Abaka Daka Yaka

The Elephant Room 2 Simulcast at Liberty University

2012-01-04T12:39:00.002-05:00

I’ve never been short of an opinion and to my regret sometimes I have shared my critical opinions of others with all but the person I am criticizing. This type of slander seems to be epidemic in the church. Why are we so afraid of confrontation? What I’ve learned over time is that when we’re willing to actually talk face-to-face with those we disagree with, we often better understand where they are coming from and are able to facilitate a friendship and sometimes even a respect despite our disagreements.

That’s one of the reasons why I wanted to bring “The Elephant Room 2” simulcast event to the school I teach at, Liberty University. My experience as both a student and professor is that Christians are often more known for what and who they are against. Now don’t get me wrong, there are some issues, theological and philosophical, that are worth dividing over. But for the others, the majority of the issues, why can’t we get together and discuss them openly and honestly with the Word of God as the ultimate authority?

This is precisely what the Elephant Room is and it’s why I am so excited about it. It’s unity on display. Men of God committed to Christ, His Word and His church, openly and honestly giving an account for why they do the things they do. It’s not a debate but it is an open, honest discussion on pertinent things that matter in ministry. Truth is, you’re going to talk about these issues either way. Why not observe men doing it the right way, the biblical way, talking to their brothers of differing opinion face-to-face? Sparks fly when iron sharpens iron but what results are sharper swords able to correctly and effectively divide the Word of God.

I hope you plan on joining us for this important event. I promise you will leave encouraged, informed, and challenged. This event is not for haphazard Christian leaders but for those who are serious about ministry, who are sick of bandaid solutions to critical problems, who are willing to dig deep and have the difficult conversations that lead to God-glorifying answers. It’s time to acknowledge the ‘elephants in the room’, addressing them truthfully, lovingly, honestly and faithfully.

Join me in Lynchburg, VA, January 25, 10 AM - 5 PM, Bruner Hall at Thomas Road Baptist Church.

@travisdoucette

"Rise Up" (Preview)

2011-04-22T00:45:00.001-04:00

Having way too much fun in the studio cutting the demo for a new gospel-type song I wrote called, “Rise Up". Check it out:

"King of Glory" - Preview

2011-04-19T08:57:00.001-04:00

This week I am in three different studios for three different sessions recording three different songs! We’re having a blast and last night we worked on recording a tune I wrote with my friend Brandon Sharp called “King of Glory”. We grabbed some of the most talented singers at Liberty and recruited them to make a ‘mini-choir’. We rigged up my phone to capture some of the fun! Check it out:

"For Sinners Slain" - Preview

2011-04-17T21:59:00.001-04:00

I am excited that my church is introducing an “Easter” themed song I wrote based out of Revelation 5 called “For Sinners Slain”. We recently spent some time tracking the choir and orchestra. My good friend, mentor and colleague, Don Marsh created a beautiful arrangement including some gorgeous polyphony in the bridge section. Here’s a preview. We introduce it next weekend (Easter) and I expect to post video footage in the weeks thereafter. Full worship resources will be available from my publisher, www.redtiemusic.com

Ringing The Bell

2011-02-28T18:59:00.008-05:00

If anyone doubted the influence and power of social media, their doubts were obliterated on Saturday when John Piper tweeted these three simple words: “Farewell, Rob Bell”. Imagine if Jesus Christ got the amount of attention and publicity from the Christian church that Rob Bell has over the past few days. That would certainly be an ‘evangelistic’ revival!

I thought I’d add my voice to the choir of concern regarding mega-church pastor Rob Bell’s new book, “Love Wins”.
If you aren’t up to speed, I suggest you first read the blog by Justin Taylor from the Gospel Collation that brought this controversy to the forefront of internet and social media discussion this week:

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2011/02/26/rob-bell-universalist/

You may also want to read this, a follow up post from Kevin DeYoung:

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2011/02/28/bell-brouhaha/

Here’s my two cents:

The theological issues/suggestions at hand are far less preferential and peripheral than some Christians in cyberspace are posturing them to be. Consider this quote from Bell’s new book which seems to affirm universalistic thought:

"Could God say to someone truly humbled broken and desperate 'sorry too late?' Many have refused to accept the scenario in which somebody is pounding on the door apologizing, repenting, and asking God to be let in only to hear God say through the key hole 'Doors locked, sorry If only you had been here earlier, I could have done something but now its too late."

Bell’s thoughts here must come under the scrutiny and authority of what God’s Word says:

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (Matthew 7:21-23, NIV)

Now, I take a different perspective than some have on this issue. My offense is not so much of Bell’s suggestions of Universalism (although that IS a concern), but that he is using his public platform to publicly question orthodoxy.

The public calling on the man of God is to divide the Word correctly, and to preach what it says, not to flirt with heresy or provoke people to anything but obedience to what it says. Furthermore, preachers are not called to be enigmas, preaching esoteric ideologies. Rather, the calling on the man of God is to be the voice of truth in the midst of lies with concrete clarity.

Bell’s ministry has sadly been characterized by seeing how close he can get to the boundaries of orthodoxy. His relentlessness in this has continued to ostracize him from the conservative community.

Now please note, some people are bound to respond to this and say “How can you criticize without having read the book”. Let be clear my response is to the things Bell did say in the published quotes, promotional materials and this promotional video for his new book:

Where as I think the book description and his video are enough to call for serious concern, I applaud any appeal for all to actually read his book. Sadly, I fear this will just be another thing that colors him with suspicion. Not the reputation I’d want pastoring a mega-church.

Want a different perspective from others I respect?

Check out what Michael Gungor has to say here: http://www.gungormusic.com/blog/?p=97&cpage=1#comment-1707

Also, check out what Glenn Packiam says here: http://glennpackiam.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/02/before-you-dismiss-rob-bell-lets-learn-some-terminology.html

And Nate Claibourne's humorous, yet realistic take on all of this:

http://nathanielclaiborne.com/theology/love-may-win-but-so-does-an-effective-marketing-campaign/

If there’s any good from this (and there is), it’s that it has the Christian community thinking theologically!

Travis.

The Lost Art of Lyric Crafting

2011-02-18T18:58:00.000-05:00

I have the privlidge of teaching a course on Songwriting at Liberty University. One of the things I’ve been lecturing on lately is the art of crafting a lyric. As many of us are aware, much has changed in the music industry. Years ago, in order to have a song recorded, the lyrical and melodic content of your composition had to withstand the fierce scrutiny of a host of record execs, producers and promoters. Today, radio-ready compositions can be created in hours and debut on a global scale with the click of a button.

For worship leaders this means there is much more work we must do on the front end of screening and selecting songs for corporate expressions that are accurate in truth and well composed. The sheer volume of what’s produced and what’s easily-available on the internet ought to put worship leaders on guard against well-meaning, yet inaccurate lyrics set to infectious melodies. After all our corporate expressions of the faith are teaching doctrine and theology. A.W. Tozer famously said “What you think about God is the most important thing about you”. With that in mind, we all ought to take careful consideration of what we’re teaching our flock with the music we choose to use.

The post-modern rhetoric of the masses tells us that ‘all art is good art’. I would beg to differ, especially when it comes to the pastoral role of selecting songs for corporate Christian expression. In light of the technological revolution which in turn has generated a plethora of corporate worship literature, it would be foolish to think all of it is appropriate, accurate and articulate for corporate expressions. This is simply not the case.

One of the deficiencies I have observed over the past few years is the decline in well-crafted lyrics in what are postured as ‘corporate worship songs’. I am consistently surprised by what some publishers will actually publish and market as ‘corporate worship songs’. Now allow me to clarify, I am not talking about what I prefer in a lyric. I am talking about lyrics that are flat-out free of form, theologically incorrect and poetically pluralistic.

I think a cornerstone in becoming a good songwriter is studying well-crafted songs. I think many well-crafted songs ‘prove themselves’ through endurance. I often tell me students they need to be writing ‘100 year songs’, songs that will outlive them. It’s a tall order. But when you observe some of the corporate worship songs that have stood the test of time, they have a number of things in common:

a) They follow a lyrical/melodic form (typically, AAA, AABA, Verse/Chorus form).
b) They observe some pattern of rhyme/syllable scheme.
c) They articulate truths clearly.
e) They are theologically correct and accurate.
f) They give language to the singer that expresses something true to their heart and soul.
g) The lyrics are about one main idea.
h) Each section of the song flows naturally from one to the other.
i) They are ‘singable’ and pitched in a range where the average person can sing them.
j) They take timeless truths and express them in fresh, meaningful ways.

With the advent of the technological revolution of the past 20 years it seems like ‘lyric’ in corporate worship music has been pushed from the foreground to background in exchange for the ‘sound’ and production of music. The result I fear are weak worship songs that at best, should be used in a personal setting, not corporate and at worst, shouldn’t be sung at all.

Now I am all for production and an infectious melody. I am a songwriter and I am a melody guy. But I am also a worship leader and the songs I choose to use corporately are not the end within themselves. My job is done when people encounter the life changing presence of Christ. So when I use a song, I am viewing it only as the ‘vehicle’ to help get us to that destination. I want the vehicles (or songs) I use to to be the best they can be as representatives of the one I’m directing our attention to in worship.

A great song is the marriage between an infectious melody and potent lyric. However, at the end of the day, as much as music can and is used by God, in terms of corporate worship expressions, the lyric is the most important part. There is no note anyone can play that will draw people to their knees and cause them to submit to the Lordship of Christ. However the message of the Gospel in the lyric can effectively do this and more. I think Paul’s words in Romans support this view, “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) Put together (lyric and melody), music can be an unstoppable force in causing the coldest heart to warm-up to the tender touch of the Good Shepherd.

Recently I wanted to draw contrast between some of the newer corporate worship music being composed and contrast it with some older repertoire that I feel is from a bygone day when the craft of lyric writing was valued and employed perhaps more often. I started off by having my students read a verse in chorus from Jeremy Riddle’s composition “Furious” from the new “Bethel Live” CD:

Nothing can tear us from
The grip of His mighty love
We’ve only glimpsed, His vast affection
Heard whispers of, His heart and passion
It’s pouring down...

His love is deep, His love is wide And it covers us
His love is fierce, His love is strong It is furious
His love is sweet, His love is wild
And its waking hearts to life

I contrasted this lyric with a verse and chorus from a composition called “Be Ye Glad” by Michael Kelly Blanchard:

In these days of confused situations.
In these nights of a restless remorse,
When the heart and the soul of the nation,
lay wounded and cold as a corpse.
From the grave of the innocent Adam,
comes a song bringing joy to the sad.
Oh your cry has been heard and the ransom,
has been paid up in full, Be Ye Glad.

Oh, Be Ye Glad, Be Ye Glad,
Every debt that you ever had
Has been paid up in full by the grace of the Lord,
Be Ye Glad, Be Ye Glad, Be Ye Glad.

Can you see the difference in lyric crafting? The difference is almost night and day. One abides by a strict form, while the other is nearly free-verse. One paints rich, fresh pictures using weighty adjectives while the other re-states common corporate expressions of praise and worship that are at best tired and worst, cliche.

Take a closer look at the first set of lyrics. Do you agree with what they say? Here’s two reasons why I would not choose this as the language to lead the masses in worship:

The lyric employs the secondary definition of ‘furious’ (‘quickly’) as it’s primary ‘hook’ word or theme. What’s a ‘secondary definition’? It’s what the word can ALSO mean, but not how people typically use the word or normally understand it to mean. Remember, great songs are clear. To use the word ‘furious’ is cool, but unless you’re talking about the wrath of God, you’re treading on confusing ground. Corporate worship songs shouldn’t need any further explanation. Great songs explain themselves. Sadly, I think ‘Furious’ (which by the way, primarily means to be angry) would need a public discourse in order to articulate what the composer really meant. As a worship leader there are FAR better, more accurate songs I can use as vehicles than ones like this which can lead to miscommunication/inaccuracies about God.

2. I really struggle with the lyrical line “We’ve only glimpsed, His vast affection heard whispers of, His heart and passion”. Just stop and really think about what that line is teaching. Is that true of Christ? When he hung on the cross was that only a glimpse and soft whisper of his heart, passion and love for us?

Consider these commonly known verses on the love of God:

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (1 John 3:16)

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! (Romans 5:6-9)

When Christ bled and died on the cross, when He absorbed the wrath of a just God on our behalf, was that just a glimpse and whisper of his love? No, I think not. It was a greatest display of love in all of history.

Remember too the way we relate to each other romantically is NOT, the way God relates to His children. The idea of God’s love being ‘sweet’ and ‘wild’ (as the chorus states) are pampering words. God’s love to us is not a pampering love - it’s a perfecting love.

Songs teach. What are the songs you’re choosing teaching? Are you putting them through the scrutiny of God’s Word or are you inclined to use them because they resonate with your emotions and hook you with an infectious melody?

The purpose of writing this article has not been to bash artists, but to draw a line and encourage worship leaders to think about the songs they use and the lyrics they write. If we’re truly willing to think about what we’re singing, I think we’ll all have to come to grips that there is a lot of popular music that we ought not to be using as corporate worship expressions for a variety of reasons.

If this article has made you think. Then it’s fulfilled it’s purpose.

If you want to read more about writing and choosing well crafted lyrics and compositions, I’d like to suggest the following books which have been immensely helpful to me:

- “The Craft of Lyric Writing” by Sheila Davis
- “Writing Better Lyrics” by Pat Pattison
- “The Craft of Christian Songwriting” by Robert Sterling

May the songs you write and lead in make much of Christ and His cross; beautifully, clearly and accurately,

Travis

Tribute To My Nana

2011-01-03T11:21:00.000-05:00

This is my tribute letter I wrote in honor of my Nana Doucette who passed away last week.
My sister will be reading this at her funeral on Tuesday. Unfortunately I am unable to attend.

Dear Family and Friends -

I am not sure what pains me more today; the loss of my Nana or the fact that I can't be there with you today to celebrate her life and support my Dad and Papa.
Despite our greatest efforts, it was not possible, nor feasible for me to return. With that in mind, please accept my deepest apologies and condolences.

My Nana was an incredible woman. My earliest memories of her involve me coming to her house at Law Crescent in Richmond Hill.
Her house was always incredibly clean. Everything had a place. Yet, Nana never minded us making a mess of things.

I can remember Brian, Johnny and I terrorizing Brett, Jackie and Julie and Nana would never get upset.
If anything, we'd be sentenced to the basement to play. But that was never a punishment because it had that couch with the spinning center piece.
I can't even remember how many times we threw Brett into that confined space spun him around - poor guy!

Nana loved to collect random objects from her travels. I'll never forget the 'sun-face' that sat on the living-room coffee table and the 'raining bird cage' in the TV room.
And who could ever forget Nana's dog, Ginger? You have my father to thank for that. Who knew that a tea-cup poodle could be so viciously loyal!?

And then of course were Nana's bird's. I'll always remember "Peter". You may not know this, but "Peter" was actually my bird until my dad had 'had enough of it's squawking' and decided
that we needed to give it away. The only problem is that as far as I knew, my bird was a female bird. I actually named it "Debbie". I was very confused to come to Nana's
one Sunday afternoon only to discover that she had re-named my beloved pet, "Peter". I am not sure it made any difference to Nana, but that poor bird had a major gender crisis.

Nana loved to entertain people and she would always greet you when you arrived at her house. Before you could get one word in, she'd be inviting you
to come-in and offering to take your coat and help you with whatever you were brining into her house.

And Nana's house always smelt good. Nana was the best cook ever. Christmas and Thanksgiving meals were always 'over the top' and there was always
meat pie and egg rolls on the table for everyone! Nana was always trying to get me to eat. I wasn't sure if it was because I've always been skinny or if she just
always had a lot of food to get rid of. Anytime I was over at her house, she'd conveniently place a box of chocolates, nuts, and other assorted candies in front of me.
In addition, she had candy and nuts hidden everywhere! You could count on any decorative box to be filled with some sort of goodies at Nana's house.

Nana always took an interest in my life and was very supportive in all my endeavors. I can remember her coming to my first college graduation.
I always knew that she was proud of me. And not just of me, but of many of the grandchildren who've achieved academic and personal success far beyond the opportunities that were available to her.

When I decided to move to the States 5 years ago, the visits with Nana became more infrequent, but we still managed to stay in touch through snail mail.
I would often write Nana. I actually wrote to both Nana and Papa, but I know it would be Nana who would have to read or should I say, 'yell' my letters out loud so Papa could hear.
We'd have our annual visits when I would be home at Christmastime.

