Christmas is a joyous time. But it can also a challenging one for church praise bands. Contemporary worship is not really the place where you want to launch into a sleepy, organ-laden arrangement of “Silent Night.” Yet, some members of your congregation long to hear these traditional Christmas tunes. So what’s a praise band to do? Find some great, contemporary arrangements of familiar carols. Here are a few...

So you’re looking for a great new song for worship. Why not write your own? Even if you can’t write music, you can take an old song of any ilk and give it new life by giving it new lyrics. Or you can write lyrics and work with someone who is able to put them to music. I tend to be one of those Bernie Taupin lyricists in search of an Elton John melody. But when I can’t find a composer to do the work, I sometimes look for a rock and...

Colton Dixon continued to boldly proclaim his faith in Jesus Christ on American Idol, belting out one of his favorite worship songs. Dixon covered Lifehouse’s Everything with such conviction, that he and his grandfather in the audience were both tearing up by the end of the song. And the Idol judges said Dixon’s emotional connection to the song was undeniable. “I believe you in every song you choose,” said judge...

For the contemporary worship leader, nothing is more deflating than to hear from the congregation that you should include more traditional hymns in worship. I sometimes bristle at the thought. My immediate internal response to such a suggestion is to question how people couldn’t like the amazing contemporary songs I always choose. But the suggestion isn’t a rejection of newer praise and worship songs. It’s just a longing...

Christmas is a joyous time. But it can also a challenging one for church praise bands. Contemporary worship is not really the place where you want to launch into a sleepy, organ-laden arrangement of “Silent Night.” Yet, some members of your congregation long to hear these traditional Christmas tunes. So what’s a praise band to do? Find some great, contemporary arrangements of familiar carols. Here are a few...