when the ground temperature is still cold. All service stations have their storage tanks buried below ground. The colder the ground--the more dense the gasoline. When it gets warmer gasoline expands, so buying in the afternoon or in the evening, a gallon is not exactly a gallon. In the petroleum business, the specific gravity & temperature of the gasoline products plays an important role.

TIP #2: When you're putting gas into your car, do not squeeze the trigger of the nozzle to the fast mode. If you look carefully, you will see that the trigger has  three stages: low, middle, & high. In slow mode, you should be pumping on low speed, thereby minimizing the vapors that are created while you are pumping. All hoses at the pump have a vapor return. If you are pumping on the fast rate, some of the liquid that goes to your tank becomes vapor. Those vapors are being sucked up & back into the underground storage tank so you're getting less worth for your money.

TIP #3: One of the most important tips is to fill up when your gas gauge is on is HALF FULL. The reason is the more gas you have in your tank, the less air is occupying the empty space. Gasoline evaporates faster than you can imagine.

TIP #4: VERY IMPORTANT! If there is a gasoline truck pumping into the storage tanks when you stop at a station to buy gas, DO NOT fill up! Most likely, the gasoline is being stirred up as the gas is being delivered, and you will pick up some of the dirt that normally settles on the bottom.

Website

WORLD CLOCK--click here to be taken to one of the most interesting features that has come across this desk in many months. This WORLD CLOCK will show you the population rate, death rate, military spending, and much more in real time. You can also do an estimate of your life expectancy! I did it! I'm supposed to live till I'm 89.9 years of age, barring, of course, an accident, the Second Coming, or something unusual! I think you will enjoy the visit.

Humor 

Ten things NOT to give for Valentines Day include:    
    
1.  A box of chocolates, previously opened and clumsily rearranged in an attempt to hide the fact all the caramels are gone.
2.  Clothing items with the words "push-up" or "slim-down" on the label.
3.  Food items with the words "diet," "light," or "high fiber" on the label.
4.  Plastic flowers, no matter how nice they looked in the store.
5.  Anything you have given another woman, including your mother.
6.  Any household appliance, or power tool from Home Depot.
7.  A gift certificate to anywhere for anything at anytime for any reason.
8.  Cash, unless it’s a lot.
9.  Anything you could have bought at the gas station mini-mart on the home, even if you didn't.        
10. An apologetic look and the words: "That was today?"

Anthem

AT HIS NAME, Joel Raney, SATB, Keyboard, Hope Publishing Company #C5366, Optional Rhythm and performance/Rehearsal CD

Based on Philippians 2:9-11, Joel Raney has written one of the most delightful pieces of choral music to come across this desk in several months! This setting has all the indications of fine Black Gospel style with plenty of rhythmic challenges, fine harmonies, but once taught (properly!!) and learned, the rhythms will flow nicely and the choir as well as the congregation will thoroughly enjoy, appreciate and applaud this fine setting! The conductor must pay attention to Joey's markings, dynamics and nuances that make the piece so interesting. Caution: Joel has indicated Slow gospel feel, and if this one gets too fast, it loses it's character. I especially like measures 55-60 where the men's voices are in three parts (easy!) and the women are carrying the melody on top. It is quite stunning. Being an outstanding pianist, Joel's keyboard work fits the fingers nicely and doesn't always support the melody! Yea! Finally, the anthem ends very quietly--not a trendy move, but a very good one. This piece is a sure winner and well worth your purchase--sight unseen!  Trust me here.

Double click on the anthem cover and you'll be taken to the Hope site--then, search for AT HIS NAME and you'll be able to see a sample score and hear it. 

Music Ministry News

 Rodrigo Rodriguez, the very popular Christian classical guitarist, has moved to Greer, SC, from the great state of Florida. The famed guitarist, Christopher Parkening, said about Rodrigo: I enjoy listening to his music and arrangements. I'm glad to know there is another guitarist who wants to play his instrument to honor and glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. That is a fine endorsement. His album, My Father's World, recorded with the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, is simply outstanding, full of extremely creative orchestrations and solo guitar, playing the great hymns of the faith. MME highly recommends this album...as well as Rodrigo as a solo performer. He is available nationwide for concerts in churches, schools, special events or with community or church orchestras.