Despite her struggles with her health over the past two years, Nana was a fighter. I guess that's part of what makes loosing her such a sad loss.
She was always a strong woman. Although she had no formal education, she was an incredibly intelligent woman. And she was never afraid to tell you her opinion - if you dared to ask!
It was Nana's strength that always held the family together. She was the glue.

I don't think I ever once heard my Nana complain about her health. Even in her last days, she never complained to me about how her body was failing her.
I was blessed to be the last grandchild to see her alive last Wednesday. Myself, Dad and Papa spent about an hour with Nana. While we were there, Papa pointed out how swollen
Nana's legs had become. He crouched down and rolled up Nana's pants to show me. We both could barely get our hands around her ankles.
Although she must of been in pain, you would have never had known. She was strong - right till the end.

During our visit Nana was out of her hospital bed, in a chair, sitting up and chatting with us. Although she said she was tired, once we brought her a coffee, she chipped up and was full of energy.
She even had enough energy to snap at Papa - one of her favorite pastimes. Apparently he had not put enough sauce on the ribs he brought over for her!
After our visit I hugged and kissed my Nana and said goodbye. Although I didn't know this would be our last visit, I sensed that I had closure. So much, that I actually turned to my dad and said
"If that's the last time I see Nana, I'll be okay with that - that was a good visit".

Little did I know, that was not only the last time I saw Nana awake, it was the last time any of us saw her awake.
I don't know why we were the lucky ones to say goodbye to Nana, but we couldn't have asked for a better farewell.
My last memory of Nana is kissing her smiling face and telling her how much we all love and appreciate her.

I am so thankful to have known Nana and to be a part of her family.
She leaves behind a legacy of hard work, hospitality and traditional family values.
I can only hope that I carry into my family what she so faithfully brought into hers.

Travis Doucette (Grandchild #3)
Washington, DC
Monday January 3, 2011.

For those who would like to support me, you can do so my supporting my dad during this difficult time in lieu of my absence.
Funeral details are as follows:

Marshall Funeral Home
10366 Young St., Richmond Hill

Monday Jan. 3/11
Visitation   2-4 pm, 7- 9pm

Service   Tuesday Jan.4/11

11:30 a.m.

Reception downstairs following service

Happiness is Not the Goal

2010-12-30T20:33:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite Christian writers is A.W. Tozer. I wanted to post this devotion as it had a profound impact on me. How often we must realign our thoughts with the truth of God’s Word! Enjoy this - it’s a good one!

Trials and Pain: Happiness is Not the Goal

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
--2 Timothy 2:3-4

That we are born to be happy is scarcely questioned by anyone. No one bothers to prove that fallen men have any moral right to happiness, or that they are in the long run any better off happy.

The only question before the house is how to get the most happiness out of life. Almost all popular books and plays assume that personal happiness is the legitimate end of the dramatic human struggle.

Now I submit that the whole hectic scramble after happiness is an evil as certainly as is the scramble after money or fame or success....

How far wrong all this is will be discovered easily by the simple act of reading the New Testament through once with meditation. There the emphasis is not upon happiness but upon holiness. God is more concerned with the state of people's hearts than with the state of their feelings. Undoubtedly the will of God brings final happiness to those who obey, but the most important matter is not how happy we are but how holy. The soldier does not seek to be happy in the field; he seeks rather to get the fighting over with, to win the war and get back home to his loved ones. There he may enjoy himself to the full; but while the war is on his most pressing job is to be a good soldier, to acquit himself like a man, regardless of how he feels. Of God and Men, pp.48-49

"Oh Lord, redirect my focus. Help me today to be a 'good soldier of Jesus Christ.' Amen."

Lenny LeBlanc on Songwriting

2010-11-30T15:02:00.000-05:00

Lenny LeBlanc is a staple in both the secular and Christian music industries. He’s had numerous top 10 hits, a handful of number one’s and songs that have been sung in the church around the globe. Most notably may be his worship songs, “Above All” (co-written with Paul Baloche) and “There Is None Like You”, both co-published by Integrity Music. I had the opportunity back in October to sit under some of Lenny’s teaching on songwriting and wanted to share some of the profound and practical wisdom he shared on this topic.

What makes a good song?

1. The lyric paints a good picture

2. The melody is unforgettable

3. Depicts a story or idea that touches your heart

Where to start when you are writing?

1. Try to wait for a great idea. A title, a lyric or part of a melody. Build up from that. Song ideas can come from prayers or sermons.

2. Read as much as possible.

3. Listen to music as much as possible.

4. Keep your radar on and be aware of conversations. Listen to what they are saying. Think in that realm.

Structure and Form:

1. Verse: 4-6 lines. Sets up the initial idea of the song. Sometimes it will ask a question. Make the first line lyrically strong to it catches the attention of others.

2. The channel is a pre-chorus. Used Tomlin's "Forever" as an example. The pre-chorus sets up the chorus allowing the time needed to set things up for the hook.

3. The chorus is where the hook and main idea release.

4. Bridge departs musically from the verse and chorus. Good to have a bridge if your verses or chorus are short. A place to say anything else that isn't conveyed in the verses.

Lyrics:

1. The challenge is to write something profound in the fewest words possible.

2. Some songs don't follow classic formats and are exceptions. Example would be Don McClean's "American Pie". Art is sometimes out of the box. If it works it works.

3. Record and listen back to hear it more objectively. This is a great writing tool that helps you see what changes may need to happen to make the song stronger.

Melody is just as important as the lyrics. Sometimes a melody can make a song. Learn new chords and voicings to expand your ability to write great melodies.

Publishing and Copyright:

1. You can copyright your songs in Washington online.

2. Songs written after 1978 are protected for the life of the author plus seventy years. You can do it online for $35 a song.

3. Poor man's copyright (mailing your music to you and keeping it sealed): won't hold up in court.

Royalties:

Two basic kinds: mechanical and performance.

1. Mechanical: what you get from a download or physical cd purchase. 9.2 cents. Half of this will go to the publisher. If you don't have a publisher you keep all of your share of the song.

2. Performance: earned from songs being played on TV, radio, movies, being sung in church

- PRO’s - collection agencies for performance royalties: ASCAP, BMI, SESAC. These are paid out over the four quarters of the year.

- Listener supported Christian stations pay a third less in licensing fees which cuts the songwriters royalty by roughly two thirds.

- Register your songs with CCLI to claim royalties on performance rights within the church.

Crafting a Lyric and Melody for the Local Church - Part Five

2010-11-07T12:04:00.000-05:00

Some Final Thoughts to conclude our series of posts on crafting a lyric and melody for the local church.

I don’t pretend to be an ‘expert’ on this subject by any means. But it is one of my passions and through the years I’ve learned a small amount by reading, listening to and hanging around those who have far more experience than I do. If I could leave you with a few thoughts as an addendum to what I’ve already suggested these would be them:

1. Don’t get stars in your eyes. Ask yourself, “Why am I writing?” Do you want a congregational ‘hit’ or do you want to please God with a pure heart. Question your motives often. It will keep you in a good spot.

2. Not everything you write is for others. Be content that there may be some songs only ever intended to be heard by the Lord in the privacy of your own home. That’s okay. Make worshipping Him relentlessly the end goal, not a hit song.

3. You can do this! Writing is a learned trait but it takes practice. Don’t get discouraged. It often takes lots of mediocre songs before a great one pops out. The key is to keep developing the craft and practicing it regularly. Play your songs to others often and listen to those you respect.

4. You need others. Sometimes you will have an unfinished song that the Lord never intended for you to complete on your own. Discover both the awkwardness and joy of co-writing. It will teach you to surrender some of your thoughts and prefer others. Furthermore, it will often harvest better ideas – two heads are often better than one. Finally, it displays the beauty of the body. We’re always stronger as a team. Share the credit that comes from a job well done and give God all the glory.

5. School’s in! Relentlessly study music. Expand your iTunes library and continually ask “why does this song work”? Take a look at CCLI’s top 25 and find the common thread characteristics in those compositions. There’s never one formula for writing music. God simply ordains some songs in the church, but even those carry share some common characteristics. Figure out what those characteristics are by listening to a wide array of styles, artists, and types of music. Few things should be ‘off limits’.

6. God is better than you. Let God be your promoter. Nothing’s worse than the self-saturated songwriter who’s relentlessly eager to show you their ‘latest hit’. God does what He wants, when He wants and how He wants. Commit yourself to Him first always and don’t get caught in the trap of ‘trying to make something happen. God’s timing and anointing is far better than anything you can conjure up.

7. Dive in deep! Finally, go for it. Songwriting is a risk. After all, you are putting yourself out there (your life, your heart, your creativity) for others to observe, hear, discern and critique. Learn to enjoy the creative process. Be humble. It’s okay to disagree with others, but hear what they have to say first. Contrary to what you may think, they may hold the idea that will take your song from good to great!

Trusting that your best songs are just around the corner – all for the glory of God!

- Travis Doucette

Crafting a Lyric and Melody for the Local Church - Part Four

2010-10-17T11:57:00.000-04:00

Where do I begin when writing a lyric?

Starting Points: Like melody writing, there is no standard rule when writing a lyric. The best advice I could give anyone with lyric writing (or melody writing for that matter) is to always be ready. Here’s a few things to keep in mind as you begin to craft a lyric:

a.Be prepared. Nothing is worse then a great idea that was quickly lost because you were un-prepared. Be ready with paper and pen at all times. A thought, spoken word, phrase, sign could be the start of a great song. I often journal and make notes in corporate worship services. Corporate worship is often the place I sense the Lord the most and thus where I feel inspired. Furthermore, be aware of your mood. I often feel the most inspired when I am extremely sad or extremely happy. Let your expressions of life flow out of your pen and take advantage of those emotions!

b.Become a writer. It seems almost silly to mention it but great lyricists become great because they practice their skill and learn to capture the moments. Journal your life. Write and write often. Write about your joys, your experiences, and your failures. Write about other’s joys, experiences and failures. Learn the power of narrative writing and become a great story teller. There’s power in the story. Be as honest and real as you can in your writing.

c.Open your ears to the world around you. Take note (literally) of what others say and pray. You’d be surprised at some of the rich content that will flow out of those around you – especially other writers (and they don’t even know it!). Great lyricists always have their ears up to the voices around them.

d.Beware of common lyric pitfalls. Is your lyric saying something that’s been said a million times before (“Every nation will bow before Your throne”, “All of creation gives You Praise”, “You are my everything”)? Is your lyric cliché, even if it’s from Scripture, (“Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness”). Is there a lack of clear focus and direction in your lyric? Is it just a series of phrases or worship song titles? Is there consistency in the lyric or are there a lot of ‘filler’ lines. Are your rhymes used creatively or did the rhymes write the song? Always keep the progression of your lyric clear and focused. Let the message of the song drive the lyric and use poetic devices to strengthen the articulation of that message.

e.Great lyrics are rarely written the first time. As tied to the ‘moment’ you may feel, nine times out of ten, your lyric (and melody for that matter) will need to be crafted. Don’t get too attached (ever) to the first draft. There’s better stuff in store if you are humbly willing to listen to others and to let ideas ‘cook’. Sometimes it takes days, months, even years to get a lyric just right (Take Chris Tomlin’s “Forever” for example which took years to complete). Great lyrics are like a great stew – they take time to cook to perfection.

Don’t be in a hurry to finish anything. No one likes to sing anything forced or contrived. Learn the craft of waiting and re-writing. The re-writing process is as important as the initial draft. Chances are if you re-write, you will be more pleased with the final product.

Crafting a Lyric and Melody for the Local Church - Part Three

2010-10-10T11:59:00.000-04:00

Where do I begin when writing a melody?

Starting Points: There is lots of advice when it comes to this timeless question, but there’s no ‘one’ answer to where exactly great melodies come from. However there are a number of things you can do to facilitate melodies in your heart:

a. Pray for a song. The God who spoke the world into being is not short on great melodies. Ask for the ‘sounds of heaven’ to flood your mind and ask God to supernaturally inspire you. Ask Him to birth something in you that would make MUCH of Jesus and His cross.

b. Listen to everything. Put no parameters on the style of music you listen to. History didn’t begin on your birthday. Listen to what music critics call the classics. Invade your heart and soul with melodies that have stood the test of time. A few suggestions on where to start may include, Switchfoot, “The Beautiful Letdown”, Amy Grant, “Lead Me On”, Paul Simon, “Graceland” and the Beatles, “Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”. The best writers of worship music aren’t listening to that genre exclusively. Expand your box and listen to it all.

c. Sing out. It’s amazing how many songs are birthed in times of prayer and worship. Come to the Lord with no agenda. Make music in your heart by playing a chord progression and singing His Word back to Him. He loves to hear His Word and you’d be amazed at how many songs are birthed in quiet times when songwriters simply took the risk to sing out whatever was on their hearts (“Open The Eyes of My Heart” by Paul Baloche is a great example of this). Sing to God your fears, your anxieties, your joys, your love, your prayers. This takes practice, but with time, as you learn to spontaneously sing out, you may sing out something worth capturing. Always have something to record audio nearby – bring it everywhere you go. Melodic inspiration is like the wind. You are never sure when it’s coming or how soon it will be gone. Don’t miss the moment because you were unprepared!

Crafting a Lyric and Melody for the Local Church - Part Two

2010-09-29T12:54:00.000-04:00

Please enjoy part 2 of my article "Crafting a Lyric and Melody for the Local Church". This week we will be discussing the characteristics of a congregational lyric.

3. What are the characteristics of a congregational lyric?

a. Where’s the authority? Writing a impacting lyric first deals with the question of authority. Do your words/ideas change lives and inspire people to worship God? Perhaps, however many of the most impacting congregational songs ever written are songs based on Scripture. Sing the Word of God and write it into your lyric. Bank on its power, not your own.

b. Keep it fresh. An effective congregational lyricist is always looking for fresh expressions of timeless truth. There is a lost art of poetically finding fresh ways to express doctrine, and biblical concepts. Worn out phrases like “You’re the only one I want”, “You’re all I need”, “You are my everything” have become tired in our worship vocabulary. Consider the fresh expressions contained in modern hymns like “In Christ Alone” by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty or the line in “Sing to the King” by Billy and Cindy Foote, “Satan is vanquished”. Expand your vocabulary by reading hymnbooks, theology and classic Christian works. Dig deeper than what you’ve heard before.

c. Does it resonate with your congregation? Sadly today, so many are trying to write the next “global worship hit”. Instead of seeking to write the next “Shout to the Lord”, write out of relationship; with God and with your congregation. Craft a lyric that expresses what God’s doing in your life and congregation. Let God be your promoter and do what He wants with your music.

d. You are a Theologian. When you write for the church, you are taking on a tall order. Songs teach doctrine and theology. Songwriters are the “preachers in song”. It’s vitally important that your lyric lines up first with the Word of God before an infectious melody. Run your lyrics past your pastor or someone who knows the Word. Make sure you represent and sing to God accurately.

e. More than one approach works. Rhyming has always solidified a strong lyric. However, patterns for rhyming can include both perfect rhymes – dove/love (which are often the strongest, but the most trite as well) and imperfect/like-sounding rhymes need/release. Become a wordsmith. Know both the power behind the meaning of the word, its vowel sounds and how it can potentially rhyme. Listen to some famous American songwriters who have mastered and defined this skill. Start with Paul Simon and Bob Dylan. In addition to rhyming, learn the power of repetition, alliteration and contrast and build it into your lyrics. All of these poetic devices are exemplified perfectly in the Psalms.

f. Not all words sing the way they sound. What looks good on paper may not ‘sing’ well. Great songs for the masses use words that not only have significant meaning, but that roll of the tongue effortlessly. Don’t make your congregation dance perform tongue twisters on Sunday. The song will become more of a distraction. Sing out the words you want to use and see if they sound as good as they look.

Next week we will be posting the third installment of this article, "Where to begin when writing a congregational melody".

Believing in Christ's creativity through you . . .

t.

Crafting a Lyric and Melody for the Local Church - Part One

2010-09-24T08:03:00.000-04:00

For about a year now, I've received requests from my students and friends to articulate some of what I've learned about writing congregational worship music.

I am happy to present this, the first of a few blogs that shares some of what I've learned from others who are far better songwriters than me and things I've learned simply from writing a lot of lousy songs. I pray it will be an encouragement to you.

I will post this article in multiple, 'digestible' parts over the forthcoming weeks so be sure to check back regularly if you desire to read the full article. This week, part one will tackle the origins of inspiration and the characteristics of a congregational melody.

Crafting a Lyric and Melody for the Local Church
“Sing unto the Lord a new song, His praise from the ends of the Earth” – Isaiah 42:10

1. Where does inspiration come from?
a. Life experiences (the things many can relate to)
b. Nature and creation (the beauty seen in creation)
c. Books and poetry (the wisdom of those who’ve gone before us)
d. The Word of God (the source of all authority)
e. Tragedies and trials (the pain we endure. It’s never wasted)
f. People (the friends we make along the journey of life)

- We cannot control moments of inspiration, but we can control our influences. Inspiration can be facilitated by taking advantage of the above mentioned things.

2. What are the characteristics of congregational melody?

a.Congregational melodies are singable. Remember people sing melodies not chord progressions. Always build your melody and frame it with your harmonic chord structure. It’s the melody people will remember. Effective songs for the masses have infectious hooks that stick to the wall. The best way to see if your melody is memorable is to demo it and test it with your friends, then pilot it in a congregation.

b.Congregational melodies have more limitations than “Artist Songs” because they are intended to be accessible and sung by the masses, not just the ‘trained voice’.

c.With that in mind, it’s best to not write your melody above D4 Anything higher will be out of range for your Alto’s and most men struggle with ‘singing out’, especially in a quieter part of the song. That said, it’s good for church’s to ‘sing out’ at the top of their range(s) during the climax of a song (i.e. “How Great is Our God by Chris Tomlin). Pitching your song in the right setting can often determine if congregations will sing it, own it and enjoy it. If you want your songs to succeed, make sure you have them pitched correctly.

d.Effective congregational songs have a ‘Cry’ in the hook. Think of “Mighty to Save” by Reuben Morgan and Ben Fielding or the bridge of “How Great is Our God”. The melody soars and ‘cries’ out. If your melody is stagnant or doesn’t have many jumps in intervals in the chorus, you may be missing a ‘cry’. Great songs will often have both a ‘cry’ in the chorus AND the bridge (B part). In addition, effective melodies DO what the lyric actually is saying. For instance if you write the word “up” in your lyric, it will make the lyric stronger if the melody ascends over that lyric.

e.Great congregational songs have melodic hooks both in the sung melody and in the accompaniment (ie: Hosanna by Brooke Frasier). Sometimes they overlap and double as both (ie: Everlasting God by Brenton Brown/Ken Riley).

f.Good congregational songs have smooth melodic transitions between each section. Each section is effective when it sets up the next and flows together/leads into it smoothly (“Shout to the Lord” by Darlene Zschech). Become aware of basic song forms (ABAB ABA) and different sections of modern songs and how they function (Verse, Channel/Pre-Chorus, Chorus, Bridge, Tags).

Next week I'll be posting the second section of this article, "The Characteristics of a Congregational Lyric". Be sure to check back and please feel free to contact me with any questions (travisdoucette@hotmail.com). As always, if this information is of any use to you or your congregation, feel free to replicate it and share it with any of those who may be interested.

Believing your best songs are yet to come!

- Travis

10 Basic Principles for Playing Piano in a Worship Band

2010-09-15T03:30:00.001-04:00

Psalm 33:3 – “Sing to Him a new song, play skillfully on the strings with loud shouts!”

1. Above all things keep it simple (stupid!).
a. The role of the piano, contrary to many classically trained pianists is not to outline the melody. This is carried by the vocals in a worship band.
b. The role of the piano player is to fill upper-mid range space with simple, often basic playing
c. Much of what is played is simply half notes or whole notes.
d. Learn to take chord charts and simply play the chords (no fills or elaborate extensions). Play only the roots and (maybe) a 5th in the left hand.

2. Know who you are playing with. Who you are playing with will determine how and how much you will need to play. Playing in a full band with multiple guitars will typically force your piano playing to be in the higher registers of the instrument. When you play in the context of a band, you are no longer the only instrument and instead of having to fill up the WHOLE sonic space, you are now caught in the middle (literally!) and must play your part tastefully as one of many components contributing to the overall sound. Learning to invert your chord structures in a way that does not overlap the sonic space being played by other instruments, particularly the guitars.

3. Always be listening. Listen to as much praise and worship music you can. Download songs from iTunes, purchase CD’s at your local music store. If you find a particular album you enjoy, purchase the accompanying music if it’s available. Begin to copy the playing you hear on the recording. Take note of what the piano player does, how much she/he plays and where he/she plays.

4. Music Theory is your friend. It’s difficult to communicate when you are unable to speak a language! Knowing the language of music is another ‘tool’ in your tool-belt for music. Understand how music is put together and how chords follow each other. Many, many songs are very predictable because they follow similar patterns of ‘tension’ and ‘release’. Learning ‘chord families’ is helpful for the novice player (i.e. if we are playing in D Major, we will likely see a G, A and Bm chord). Learn how to create close voicing’s so when you play these chords, your transitions are smooth and pleasant.

5. Don’t get too complex with your voicings when playing chords. Often open 5ths, omitting the 3rd of a chord provides the ‘space’ sonically that will be pleasing to an arrangement. Large, illustrious chord extensions often muddy up the mix when playing in band setting.

6. Keep off the bass player’s notes. Desiring the ‘power’ that comes from octaves or roots/fifths in the left hand often leads us to ‘step on’ the notes the bass player is playing. Remember that in a band context, lower notes are covered by another instrument. Because the piano is a very versatile instrument, the tendency is to want to use it to it’s maximum potential. When playing with a band, most of what you are playing will be around the C4 range or slightly below.

7. Those scales and modes ARE useful. Your classical music training is not a waste! In fact, it’s a solid foundation, and arguably the best. Knowing your scales and modes is very helpful when playing piano in a worship band setting, as it will help you ‘hear’ the parameters in which a fill/lick can be played in depending on the key/mode of the song you are playing. For instance, if I am playing “Revelation Song” which is in D-Mixolydian, I know I am basically playing in a G scale (or a D scale with a continual flatted 7th, depending on how you want to look at it). I know now that any ‘frills’ I want to add in musical spaces must conform to the parameters of this mode. Many of us are comfortable playing major/minor scales. If you have these down, begin to look at some blues and jazz scales. You will find that the notes and harmonic chord structures that arise from these scales can tastefully (at times) be superimposed on common worship songs.

8. Learn to find the ‘Musical Holes’. All music is made up of both notes and space. Both are equally important. When you play piano in a worship band setting it’s important to learn to listen for the ‘musical holes’ so that if you do a fill/lick you are placing it in a hole and not on top of someone else’s notes. Much of this is learned over time and comes with the experience of ‘trading off musical space’ with others you are playing with. Communication in a band context is key and is often done with musicians using eye contact and facial expressions.

9. So what do I play in the ‘holes’? We’ve talked a little about musical notes and space. We termed the space as ‘musical holes’. This begs the question: What do I play in the musical spaces? Again, our key principle remains true: always keep it simple. Often the holes are filled with simply outlining or arpeggiating a chord. The odd time, some songs (God of the Ages, Cannons) will have signature ‘licks’ that are sometimes carried by the piano. The places where these parts are played are often obvious and come at the end of a musical section of a song. They are used as a ‘musical hook’ to fill in space and are often signature to the song.

10. Stay humble and assume you still have lots to learn. The journey to becoming a better musician is much like that of becoming sanctified: it takes time. Here’s some tips to ensure your continual growth as a skilled worship pianist:

a. Listen to it all. Find out what worship albums have become embraced by the church. Listen carefully, practice and play with the recordings.
b. Read any information you can find (on the internet or at your book store) on playing technique. There are both Christian and secular resources that expand on these basic principles.
c. Surround yourself with players who are better than you. Look for a ‘musical mentor’. Ask lots of questions and position yourself as a student.
d. Pray that the Lord would open your mind to understand and comprehend what you work on, that He would give fruit to your labor and develop you into the musician He wants you to be!

Further online resources to develop your skill:

1. http://www.ehow.com/videos-on_3562_play-keyboards-church-band.html - “How to” videos demonstrating some of the concepts written about in this article.
2. http://www.musictheory.net/ - A fantastic page that teaches basic music theory, complete with online tests and exercises.
3. www.worshipteamtraining.com/.../Classical_Pianists_Pt.1.pdf - A great article for those who are coming from a more ‘Classical’ background.

Surprising Service From An Airline

2010-08-07T21:50:00.000-04:00

The service I received today on my flight from Toronto to JFK en route to Israel was so incredible I need to tell the world about it.

The name of the airline was “LAN Airlines”. I think they primarily do service to South America. If I get service like this again, I will and I must find reason to regularly travel to South America!

The good news begins with the price. For this one-way flight I paid only about 140 bucks. Cheap, even for a one-way flight coming out of YYZ (Toronto). The blessings continued to flow when I arrived to check-in. If you have ever flown instate, you will know that AA and Delta (amongst others) have started this ridiculous practice where they charge you $25 per checked bag. However, to my surprise, they told me I could check TWO bags for FREE!

I entered the aircraft and say down in my comfortable seat. It actually reclined back AND forward and in front of me was a TV screen. This was NOT first class either! So I think to myself, “certainly I will have pay to make this TV work”. Nope. Everything was free. I watched “The Simpsons” and “Just For Laughs” on my way to JFK. To make things even better, I asked the sturdiest if there would be food for purchase on this flight. Noticing I was hungry, she returned not only with a drink, but with a muffin too - all FREE.

I say AA and Delta and the other cheap American Airlines take their cues from LAN. They do it right and I will certainly book with them again.

I am pretty excited now. I am in JFK about 1 hour from boarding a 10 hour to Israel. We spent an incredible day in NYC. I will post some pictures below. I have been preparing spiritually by listening to some worship music (currently Hillsong’s, “Worthy Is The Lamb”) and reading through the Gospel of John. I really believe God has something special for us on this trip. The people I am traveling with are incredible. We have a diverse group but so much in common - we’re all Christ-followers. I am excited to see how the Lord will change my life and conform me more into His image through this trip!

Here’s some pics from our day in the Big Apple:

I’ll post some more God-willing once we have landed and are settled in Israel.

Fix Your Eyes On Jesus

2010-07-29T00:04:00.000-04:00

I am always amazed at where songs come from. Inspiration is like the wind, you never really know which way it blows, but like a windmill, you are effective if you patiently wait because it won't be long until your fans are spinning and generating something good.

Well the 'windmill' was spinning last night and it was very much unexpected. I found myself staring out my window, marveling at the sunset that was illuminating the sky one last time before the day was done. There was a bird resting on the top of a street light and between it's outline and the cascade of the sky, I was quickly transported to a state of worship and relaxation.

I remembered an old song from a Twila Paris from her "Cry for the Desert" project (a must-have in any exhaustive collection). She penned this lyric on one song on the album, 'say unto my soul, fix your eyes on Jesus'. What a powerful lyric. What a powerful reminder. Immediately those words, 'fix your eyes' on Jesus poured out of my soul in a moment of worship. I sat at my piano and just sang to the Lord.

Wanting to encourage the body, I penned these lyrics in a hymn-like fashion. I intentionally built the last verse to reflect the 2nd coming, a common practice of 19th and 20th century hymn writers. It was unexpected and I am pleased with where this is heading. It's a simple prayer song intended to remind me and others that our sight is the clearest when it's set upon Jesus Christ.

Fix your eyes on Jesus
Look to Him who carries You
Speak to Him in silent prayer
Rest upon His Word of truth

Fix your eyes on Jesus
Fix your eyes on Jesus
Fix your eyes on Jesus, Jesus
And watch the world fade away

Fix your eyes on Jesus
The love of God displayed for you
Gift of mercy crucified
Alive again to make us new

Fix your eyes on Jesus
On the clouds He'll come one day
Like a thief within the night
He'll return to steal us away

I noticed that the words to "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" will easily fit the melody. If it's public domain, I may add that familiar exhortation to conclude this little prayer song.

t.

Under Haitian Skies - Day Seven

2010-07-20T22:45:00.000-04:00

Today was our last full day in Haiti. I have fallen in love with these people and it will be difficult to leave tomorrow.

There’s so much help needed here and I feel like we’ve just seen the tip of the ice burg it terms of what the Lord wants to do and IS doing in Haiti. We spent a lot of time today ‘dreaming out loud’ about what the future could potentially hold. I am excited to see how the Lord will lead.

This morning we did some odd jobs around the house and then later after lunch Pastor Gersan’s wife, Betty took us to an outdoor market where I bought these three paintings for 10 bucks!

In the evening we headed over to a large pentecostal church. Boy did these Haitians know how to get their praise on. Their building is a work in progress. It’s quite the structure and currently it has no roof! It started to rain when we arrived to set up so we set up under the first level and had people congregate on one side of the building. By the time the service was over, the middle section was completely flooded. God was good and kept our gear dry. We had the opportunity to share with them in song. I really sensed that they were honored by “Defender” when I told them the story behind the song. Many came up to me afterwards expressing their appreciation for our ministry. Here’s some pics of this amazing building. Note the sticks used as support beams for the scaffolding they are using to complete the roof with cement . . .

Before we shared in song, their regular worship team tore it up. They had a three piece ensemble, bass keys and drums. The drum set was something else but it sounded pretty decent! I was surprised at how full of a sound they got with a simple three-piece ensemble:

As I mentioned before, these people are PASSIONATE worshippers. You can tell how dependent they are on God in how they worship Him . . .

Pastor Gersan and our new friend Tiffany (from DTS) came and helped us out during the service with some translating:

Brandon and Jeff planned the service and did a great job leading it. Here’s a pic of Brando and me:

I figured it would be cool to show ya’ll where we’ve been staying all week, so here’s a few pictures of the lovely home of Pastor Gersan and Betty Valcin . . .

They have a really cool cat named “Mi-Mi” which apparently is Creole for “Cat”. Despite her size, she’s 12 years old and has been a mother!

Here’s a picture of the whole group from early this morning. I will certainly miss Haiti. God has done a great work in me through this experience and I know He has wonderful plans for the Haitian people. He will rebuild this nation and I believe He’s going to do it from the inside out. I am thrilled at the influence and vital role the church will play in the rebuilding of Haiti. I pray that the greatness of God will be put on display in this country and through the lives of its people . . .

Tomorrow we’re up at 6:30 and we’re back in Miami by noon. Touchdown in Canada for me is at 7:35 PM.

See you on the other side . . .

Under Haitian Skies - Day Six

2010-07-19T21:37:00.000-04:00

Today began at 7 AM. I wasn’t feeling well when I woke up. I had some cramps that had actually woken me up around 6 AM and I was lying in bed hoping it would pass. Turns out I was a little dehydrated. You don’t realize how much you actually need to drink when you are down here. I guzzled down three bottles of water and I was ready to go.

The first stop on our agenda was a quick trip to a really nice souvenir shop. I was able to pick up some gifts for my family that were made in Haiti. I was happy we were able to support the artistic culture here through out purchases. The trip to this shop took us all throughout Port-Au-Prince. It was about a 30 minute drive and it once again gave us an opportunity to see the destruction of this beautiful city . . .

The guys in the truck ahead of us. This was my favorite was to ride through the city:

A young boy in his home:

A Roman Catholic Church destroyed by the quake:

More structural damage:

The ONLY American franchise we saw in Port-Au-Prince - they don’t even have McDonalds!:

Haitian road workers:

So after our trip to the souvenir shop, we loaded up some supplies and headed up the mountain to paint a house. Again, the sights, sounds and smells we witnessed on our way were something to behold . . .

Crowded Haitian Market:

We had to clear the road in order to use it:

The house we painted:

Gettin’ it done:

All these people have left is the foundation their former home used to be on:

Crushed Car:

Robert and Me after painting one side of the house:

On top of the rubble, overlooking the city:

A village:

Even more destruction:

Collapsed Building:

Village amongst the mountains:

Despite the devastation and troublesome environment around us, we still found time to have some fun. We thought it was pretty entertaining that American’s were interested in our pop culture:

Brandon and I passed the time after dinner by stuffing bottle tops in our eye sockets and talking like “Mrs. Doubtfire”. Good times:

“Oh you, wicked, wicked man!”

I also discovered that I have become a buffet for an array of insects, many of which I believe to be bed bugs. I have since put some cortisone cream on these wounds:

Tomorrow is our last full day. I can’t believe it. It went SO fast. We have been told we’re going on a field trip and then doing one final concert in the evening. Should be fun. In the meantime, please pray for the water system in the house. We’ve had problems with the pump and have been having to pour water in the back of the toilet from buckets in order to make it flush. Someone is looking at the water pump now . . .

