In practice, how can I disciple other Christians?
9MarksIn principle, how does discipleship work?
9MarksDiscipleship works most essentially through instruction and imitation. Discipleship works best through love. As we lovingly instruct younger believers in the way of godliness and live commendable lives, they grow in Christlikeness by imitating our life and doctrine (see 1 Tim. 4:16).
Is there room for a diversity of voices and styles in a church’s music?
9MarksOf course! The goal of the musical aspect of worship is to glorify God by praising him for who he is and what he’s done. Different styles of music will highlight different facets of God’s revelation. The same thing goes for songs from different eras in history and nations around the world.
What steps can leaders take to promote congregational singing?
9MarksIf congregational singing is a primary goal, how should leaders think about musical accompaniment?
9MarksIf church leaders want to develop and emphasize congregational singing, they should strive for musical accompaniment that is mere and enhancing, rather than full and enveloping.
Why does 9Marks so strongly emphasize congregational singing?
9MarksWhat are the dangers of performance music in a church gathering? Is there any role for “performance”?
9MarksWhat style of music is best?
9MarksMassive battles have been fought over this issue. Churches have split. Pastors have been fired. Countless Christians have taken up arms against each other in order to defend their answer to this question.
Yet at the end of the day, the style of music a church sings is relatively unimportant. What matters most is what we sing, not how.
That said, at least four further points can be made:
Who should lead the church musically?
9MarksHow important is the style of music a church sings?
9MarksThe style of music a church sings is relatively unimportant.
What opportunities is a pastor missing by not praying a pastoral prayer of intercession every Sunday?
9MarksWhen a pastor does not lead a prayer of intercession, he misses the opportunity…
Which is better in church gatherings: pre-written or spontaneous prayers?
9MarksSome people prefer pre-written prayers, because it gives them the opportunity to carefully think through how they want to lead the congregation. Other people worry that pre-written prayers will “quench” whatever the Spirit might do in the moment. Here are several thoughts on the prayers for which you have the opportunity to plan: