Why aren't we singing?:

The reason most people don't sing during worship is simply because they are singing towards those who are already singing, making it a bit of a challenge almost. The songs can be too difficult sometimes, and other times people just aren't warmed up to sing or are even aware that our voices can be meant for singing. The group of worshippers must be led by the singers through a sort of "warm-up" if you will, with simple melodies such as hallelujah or humming of some sort, just to sink it in that the crowd can sing and so that they feel more encouraged to sing. People can also just take the worship as just another source of entertainment, not an action being taken upon by the worshipper. Once the worshipper is made aware of the fact that the band is not to perform, but to lead, they will be more inclined to be spiritually and sometimes physically active.

Graham Kendrick really put his words of wisdom into an easy to comprehend format, stating that people always expect worship bands to do all the worshipping for them so that they can just watch from a distance. Worship is an act for the listener as much as it is an act for the musicians.

Andy Mineo

Hip Hop and Rap are rather new to the music world in general, having only originated from the early 70’s in The Bronx, New York. On top of that, Hip Hop is very new to the Christian genres of music. Typical worship and Christian music is played in a contemporary or alternative style, so now that there is Christian Hip Hop, Christian music is being revitalized by its Rapper pioneers. Among those rap artists who are pioneering their faith alongside their craft, is Andy Mineo; He is one of the most popular Christian rappers currently in the music industry because of his unique style and use of articulate and loaded vocabulary.

Andy Mineo first started his musical journey while he attended high school in Syracuse, New York, spending his time producing beats and soundtracks for him and his friends to listen to. When he graduated, he joined a Syracuse sponsored label with his group known as Fat Camp. Shortly after his stint with his rap group, he had a revelation with God, and realized just how faint his spiritual growth had been getting. He wasn’t satisfied with where he had been headed in life, and for this reason he decided to re-commit himself to living a Godly life. This meant he had to leave his rap group, and start anew on his own. He was rather inactive in his music until he provided hook Vocals for another Christian hip hop artist named Lecrae, which got him passionate about rapping about God. He started producing on his own music in 2009 when he released his first mixtape as a stand-alone rapper, titled Sin is Wack. Since then, he has blown up with popularity. Having been featured a song called Power Trip by Lecrae, the two artists among other featured artists won the best Gospel album in the 2013 Grammy Awards. My opinion on Andy Mineo, is that he is the Eminem of Christian Rap. His words are full of meaning, and his creativity works hand in hand with his skills on the mic. Aside from having a testimony to write lyrics about, he is very wise for realizing his faults. To me, Andy Mineo is very Spiritually aware and is listening to what God is telling him every step he takes through life.

ARE WE INSULTING GOD?

This article was about the importance of our hearts and even very little words that are used in worship. Words can be the divining factor in life or death, heaven or hell, and depending on our hearts desire when we use our words, we can either be insulting to God or extremely worship oriented. It all depends on small words like "for", we cannot forget that we technically don't have to do anything FOR God, he really does not need us. We are only here because God loves and created us, and for us to love Him back with our own free will is up to us. It brings him joy, but words can make a big difference on what we desire most.

I really do agree with what this article states on some aspects, but others I find harder to understand. To me, it is all about our hearts while we worship, words do mean a lot and certain ones have impact, but at the same time God knows what we desire before we say it or do something, meaning we don't necessarily offend him with our mouths.

This article begins with a very puzzling and multi perceivable intro. To one person, they could perceive this as "leading on a stage is BAD". Others can see as leading as more of a showmans pride way of stealing the attention away from God.  However, throughout the article the author explains how important humility is when it comes to being in important positions that tend to be more stage driven and up in front of people. People need to be aware that even though they may not think they have ulterior motives in their hearts, they are sinful human beings so they always have something dark in their hearts, no matter how righteous they are. Jesus isn't a human, so he has the right to be able to do it in front of people. Knowing that, one of the most important values in a Christian's life must be humility. Being humble in the presence of God is important, if we pride ourselves then God cannot be the one to lift us up if we think we can do that ourselves. Letting go of glorifying ourselves opens up our hands, so we can lift them up to God.

IF WORSHIP WAS AN NBA GAME:
 Uh, I never expected that this video existed, but this would be hilarious if people were so into it as these people. I really don't know what else to say about this. Happy new year.

Chapter 29: Ministering out of our comfort zone
Sometimes we are just meant to minister outside of the places that we aren't used to. Using the blessings given to us by God, we are given opportunities to grow through our pain in not being used to something.
I think it's okay to do this and it's better to keep us growing rather than staying complacent.

Chapter 28: Understanding the dynamics of the worship service

To understand the worship service, that means that the worship leaders must be able to understand the flow of the order and be able to pick songs, discerning them between songs they like to play versus songs that are pertinent to the message. It also goes deeper into the little details, such as practicing the songs and reciting the message and making sure that it will all sound the way it's supposed to sound the the congregation. However, if we base our "effectiveness" on sounding good alone, then we are missing the point that we are meant to worship God, not perform behind His name.
I liked this chapter because it reminds us to watch the mundane and not only worry about the big things, we must be vigilant on the little things as well.