Until tomorrow . . .

Under Haitian Skies - Day Five

2010-07-18T22:38:00.000-04:00

Today was OFF the charts! Wow! God is SO good!

We woke up at 4:45 AM to lead worship at the first of three services at 6:30 AM. Boy do these people LOVE to worship. Part of the Haitian worship team joined us in leading at the 6:30 AM and 6 PM services. It was cool to blend both of the cultures together and with one voice make MUCH of Jesus. What an enjoyable experience! This time was especially meaningful to me as we were able to teach this church community a song I wrote called “Defender (Call Upon the Name)” which was inspired by the January Earthquake in Haiti.

It was wonderful to see 1000 Haitian’s catch on and sing-along with us. God is so good. We led at three services total, 6:30 AM, 9 AM and 6 PM. I am so thankful for the nap I had this afternoon. The Lord was gracious and sustained us for a very long day of ministry.

I really enjoyed meeting the folks from this church and conversing with them after the services. There is such a need and desire for more music training. A number of young people came up to me and asked if we could come back and hold a music training conference. They are interested in learning music theory and basic vocal technique. Isn’t it wonderful when God speaks clearly!? I really hope there will be provision for us to return soon and use our gifts to help build and bless the Church of Haiti.

Here’s a handful of pictures from the three services today . . .

An ariel view of the church sanctuary:

Rehearsing with the Haitian worship team. These guys can SANG and play . . .

Singing truth together:

Sweet Pea:

Moments of surrender:

Some of our new Haitian friends:

Album Cover #1:

Album Cover #2:

Messin’ Around:

Rehearsing the band:

Meeting a new friend:

Listening to a sermon in Creole:

Using my front facing cam on my iPhone4 to take a pic of Roberto et moi:

God’s people gathering in God’s house to hear God’s Word:

Jamming on the drums: (En francias: le baton):

Making melody:

Leading worship w/ Brandon and Jeff:

Responding to truth:

The church parking lot:

Visiting with new friends after a service:

There was no question after today: I have fallen in love with these people and the church in Haiti. I feel a responsibility to offer my gifts and talents to Haitian church as a sacrifice of worship so that they can be encouraged and built up in their faith. One of the greatest things I heard tonight came from our host’s wife, Betty. She said “I’ve never experienced such joy since the Earthquake.” For me this was a defining moment because that’s why we came: to instill joy and remind people of how great God is. His purpose in all of this is to put His greatness on display in our lives and in the Haitian church. To God be all the glory!

Under Haitian Skies - Day Four

2010-07-18T17:15:00.000-04:00

What an INCREDIBLE day of ministry we had today.

It all began around 10 AM when we took a tour of some of the new small houses they are building here for the people effected by the quake. Most of these small houses are about $400 and are intended to be built as an effort to get people out of tents. There are about half a million people living in camping tents throughout the city and surrounding area.

To give you an idea of big these houses are inside, here’s a picture of us standing inside one:

These houses are all imported and arrive from the US ready to be assembled. A house like the one you see in the above picture sleeps a family of four.

After we inspected some of these houses, we packed up and headed to the other side of Port-Au-Prince to join the local church’s special choir party. We had been invited there to do some teaching on “Planning Corporate Worship Services” and “Elements of Worship Services”. The drive to this event took us all through downtown Haiti.

Imagine this, FIVE white dudes piled in the back of a pick-up track. We hung on for dear life and enjoyed the ride of our life up the mountains. I actually took a video of our journey and will post it to Facebook when I return.

Part of the adventure when you drive in Haiti is braving the roads. Few are paved and if they are they have pot holes the size of tractor tires in there. Here’s a picture to give you an idea of a typical road:

When we arrived at the house where the party was being held we were amazed at the view from the mountain. I stitched together a few pictures to give a panoramic shot of what our eyes saw upon our arrival:

The mountains in Haiti are BREATHTAKING! It’s such a beautiful country. We quickly made friends with the choir and they were very welcoming to us. It was different being the minority. We were 6 white guys amongst 40 Haitians. We chilled out around the pool and made friends with the little children:

Both Brandon and I did some teaching with the group. Brandon did a terrific job and the teaching was very well received. I really sense like we were an encouragement to the group. It’s so great to share and put into practice all we’ve learned in school:

We are excited for a FULL day of ministry tomorrow - THREE worship services tomorrow.

Please continue to pray for Haiti churches as they seek to be shining lights in the darkness of this devastated world.

Much love and grace,

The Liberty-Center for Worship Haiti Team:

Under Haitian Skies - Day Three

2010-07-16T22:32:00.000-04:00

Today began very early.

As I mentioned before in my previous posts, the sun rises upon Haiti around 4:30 PM and sets at 6:30 PM.

We woke up at 5:30 AM and headed to a local Christian school where we played in their morning chapel service at 7 AM.

The students at the school were very joyful and allowed us to teach them some songs including, “Your Grace is Enough” and “Defender (Call Upon the Name)”. They even knew a few of the tunes we sang including “Here I am To Worship” and “He is Exalted”. We had some cool moments where we backed off the mics allowing them to sing. It was such a beautiful sound and a taste of things to come in heaven.

The school was probably the most clean and ‘current’ building we’ve seen since we have been here. It was built two years ago by a New York business man and is now run by a local Haitian woman. “Robert, did you know that she’s the principle?”

Having a blast during an early morning rehearsal:

Robert “Wonder” on the Dejembe:

A beautiful Haitian young girl:

Going over the set list with the guys:

The assembly of students, grade school on left, high school on right:

Ariel shot of the band:

Outside the school auditorium:

After we played we hung around the school for a little bit then headed back to Gersan and Betty’s place for a pancake breakfast. Then a few of us took advantage of the ‘dead’ time and caught up on some sleep before having subs for lunch shortly afternoon.

In the late afternoon we experienced our first Haitian storm. Apparently it normally storms every day in Haiti but this was the first one we had seen since we had arrived. We used the afternoon to prepare some teaching to share with Gersan’s Worship Ministry at their rehearsal.

Here’s a picture with the worship team:

Rehearsing alongside their band in English AND Creole!:

This is when the fun really began! I hope to post some videos on my facebook of our rehearsal with Gersan’s worship team.

We had an incredible time and took turns singing modern worship songs in English and Creole. We even did a funked up version of Chris Tomlin’s “Forever” with an island/gospel feel. It was a lot of fun and there was a worshippful spirit of unity cultivated as we spoke to each other through music. It was so incredible to me that despite the language barrier, we could all still speak the language of music and were able to communicate that way. Music is a powerful thing and in this Christian culture it is the healing balm upon a nation that is severely wounded.

Later on when we came back to the house after rehearsal, we were reminded that a few of our new friends (pictured above) have homes like this, it was a sobering reminder of the devastation so many here live in:

That’s all for today. I am super tired and ready for bed. Goodnight Haiti. Goodnight friends!

Lord have mercy on this beautiful country,

Under Haitian Skies - Day Two

2010-07-15T22:05:00.000-04:00

Today was a great day.

It started off with some fresh fruit for Breakfast. The tropical fruit in Haiti is second to none. We had some pineapple (my favorite) and unlike American pineapple, you could eat the center ‘core’ and it was as good as the outer stuff. Amazing!

After breakfast we were off to a radio station to do an interview with our host, Gersan about our ministry here this week and to advertise for some of the concerts. Now, you need to understand that the Haiti, being a third world has little to no infrastructure. The radio station was about 30 miles away but it took us 90 minutes to get there because the roads are so poor. I hope to take a picture of them. They are not paved - it’s like driving through terrain and it’s very bumpy the way there and back!

Once we got to the radio station they interviewed myself, Gersan (our pastor host) and Jeff. They played two of my songs over Haitian radio, “God of the Ages” and “Defender (Call Upon the Name)”. That was pretty cool, considering the latter was inspired by the Haitian earthquake. This particular radio station is the oldest Christian radio station in Haiti (51 Years). We had a chance to chat with the director about some of the basic needs. Perhaps if you’re reading this, you could help with these needs they have so they can broadcast the Gospel in Haiti:

CD Players
Christian Music CD’s (of all English genres - many Haitians speak English) and Sermon CD’s
Scholarship money to help train-up personnel

If you think you can help with these needs, feel free to write or send resources to their US address:

I took a lengthy video of the radio director giving us a tour. I am hoping to get it into the hands of some at Liberty in hopes that we can somehow help with their needs - considering Jerry Falwell had such a passion for using telecommunication.

Here are some pictures from the radio station . . .

On air w/ Pastor Gersan (our host):

Jeff being interviewed and sharing about the Center for Worship @ Liberty University:

Jeff and I on top of the roof of the radio station. You will notice some of the slums behind us as well as the beautiful Haitian ocean and mountainside:

Some more pictures of the neighborhood around the radio station:

Upon our return from the radio station we spent the afternoon sorting out the audio equipment Gersan owns and that we’ll be using throughout the week for our concerts.

All my years on the road with Exodus combined with Robert’s expertise from Sounds provided a strong foundation for sorting through all of the gear. We really united as a team as one of the associates of Gersan’s who was helping us only spoke Creole and broken English. At one point as we were patching wires, he was undoing everything Robert and I were doing . . . oh the joys of communication or should I say MIScommunication. At any rate, we got it sorted out and once we were able to communicate with this guy, things came together. This was a GREAT bonding exercise for our team.

We took pictures of our patching job to make sure we wouldn’t forget how we wired up the system:

For being in a third world country I was surprised at the sound gear they did have in storage. We have ample speakers, monitors and heaps of cables. The Lord is good! Tomorrow morning is our first concert. We need to be at the school at 6 AM. I am not sure yet what to expect. It will be an early morning that’s for sure. The pace of life is quite different. The sun rises around 5 AM and goes down by 6:30 PM, so most people are in bed by 9-10 PM. With that said, I better turn in so I will be refreshed and be ready to give my best as we lead God’s people in worship tomorrow.

Please continue to pray for the people of Haiti, that the greatness of God would be put on display in this country and their lives.

Thanks for reading,

Under Haitian Skies - Day One

2010-07-14T23:12:00.000-04:00

I have never seen poverty, destruction and devastation like this ever in my life.

It’s almost surreal, like I am on the set of a movie. Everything I see seems like it should be a fantasy, something out of a horror movie. But then I realize - this IS reality.

The best way to describe things here is that a bomb went off everywhere and every cultural, political and social infrastructure we take for granted has been completely destroyed.

On one hand, it makes me really depressed. It’s hard to see how these poor people will ever recover because the mess and state of affairs is so huge and overwhelming.

I caught myself, like Job, asking ‘why would God allow something like this to happen - to the poorest of the poor’ and ‘where IS God in all of this’.

We walk by faith and not by sight. God’s where He’s always been, sovereignly ruling and reigning in control. This country exists for the same reason why I am here helping - so that the greatness of God can be put on display and so that lives can come to know our redeeming savior who died for these people once, yet who continues to desire to be their continued salvation in their hour of need.

If you’re reading this, please stop right now and pray for the people of Haiti.

PS: Here’s a pic of the great group of worshipper’s I am down here with.

From left to right: Kenny Zammito, Thomas Madison, Robert Johns, Brandon Sharp, Jeffrey Dyke and Myself.

Summer 2010!

2010-07-01T13:10:00.000-04:00

So I am going to try to get better at blogging this summer . . .

I think the discipline of keeping an online journal is beneficial, at least to me.

I get caught up in the events of the week that I often forget to pause and reflect. I want to get better with that.

One cool thing that happened this week was that Prestonwood Church in Plano Texas introduced one of my songs, “Defender (Call Upon the Name)”. The amazing Bradley Knight arranged it. Sounds really cool. They approached it differently and did some really neat key changes. I really respect both Bradley and Todd Bell and the influence that they have in spreading the Gospel through the US and abroad. Under their Senior Pastor, Jack Graham, Prestonwood has grown to 28,000 members and is one of the largest Southern Baptist churches in the world, next to Saddleback in California. So thankful for how God is moving there. You can watch the service on their website. “Defender (Call Upon the Name)” is the offertory song:

http://www.prestonwood.org/v/c3VuLW1zZy0wNi0yNy0xMC5mbHZ8dmlkZW8tZ3JhcGhpYy1saWZlLW1lc3NhZ2UtMDYtMjctMTAuanBn

Today is Canada Day. For my American friends, this is our ‘Fourth of July’ when we celebrate our countries confederation/independence. I am so blessed to live in such a beautiful, influential country. One of the things I like the most about Canada is our reputation as peace makers.

Today I am off to spend some time with some great friends. Every year they have a ‘Promenade’ fair in the downtown core. We’re gonna check things out and then head back for a swim and some birthday cake. A good friend turns a quarter-century old today!

Looking forward to all that’s in store this month.

Please pray for our missions trip to Haiti, July 14-21. I will be blogging about that in the future for sure.

If you’d still like to donate to the cause, you can give at this link below. Whereas I have raised my support, there are still a few others who have yet to raise theirs and they only have 14 days left! All the money donated goes to the same spot. We’ll be helping build homes and sharing the Gospel with folks through music and song. Click below if you want to donate:

http://www.eastwest.org/site/TR/Events/Redesign_no_rightCol?px=1139205&pg=personal&fr_id=1900

If you can spare a few dollars, that would be great. If not, if you could mark down the dates and pray, that would be amazing! Without prayer NOTHING else matters!

Trusting Him -

The Story Behind "Defender (Call Upon The Name)"

2010-05-25T18:06:00.002-04:00

Some of you had asked about the story behind the new song we learned on Sunday, "Defender (Call Upon The Name)". That song has truly been a gift from the Lord and was birthed in the 'eleventh hour' of early January this year. I was scheduled to lead worship at a prayer conference at Thomas Road Baptist Church (the church that Liberty was birthed from) and I had pleaded with the Lord for an original song that would encapsulate the theme of prayer for the conference. As much as I tried, I just didn't feel like I was tapping into the inspiration needed for such a composition.

Then the Haiti earthquake hit and the inspiration flooded my senses as I viewed the horrific images and devastation brought upon this country. I turned to the Word of God and began praying and meditating on Psalm 116 for the people of Haiti. In the text of that passage one line kept resonating in me, "Call Upon the Name of the Lord", a song was brewing. Just days before the prayer conference the Lord gave me the final piece of this composition, the bridge, which is largely based on Psalm 45. Some of you will know that Martin Luther used this same text for his classic hymn, "A Mighty Fortress is Our Good". This psalm is jam-packed with truth that is very pertinent to all, but specifically applicable to those who were suffering in Haiti.

We presented the song at the Prayer Conference at Thomas Road Baptist Church in the presence of Jim Cymbala who is the pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle in New York. Their congregation is known worldwide as being a praying church. Their choir, led by Jim's wife, Carol has won grammy awards. The church fell in love with the song and Jim asked for us to send a recording back to Carol so they too could use the song in their congregation.

The first night after the conference I got a phone call. On the line was my friend Jeff who had played on the team with us at the prayer conference and who knew the story behind this new song. He asked me if I'd be interested in going to Haiti this summer to share in music ministry and evangelize to the people there. I quickly replied with an enthusiastic yes and asked when I needed to pack my bags.

Interestingly enough, the next day my mother called. She was unaware of my invitation to go to Haiti but she had just heard "Defender (Call Upon the Name)" online and was calling me to share a word the Lord had impressed upon her heart. The word she had was this: that "Defender" was to be sung down in Haiti! I of course proceeded to tell her the news of being offered an opportunity to do a mission down there. Looking back, it's clear to see God was moving and had far bigger plans for me and this song than I had expected!

I leave for Haiti in two weeks and will be there from June 14-22. I want to thank many of you for your financial support enabling me to go. I can't express how much I appreciate your faithfulness to the cause of Christ. Your investment is not in vain and will be used to spread the Gospel to this wonderful country. I look forward to returning with lots of pictures and stories of how God has been at work.

I am told that "God of the Ages", another song I've written as well as "Defender" have already been translated into Creole and are being used by the church down there. I am excited to prophetically sing these lyrics of truth over this hurting country that they would indeed turn their eyes to Jesus and "Call Upon the Name of the Lord".

You can view a video of Charles Billingsley leading “Defender (Call Upon The Name)” at the annual Center for Worship Concert at Liberty University/Thomas Road Baptist Church by clicking here.