For booking information, call Mary Rodriguez at: (800) 963-8682, or email Rodrigo at click here  His website is www.rodrigorodriguez.net

Conferences/Workshops

     Church Music In Today's World

North Greenville University
Tigerville, SC
March 14, 2008

• 8:30 AM to 3:15 PM--and includes the following:
• Four lectures with question/answer session to follow each one:

    1. Where Do We Go From Here? (The future of Church Music)
    2. Creativity in Church Music--An Oxymoron?
    3. Youth & Children's Choirs - The Future is Here - Now!
    4. Consecrate Yourselves--for Tomorrow....                                                                                                                                            
• Presenter for this Conference will be Bob Burroughs.
• Pre-Registration for this one-day Conference is $35. Registration at the door will be $45. This Conference will be limited to 50 persons.
• To register: send the Pre-Registration fee of $35 (checks only) to:

Dr. Barry L. Combs

North Greenville University

PO Box 1892

Tigerville, SC  29688

For more information contact Dr. Combs: 864-977-7082 or email Dr. Combs at bcombs@ngu.edu

 

MusiCalifornia is March 24-27, 2008 and will be held at the incredible facilities of the

Pasadena First Church of the Nazarene
3700 East Sierra Madre Blvd
Pasadena, CA   91107

The 2008 Conference is different from previous conferences and will be directly related to today's church music leaders. Some of the things to be offered include:

• Sessions for ALL worship styles
• NEW contemporary worship leader track
• Reading sessions with multiple publishers
• Round-table discussions
• Creative worship evenings that promote various worship arts
• Classes for drama, sound/lighting, and video in worship
• NEW track for professional and personal development
• NEW 3-day children's music track with teaching sessions and premieres
• Sessions on conducting, staff relations, and personal health in ministry
• Career development sessions
• Panel discussions led by Creator Magazine's publisher, Vern Sanders 
• Opening night will feature Max Lucado, Travis Cottrell, and the premiere of the new musical: 3:16, The Numbers of Hope. 
  

Thursday evening features a "Celebration of Hymns"--with a symphony orchestra and choir. Billy Ray Hearn will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award in Christian music. The other two evening programs focus on the arts and feature Christian drama, comedy, film and video.

MME SPECIAL! If you will use the Discount Code "MME10" by February 15, you will receive a 10% off the Early Registration.

Click on the MusiCalifornia logo to go to the website for all the information, airlines closest to the new location, and the NEW conference format.

Bits 'n Pieces

MME wishes to express our deep appreciation to Southeastern Apparel, Dothan, AL., for sponsoring this February issue. The owner, Jim Paxton, has been in the performance apparel business for many years and offers quality uniforms and outfits at very reasonable prices. Jim is a long time friend of MME and we are grateful for his support.

Last month, we reminded our MME readers that in 2008, each of us have the same amount if days and hours--and to make sure we use them wisely.

Well! We were incorrect! In 2008, each of us has an extra 24 hours that wasn't expected because this is Leap Year and February has 29 days! What will YOU do with this gift of 24 hours? Here are some suggestions:

• Do something totally unexpected by anyone, including yourself!
• Go somewhere close that you've wanted to go for some time and haven't had the time! Now you do!
• Spend this 24-hour period refreshing your spirit, writing some friends a personal note, taking the kids to a movie, or spending the day in the yard, or enjoying your personal hobby.
• Sleep late, have breakfast, check the mail, take a short nap, have a cup of hot tea with your spouse, and take the family for BIG ice cream cones after school.
• Since February 29 is a Friday, now you have a long weekend! Plan ahead to get someone to sub for you and take your spouse to a special place--full of romance and wonder.

Hey! It only comes every four years!  Enjoy it!

Cataract Surgery surely can't be much fun--but I will have it on my left eye February 26, 11:15 AM, EST, in Greenville, SC. I'll let you know if I have to get a dog!

Final Thought

How about giving serious thought to attending a conference this summer on such subjects as

• Becoming a Stronger, Better Leader
• Advanced Conducting or Voice or Keyboard
• Music Ministry for this new Century
• The Future--What Does It Hold for Me?

Or...chose your own subjects. Just get out of the church fortress, find out where you are lacking and work on strengthing it. There are lots of good, active, worth while conferences available. Do some homework and get your reservations in NOW.  Remember: an anthem reading clinic is NOT a higher education conference, because you sit, soak, and listen! Fine one that challenges your personal music and spiritual skills!

May the peace of Christ and the bond of love bound by the Holy Spirit be with you in this new year.

Blessings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bob Burroughs

I've been asked to give a short bio of myself, since perhaps some of our MME readers do not know who I am. I am 71 years of age, live in Greer, SC (Greenville), married 50 years come August to Esther Burroughs--noted author and speaker, have two adult children, 4 granddaughters and one grand grandson. I am a church musician, a composer/arranger, educator--having served on the faculty of Samford University, Mercer University (Atlanta campus) and Palm Beach Atlantic University. I am currently the editor of CREATOR magazine, and prepare the first MME of each month for the reading and inspiration of our readership. I've been writing MME for 11 years, and thoroughly enjoy doing it. I am a Virginian by birth, educated in North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Texas, served the Florida Baptist Convention for 8 years as Director of the church music department, and retired to our present community. There you have it--or at least, some of it!

 © 2008 Creator Magazine All Rights Reserved