1january fyw 2008
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Front Yard Worship
A Songwriters Guild Magazine
Christian Musician SummitConferences
Miles McKeeThe New Covenant Shepherd
Kate WhiteJournal
Rick CuaTermination Dust
January 2008 www.oikeomusic.com
Worship In The SilenceMichael Bahn
Jake HillmanKeyboards
Indie HeavenDreamers Wanted
M U S I C I N C .
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A Songwriters Guild Magazine
January/February 2008
www.oikeomusic.com
Subscription Inquiries
Copyright 2008 Oikeo Music Inc
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Beyond Borders pg5
Michael Bahn pg6
Carried Away pg10
Indie Heaven pg14
Miles McKee pg16
Rick Cua pg18
Pastors Perspective pg21
The Editor pg3
The Guild pg4
Diary of an Indie Artist pg22
Contents
Dan Adler pg24
Breakthrough Conferences pg26
Keyboards pg29
Featured Book pg30
Grants pg32
Podcas pg34
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The only trip Ive taken to anythird world country has beenthrough the eyes, stories and
pictures of other missionariesand their ministries. My heartis always deeply moved when Isee the images of poor, hungry,homeless children who havelost their families to aids andwar. Some of these childrenthemselves have aids. I thinkmost people feel overwhelmed
at the task as I do. It is easier towalk away and comfort myselfthat someone else will take theinitiative but, I cant. My heartcomes back to the question overand over, Why am I here and whatam I supposed to do with my talents
that will make a difference?
A few years ago I felt Godtugging at my heart to makelocal ministry and communitymissions important. I need totouch, feel and know the peopleI am working with and for. Itseems that I can accomplishthis goal much easier and be
satisfied when I can see what ishappening with my own eyesand build relationships in myown neighborhood. So I startedOikeo Music Inc, a nonprofitorganization for songwriters.That is where my story begins.
Most songwriters I knowincluding me, have not had theprivilege of sharing their musicin a local church and most ofus do not have an audience.Thats the bottom line. We havejournals full of song ideas thathave never been spoken outloud, much less sung to a groupof people. Many of us havespent a considerable amountof money on CDs to find thatour audience is pretty narrow.It tends to make the artist in usfeel a little hopeless from timeto time. Everyone wants to beheard and understood. Wouldntit be great to get with some ofthese songwriters and build ateam of people that could impactthe community with their
music? The community mightnot show up for a namelessface like me, but they will showup to raise funds and food forcommunity causes. Bingo, thatsit.
That is when God began to bring
certain nonprofit ministriesacross my path, Safe Harbor Inn,Love Inc, Beyond Borders, NewDirection, Lily of the Waters,and a couple of nonprofits thatare making a difference in theFilipines, Italy, Ireland, Canadaand most of all Africa. Suddenly Irealized how large and expanded
this ministry could be. We canmake an impact worldwide bya few changes here at home. Ican organize concerts. I knowpeople who will play at theseconcerts and I know ministrieswho need our help. This time Ifelt overwhelmed by somethingcompletely different. I amamazed at how God gives eachof us the tools to bring purposeto ourselves and others.
In 2006 we performed ourfirst benefit concert using thegifts and talents of songwritersrepresented by our guild atOikeo Music Inc. For the firsttime in my life I felt like what Ido as a songwriter is important
because my gift and talent hasthe power to impact someoneelse. Some people came to ourconcert simply to raise fundsand food, but they went awaypleasantly surprised by thequality of music our songwriterbrought to the event.
Im glad I now know that Iwill have a chance to make adifference in someones lifelocally and nationally. What aprivilege.
Melissa Saulnier
The Editor
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puts your song(s) in the CCLI song-pool for other worship leaders and
pastors around the world to choosefrom.
We love to offer services to ourGuild members that help promotetheir music. These services include:
Radio Play
Magazine Promotion
Publishing of your originalsongs
Live Concerts and TouringMany songwriters wonder whattypes of songs qualify to be playedon the Oikeo Music Guild radio oraffiliate programs. The Oikeo MusicGuild chooses Christian songs basedon the heart of the lyrics and thequality of the music.
If you are motivated, ambitiousand have a passion for crafting your
songs, yet you understand some ofyour songs may need to be polished-up or fine tuned, and you have awillingness to grow in your craft,the Oikeo Music Guild can helpget your songs published and evenplayed on the radio!
Oikeo is located on the Web whichmeans we can take your musicvirtually all
over the world!Our radio showplays weekly onour local station KAFC 93.7FMwhich is now streaming onlinereaching a national audience.Basedin Anchorage Alaska, we serviceclients in over 20 states, plus Israel, Canada and Italy through ourmagazine .
The Guild Inspiring ActionAs a worship leader, songwriteror musician, Oikeo Music Inc and
our Guild of writers may be veryimportant to you.
If youre a songwriter, worshipleader or musician and want your
music to be played on the radio, orLIVE in concerts, or published, theOikeo Music Guild can help you!
We connect you and your music withpeople in communities and churches,who want your music! Whether on
the radio, in concert or published, theOikeo Music guild helps you take yoursongs to the people who want to hearthem and purchase them.
We work with a very specific group ofsongwriters and singing artists.
Artists include:
Worship leader artistsbringingyour own songs to your homechurch & community
Touring song-writer artists whoperform for a broader regional or
national audience
New songwriter/artists who arelooking for a place to grow & besupported as they develop theirsongs or music.