Top 10 Pop Standards Songwriters Should Study

2010-04-10T22:56:00.000-04:00

I am sure I have missed many classics, but here is a list of 10 songs I think anyone who wants to write pop music should study extensively. These are all pop-standards, blueprints for pop production and pop song-crafting. Check these out if you have never heard them before and please add to this list songs you think I may be missing!

“Rosanna” by Toto
“Graceland” by Paul Simon
“Stand By Me” by Ben E. King
“Beat It” by Michael Jackson
“Yesterday” by The Beatles
“Over The Rainbow” by Harold Arlen
“White Christmas” by Irving Berlin
“Silent Night! Holy Night! by Franz Gruber
“I Get Around” by The Beach Boys
“Sir Duke” by Stevie Wonder

As a songwriter these are all “must-listen too’s”. Although this list does reflect some personal biases, it is also the consensus of a handful of well-respect music critics. Songs are chosen for their merit in composition, longevity in being covered and re-recorded and for enduring strength in melody and lyric. In other words, these songs stick to the wall.

Download these today if you’ve never heard or studies them. They are all fantastic compositions!

What songs would you add to the list based on the criteria mentioned above?

t.

Easter Services at Thomas Road Baptist Chuch

2010-04-05T13:24:00.000-04:00

WOW! What an incredible Easter we had at Thomas Road. FOUR services and over 50 people chose to yield to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. We even baptized some of them in our evening service. God was greatly glorified as we raised a mighty sound of praise to the risen King!

Here are some of the selections we used in all four services:

Jesus is Alive (Ron Kenoly)
He Lives (Israel Houghton)
Jesus Messiah (Chris Tomlin)
Mighty to Save (Reuben Morgan)

Special w/ Drama: “They Didn’t Know” (Kurt Carr Arr. by Bradley Knight)

You are My King (Billy James Foote)
Agnus Dei (MWS Arr. by Bradley Knight)

The Lord was SO powerful in the service as Pastor Jonathan spoke on the truth that Christ has risen and what that all entails for us as believers today. Bradley Knight’s arrangements of “They Didn’t Know” and “Agnus Dei” brought the house down. Incredibly powerful!

Celebrate the risen King! He’s alive, Satan’s ruined and He holds the keys!

t.

Favorite Songs for Easter Services

2010-03-28T18:46:00.000-04:00

As we begin Holy Passion Week, I thought it would be great to share some of my favorite songs to use in congregational worship during this season. This list is not extensive so please feel free to share what songs you have seen work well around this time.

Worthy is the Lamb (Darlene Zschech)
Jesus Messiah (Chris Tomlin)
Hallelujah What a Savior (Hymn)
The Easter Song (Anne Herring)
How Great Is The Love (Meredith Andrews, Jacob Sooter & Paul Baloche)
There is a Redeemer (Melody Green)
My Redeemer Lives (Reuben Morgan)
Because He Lives (Bill & Gloria Gaither)
I Will Rise (Chris Tomlin)
Jesus is Alive (Ron Kenoly)

Have a wonderful passion week. May we all be reminded of the weight of our sin and the wrath of God against us so the reality of what Christ has done bear its rightful, highest value in us and in our lives.

Hosanna (which means: Lord, have mercy!) in the highest, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!

t.

New Passion Album: "Awakening"

2010-03-11T18:16:00.001-05:00

Like every other worship musician, I was curious to preview the new Passion record, “Awakening”. A friend of mine, Tyler Sorie had one of the new tracks by Christy Nokels and it was a beautiful song (“Healing in Your Hands”).

As you may be aware these compilations usually have 6 new songs, the rest are re-recorded live songs from the contributing artists most recents albums, making this ‘live recording’ event project a plug for other artists’ music & material - something I’m all for. It’s a wise cross pollination, introducing a wide variety of artists (and albums) to a large audience at one time. In addition, many like to hear what some songs sound like ‘live’.

However what I am concerned with is iTunes secular perception of “Passion” at large. My draw dropped as I read the opening lines to their review of the DELUXE edition of the new Passion album, “Awakening”. iTunes writes,

“For well over a decade, the folks behind Passion Conferences have released a slew of epic compilations of Christian rock stars raising the spirit to the rafters at their arena-filling events.”

Christian Rock Stars? Arena Filled Events? Pardon me? Is that what America’s Christian testimony to the world is? I’ll keep the commentary short cause I feel much of that statement speaks for itself. If this statement is a true secular perception of our ‘worship’ then somethings gone wrong and needs to change in our presentation. I don’t doubt the hearts of these artists or even of those who attend these events, but the Bible is clear that we are responsible our perceptions. Is this really the message we want to be sending? Doesn’t this frighten anyone else?

The call of Christ wasn’t to be Christian rock stars, it was to deny yourself, pick up your cross daily and follow the road less travelled.

In other news, it’s my dad’s 60th Birthday today. I love him VERY MUCH and made him this cool little video slide-show collage. The song it is set to is an old song performed by Anne Murray by Dad sung to me as a child. You should check out . . .

Downtown Fires In Lynchburg, VA

2010-03-09T22:03:00.002-05:00

Okay, so one of my goals is to blog more regularly. The news of the evening is that while we were out for a walk tonight in downtown Lynchburg we observed two fires in downtown Lynchburg happening about a block away from each other. Not something you see everyday. I took some video of what we observed on my iPhone and offered up a prayer for the victims. What a horrible, destructive ordeal. God, please provide for their needs!

Kalahari 2010

2010-03-08T20:46:00.003-05:00

This past weekend I had the amazing opportunity to travel with Exodus to what has become one of my favorite annual events. The Grace Brethren churches host a large youth conference in the largest indoor water park in the USA. We had such a great time of fellowship, fun and worship.

Over 1000 students came out, sang at the top of their lungs and were kind enough to hang out with a bunch of us crazy college kids. I was further impressed by how well the Exodus Worship Team led in worship in Spirit and Truth.

Knowing these guys personally only strengthens my positive opinion of them. These guys are the REAL deal. Glory to God for all he did this weekend. Here is a short video collage of the weekend:

New Song: "Defender" (Call Upon the Name) - Story and Song

2010-01-25T23:03:00.004-05:00

This past weekend I had the incredible opportunity to lead worship for a prayer conference we held at my church called "Renew Life". I senses the Lord leading me to write a song for this event but it was far from finished a week before the conference. As I wrestled with the Lord a few nights before our first rehearsal, in His timing, He gave me the words.

It wasn't until I spoke to my mom on the phone yesterday that I realized why the Lord may have delayed in allowing me to finish the song. Although the lyric wasn't written with this in mind, it certainly serves as a prophetic response the church can sing to the hurting people in Haiti.

I was blessed to teach it to those at the prayer conference. Jim Cymbala was the main speaker and was moved by the song and asked that I send it to Carol at the Brooklyn Tabernacle in NYC. What an honor from a man that I respect SO much. I pray that it will minister to you as well.

Here is the video. I have posted the lyrics below.

Defender (Call Upon the Name)
Words and Music by: Travis Doucette

Verse 1:
He is near to the broken
Close to the weary of heart
In His name is a refuge
A safety for the weak and discarded

Pre-Chorus:
There is help for the hopeless
For the wounded in need
In the presence of Jesus
There is power unleashed

Chorus:
Call upon the name of the Lord
He's our defender, our deliverer
A shelter in the midst of the storm
Jesus, our Savior
He is King over all

Verse 2:
I will sing of my Redeemer
Testify to the touch of His hand
Lifted me from disaster
Set my feet on a solid rock to stand

Bridge:
God is our refuge, our strength and salvation
A mighty fortress is the Lord Almighty!
There is no equal, no power beside Him
Forever our champion is the Lord our God!

Copyright 2010 Music You Can't Turn Down (ASCAP)
All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.

I don't have it notated or scored out yet, but if you'd like a free chord chart for this, just email at travisdoucette@hotmail.com

May you be reminded today that Christ is your shield and defense.
A mighty fortress is our God!

t.

No Family Is Perfect

2010-01-04T20:47:00.002-05:00

Have you ever believed the lie that SOME families have it all together? Sometimes we can easily be embarrassed by the way our family members talk, act or perhaps we get embarrassed by decisions they make. I am sure Jesus got embarrassed by his family. To start with, his mother was pregnant with Him prior to their marriage. Being perceived as a bastard child doesn't exactly give you bragging rights. Just like Jesus (and others), I can get embarrassed by my family . . .

I was out in public today with my Mother at Wal-Mart. I am convinced that Wal-Mart brings out the worst in everyone. I truly believe that most people inside of Wal-Mart, employees and customers alike, truly do not want to be there. But because we're all infected with consumerism, we submit to Sam's bazillion dollar enterprise.

Well, if being in Wal-Mart wasn't stress enough, I am with my dear Mother. God bless her. She's a compulsive buyer. You'd think she'd found the cure for cancer the way she gets excited for anything with 'clearance' or 'sale' on it. So the long and the short of it is what was intended to be a quick trip ended up being a 45 minute shopping extravaganza. My mom nearly injured an elderly lady as she bolted to the Salad Dressing display where you could have any flavor of Kraft Salad Dressing for a mere .77 cents.

I think the excitement of a sale combined with the chaotic atmosphere facilitated in every Wal-Mart establishment resulted in my dear mothers slight disregard for some of the other shoppers. As my mom stocked up on Kraft salad dressing I offered an apology to the older lady my mom had unknowingly cut off.

I love being back at home. I love being around my mom. It helps to remind me not to take myself (or my social conscience) too seriously . . .

t.

Defining TV Moments - Doctor Who

2010-01-01T23:20:00.005-05:00

I am not a big TV watcher but there are a few shows I follow religiously. Okay, well really only one, "Doctor Who". For those who are unaware, Doctor Who is the longest running Science fiction TV series in the history of television and it has quite a cult following both in its native land, Britain and here in North America.

I can't recall a time when I didn't watch the series. Back home in Canada it aired on WNED-Buffalo, TVOntario, YTV, then SPACE. I remember inheriting our family's BETA VCR when I was quite young and setting the timer to tape episodes late at night.

I am not sure what drew me into the show. It was likely the writing which, despite the 'campiness' of the older series' held its ground through gifted Script writers like Robert Holmes and Douglas Adams.

The show has survived 47 years because of a genius idea that producer Innis Lloyd and writer, Gerry Davis conceived. The idea would come to be known as "regeneration", an ability Time Lords have to cheat death. Essentially, the lead actor ("The Doctor"), can change his appearance when his body is worn out. Over the years, in order to survive the series, when the lead actor wanted out, they 'regenerated' him into the next "Doctor".

And so "regeneration" has become accepted within the fan base of Doctor Who. Russell T. Davies (who revived the series in 2004), has already regenerated a doctor once in his tenure on the show - back in 2005, when Christopher Eccleston disappointingly left the role after only one season.

At the time fans were disappointed with Eccleston's decision to leave the TV Series, however, their disposition soon changed when David Tennant took over in 2005. By far, Tennant has won the hearts of Doctor Who fans around the globe. Taking reign of the series for four years, he has drawn incredible viewing figures and become the favorite "Doctor" (there has now been 11) of avid Doctor Who fans.

Tonight was sad because it was David Tennant's last episode in the role. The blockbuster finale ("The End of Time Part Two") delivered over and over again. Show Runner and head writer Russell T. Davies outdid himself with his writing on this one. He not only managed to tie up a lot of loose ends created by him over the 5 years that he's been managing Doctor Who, but he did it with class, leaving us with a tear-jerker goodbye as we witnessed David Tennant regenerate into the new Doctor, Matt Smith (who is younger than me!)

The new production team for the upcoming series this Spring looks really promising. But a lot of people are sad to see Tennant leave. In many ways he defined the role all over again and secured it's re-invention by Davies and outgoing producer Julie Gardner.

I got choked up during a number of scenes, but it was David Tennant's final words (which were SO fitting as they reflected the hearts and minds of the audience) that turned on the water works with me. I've posted a You Tube Clip of his final moments and transfiguration into Matt Smith, Doctor #11:

What a great way to start the new year. It will be exciting to see what's to come in this series. As far as I am concerned, it's some of the best dramatic writing being done today on television. Long live the Doctor!

How does God maintain His Moral Purity while loving us?

2009-11-18T21:15:00.000-05:00

There are some who have asked the question, “How can a moral God maintain his moral purity while extending radical love to rebels and sinners?” The question is valid and has a worthwhile answer.

The seeming tension between God’s moral purity and love can only be eradicated through an accurate understanding of the propitiation and substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ.

God’s moral law is made clear in the Scripture. It was first articulated in the Garden when we were told not to eat of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil. Beginning with this one sin, we have transgressed (and continue to transgress) God’s moral law. The Bible is clear that there is no one who is righteous (Romans 3:10). In fact, Romans 3 goes on to say that no one even seeks God. Those who have adopted a ‘seeker sensitive’ philosophy of ministry may need to consult Paul’s teaching. At any rate, we are lost, depraved and unable to rescue ourselves all because we have transgressed God’s moral law. God’s moral purity is exalted and rightfully just in condemning us all to hell.

On a side note, I am always intrigued by the ‘entitlement’ our generation (and the baby boomers) postures itself with. For some reason we all think that if we work hard for anything we deserve it. This is contrary to God’s Word. We deserve hell. An eternity in hell for any human would uphold God’s moral purity.

“But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive in CHRIST even when we were dead in our transgressions.”

The tension is gone when we understand the simple doctrine of substiuionary atonement and propitiation. Christ took our place while we went on sinning, giving no regard to Him (Rom 5:8).

The glorious news is this: Christ (who knew NO sin) actually became SIN so that in HIM we may become the righteousness of God (1 Cor 5:21). This is perhaps one of the most important truths of the Bible because it eradicates this seeming tension between God’s moral law and His love and articulates the greatest news for all of mankind!

When God looks at us, he does not see us, for we are unworthy and would be condemned to hell. Instead He sees His son, the perfect atonement for our sins. And thus, his moral law is maintained and His love is evidenced through the sacrifice of His Son who stands in our place. There is not a more beautiful truth than this!

Had God done this alone, it would be MORE than reason for us to spend our lives on Him. But no, it doesn’t stop there. It goes on. In addition to saving our wicked, rebellious, hell-bound souls, he has blessed us with his presence and every good and perfect gift (James 1:17). There is nothing more dangerous, satisfying or fulfilling than spending your life on Jesus Christ. Through Him we see a royal picture of exalted morality combined with love beyond all reason.

Love That Fires The Sun Keep Me Burning

2009-10-22T09:51:00.004-04:00

The title of this blog post comes from one of my favorite singer/songwriters, Bruce Cockburn (pronounced koe-burn). Cockburn, like John Mayer is a dropout of Boston's Berklee school of music. It's ironic how many dropouts of Berkless 'make it' in the business. I am not sure I can think of any Berklee grad that's been recently successful in the music business.

Anywho, If you have never heard any of Bruce Cockburn's, you are missing out. He is a guitar virtuoso and a wordsmith when it comes to lyrics. My dad introduced me to his works at a very early age, primarily, "Stealing Fire" (1984) and "Dancing in the Dragon's Jaws" (1979. I've recently revisited his material, listening through much of his early works. He became a born-again Christian in 1974, and much of his output in the late 70's and early 80's reflects his new-found Christian faith. Since 1969, he's released 29 albums. Some of my favorite songs by him include:

1. Lovers In A Dangerous Time
2. Lord of the Starfields
3. Wondering Where The Lions Are
4. Foxglove
5. If I Had A Rocket Launcher
6. Creation Dream
7. Star Wheel
8. Laughter
9. The Trouble With Normal
10. My Lady, My Lord
11. All The Diamonds
12. Rumors of Glory
13. Tokyo
14. Arrows of Light
15. You Pay Your Money and You Take Your Chance

If you have never heard of Bruce and you're interested in some fantastic songwriting, check out some of these songs. If you are a guitar player. Get ready to be blown away. Try out the above mentioned albums if you like some of these tunes.

You can listen to clips and check out his work here.

Travis.

Practical Insights for Adapting Hymns to a Modern Setting

2009-10-18T16:08:00.003-04:00

There is something unique about singing a hymn of the faith that is different than some of the contemporary expressions of worship being written these days. I am not talking about lyric, music or even style. I am speaking of time. There is something significant that happens when we begin to sing the words that countless other parishioners have used to worship God. In essence, when we sing hymns like “A Mighty Fortress is our God”, we’re joining our voices with the reformers and millions of believers thereafter in a bold declaration of God’s unstoppable, incorruptible power and strength. Hymns are bookmarks in the pages of Christian history. They help us remember where we have come from and keep us focused on the tenants of our faith. It’s important that we continue to use hymns in corporate worship and join in the universal song of faith.

