John Wiley’s Post

The POWER OF SINGING – Enhancing the Mass Through Active Participation In this article we explore a beautiful aspect of the Mass that enriches our worship experience: singing the parts of the Mass. Have you ever wondered why this practice is encouraged in parishes and schools? In this post, we will delve into the significance of congregational singing during the Mass, supported by liturgical documents of the Church. Singing the parts of the Mass enables us to actively engage in the sacred celebration. The Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (Sacrosanctum Concilium) emphasizes the importance of active participation by the faithful in the liturgy. By singing the responses, acclamations, and hymns, we become active participants in the prayer of the Church. Our voices unite in harmony, creating a collective symphony of praise and thanksgiving. Read more on the blog.

Struggling to pick the right songs for your worship service? We've got you covered! In this reel, we share some effective tips to help you choose impactful worship songs that connect with your congregation. From lyrics to melody, get ready to elevate your worship experience! #worshipmusic #worshiptips #churchmusicians #leadersworship #selectingworshipsongs #congregationalworship #inspiringpraise #themystickeys

I’ve heard it said long ago that people need three things to stick with a church: 1. They have to trust that the primary preacher speaks God’s truth; 2. They have to be able to tolerate the worship music; and, 3. They have to trust that their children are being well cared-for and taught Biblical truths. It is impossible to have a worship style that will make everyone happy – especially in this age of individually customized playlists. Choose a style. A style that you can really get behind and be passionate about. Then do it well. REALLY well. Make sure it’s something that works given the resources you have. You may love the sound of huge modern gospel choirs, but if you have a team of five people, it’s not happening. Make sure that the music is not just doable for your team, but for your congregation, as well. There is a difference between: 1. Songs created to listen to, and; 2. Songs created to sing along with. To be blunt, there is a reason why most worship songs tend to be fairly simple and repetitive - melodically, rhythmically, and structurally. Average people have to be able to follow along with and sing them. More on this in the days to come... 

When we know what worship truly is, it should make it very clear what worship is NOT. 🙅🏻 Worship is Love Expressed to the King of Kings and that has to remain at the forefront of our worship leadership. 👑 Sometimes we can complicate worship and make it about us…our needs, our music, our desires. But it’s 100% about God and His presence. When He is the focus, that is true worship. 🙌🏻 #worship #worshipleader #worshipleaders #worshipmusic #worshipcoaching #worshipcoach #worshiplife #worshipteam #heartofworship

As music producers, worship leaders, Christian musicians, and artists, this verse relates to us in several powerful ways: 1. Fixing our eyes on Jesus: Amidst the distractions and temptations of the entertainment industry, this verse reminds us to keep our focus on Jesus, the source and perfector of our faith. He should be our ultimate inspiration and the reason we create art. 2. Enduring for the joy set before us: Just as Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him, we too must persevere through challenges and opposition, keeping an eternal perspective. The joy of using our talents to glorify God and impact lives should motivate us. 3. Despising shame: As Christian artists, we may face ridicule, criticism, or pressure to compromise our values. Like Jesus, we must be willing to embrace suffering or shame for the sake of our faith and convictions. 4. Seated at God's right hand: This verse reminds us of Jesus' ultimate victory and exaltation. Our work is not in vain, but contributes to His eternal kingdom. We can find strength and hope in His reign. Ultimately, Hebrews 12:2 calls us as Christian artists to an unwavering devotion to Christ, a willingness to endure hardship for the greater joy, and a constant reminder that our labor is unto the King of kings. It keeps our purpose grounded in the gospel and eternity.

The Worship Within Worship is more than the songs you sing, the words you say, and the type of music you sing. It is more than the congregation or the worship leader (or team). It is even more than the church building itself. Worship is about the attitude of heart. It is about who you worship, not how you worship. You can stand and raise your hands, but if you do not sing to the Lord, it makes no difference. You can stand on a stage with a microphone in your hand and lead others in worship, but if it is not through the Spirit, then it is not true worship. Worship is how you live everyday when you are not in the church building. Worship is what you say and do. It is a lifestyle. Your singing should be an outpouring of your life. If you worship in the Spirit, then you can worship anywhere, regardless of the style or songs.

Discover the truth behind the popular worship song "I Surrender All" and why it may be one of the most hypocritical songs we sing in church. Explore the contradiction between claiming to surrender everything to God and holding onto certain aspects of our lives. Join the discussion and gain new perspective. #HypocrisyInWorship #ContradictionsInFaith #QuestioningChurchSongs #RealSurrenderToGod #WorshipReflections #ChurchMusicDebate #UnveilingReligiousHypocrisy #AuthenticFaith #InwardTransformation #ChallengingChurchNorms

Gregorian Chant – A Revered Tradition Lost in Time? In the vast tapestry of Catholic liturgical music, one thread stands out as both exquisite and enigmatic: Gregorian Chant. For centuries, this ancient form of liturgical music filled the sacred spaces of the Church with its ethereal beauty and solemnity. However, in recent decades, Gregorian Chant has gradually faded from Catholic worship. This decline raises questions about why it is no longer popular and whether reviving this timeless tradition could enrich modern liturgy. To explore these issues, we will delve into the historical significance of Gregorian Chant, examine the reasons for its decline, and consider the merits of its resurgence in contemporary Catholic worship. Read more on the blog. https://buff.ly/3WTGfwm

Create Worship Experiences that Connect: The Power of Emotional Song Choices Discover how to create powerful worship experiences that connect with your congregation every time. Learn the importance of selecting emotionally arousing songs to establish deep connections and foster a sense of belonging. Don't leave it to chance - enhance your worship services and strengthen your community. #WorshipExperiences #ConnectingThroughMusic #EmotionalSongs #CommunityBelonging #EnhanceWorship #WorshipService #WorshipSongs #DeepConnections #ChurchCommunity #MusicandEmotions

Revelation 14 opens with the 144,000 who have the Father’s name written on their foreheads and have not defiled themselves in worldly ways (vv. 1-5). This is followed by the messages of three angels (vv. 6-11), saying: --Worship God alone. --Fallen is Babylon. --Worshipers of the Beast will receive torment. The call for endurance of the saints is then followed by a blessing for those who have died and now are at rest (vv. 12-13). This text is set to music classically in the Brahms Requiem. https://lnkd.in/gyiEG-sf Additional texts in this chapter are also set to poetry and music, including the grim reaper (vv. 14-16) and “the trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored” echoed in “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” (vv. 17-20). Again, the function of apocalyptic is to embolden the faithful to persevere during hard times and to trust in God, over and against the powers that be—relevant then and in every age.