Many songwriters do not know whatthe process is or how to be paid fororiginal worship songs, choir music
or hymns. This is accomplished byacquiring a Christian CopyrightLicensing International number(CCLI#).
If you arent sure what a CCLI# is weare looking for the opportunity to tellyou more about your church and thelicensing process for using music.
All churches must pay licensing feesevery month so that original music
can be legally sung in congregationsaround the world. This means thatevery time your song is sung in one ofthese licensed churches, you receive asmall, ongoing royalty.
Oikeo Music Guild helps our membersreceive CCLI#s because we are anadministrator for CCLI.We take yourcompleted original songs and submitthem to CCLI on your behalf. This
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Michael Bahn Worship In the SilenceIn an attempt to cope with my seasonof silence, I began mouthing thewords to songs the band would play.As I tried this week after week, Istill found myself feeling strange anddisconnected to a world I previouslynavigated without a map. After aworshipservice oneevening, aman fromour churchcame upto me and
expressedhow blessedhe was byseeing meworship myheart out inspite of thefact that Icouldnt singat all. Tobe honest,
I was sofrustrated bymy situationthat I felt liketelling him,I dont wantto be yourinspirationright now,leave me alone! But God spoke to
my heart that night and said, Youasked me to teach you about worship,and make you an effective worshipleader. That is what Im doing, butright now it is costing you your voice.All at once it hit me. In a fresh way,I understood that I had led this manin worship with my life, not just withmy voice or musical skills. After thatrevelation, things began to change as
Have you ever wondered howyourr worship would change ifyou couldnt sing? Recently, God
brought me through that exactsituation. My name is MichaelBahn. I am a singer, songwriter andhave served as the worship pastor atRiver Valley Community Church inGrants Pass, Oregon for over 5 years.(www.rivervalleycc.org) I also amprivileged to travel regionally withand without my band, Michael BahnBand, to encourage the body of Christthrough worship. (www.michaelbahn.
com)
In June of 2007, after completing therecording of my latest CD, I beganexperiencing intense muscular achingin my neck while singing. Afterdoctor visits, extensive examinationsand second opinions, my prescriptionwas to spend the next two months incomplete vocal silence. Those twomonths grew into almost 6 months
without any singing. As you mightexpect, this was very difficult for me.During those months, I continuedto oversee and serve on my churchsworship team. Surprising to me, Ifound it incredibly difficult to worshipwhile playing guitar without beingable to sing along. Sadness began toset into my heart as I felt completelyawkward and unable to engage incorporate worship. Although I knew
that worship was so much more thansinging songs, I had never entirelylost my ability to sing before. Thisawkwardness in worship even beganto permeate my own personaldevotional times. As an artist and aperson, I had lost my primary formof expressing my heart to God andothers.
I continued to serve in silence monthafter month, watching others lead inmy place.
Throughout this season, I would journathoughts and reflections that God wasrevealing to my heart. This reflectinghelped show the process God was
taking me through. I would now like to
share some personal realizations I hadduring this time. May they encourageyou in your seasons of difficulty.
Nevertakeaweekofworship
leading, or any other type of serving,for granted. It can be taken away in amoment.
Ifyouarecommendedfor
handling your trials well, quickly pray
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singing, strumming or songwriting.Another day it might be throughbuying a homeless man lunch, readingmy Bible in Taco Bell, showingtenderness to my wife and children,smiling at a stranger or praying for afriend.
So how would your worship change ifyou couldnt sing? I discovered thereis so much worship to give the Lordoutside of using my voice. I hopeGod allows each of you reading this todiscover the path of worship outsideof your strengths. Remember, in ourweakness, we see how very strong Heis.
2007 Michael Bahn
For more information aboutMichael Bahn please visit
www.michaelbahn.com
or
www.myspace.com/michaelbahn
Wearesometimesnotas
strong as our giftedness can make usappear. It sometimes takes removingour strengths to help us see ourweaknesses.
Withintrials,wemust
keep our eyes on the Lord. If we
glance away, we get caught up andoverwhelmed by our situations.
Ifyoudesiretoliveinapure
way, your life might heat up to allowthe impurities to rise to the top andbe removed.
Leadworshipwithyourlife,
not just with your musical skills,talents and gifts.
After almost six months, God hastouched my voice so that I can nowsing without pain. Praise God thatI can use my voice to worship Himagain. I am so grateful that the Lordis allowing me to continue servingHim as a worship leader. I ammost grateful that God never stopsteaching us about drawing close toHim. I realize it took me getting
really quiet before I could hear Godsvoice whispering that my calling as aworship leader is so much more thana call to music. It is a calling to laydown my life as a living sacrifice. Thatis my act of worship. One day myworship might be expressed through
that God would receive the glory inthe trial, not you.
Thereistremendousgrowth
for us when we are willing toworship in ways that are different andpotentially uncomfortable.
Itisgoodforanupfront
leader to experience how it feels toserve on the worship team withoutleading the band. You will see andunderstand your ministry and teammembers like you never have before
Godcananddoesuse
others just as effectively as He usesus. As much as we love to do ourministries, they can survive andflourish without us.
Wemustdesiretogrowandlearn from God more than we desireto be comfortable.
Godprunesfruitfulbranches
so that they can produce more. (John15:1-4) Even though pruning hurts,there is no other way to be used in agreater capacity without being prunedfor new growth.
Praythatyoucaneventually
be able to thank God for your trials.Thank Him that He would consideryou and allow you to walk through thetough season.
WeneedtohavepeaceifGod
doesnt allow us to use our mostcherished gifts and if He changes ourcareer or direction.
Polishedprofessionalworship
leader words are not always as
necessary and impacting as we think.Lay worship leaders also have greatthings to say, and we need to let themshare.
AskthattheLordwould
use you, even in a broken state. Askthat He would use your hardship andallow it to bring Him glory, praise andacclaim.
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Too BIG
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To MISS
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Carried Away
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I Want You
Since we last heard from Carried Awayin 2005 with its critically acclaimeddebut disc Closer To You, the Canadiantrio has been on a whirlwind journey
both professionally and personally.For starters, the Ontario-bred groupcomprised of sisters Colleen and PamWalker, plus their cousin ChristinePrankard, have been on a seeminglyendless tour, ranging from several soloheadlining dates, to opening slots forthe illustrious likes of Casting Crownsand Avalon.
Add in several Women of Faith
sponsored events along the way,where the ladies not only reachedout to thousands of adult women, butalso teens and younger youth, andCarried Away truly has come of agewith their music and ministry. Andspeaking of age, the threesome hasalso stepped out of their teenage skinand just tipped into their twenties,demonstrating additional artistic andspiritual growth, while simultaneouslypossessing an even more direct set ofgoals on this impressive sophomorealbum.
Weve basically used our experienceup to this point to encourage youngpeople and really let them know howyour life can change for the betterwith God in the center of it, explainsPam of the continually evolving
songwriting process. We came upwith the album title of I Want You togo along with the theme of the firstalbum Closer To You, which basicallyencourages listeners to get an idea ofwhat they want from this life. Whatare you putting into your life, andmost importantly, do you want Godin your life? Its a huge decision, butgetting to know Him is our ultimate
message.
Though Carried Away has plenty ofguys in its fan base, Christine quicklyechoes another thought relating tothe girls of all ages the group seeks toreach. I think another angle is the factthat so many young people want to be
loved and accepted all the time andtheyll do almost anything to feel thatway. But we want to remind them thatGod will love you no matter what theworld says and no matter what youmay have done. Hes there with openarms of forgiveness and can fill any ofthe holes in your life.
Throughout the entire songwriting
process for the album (which justfor the record is taken up almostexclusively by the group membersin both lyrical and instrumentalcontexts) the trio also explored ideasof holiness and purity. Sure, theyvealways been mindful of the necessarylimits and boundaries when it comesto living a life in Christ, thougheveryones wholeheartedly committedto never falling under the weight of
worldly pressures.
If you want Him to be your all andall, you have to make choices thatultimately result in Him being thefirst priority, adds Colleen. Overthe last couple of years, God hasbeen teaching us individually and as agroup how much He desires holiness.Of course, its a struggle everydayto make Him number one- and notjust with prayer when you need helpwith something- but to make Himwholeheartedly the most importantpart of your life.
The album is strewn with several songexamples tracing these newfoundconvictions throughout I Want You,which hits stores through InfinityMusic Distribution in August. Take
for instance Wasting My Words,which applies those aforementionedconcepts to romance, suggestingto put God before guys, otherwiseits sure to result in heartache andfrustration. Sweet One (CantBreak) extends upon that premiseto again touch on relationships, but
remind all God will never break aheart, which is an integral fact toremember, especially in the wake of adevastating disappointment. Mysteryis also an amazingly powerfulselection, talking about waiting ourentire lifetime to meet the Lord inheaven, but also making it clear wecan catch glimpses of Him throughoutday to day situations.
A lot of times people say our musicis anointed, Colleen notices. Theytell us the music and the songs arecoming from an honest place andthat through being ourselves, theyare encouraged every time they goaway from a show. We think thats thegreatest and highest compliment, butGod deserves all the glory.
That idea can also be tracedthroughout a recent round of tourdates, which saw the group visiting achurch in Tennessee last fall and thenagain this spring in anticipation of thealbum. The threesome recalls hearingabout a young boy who was unable towalk and couldnt even stand up, butwas moved in supernatural ways bythe groups music.
The last time we were there, hismom came up to us and sharedthe most amazing news, exclaimsChristine, choking back tears. Shetold us the only time her son stoodup was during our two concerts andthat she was forever grateful for ourministry. To think that somethingas small as a song could do this forsomeone is simply mind blowing and
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we cant explain it! Its just the power of music and factthat God can move through anything. Stories like thatare so encouraging that they keep us doing what Hescalled us to do.
Aside from this highly emotional display, Carried Awayalso branched out with an additionally adventurousmusical dichotomy that finds the group straddling the
lines between pop, acoustic rock and worship. The tuneSmile, writtenout of the pure joyto be alive, evokespraise leaderssuch as AaronShust and ChrisTomlin, while thestirring Feel ItInside and Just
Believe takeon the modernradio approachof NatashaBedingfield orMichelle Branch.Yet this vast rangeof influencesalso includes thehighly diverselikes of Natalie
Grant, AvrilLavigne, Coldplayand The Fray.
Though the group will soon debut this progressiveblend of muses on the road, backed by Pams primarykeyboard playing, Colleens guitar playing (andoccasional assistance on keys), plus Christines guitarplaying, yet another new angle recently developedwithin the girls inspiring story. Last July, the grouphooked up with Compassion International, which is anoutreach organization theyll be sharing about from thestage each and every evening.
Were honestly so in love with Compassion and all theamazing means of helping others it can provide, verifiesChristine. They go into local churches throughoutdifferent counties and meet the needs of the people-starting with Jesus and reaching out on so many otherlevels as well.
Colleen continues: After we went to Peru on a trip withCompassion, we wrote the song Beautiful Girl, whichbasically talks about whenever you sponsor a child, it givesthem hope to face another day. We saw so many people cryingwhen they met us because they were so thankful they weregiven the chance to know Jesus. It was such an eye openingexperience, especially because they were so poor but all sohappy and content.
Though Carried Awayhas always had a largereach throughout NorthAmerica, that trip andmembers subsequentinvolvement withCompassion have stirredup even greater globalgoals. Aside from those
familiar areas, thetrio hopes to continuewriting material thatappeals to the masseswith a message groundedin the Gospel, whiletraveling beyond theircomfort zones.
Our heart and missionis to go out to all nations
and teach people aboutJesus, Pam sums up.We want to teach young
girls and women in particular to obey His commandments andreach as many places as we can. Well go wherever God wantsus to go- even if its Antarctica- and our goal is to go throughevery single door and be lights in darkness.
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Christina Paul
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his team at Indelible.
Chris Thomason, IndelibleCreative Group president andfounder, developed the conceptfor the project. In the worldof independent music there arevery few places you can go toget real world informationand practical advice to facilitateartistry and ministry, saysThomason. Indieheaven.comhas proven to be that place, andwe are excited to partner withthem to create a product thatbrings greater awareness toindependent artists.
Artists and songs for Top 20Indie 2008 are being finalizednow and will be announced
In January 2008 at www.top20indie.com, which willserve as the online home forthe brand. The site will includefeatures on each of the artists,audio samples and links back totheir Indieheaven.com profiles.
In addition to the artists culledfrom Indieheaven.com, the
album will also feature newmusic from Crystal Stark,winner of the 2006 GMA inthe Rockies talent competition.Inclusion on Indeliblesindependent artist series waspart of her prize package thatalso included an appearance
Disneys Night of Joy festival inOrlando, Fla.
Later in the year IndelibleCreative Group has plans fortwo more releases in the seriesincluding: Top 20 Indie Worship2008 and Top 20 Indie Rock2008. Each of those titles willfeature the best of independentworship and rock and willbe compiled in early 2008.Word Distribution will handlesales for the albums priced at$9.99 to the CBA market withWEA servicing digital outletsincluding iTunes in the generalmarket.
If you are an independentChristian artist and want
to submit your song forconsideration, JOININDIEHEAVEN TODAY andsubmit through their songsubmission process afterjoining. ALL songs placed onthe compilations will be songsproduced by Indieheavenmembers.
ABOUT INDIEHEAVEN.COM
Indieheaven.com is a Christianindependent musicians resourcealliance dedicated to theadvancement of independentChristian musicians and theindependent Christian music
Indie Heaven Dreamers WantedINDELIBLE PARTNERS WITHINDIEHEAVEN.COM ONLAUNCH OF TOP 20 INDIEARTIST COMPILATIONS
March 2008 Release Will BeFirst In Three Part Series
(FRANKLIN, Tenn.) 11.27.07-On March 4, 2008 IndelibleCreative Group, in association
with Indieheaven.com, willrelease Top 20 Indie 2008. Thealbum will compile 20 of themost talented emerging artistsfrom Indieheaven.coms stableof independent Christian artistson one CD. Artists and songs forthe album were selected frommembers of Indieheaven.com
by a panel of music industryexperts from Indelible CreativeGroup and Indieheaven.combased on song quality, artistexposure and web traffic amongother criteria.
Weve been looking for theright partner to help ourIndieheaven.com membersaccomplish their mission,comments Keith Mohr,Indieheaven.com president.Joining with Indelible CreativeGroup to bring independentartists to the world is a real Godthing. We look forward to thefuture with Chris Thomason and
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scene. Indieheaven.com partnerswith its members to help themincrease the scope of theirmusic missions, providing:tools, mentoring, community,and other services. Located in
Franklin, Tenn., Indieheaven.com was launched in 2002, andits founder, Keith Mohr hasprovided services to independentartists since 1997. For moreinformation, visit www.indieheaven.com
ABOUT INDELIBLE
Indelible Creative Group is amusic and film company basedin Nashville, Tenn. creatingexperiences through mediaproducts that are culturallyand spiritually relevant. Thecompany represents recordingartists including Travis Cottrell,Phil Joel, Jeff Deyo and SPUR58
among others. Among its currentDVD releases are Max Lucado3:16 Stories of Hope, Craveshort film series from best-selling author Erwin RaphaelMcManus and popular childrensentertainer Miss PattyCake.Word Distribution providesdistribution services to CBAretail; with Lionsgate (film) andWEA (music) serving the generalmarket. For more information,visit
www.indelibleonline.com
Indie Heaven ofers so much!
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Miles McKeeThe New Covenant ShepherdThe New CovenantShepherd
Anyone who has read the Bible willsurely agree when I say the NewCovenant is a better than the OldCovenant. If we are to take thewriter of Hebrews seriously we haveto come to that conclusion. He makesthis point when he says categoricallythat Christ Jesus is the mediator of abetter covenant, which was establishedupon better promises (Heb 8:6).
The New Covenant has also a betterhope (Heb 7:19) and better sacrifices(Heb 9:23). The New Covenant is anall round better deal for those whobelieve. Which one of us, after all,wants to go back to animal sacrificesand personal obedience to the Law toget into Heaven?
Yet in spite of this we have people
today who insist that Jesus in a merecreation of God. He, they say, is onlythe Son of God and not God ofvery God. How interesting! Theywill, however, agree that Jesus is theNew Covenant Shepherd. And whywouldnt they as Jesus claims this titlefor himself saying, I am the goodshepherd (Jn.10: 10). And, as if theyneeded further proof, Hebrews 13:20designates Him as that great shepherd
of the sheep while Peter calls Him theChief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4).
But according to Jehovah Witnessesand others, although they hold Jesusto be the Shepherd of the flock, theysay He is not God. How curious!This then must mean that the peoplein the Old Covenant were better offthan believers in the New. Why so?
Because according to David in Psalms23, Jehovah (The LORD) was hisshepherd. Knowing it was Jehovah
who was his shepherd he could boldlysay, I shall not want. In the veryvalley of death he informs us he wouldfear no evil. And indeed, why wouldhe fear since Jehovah was taking careof him?The truth is, unless Jesus is Jehovah wewho now live in New Testament timesare at a considerable disadvantage for,after all, we have entrusted the keepingof our souls to one who, according tothe J Ws, is at best a mere creation or,if you listen to some other groups, amere man at worst.As sheep we need a shepherd who hasthe power to keep us safe from thewolves of life. We need a shepherdwho has power and wisdom to guide,to lead and to feed us. If Christ is
not Jehovah how can we have anyassurance he is up to the task ofbringing us safely to eternal life?And never mind eternal life, there aremany times in this life when we needour souls restored. I want Jehovah torestore my soul not some one whosalmost Jehovah or very close to Him.And no, its not asking too much forthat to be the case since that was the
case for David and the old CovenantbelieversSo if Jesus is not Jehovah then thisis, in fact, not a better covenant. Itis not a better hope. Weve beencheated and short sold if Jesus isntJehovah. Since Davids shepherd wasJehovah that should inform any rightthinking person that Jesus and Jehovah
are one and the same unless, that is,the believers advantages are greatlydiminished under the New Covenant.
Thou Shepherd of Israel and mine,The joy and desire of my heart,For closer communion I pineI long to reside where Thou artTis Jesus the first and the last,Whose Spirit shall guide us safe homeWell praise Him for all that is past,And trust Him for all thats to come.Charles Wesley
Miles McKeeMiles McKee MinistriesBox 541, Kingston Springs, TN,37082www.milesmckee.comMaking Jesus Famous Permission is given by the author,Miles McKee, to copy this article if
it is done in its entirety without anychanges.Permission is also given post thisarticle in its entirety on InternetWebPages
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Termination Dust and Other Signs from God
As a musician, Ive twice had the greatprivilege of playing Gods music at theAlaska State Fair. On our first visitI can remember sitting in a coffee
shop in Palmer on a beautiful Augustmorning with my wife Diana. As thewaitress brought us our cappuccini andscones, she looked out the windowand commented Termination Dust.Our curiosity must have been evidentbecause we were quickly told that thetermination of summer and summerjobs was annually signaled by theappearance of August snow on the
mountain peaks.
Similarly this analogy speaks tothat unfortunate time we have allexperienced when the connectionbetween band and audience,worship leader and congregation isterminated. It could be for manyreasonsdistractions, music that lacksrelevance for a particular group of
people, or a lack of knowing who youare playing for and what your ultimatepurpose is. As worship leaders andmusicians we should use our abilities,
not just musical, but all of our sensesto help people draw close to the Lordin worship.
Jesus declared,A time is comingand has now come when trueworshippers will worship the Father inSpirit and truth, for they are the kindof worshippers the Father seeks. John4:23
As a young musician I learned howto move an audience through anemotional or soulish experience. Fromthe energetic highs of rock anthemsto heart tugging moments of songsabout love & love lost, we took peopleon a musical journey. We learned toread the audience and watch for signs
that told us if we were connectingor not. There were many things wecould do to reconnect and if we werereally in trouble we pulled out the big
gun the drum solo! This was doneas entertainment capturing onesattention for a purpose our purposein those days was to connect to thesoul man to win their hearts.
Fast forwarding to Christian music andcongregational worship, reading thesigns involves more. Its about leaningon God and having hearts open to Hisleading.
A number of years ago, during oneof our Rock The Boot tours inItaly, I was invited to minister at asmall church in Naples. This was acongregation where the men sat onone side and the women, with headcoverings, on the other. During thefirst song I realized we had a problem.I was playing one of my aggressiverock anthems as an opener and theshock waves pinned the conservativeNeapolitans to the old wooden pewsin terror. It was either going to be areal bad night or I had to think fast andmake some changes. I remember wellthe process that began somewhere inthe middle of the first chorus and wascompleted by the songs end.
And this I pray, that your lovemay abound still more and more inknowledge and all discernmentPhilippians 1:9. Wisdom isfound on the lips of him who hasunderstanding Proverbs 10:13
Watching the congregation
Rick Cua All For The King
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All For The King Music,
through RickCua.com,
periodically delivers FREECONGREGATIONAL
WORSHIP SONGS
in MP3 format with Chord
Charts and Lyric Text Files.
Please join our Mailing list
at www.rickcua.com Gods
Very Best To You!