Greg Scheer in his book, The Art of Worship agrees with these sentiments and provides some practical instruction in how to present hymns in a contemporary context. He begins his argument noting that the adaptation of hymn text and melody is nothing novel or new to the church. Hymnody, or the history of church music is filled with examples of hymn text and melody being adapted to various styles and trends according to changes in culture. Many hymns in fact have alternate or additional melodies that the text can be sung to. Part of the reason this is possible is because of the specific rhythmic parameters traditional hymns were written in. Hymns that carry the ‘same’ meter can often we swapped for different melodies. Such is just one example of how hymns have been adapted to accommodate changing times over the years.

One of the first things Scheer suggests when adapting hymns for a contemporary context is to first study the text and poetic tone of the lyric. Most often the text of the lyric will determine the melody, tempo and overall framework of the adaptation and arrangement. He cites the adaptation of “It is Well With My Soul” as an example. In this case, based on the lyrics (written by Horatio Spafford after loosing his wife and children at sea), this hymn would best be presented in a somber tone. It would be counter productive and awkward to set the text of this hymn to a bouncy, joyful melody. In contrast, the Issac Watts hymn, “Joy to the World” would sound much less joyful if it was reduced to a somber, slow, funeral march. Understanding the lyric of the hymn text dictates the arrangement and adaptation.

Next Scheer suggests one studies the music of the hymn, specifically the tempo, range and harmonic implications of the melodic structure. First, the tempo is very important as it dictates the singer’s ability to articulate and vocalize the text. Many hymns are very wordy and need tempos slow enough to allow one to feel comfortable to sing the entire phrase while being fast enough to not feel like a funeral march. The range of the hymn is important to. The melodic setting of any adaptation of a hymn will dictate whether or not a congregation will feel comfortable enough to ‘sing out’.

As a rule, I rarely will set a piece in anything that goes above a ‘D’ or “E” above “middle C”. When the melody is consistently past this parameter it becomes difficult for most untrained men to sing. Alto’s, who sing these notes an octave higher (and who make up the majority of female voices in a given population) typically have their passagio or ‘breaking point’ between their head and chest voice around these notes. So when a melody is sung consistently in this range or tessitura of notes, many women will either drop to a harmony or stop singing all together. If the purpose of worship leading is to create an environment where everyone can participate then these things must be taken into consideration. We’re not putting on a concert; we’re leading God’s people. Let’s do all we can to make it easy for them to respond to God. Leading worship is not about showing off our vocal range.

The harmonic structure of a hymn is necessary to study if one desires to adapt the hymn into a more modern arrangement. There are some things that are negotiable and some that are not when it comes to re-harmonizing a hymn. In most cases, like all songs, a hymn can be boiled down to a simple functional harmonic progression such as I-IV-V-I. However, many hymns employ the use of secondary dominants and at times, other borrowed chords. One must study carefully the melody and harmonic support of a hymn so not to compromise the melody by girding it with a chord that clearly doesn’t fit the outlining harmonic structure.

The easiest example can be seen in hymns that employ a secondary dominant, mainly a V/V or Major 2 chord. In the key of C, such chords are often used when a non-scale tone (in this example, F#) is used in the melody. Such a situation would insist that the V/V (Major 2) chord or another harmonic support that contains this note (perhaps a # 4 chord) be used in any contemporary adaptations. To undergird the melody in anyway that neglects the non-scale tone being used in the melody would cause a lot of distracting dissonance and prove to ultimately be awkward and non-functional. Such considerations need to be evaluated when adapting hymns for a contemporary context.

Finally, the last noteworthy thing Scheer mentions is the need to establish groove. In pop music the harmonic structure of a song calls for chords to change less frequently then they do in hymns. In fact, many hymns have chords changing on every beat (many of them are inversions of one underlining chord). Nonetheless, a decision to adapt a hymn for a contemporary context is a decision to place it in a groove. Most often this involves (a) putting a back beat to the rhythm (most often established by drums and bass in a praise band), (b) simplifying the chord structure and breaking down the complexities of the underlining harmony so that chords support the melody but only change once or twice per bar and (c) finding a tempo that gives enough breathing room for the lyric while keeping the arrangement in motion.

Scheer concludes his chapter on adapting hymns with a short section on ‘embellishing’. I found it interesting that Scheer talks a lot about chord substitutions and extensions but neglects attention to the most common form of embellishment being used today: the addition of refrains or choruses to traditional hymns. Some of the most popular hymns of the faith have been re-invented because of the addition of a chorus that lifts the tune and takes it to a new direction. One beautiful example is Chris Tomlin’s adaptation of “Amazing Grace” where he has added the original chorus, “My Chains are Gone”. Examples like this are some of the most common and popular embellishments being made to hymns today. Often, these small additions re-invent a hymn, allowing it to be re-discovered and enjoyed by a whole new generation.

Three Keys to Writing Great Congregational Worship Songs

2009-10-17T14:43:00.003-04:00

I enjoyed this article by Wes Tuttle and thought it would be of interest to post for aspiring 'worship' songwriters.

During the time I served as song development manager for Integrity Music, I was often asked a question that went something like, “Do you think people from our local church should try to write original praise and worship songs?” As I affirmed that idea, I would always explain how grateful the Body of Christ worldwide should be that local churches, like Hills Christian Life Centre in Australia, have chosen to use their musical and songwriting skills to be such a great blessing to all of us. If the leadership of that church had been timid about allowing songs from their local congregation to be incorporated into worship, we might never have had the song, “Shout to the Lord.”

What must be realized, however, is that not all songs that arise out of a local church are going to have such a worldwide impact. There are some songs that can serve to minister primarily in a particular local church setting. Sometimes a song is birthed out of a situation or circumstance that resonates greatly with a specific local church, but does not seem to have a broader appeal. That in no way invalidates the ministry impact of the song for that one church.

Other songs may have a regional appeal, or “catch on” with churches in a particular group or fellowship, but still not be embraced nationally or internationally. Again, the scope of the sphere of influence of a song does not necessarily determine its validity. So I always want to encourage musically gifted believers in local churches to use those gifts to express their praise and worship to the Lord through song. And as the leadership of the local church deems appropriate, have those songs incorporated into the worship of that church.

If the song is a blessing in the local situation, let that be sufficient affirmation. Don’t fall into the trap of believing that unless it becomes a “big hit” or unless Integrity or Maranatha or Vineyard or someone else records it, then it has no validity. Even if your song is only a blessing to you and draws you more closely into the presence of God, you can sing your song in your times of personal devotion and that will be meaningful. The scriptural directive, “Sing to the Lord a new song,” is for all of us (Psalm 33:3; 149:1).

With that as an encouragement to pursue writing praise and worship songs, there are some practical keys that can be helpful in the exercise of writing songs that will be appropriate for corporate or congregational singing. Great songs typically involve at least three these three elements: Simple Words; A Singable Melody: and Powerful Meaning.

Simple Words

When it comes to writing lyrics for praise and worship songs, it is usually best to follow the principle, “Less is More.” Some songs do not work simply because there is too much that is trying to be communicated in one song. The songwriter should strive to create a lyric that communicates a thought or a theme, being as economical as possible with words. Remember that a praise and worship song for congregational use is essentially “putting words in the mouths” of worshippers that will help them verbally
express something that is coming from their hearts. Too many words, or words that are too complicated, may ultimately get in the way of that expression.

This is one of the reasons why songs like, “I Love You, Lord,” “Lord, I Lift Your Name On High,” and “Shout to the Lord,” have been sung so much in churches around the world. The lyrics are simple and communicate thoughts and expressions that resonate in the hearts of believers.

Having said that, there are exceptions that have proven to have broad appeal. Robin Mark’s, “Days of Elijah,” for example, does incorporate a great number of words through the course of the song. But the prophetic and declarative nature of the song also resonates with believers around the world and so it has become a powerful worship song.

An aspiring songwriter should spend a good deal of time and energy considering the lyrics of a song. And there are many other aspects of lyric writing that can and should be studied. Striving to communicate ideas and create lyrics that are simple and will have broad appeal is a great first step to writing praise and worship songs.

Singable Melodies

In addition to simple words, it is important that a congregational praise and worship song incorporates a melody that worshippers with average vocal ability will be able to sing. A singable melody will have a number of characteristics.

First of all, with respect to the range of the melody, care should be taken that the range not fall too low nor soar too high for the average singer to be able to perform. This is particularly important for songwriters whose own vocal ability is well above average. A person may be able to perform a melody with ease themselves that would be “out of reach” for the average singer. So that writer must be careful to consider how what he or she can do fairly easily and naturally will translate over into a congregational setting.

Again, “Lord, I Lift Your Name On High,” is a good example. In the key of “G” the lowest note of this song is “B,” one octave and one note below middle “C.” The highest note is “D” above middle “C.” The melody range of congregational praise and worship songs should not fall lower than that “B” nor soar higher than that “D” in order for the average person to be able to sing the melody. Writing melodies within the parameters of that range will increase the possibility that other believers will have a level of comfort singing your songs.

Another important characteristic of singable melodies is that the melody line is somewhat linear and avoids jumping wide and/or unnatural intervals. If the average person has difficulty singing intervals in the melody, he/she will be discouraged about singing along.

One other important characteristic of singable melodies is that they are going to be quickly learned, enabling the average singer to participate after having heard the melody just a few times. It is always interesting to observe. A well-written melody line can often be largely learned after having been heard one time.

Powerful Meaning

One of the criticisms of contemporary praise and worship music has been that some of the songs can be so simple in content as to be somewhat shallow. In the early
days of the emerging contemporary praise and worship movement there was such a tendency to emphasize intimacy in the presence of God (a wonderful thing) that the almost child-like simplicity of some of the songs caused critics to surmise that there would not be much of substance in this genre. Some have said that we have lost the weight of the theological and doctrinal emphasis found in traditional hymns.

But contemporary praise and worship songs and deep, powerful meaning are not mutually exclusive. Profound truths expressed in simple, accessible fashion are no less true. However, writers of praise and worship songs do need to make sure that their lyrics are scripturally sound and avoid triteness. In fact, there needs to be a balance between songs that express the intimacy and nearness of God with songs that express the transcendence and mystery of God.

Many of the traditional hymns were written with the purpose of teaching theology and doctrine. Contemporary praise and worship songwriters have the great opportunity of taking the principles of truth in the Word of God and expressing them in songs that may ultimately find a place in the hearts of worshippers in this generation and in generations to come. With that privilege comes the responsibility of sufficient knowledge of God’s Word as its truth is expressed in song. It has been encouraging to see songwriters crafting modern hymns, communicating deeper truths in the various musical expressions of our time.

Go For It!

Let this be an encouragement to you to “sing your own new song to the Lord.” Let it be an expression of your own heart; simply communicated to God and the church. Consider the singable nature of your melody. And ask the Lord to give you a fresh way to express the powerful truth of Who He is, what He has done, and what He is doing among those who believe in Him.

Some Thoughts on Congregational Music Selection

2009-10-14T21:15:00.004-04:00

One of the most pertinent, practical things facing worship leaders on a regular basis is song selection. In fact, song selection is one of the most important decisions we make each week. The songs we lead teach doctrine, admonish, and give public expression to the corporate body of faith. We need to be intentional about the songs we choose and ask some key questions about their suitability for a congregational context.

In the book Worship Words, by Rienstra and Rienstra, the writer’s offer a chapter on this subject in the form of an appendix. They offer some great thoughts and questions on aesthetics we all too often forget to ask or even consider when choosing songs. So often we forget to ask questions about theology, suitability and sing ability of melody. Instead we ask ourselves ‘what are my favorite songs’? Anyone who understand the weight of what we’re entrusted with each week will concur that this is a bad approach to song selection.

For many worship leaders, their process of selecting songs is often tied down to ‘key’ and which song will flow well into the next. Whereas this is nice when it happens, for many it has become a crutch. Instead of creating musical segues to bridge us from one piece to another, we go so far as to alter keys, thinking that ‘common key’ is the paramount of all smooth transitions. I’ll say it again, this is a really bad way to go about planning a worship set.

The common three characteristics that our worship sets ought to employ are (a) a clear focus on Jesus Christ, (b) biblically solid lyrics and (c) service to the congregation. Our song sets serve the congregation when they take into account some of the questions raised by the Rienstra’s.

For instance the Rienstra’s pose four valid questions in terms of an aesthetic assessment of congregational material. They first ask, “Does the song provoke congregational participation?” One question every worship leader ought to ask is “What is the difference between a concert and a congregational time of worship”. We are worship leaders not song suggesters. And so the songs we choose (as well as our leadership) must provoke or at best facilitate and encourage an opportunity to sing.

The Rienstra’s also ask “What is fitting for your congregation”. This is a question of shepherding. Effective worship leaders know their congregations. In other words, they are flag-wavers of relational ministry. Relational ministry will educate worship leaders on their congregation’s worship expression and ability. Knowing your congregation will assist you in choosing songs that are accessable by your flock. For some, it may mean less syncopated music. For others is may demand complicated jazz arrangements. At any rate, your congregation determines the fittingness of congregational music. Be in relationship with them and know your flock.

The liturgical fittingness of music is another point of concern. The relationship between the worship leader and preaching pastor is the most important relationship on the platform. Unity and effectiveness can be directly tied back to this relationship because from this relationship flows the presentation and direction of each worship service. When the worship leader is on the same page as the preaching pastor he will choose music that serves His message. When such unity exists, the worship leader can then choose songs that echo or reiterate concepts preached on or facilitate an opportunity to respond to what has been said. Liturgical fittingness is first and foremost determined by the relationship between the worship pastor and preaching pastor.

Finally, another question to consider in the aesthetic assessment of a worship set is ‘familiarity’. Familiarity breeds trust. Trust breed’s response and willingness to engage. We are all looking and praying that our congregations will be engaged on Sunday morning. We help facilitate this by using familiarity. Familiarity can be found in many aspects of our worship set according to Rienstra. We can facilitate familiarity in our worship sets by choosing songs or hymns that people know and by arranging them in a comfortable, predictable way. This doesn’t need to be characteristic of our entire worship set, but in part it can be really effective.

Some of the most effective worship leaders I have observed will often begin their worship sets with a familiar chorus, song or hymn. When you are guest worship leading this is the quickest and easiest way to build a bridge of trust. Do you want those you are leading to follow you so you can bare your heart or even teach them a new song? Consider opening with a song of that’s familiar to all. This is one of many instances where the hymnbook can come in really handy! The power of familiarity and its ability to breed unity and trust cannot be under estimated.

For many of us, considering these four things in an intentional way is a new thought. Perhaps God is calling us to take our worship leading to another level. At any rate these four aesthetic questions raised by the Rienstra’s are worth their weight in gold. When implemented they are the tools and techniques that will craft a worship service that will both glorify God and intentionally serve the needs of a congregation with passion and excellence.

Travis

Blooming Where You're Planted

2009-10-11T01:25:00.004-04:00

Last week I turned 28 years old. I feel like an old guy because I hang around University students most of the time. Those my age and older say I'm still very young and that my life is still ahead of me. I need to hang around them more often.

I've experienced the goodness of God in my life in some significant ways over the past few months. My friends and the media around me have given me attention I don't receive on a regular basis. In addition, I've been so blessed to meet a lot of influential and inspiring people. Even though the Lord has extended a platform of influence in my life, not much has changed in my daily routine and I like it that way.

I can see how accolades and accomplishments can change a person, how they can give them 'big heads' and cause their attitudes to shift. I pray by the grace of God, this doesn't happen to me. The Lord has been faithful in keeping my sin before me causing me daily to trust in Him only as my rescue and sustainer.

But when I reflect back on the last year and 'how I got to this point' I can't credit myself with anything but doing my best in being obedient to what God asked me to do where He had placed me. In other words, I've learned the concept of 'blooming where you are planted'.

The blessings I have received come unmerited from a God who loves His children. The Lord has been clear that my calling is not to go to Nashville and take up residence as some CCM songwriter. Praise God, that's the furthest thing from my heart. Instead, my heart's passion and what I believe I've been called to is to be faithful in service to my studies, to my school, Liberty University, mainly the Center for Worship and Department of Ministry Teams and to my church, Thomas Road Baptist Church.