Rick & Diana Cua
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Pastors Perspective
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integrity. He remained faithful, andbecame, in most peoples eyes, themost influential minister of the gospelthat ever lived.Joseph died in a palace; Paul died in aprison. Both saw the revelation Godgave them come true. Both madedaily obedience to God their primarygoal. Both maintained their integrity.It was God who brought about theirsuccess. Their role was not one ofconscious planning or preparation,but merely maintaining their integritybefore God, and obeying Him
faithfully.It is a great thing to have a God-given vision of future ministryaccomplishments.It gives us something to hold on towhen times of discouragement come.But such a vision is not essential toa successful life of ministry. Evenif we are blessed with such a futurevision, it should in no way changeour approach to our walk with
God. The only way to see Godsplan accomplished, whether weknow what it is or not, is to commitourselves to take up our cross dailyand follow Him. We should neitherrush toward, nor run away from, thevision. We take only the steps Heshows us to take, when He revealsthen to us. Even if we know of ourfinal destination, it does not negate
the necessity of following Him to thatdestination. It is in through faithful,daily, obedience that Gods plan isdeveloped, and we are prepared forwhat is ahead.Remember the wisdom of Proverb16:9 A mans heart plans his way, butthe Lord directs his steps.Pastor Jack Aiken
PlansIn the realm of human endeavor,success almost always depends onadequate planning. Financial plannersfrequently quote the old adage Noone plans to fail, they fail to plan.The beginning of a new year is a timewhen we evaluate our plans and takemeasures to revise them. At thesame time, we often make New Yearsresolutions that we hope will correctsome perceived deficiency in ourlives.Church staffs will soon be meeting
to finish their planning for the year.Some pastors will plan a whole year ofsermons in advance. Some ministers,including pastors and worship leaders,will be reviewing their career planstargeting the various positions theydesire to hold over the years.I believe in planning, and I can see thevalue in setting goals, but the Biblecautions the Christian against puttingto much dependence in man-made
plans. In the book of James we areadmonished to preface all our planswith If God wills.Many of us, when we feel that Godhas called us to a particular work forHis kingdom, have a dream aboutwhere that ministry may take us, andwhat we will be able to achieve. Someof that comes from an over-inflatedego, and sometimes God will give usa glimpse of what He has ordained forus to do. The question that presentsitself is, How much planning mustI do to bring about Gods will in mylife? I believe the answer lies in thelives of two characters from the Biblethat God called to high positions ofleadership.Joseph, one of Jacobs youngest sons,had a couple of dreams that gave hima partial revelation of the plan God
had for his life. It was his destiny toone day be in authority over his father,mother and all his brothers. Whatan ego-trip that must have been for ateenaged boy! While the dream wasabsolutely true, he was not given evena hint of what he would be requiredto endure before that day. Neitherdid he know that he would be giventhat authority to benefit his family, nothimself.Along with his dreams, Joseph alsohad a deep commitment to the will ofGod. He had many temptations to
abandon his integrity and take whatwould appear to be an easier, morepleasant road, but the real focus ofJosephs life was not his dream, butremaining faithful to his God. Formost of his life, before his elevationto power, he was a slave. He had noability to plan or prepare himself for aposition of power. However, God wasexecuting His plan in Joseph, and eventhrough Joseph was not aware of it,
God was preparing him for his futurerole. It was only in remaining faithfulthat his God-ordained future becamea reality.The apostle Paul is another exampleof one to whom God gave a visionof his future life of service. In Paulscase, it was not a revelation of futurepower and glory, but God showedhim the things he would be requiredto suffer for His sake. God gavePaul a visiona mission he wouldpursue to the death. Although Paulwas given a revelation of things hewas to suffer, he made no plan toavoid those sufferings. In fact therewere times when he deliberatelywent into danger because he knewit was Gods will. His only plan wasto be completely obedient to God.By obedience, Paul maintained his
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Diary of An Indie Artist
Diary of
An Independent Artist
By Kate White
Dear Readers,
When Melissa approached me aboutdoing a regular feature in FrontyardWorship, I got really excited about thepossibility of doing something like ablog something casual, honest and aplace where we could interact I amalso a worship leader at my churchand worship is a big part of my life andinspiration. But as we talked, I reallyfelt led to write from the IndependentArtist perspective. Partly because ofthe number of gigs I do in that vain,but also because I have a heart tomentor other independent artists in thejourney and struggled myself to findanswers when I was starting out.
I dont know about you, but for me I
found that initially, the music industry-including the Christian Music Industry-was complicated and hard to breakinto and find my place. There are greatresources and people out there whoreally want to help you be successful inyour journey and then there are deadends and opportunities that turn outto be a huge waste of time and money.
I hope to be a resource to you and passon what I know. I do not claim to bethe end all Independent Artist! Ivecome a long way and have learned a ton
in the process but just like you, I have along way to go. My goal is to create afeature where you can:
1) Catch an honest glimpse ofmy life each issue Ill give youa snapshot of where I am at rightnow as an artist and band and whatIm struggling with and what Imexcited about,
2) Share what spiritual themeGod is dealing with me on and howthats affecting me and my music,
3) Touch on the practical andbusiness side of things. I hope tobring you specific, useful ideas thatmake sense. Ill tell you what Imdoing and whats worked for me.
4) Answer your questions! If you would e-mail me either at Oikeomusic or [email protected], I will gather your questionsand try to answer those mostcommonly asked or what I thinkare really GOOD questions to beasking in the coming issues. Asmuch as Id like to answer eachone individually, time constraints
will make that impossible butmore than that, I believe we can allbenefit from your questions, so Id
rather answer them in print!
Okay, not much room left for parts 1-3of this first issue so Im going to giveyou a brief history of my journey togive you a quick snapshot of where Ivecome from and bring you up to date!