Any fruit I've bared or attention I've received in the last year has only come out of blooming in these key areas where the Lord has planted me.

You're probably asking, "okay, why is he even writing this?" Well I see a lot of people around me trying all the time to desperately make something happen. Meanwhile all God has asked from any of us is to bloom where He's planted us. It wasn't until I stopped trying and got passionate and fired up about where God has me that I became a vessel in which the Lord could use more precisely. Do you get it?

So when Monday roles around you won't catch me on the phone to Nashville. I won't be meeting with any record execs or having coffee with any 'up and coming artists'. I'll be doing what I love: working with the most incredible staff in the world, solving problems, getting Dr. Whaley a cup of black coffee while trying to keep up with him and doing lesson prep for the Worship 101 students.

It's nothing glamorous. In fact it's far from it. But it is where God's planted me and by embracing it, I've found a joy that's incredibly fulfilling. To do anything more or anything less would be unfaithful to what he's called me to.

Let the blessings of God today be the overflow and outcome of a life that is surrendered to the mundane, regular pattern of life. Be faithful and passionate in the small things. Learn to love where He has planted you and bloom where you are planted.

Travis

Meeting Amy Grant

2009-09-27T19:24:00.003-04:00

I wanted to share with you an awesome experience I had this weekend cause I know you all will appreciate it.
I was playing at an E-Women conference with Charles Billingsley at the Roanoke Civic Center. 10,000 women were in attendance.
It was an overload of Estrogen!

Amy Grant was playing at this gig as well.
We didn't plan things this way, but it so happened that we played right before her and the last song the band did was God of the Ages.
Amy was in the congregation of 10,000 singing along.

So if that wasn't cool enough, the dude the introduces her, mentions me, that I wrote that song and how the Lord used Amy's first album
to draw my mom back into a deeper relationship with the Lord a few years before I was born.

So Amy gets up to start her concert and the first thing out of her mouth is, "Travis, that is an incredible song of praise and worship".
After I came out of my coma, I had the chance to meet her and talk with her for about five minutes.

She signed that album my mom had (and played endlessly during my childhood) and posed for a picture with me.
I am not 'that guy' who makes it his goal in life to meet celebrities. But, if there has been anyone (for sentimental and spiritual reasons)
that I've wanted to meet, it has been Amy. She's #1 on my bucket list. As far as I am concerned, Jesus can come back tomorrow :)

I framed the album and picture and hung them in my room. I thought you'd be interested to see them.
To say the least, it was a very cool weekend and I feel very encouraged as a songwriter and so blessed to have met her.

She has SUCH a sweet spirit about her. She is VERY chill. Not a blip on the radar. She is very unassuming for being the best selling Christian artist of all time.
She is gracious and has this cool ability to make you feel like you are the only one that matters when she talks to you.
For someone who's been doing this for 35 years, I think that's a testimony to who God's made her to be. She's very real and you can really sense
that she's really been through the ringer, but has come out of things loving and treasuring Christ more.

Interestingly enough, she opened her concert with an OLD song, "Father's Eyes" from 1979.

Here's the frames hanging on my wall -
So thankful for God's loving kindness to me this weekend. Such a special moment and experience!

And for the record, she's smokin' for 49 years old!

The Coming Weekend is Significant for Me

2009-09-23T10:21:00.004-04:00

I've never been one to clamor celebrities or weasel my way into meeting the famous. I'm not the 'guy' at the front of the stage demanding an autograph (that's my sister). So for me to get excited about meeting a celebrity is out of the ordinary. However, this weekend I will be sharing the stage with and meeting someone who means a great deal to me.

This weekend I'll be playing at an event that Amy Grant will be at.
Yes, you heard correctly, Amy Grant, the queen of Contemporary Music.

At this point you must be asking yourself, "And why is this important or even cool?"

Well, if you know me at all, you'll know how sentimental I can be.
Amy's music has had a profound effect on my life as a Christian.

In 1979, a few years before I was born, my mother rededicated her life to the Lord.
At that time, she had been from the Lord, and church.

But through the gentle, loving witness of her neighbor, my mom returned to her Christian roots. Her return was largely influenced when her neighbor gave her a copy of this vinyl record:

Recorded at the age of 16 in 1977, this is Amy's debut album.
At the time she was the youngest ever Christian artist to be signed to a major label (Myrrh Records, a subsidiary of Word)

This record played endlessly during my childhood.
And the power of the gospel contained in lyric and song on this album helped draw my mother back into the arms of Jesus Christ.

Had this not happened, I am not so certain I would have been raised in a Christian home or planted in a local church. The Lord used Amy's music to grow my mom spiritually and ultimately, I became the benefactor of this spiritual growth.

My mom continued to play Amy's music growing, following her career and thus much of her music became the soundtrack for our family.

I remember jumping on the bed in the dark with my sister to "Love of Another Kind" off of "Unguarded" (1985) and being in awe of the elongated piano intro of "Sing Your Praise to the Lord" from "Age to Age" (1982) and watching my mom weep while listening to 'El Shaddai". In many cases, Amy's music poured a lot of joy into our family during the dark days of my childhood.

So this weekend, I am excited not to get a picture or an autograph, I am simply excited to look this woman in the eyes and give her my sincere thanks for her ministry. It's made a difference in my spiritual upbringing and God has used her and her music to build into me in a significant way.

The 10 Books that Have Most Significantly Influenced and Shaped My Journey as a Christ-Follower

2009-09-20T00:04:00.012-04:00

I spent much of this evening in a bookstore and I thought it would be good to reflect back on the 10 most significant books that have influenced my Christian walk. Many of them have helped to shape my philosophy and theology over the 9 years I have been in University. They are in no particular order.

1. Christianity and Liberalism - J. Gresham Machen

In the early 1900's, the Lord gave the church a gift in J. Gresham Machen who with his life risked it all to stand for conservative truth amidst the onslaught on Liberal thinking that was creeping into the church and compromising the authority of Scripture. This book is an apologetic defense of conservative Christian thought and regarded by many as a classic. It was this book that spurred Francis A. Schaeffer to write.

2. No Compromise - Melody Green

Melody Green, the wife of the late Keith Green wrote this remarkable biography of her late husbands extraordinary life. Marked by his unapologetic refusal to compromise any aspect of the Christian life, Keith Green was the real deal. The music he left us still convicts and speaks to the issues of our day.

3. The Cost of Discipleship - Dietrich Bonehoffer

A martyr of the faith during WWII, Bonehoffer understood what it really meant to live the life Christ has called us to. Mincing no words, Bonehoffer calls the Christ follower calls the Christian to a life of complete self-denial, to share in the fellowship of His sufferings.

4. The Pursuit of God - A.W. Tozer

No book has challenged me to follow after God like this one. The final chapter which breaks down the self-imposed walls between the 'sacred' and 'secular' continues to challenge me to this day as I work within Christian culture that so easily desires to compartmentalize our faith and art.

5. Mere Christianity - C.S. Lewis

Regarded by many as a Christian masterpiece in Christian apologetics, this is by far my favorite of Lewis' catalog. The arguments and defense for the Christian faith are so crystal clear in this work. Lewis had the ability to take complex theological and philosophical ideas and convey them in a way the layman could understand. He was truly a gift to the church and the world at large. His literature will undoubtedly endure in generations to come.

6. Addicted to Mediocrity - Franky Schaeffer

Although his current spiritual condition is far from the fundamentalism conservatism both him and his father advocated for in the 1970's, truth is still true. I was introduced to this book by the chairman on my Thesis committee, Dr. Vernon Whaley. No other book has got me fired up about excellence in the church than this one. Franky, the son of Francis makes a clear, 'no-nonsense' argument as to why Christians ought to make 'good art'. His message has made me strive for my very best as an artist.

7. Worship Matters - Bob Kauflin

This is likely the most current book on this list. Kauflin hits the nail on the head over and over and over in this book. It was a textbook for a Graduate level worship course I took and there was not a single page I disagreed with. Drawing from 25 years of experience in the church, this is the most comprehensive, easy to understand, biblicaly solid, practical book on the subject of Worship I have ever read.

8. True Spirituality - Francis A. Schaeffer

One of the best works from one of my favorite authors. This book rocked my world and caused me to understand what it truly means to be a Spiritual and Spirit-minded Christ follower. The pattern of 'rejected', 'slain' and 'resurrected' for Christ and the true Christ-follower revolutionized how I understood the Christian life and what it is we are called to.

9. Worship His Majesty - Jack Hayford

I was skeptical of putting two books on the subject of worship on this list, but because it's the subject of my study for the last 9 years, I feel as I can do it with justification. This was the first book on worship that I felt really conveyed to me what it is we do as we lead worship and what it is that happens when we truly enter into God's presence. I will never forget reading this for the first time, highlighting nearly every page and verbally shouting 'Amen' aloud as I read. This book will always remain a timeless treasure to me, a watershed moment for me in my understanding of worship.

10. Humility - Andrew Murray

This small, unassuming 'quick-read' blew my socks off when I first read it. This book laid into me like no other and helped me to see the pride of man so entrenched in our sinful inheritance. It helped me understand what true humility is and the example we had of it in Jesus Christ. This little book was the most un-expected treasure chest of wisdom that came to me at a real critical time in my Christian journey. Don't ask me why flowers and tree branches are on the cover. They have nothing to do with the content of the book as far as I can remember.

The End.

New Hymn Scratch Demo and Lyrics

2009-09-15T23:01:00.006-04:00

You can check out the scratch demo for the new hymn I composed here. The lyrics are below:

Lord of All
Composed by Travis Doucette

Stanza 1:

Lord of all
We come to You
To lift our voice
And sing unto the Lamb
With our hearts engaged
With hands freely raised
We exalt You
The Great I AM

Refrain:

That You would take Your throne in us,
Adorned in highest praise.
Come be the ruler of our hearts
Come glorify thy name

Stanza 2:

Lord of all
We live for You
We set our lives
Forever on thy praise
With the shout of the Earth
We’ll declare Your worth
We exalt You
The Ancient of days

Refrain:

That You would take Your throne in us,
Adorned in highest praise.
Come be the ruler of our hearts
Come glorify thy name

Stanza 3:

Lord of all
We wait on You
The final Word
The soon and coming King
When the end of time is thru
You will make all things new
You’ll restore us
Our hearts to sing

Refrain 2:

When He will take His throne on Earth
Adorned in highest praise
The risen ruler of our hearts
Will glorify His name

Refrain:

That You would take Your throne in us,
Adorned in highest praise.
Come be the ruler of our hearts
Come glorify thy name

Copyright 2009 Music You Can't Turn Down (ASCAP).
All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.

New Hymn

2009-09-15T00:50:00.003-04:00

I have always loved hymns, mostly for their rich texts that are chalk full of truth and sound doctrine (most of the time). A while ago I sensed the Spirit giving me a 'hymnish' melody. I really took my time crafting the lyric knowing that with hymns the lyrics must match if not outshine any weight carried in a majestic melody. In fact, the melody rolled around in my mind for months before I tried my hand at crafting a lyric. Keeping with the theme of many hymns, I crafted the third verse and subsequent refrain to focus on the 2nd coming of Christ. I just demoed this tonight and I am excited about the truth it conveys. My prayer is that the 'risen ruler of our hearts' would be honored and worshipped by this small anthem . . .

Lord of All
Composed by Travis Doucette

Stanza 1:

Lord of all

We come to You

To lift our voice

And sing unto the Lamb

With our hearts engaged

With hands freely raised

We exalt You

The Great I AM

Refrain:

That You would take Your throne in us,

Adorned in highest praise.

Come be the ruler of our hearts

Come glorify thy name

Stanza 2:

Lord of all

We live for You

We set our lives

Forever on thy praise

With the shout of the Earth

We’ll declare Your worth

We exalt You

The Ancient of days

Refrain:

That You would take Your throne in us,

Adorned in highest praise.

Come be the ruler of our hearts

Come glorify thy name

Stanza 3:

Lord of all

We wait on You

The final Word

The soon and coming King

When the end of time is thru

You will make all things new

You’ll restore us

Our hearts to sing

Refrain:

When He will take His throne on Earth

Adorned in highest praise

The risen ruler of our hearts

Will glorify His name

Refrain:

That You would take Your throne in us,

Adorned in highest praise.

Come be the ruler of our hearts

Come glorify thy name

Pet Rats

2009-09-06T22:11:00.003-04:00

I have pet rats.
Their names are Stuart and Finnegan.
I am a pet rat owner.

For some, this has been the source of much confusion.
As a kid, I had every kind of pet possible. I had turtles, gerbils, hamsters, cats, dogs, fish, frogs.
If it moved, I found a way to put it into a cage and care of it. I've always been a pet lover.

Out of every pet I have cared for, I have never been so fascinated with rats.
Now I know what you are saying, why on earth would you choose to have pet rats!
I've heard it all. I've been on the receiving end of all awkward looks and responses when
I tell my friends that I indeed am the keeper of two rats. I've come to accept it.

But allow me to explain and de-myth some things . . .

First off, these are not wild rats (the kind that inhabit your garage or back lawn).
These are domestic rats. Bread like hamsters for the purpose of being either:

a) snake food
b) small pets

Believe it or not, there is a whole industry out there geared at pet rats. As common as the 'hamster' is, the rat is also in terms of the commercialization of available 'rat related' products.

So let's get that straight, I am not keeping some crazy wild animal that's going to gnaw out my brains in my sleep.

The next thing is this: Rats are INCREDIBLY intelligent. Sometimes more so than dogs. Don't take my word on it. Look up the facts on the net. Ever wonder why rats are used in labs for testing? Let's just say it's not for their looks.

I currently have my rats trained to come to their names and to poop in a litter box. They are very smart and affectionate. Yes, I understand the tails turn some people off. But to each his own. I like to think of the rat as a longer, slender hamster with a bigger brain, narrower face and longer tail.

So with that said, before you make another rat owner feel like they are incredibly insane for keeping such a wild and 'exotic' pet, consider what you actually know about domestic rats. If you do a little research, you may find that they actually make amazing, intelligent (and entertaining) pets.

And no . . . they do not bite.

"I'll Take It To Go" - My Life on a Liberty University Ministry Team (Part One)

2009-08-08T16:30:00.005-04:00

Part One: "How it all began - God's unexpected graciousness and kindness toward me"

With the conclusion of our 10-week summer tour and thus my time on a Liberty University Ministry Team, I thought it would be fun to look back and reflect on the tremendous joy it's been to serve on "Exodus" and to share some of what the last 3 and half years have taught me.

It all started back in the spring of 2005. Having completed a degree in Theology I was ready to move into church ministry. God had other plans. Beckoned down relentlessly by my buddy Dalton Stoltz to visit Liberty I came hesitantly, unaware of how much I was about to fall in love with the place. Fast forward to fall 2005 and there I am working 3 jobs to earn enough money to come to LU for one semester so I can do something completely unorthodox: earn a second bachelors degree.

I tried out for a ministry team as a CFAW'r in Spring and Fall of 2005 and for a final time as a student in Spring 2006. Wanting to put my 'best foot forward' I dressed to the nines to offset the 6 piercings and bleach mowhawk I was sporting (see picture on left). I am not sure if it helped me much as I stumbled through "Holy Hands" and "When I think about the Lord", two pieces that have more chord extensions than stars in the sky.

With a much more accomplished player watching my every move (Daniel Sumpter) I remember thinking, "okay, get ust the roots and fifths and everything I miss will be covered up by the rest of the band". That was audition #1. Audition #2 was in some ways more tame and in others more intense. I arrived at my 2nd audition 15 minutes early. I took my place in line and made conversation with the guy behind me. His name was Jordan Henderson. Little did I know that he was to become a great friend of mine.

I walked into the audition room and was greeted by Lauren Boyd, Shannon Labrie Whitson, Linwood Campbell (Piano player at Thomas Road Baptist Church) and Pastor David McKinney. By this point I was shaking in my boots. David called me over to the piano Linwood was sitting at, "Okay, Travis here's what I want you to do: Watch how Linwood plays this song with the band". "Okay" I said. The band clicked in and Linwood tore it up. After finishing David turned to me and said "Okay, Trav, do exactly what he just did". I remember thinking to myself, "Is this guy serious - that man basically took 'Your love is amazing' and wove a Bach Concerto into it." Looking at David's serious countenance I knew it was 'sink or swim'. I sat down at the keyboard and played. I kept it simple, as my approach to the keys as always been that of a 'supportive' role to the band. I finished and David said, "Thanks, that's all".