Ive been doing music all my life andhave been a part of worship teams andleading worship for a number of years.
I started songwriting at 14, studiedmusic and business in college, spent 10years overseas with my husband andfamily in church planting and worshipand by 1995 had recorded 3 differentalbums. We moved back to the states,and by 1999 I had a very strong sensefrom God that He wanted to use mymusic for more than stacking up on thepiano.
1999-2002A friend gave us $10,000 towardmaking another CD.I struggled with self-promotion soavoided Gods call to step out and domore with my music for another 3years!
2002I entered a Christian artist contest and
made the top 5.I lead worship at our ministrysconference and was stronglychallenged (again) to get my songs outand move forward.We moved to a larger church / theystarted using my songs in worshipwithout my initiating it. First time Isaw a congregation of 700 sing one ofmy songs. Humbling and tearful.
22 Front Yard Worship
Kate White
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new way. Lost and gained players.Had first website designed, but couldntupdate it.Started a business as Sole Proprietor (haveto have a legitimate business to sell CDs)Curly Willow Music.Toured to CA solo. Used my tracks. Soldlots of CDs. Band played 4 gigs a month
together.Song featured on SongDiscovery website.2nd time to GMA in the Rockies competed in all 3 categories song/vocal/instrumental. Got really sick butstill placed in the finals for vocal andinstrumental and song Quiet Place took2nd place nationally in its genre.Signed 2 songs to an Independent FilmWAJ again- able to join the master writers
class (had to be published)Went to Christian Music Summit in
Seattle. Met Margaret Becker, DawnJones and Hazel Nieves. Discovered needfor total marketing makeover. Workedhard and did the homework to understandmy unique call and communicate it. Got aMyspace and a booking coach.
2006Developed a website with Hazel Nieves.One I could update myself and also sellmerch on.Developed press kit, new photos, all to fitsame look as website.GMA Week in Nashville. Hazel was thereand used my site as an example. Greatpublicity for me.Solid band and same players. Doing 4-8gigs a month / with and Kate
without band. Touring more bothlocally and in CA.Contacted by Centricity Recordsto come to their Independent ArtistRetreat. AMAZING opportunity!!15 artists / and or bands and 15-20 industry professionals there tohelp us. Wow. Free studio time,
co-writing sessions with industrywriters, web and press kit review.KEY: I took copious notes and madeEVERY change they suggested that Icould do within my means.Updated website once more, stillwith Hazel Nieves, to be much moreefficient.Hooked up with other Indies from theretreat and asked questions and got
help on putting contracts together,setting up tours outside your area,etc.Developed decent contract.Developing greater confidence inasking for fees, doing the business sideof the music ministry.Went through Tom JacksonsPerformance Training (on DVD)Band showing more interest in ourprison gigs / outreach
Met Oikeo Music, set up tour to AKfor January 07.Offered a Record Label Contract.
2007Toured to AK with full band. Doing6-15 dates a month. Toured to AK,CA, OR, WA.Prayed through and addressed legalaspects of Label ContractDeveloped a strong ministry toPrisons. Have set up ministryrelationships to streamline entry intoprisons for concerts.Continued from Kate WhiteDiary of An Indie Artist
Saw 60 prisoners pray to receiveChristBooking, writing, gigging.Cont pg 25
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that I lead the way in songs is to write
in culturally eclectic styles. So even
when Im using lyrical content that is
strictly praise and worship oriented, Im
using diverse styles that are stretching
the listeners and singers to break down
musical prejudices and sub-cultures and
to become accustomed to and embrace
other musical forms. In doing so,weve inuenced thousands of people
to listen to, worship with and embrace
Black Gospel, Reggae, Latino, Native
American and many other styles of
music who had only worshipped with
hymns or pop white worship music in
the past. So in that context Im using
the actual style of music to teach and
inuence as well.
So as you write your next song, think
about what music and lyrics your song
will need to highly inuence those who
listen to and sing that song in the future.
What does the Church need to hear?
What does the Church need to sing?
Imagine Christian worship music
bringing about signicant change in the
lives of believers and the world around
themits easy if you try.
www.heartofthecity.org
25 Front Yard Worship
Started a Retreat called Journey toWholeness.Learned a lot about label andpublishing contracts. Decided notto sign with label. Great folks,but lack of peace to move thatdirection. Kept a good relationship
with label and still work with them.New record possibility opens up.Start pre-recording prep at studio.Feeling led to start a non-profit.Wrestle with this most of the fall.Get counsel and continue to seekGod on non-profit. Decide tomove forward with non-profitstatus.Head into studio with sessionplayers and record basic tracks.
Kate White
Paul Wainamo
Join worship
leader Paul Wainamo
in this soothing
instrumental ull o
grace. Experience Gods
peace and tranquility.
Available at
www.oikeomusic.com
Sanctuary
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Breakthrough Conferencesauditoriumnext to 3000 wor-
ship leaders and songwriters,
singing our hearts out with Paul
Baloche and other great leadersas they led us in worship.
Some o the eatured artists
and perormers were Brian
Doerksen, Phil Keaggy, Lincoln
Brewster, Tim Hughes, Tommy
Walker, Paul Baloche, Doyle
Dykes, Haley, Leann Albrecht,
you get the picture. By the
way, you wouldnt know at a
glance that Carl Albrecht had
a heart attack a ew months
back. What an amazing re-
covery. Im Im sure he wants
continued prayer rom the
Body o Christ.