The weeks that followed were nail biting. I really do sympathize with all that try out for teams. It's easy to forget how nerve racking that whole process is when you are on the other side of the fence but now that I am recalling how it all went down I am reminded of how apprehensive it all is. After all, we're talking a full tuition scholarship here. We're not playing with pennies.

The weeks went by. I met the team leader for Exodus one afternoon, Tyler Miller. Tyler would later become a close buddy of mind. I know he won't mine me saying this, but he sucks at keeping things 'underwraps'. My first indication that I was being considered for a team was when Tyler (trying to be inconspicuous) asked me, "So Trav, do you like to travel". Awkward!

Things got crazy when I was asked to come into another audition to see how I 'played' with the current band. I guess my idea of an audition is different that what Tyler's was that day. We played through one chart (Blessed Be Your Name). The arrangement was by Matt Campbell. The song is in B Major yet there were all these flat symbols on the chart (Music geeks will know why this is unusual). I remember thinking to myself "okay, this song is in a sharp key, do they teach music theory differently in the US than in Canada". Anyway it will just go to show that you don't need pristine theory to be a success. Matt is doing fine these days.

So we play through the song once, maybe twice and then Tyler is like "okay send him in". Enter Justin Morgan or "J-bro" as I'd come to know him. Suddenly I went from auditioning to playing for other prosepctive students. Things couldn't have felt more awkward. That day I ended up playng for both Justin and Cait Plage's audition (with the rest of the Exodus band). All three of would end up serving on the team the following year.

Fast-forward 2 more weeks and I found myself in a meeting with Scott Bullman and Tim Jackson, the directors of the Ministry Team Department. "Travis I am gonna be honest with you" began Scott, "I want to hire you but under two conditions". "Yes sir" I replied. "The hair and the earings have to go." In the fraction of a second I thought, "no big deal, as if anyone would refuse to change their image for $15,000 a year". "Yes, sir, no problem", I repied and in that moment the miracles of miracles had happened: I had some how been loured down to LU by a friend with only enough money for one semester. Through a wild serious of events, I try out for these teams during a year, where honestly, not many GREAT keys players were trying out. And then by the grace of God I make a team.

"Was this really happening" I thought. My life was about to change the adventure of a lifetime, one that would take me to 32 states, the Bahama's and Canada was about to begin . . .

We Are Going to Walt Disney World

2009-07-29T13:57:00.005-04:00

In many ways I feel as though the last 3 and half years on the road have been like one big vacation. I guess it feels that way because I enjoy very much what we do. That isn't to say we haven't had our hardships. We've lost more tires on the road (while we've been driving) than there are stars in the sky.

But its events like this coming weekend that are especially exciting for me. You see this Saturday the whole band is going to Disney World for free courtesy of our friend Casey. It's such a HUGE blessing and an amazing way to conclude our Summer Camp Tour.

The guys I travel with have worked SO hard this summer. It's been so amazing to see God at work not only in the lives of campers but in our lives as well.

I am particularly excited to meet Mickey. Back when I was a kid my parents had promised to take our family to Walt Disney World. Sadly, they had to break this promise when the housing market crashed in 1991 and we lost a boat load of money on a house when we failed to sell the one we were living in. So in a lot of ways, it has always been a childhood dream of mine to go to the Magic Kingdom.

Back in 1999 I had the opportunity to go to DisneyLAND in California which, although is the 'original' is not as great as "World" (from what I am told).

So expect to see me with some Mickey Mouse Ears after this weekend. I am looking forward to meeting Mickey and riding space mountain. The plan as of now is to spend much of our time in the Magic Kingdom and Epcot (where our friend works). After Disney we have one more week of tour before we head back to the Burg and prepare to shift gears for the fall.

I can't wait! There's lots of great things in store for the future!

t.

Everyone Needs Forgiveness . . .

2009-07-27T00:26:00.003-04:00

I love the song, "Mighty to Save" and the title of this blog is the opening lyric to one of the verses. It particularly resonates with me because I have found it to be true in my own life lately.

There is nothing like being on the road with 5 other buddies that will quickly point out and magnify both the good and bad in you. This will come as no surprise to those who have spent any amount of time with me, but I do drop the ball.

But one of the reasons why I never quit is because I believe forgiveness is the glue of relationships, not only those here on Earth but in our relationship with Christ. Everyone needs forgiveness to function properly. As much as I need forgiveness, I have to offer it to others as well. The free-exchange of forgiveness is the number one characteristic of gracious living. Understanding that not everyone has 'arrived' (yourself included) and choosing (cause it IS a choice) to love someone despite their shortcomings.

And why should we act this way? Well the obvious answer is because Christ has exemplified this to us in how He has loved us. However a realization of ones imperfection (by living in direct relationship with others) is likely to most immediate remedy to any un-gracious behavior. When you live with others and bare all, you must face your imperfections and thankfully receive the graciousness others offer to you when you fail. When you've experienced such grace, it ought to be easier to disperse it to others when they fall short of your expectations. It's all about forgiveness and grace. The lack of either one of these things will put you on the fast track to tension and disharmony.

This is just a little of what I am still learning from working closely with people. I am so thankful for my 'band of brothers' on the road. I have so much still to learn, but this summer the Lord has graciously been working on me through them and using them to build something better inside me than what was there prior.

I praise God that we ever being changing from glory to glory.
I haven't arrived, yet by the grace of God I am not the same man I was yesterday nor will I be the same tomorrow. Progressive sanctification has a strong hold on me and because of the love of Jesus Christ in my life, it's not letting go any time soon!

t.

PS: We're in Fort Myer's right now. About to head to Orlando tomorrow for McGregor Baptist's Camp. May be going to Walt Disney World on Saturday - good times!

One Month Later

2009-07-16T12:19:00.002-04:00

Well you know life is busy when you forget to blog for a month.
Life has been crazy but very enjoyable on the road. I travel with some of the best guys in the world! We've been making lots of great memories on the road. I post pictures from every week of tour on my facebook so be sure to check that out!

The past weeks have taken us to Georgia, South Carolina and last week, my home town of Barrie, Ontario, Canada where we got to lead worship at my home church. What a treat!

This week we are in Summerton, SC at a BEAUTIFUL camp that's actually owned by Creston University. It's called Bob 'something or rather' camp and it's situation on Lake Marion.

They have jet ski's and boats and lots of activities for the students to do on the water. The group here numbers about 400 and they are from Hickory Grove Baptist Church in North Carolina.

We're looking forward to getting to know these students, building relationships with them and using our platform to minister to them.

Next week we're up in Charlottesville and then we finish off our 10-week tour down in Florida for two weeks! Can't wait!

t.

Resting, Waiting, Learning

2009-06-17T00:11:00.003-04:00

I have so much to learn. So much to learn about waiting and resting and just being content with the state of things without trying to change them. Everything within in me wants to push forward, but what I am realizing is that when I push, I often push myself out of God's perfect will for me. Before too long, I burn relationships, and make stupid decisions all because I didn't want to wait.

Some things never change. This was the story of my life growing up. Mom always said I never wanted to wait for anything.

I had a great talk with a great friend tonight who is a 'second mom' to me. She often talks me down from ledges and plants the word of truth inside of me. I am so thankful for her and her husband, who both have become mentors to me.

Anyway, my friend was reminding me that the very thing (resting and waiting) that I ought to be doing is the very thing that will repel my natural fleshly desires. Everything within me wants to spin a million plates, start a billion projects and network with as many people and places as there are stars in the sky.

My prayer tonight:

God help me to rest in you, in the shadow of Your wings. Help me to have the wisdom to discern when I need to advance something and when I just need to let things lie. Help me to trust completely in You with my dreams and aspirations. Conform them into the dreams you have dreamed for me. In all things be glorified as I allow you to bridal my intense Spirit so it can be used to its fullest potential and be a blessing to all I come into contact with.

Amen.

More Fun Than What Should Be Allowed In One Week

2009-06-15T14:11:00.004-04:00

I apologize that I haven't been writing as often as I had been in the past. Internet has been limited and we've been having so much fun it's been difficult to find the time to sit down and write. But alas, I have found the time. We are currently at Mars Hill College doing a 3-day event called "The Timothy Project". Mars Hill was founded in like 1856. Coinsciedently, the dorm we are staying in was built the same year. Okay, well I am not sure about that last part, but to say the least, the dorm is certainly a trip back in time. Here are some of it's retro-fitted features:

1. No light in the bathroom
2. No A/C whatsoever (now remember it's 90 degrees out!)
3. Shower stall built for neither tall or robust men
4. Water taps that need to be held open to work (I guess they save on water)

BUT - it has lightening fast internet via Ethernet!

All in all, all this demonstrates is that we have been SPOILED so far. At any rate, we're not here for a vacation, but to minister to the needs of these students. I meet with the ministry leader in an hour to discuss details for the week. I am anticipating a great week of worship.

Speaking of great weeks. Few things on this tour will top the fun we had last week. Here are some of the highlights:

1. Hanging out with my buddy Peter Lindquist. Peter just bought his own place. We haven't seen each other for 6 years so it was great to catch up. What a terrific guy. God's gonna use this bro!
2. Hanging out with Peter and his family. Beautiful house, beautiful people. Just an awesome time!
3. Hanging out with Abby Merkel and Lindsey Lunsford. Old friends, good times.
4. Touring Integrity music (see group picture above in the main lobby).

We lead worship for 4 smaller congregations (youth groups). Our recruitment numbers were not stellar, but those who were interested were REALLY sold out on LU. Leading worship was a piece of cake. There must be something in the water in Mobile cause those kids love the Lord and have been taught and trained to be passionate for Him.

God is good and we continue to press on, leading worship and recruiting!
I will do my best to write a little more often this week.

t.

Pensacola Christian College

2009-06-09T00:14:00.004-04:00

Today we visited a significant institution in 20th century evangelicalism. The infamous PCC (Pensacola Christian College). Known for its ultra-conservative stance and sex-segregation rules, we were heathen intruders among the brethren behind the gated community. Proudly sporting our "Liberty University" shirts, we pulled a Kevin Roose and sought to fit in as we met up with a friend and roamed the campus.

I have to say the campus is OUTSTANDING! Despite its conservative reputation, these guys know how to have a good time. Need proof? Visit the newly built water park (yes, that's right) they built a few months back. All the buildings match beautifully and the campus is remarkably clean and 'neat'. I couldn't help but to inquire about some of the rules PCC has been known for in the past:

1. Girls and Guys MUST walk on opposite sidewalks and not come in contact - MYTH!
2. There are separate elevators for girls and guys - TRUTH!
3. You cannot listen to Contemporary Christian Music (because guitars are from the devil) - TRUTH!
4. They have the largest wall climbing wall in the world - TRUTH!
5. They have an indoor bolwing alley and plaentarium - TRUTH!

. . . but NO, they don't have a snowless ski resort! Booyah!

All in all, we had a blast and really enjoyed this fine institution. From what I read, in a lot of ways, PCC is much of what LU started as (culturally speaking). I think their perspective on us is that we have 'strayed'. Nonetheless, they have a killer campus and amazing tuition rates ($7000/year). Downside? They are not accredited. Upside? they have a Water Park, people!

Goodbye Destin, Hello Pensacola

2009-06-08T13:22:00.004-04:00

We are alive and well in Pensacola, Florida. We arrived at our friend, Allen Farr's house the night before last and have enjoyed good food and some R&R by their enclosed pool. I have to say it's beautiful here. We enjoyed last week with the students from First Baptist Atlanta. It was a GREAT kick off to our tour and we're gonna miss those students.

Sunday AM we played at Olive Baptist Church, which is the former church of my boss, friend and mentor, Dr. Vernon Whaley. We met up with the student's pastor, Jeremy Lloyd. Jeremy is an awesome guy and made us feel right at home. Sunday AM went well and our recruitment results were very encouraging. It wasn't our best game musically. We plugged into the room's subs and they seemed to make some crazy feedback noise every 10 minutes or so. Not cool. I think the early morning set-up (a first for us on this tour) put us out of the pocket a little musically. Nonetheless, we had a great time and connected well with the students.

We went to church in the main service and heard a great message about what it means to be a disciple of Christ:

1. Disciples put God first, even above family.
2. Disciples die to their own agenda.
3. Disciples find following Jesus a greater joy than having material possessions.
4. Disciples are to be developed by other disciples in the church.

Pastor Ted Traylor had a lot of good thing to say, of them one of my faveorite was "The cross is not something you wear, it is something that wears you."

Off to the beach today before we head to Dayspring Church in Mobile, Alabama tomorrow.

The Joy of Ministry

2009-06-05T21:35:00.003-04:00

There is something incredibly rewarding about helping people grow in their faith. Week after week, we get to be a part of growing students and facilitating a place for them to respond to truth. What a joy it is to be a part of what Jesus Christ is doing in this rising generation and to do it through the lens of promoting a place of spiritual growth, our awesome school, Liberty University.

I travel with some of the most awesome guys I know. So quickly we've become a family and the brotherly love we have for each other is self-evident in how we talk and engage with each other. How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity (Psalm 113). And how effective we can be when unity is the foundation of what we desire to accomplish.

Tonight has been great. I am currently listening to the speaker here at First Baptist Church of Atlanta's beach camp. The whole week has been nothing short of exciting, fun and enjoyable. I think my day was made when I went up to the local Circle K and redeemed a coupon for a FREE vanilla milkshake!

Tomorrow we pack and head up to Pensacola to prepare for Sunday ministry at Olive Baptist Church.

Greetings from Destin, Florida

2009-06-04T11:57:00.004-04:00

We are in Destin, Florida this week with the youth group from First Baptist Atlanta. I called my mom last night to tell her I was walking the beach on the Gulf of Mexico. When I mentioned that I was leading worship for First Baptist Atlanta she repeatedly asked me to say 'hi' to Dr. Charles Stanley (their Sr. Pastor). I went on to say that he sadly wouldn't be accompanying the youth down in Destin. She seemed slightly disappointed.

The speaker this week is quite dynamic. He opened his message this morning with a great statement and I have to be honest, I haven't heard this idea articulated this way before. He said, "As Christians, we need to have a theology of entertainment". This is so very true. We ought to have filters as Christians what we allow our eyes to watch. Great little nugget of wisdom articulated in a clear, memorable way.

Things are are off to a great start here. The beach is so beautiful here and we're looking forward to connecting with these students and building relationships with them. We went for a 'midnight' swim last night and I was stroke again by the vastness and beauty of the ocean. There is something beautifully frightening at how dark and vast it is at night.

The School recently released a press release about our travels. You can read it here.

God of the Ages - Radio Edit

2009-06-03T01:11:00.005-04:00

What an awesome time of worship we had at the "Basement" in Birmingham, AL tonight. Hillsong United was there last week so the students and adults were primed with the lasting energy from the week before and ready to worship. The spiritual temperature was hot, hot, hot! And boy do these guys kick things out of the box. What a great experience and reminder that we ought to take an intentional interest in reaching the culture of today in ways and methods that may challenge our traditional philosophies of ministry.

Tonight I heard the radio edit of Charles Billingsley's first single off his upcoming, CD, the title track, "God of the Ages". Wow. He tore it up and the production is second to none. Keith Smith and Adam Lancaster know how to produce. We're so luky to have to amazing LU alumnis working for Red Tie Records (LU's label) and churning out music of this quality. He's worthy of the best.

You can pre-order Charles' new CD here. It hit's the streets on August 25th. I sung in the choir the night of the recording and it was an annointed time of worship. You won't be disappointed with the project. I am excited to see how the Lord uses it to extend Charles' platform or leading and teaching the church in worship.

Summer Tour 2009

2009-06-02T12:13:00.004-04:00

Well it's here. We have embarked upon our 10-week tour and things are off to a great start. We left Virginia yesterday and made the trek down to Atlanta where we're staying with the Bowling's, an awesome family that is friends of the band.

We had some minor tire issues on our way down. The rim of one of our trailer tires got bent and caused a bulge. Luckily we caught it at a gas station before it blew off during transit. If you know anything about Exodus (the band I play and travel with), it's become a common occurrence to loose a tire during our travels. We've come to expect it and consider it the norm now.

Today we head over to a HUGE youth/college gathering called "The Basement" in Birmingham. After that we head down to Destin, Florida where we'll be playing at First Baptist Atlanta's summer camp.

We're looking forward to a great summer of music and ministry.
The guys are great. Incredible musicians, but even more importantly, incredible worshippers.

Stay tuned for more updates from the road . . .

t.