This year 2007 included Key-
note Speakers like Tom Kraeu-
ter, Bob Kauin & Zoro the
Drummer.
The CMS 2008 will oer over
120 workshops in the ollow-
ing tracks...
> Lead Worshipers/Pastors
> Vocals
> Acoustic Guitar
> Electric Guitar
> Bass
> Drums/Percussion
> Keyboards
> Winds/Strings
Matt Kees and Bruce Adolph are
the brainstorm behind Christian
Musician Summit a powerul
yearly event. They have estab-
lished a great set o core belies
and values:
Core Belies:
* We believe in the triune God:
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (one
God in 3 distinct persons). (Isaiah
9:6, John 1:32-34, John 14:15-17-
,25-27)
* We believe the Bible is Gods
Word to us without error (2 Timo-
thy 3:15-17)
* We believe that Jesus Christ isthe Savior o the world; our only
hope, and our only way. (1 Peter
3:-9, John 14:6)
* We believe Gods grace is all we
need! (Ephesians 2:8-9)
* We believe there is work to be
done to spread the Gospel and
grow the Kingdom! (Matthew
28:19, Ephesians 2:10)
Core Values:
* We value Gods desire or His
Church to be united (Romans
15:4-6)
* We value the command to
worship in spirit and truth (John
4:23-24)
* We value the command to sing
to him a new song; [and] play
skillully (Psalm 33:3)
* We value the command to Do
nothing out o selfsh ambition
or vain conceit, but in humilityconsider others better than your-
selves (Philippians 2:3)
The Christian Musician Summit
(aka CMS) is a two-day coner-
ence or lead worshipers, musi-
cians, technicians, pastors, song-
writers & indie artists to improve
their skill and inspire their talent
CMS Is one o the most amaz-
ing experiences a songwriter orworship leader can encounter
each year. So many talented and
ministry oriented groups come
together under one roo or
practical training, equipping and
resources. All this to improve
skill and inspire talent.
Melissa Saulnier, President o
Oikeo Music Inc says,
A group o us rom Oikeo MusicInc met Matt Kees in 2005 as we
were seeking out a conerence to
send our Alaskan guild writers and
artists to. We ound him to be a
humble and personable guy. Since
that time I have noticed tremen-
dous growth and vision as I have
been watching CMS.
The frst year we attended CMS
2006 at Overlake in Redmond
Washington, I was overwhelmed at
the learning and knowledge that
anyone attending can come away
with. I enjoyed every class I at-
tended and came home with new
riends and contacts that have
changed my lie and perspective
on worship and leadership. Some-
thing that really impacted me was
standing together in the main
26 Front Yard Worship
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>Songwriters
> Indie Artists
> Post-Modern Worship
> Audio
> Video
> Sotware
Sharing & presenting these work-
shops are over 50
Presenters repre-
senting the best o
the Christian Music
industry.
Featured artists or
2008 include Paul
Baloche, Kathryn
Scott, Lincoln
Brewster, and many,many more...
In addition to work-
shops, the CMS
oers registrants
access to 90 Exhibit
booths. Everything rom musi-
cal instruments, to record labels,
to audio gear, to sotware, to
hardware, to installation proes-
sionals.Registering or the 2-day Sum-
mit gains you access to the
workshop sessions, the general
sessions, the exhibition halls, and
both evening concerts.
Also, registration badges have
assigned seats or the evening
concerts. General sessions and
workshops are general admis-
sion. The main oor will again beor registrants only.
Another important unction o
CMS is the Songwriters Boot-
camp the day beore CMS be-
gins.
WHEN & WHERE?
Thursday, March 27, 2008 Eccle-
sia Church, Franklin, TN
Matt and Bruce say that this church
has such a cool vibe. Its in a building
called The Factory.
The Factory has an indoor mall with
a bunch o cool stores... as well as
the Church... its also the home o
Big Idea (Vegietales)... and the CMT
Crossroads concerts...WOW!
WHAT & WHY
The Songwriter Boot Camp is an
intensive day o workshops and
clinics or serious songwriters as well
as olks who desire to improve theircrat by learning rom the best in the
industry.
HOW DOES THE BOOT CAMP WORK?
Show up in the morning...
to register, get a name badge and
fnd out which group you are in...
General Session
The day will begin with a general
session. Ater the general session,paticipants will move into various
elective workshops...
Elective Workshops
These will include everything rom
writing great melodies, to copyright
ino, to the benefts o co-writing, to
arranging, and much, much more...
Then o course theres lunch and
ater that...
Critiquing Sessions
Groups will go into Critiquing Ses-
sions. Participants will break up
into groups o around 20.
The song that you send in will be
critiqued by a ew clinicians. The
entire group will listen to eachrecorded song, ater-
ward, the clinicians
will give a construc-
tive critique. It is help
ul or songwriters to
listen to the critiques
o all the songs, as
there is much inorma
tion to be gleaned.
General Session &Special Perormancee
Ater the Critiquing
Sessions, paticipants
will gather again as a
ull group or a Q&A
panel discussion, as well as give
the registrants the opportunity to
listen to the songs o some o the
clinicians.
HOW TO SUBMIT A SONG
Registrants will be asked to submi
one (1) song on a CD or an MP3 via
email or review.
Here are some things other people
are saying about CMS....
This was my frst CMS and along
with the learning and knowledge
everyone had to share, worshiping
GOD with hundreds o people who
are GOD called, and driven by their
love or GOD That was amazing.
I didnt know what to expect and I
came away with more than I could
have ever tried to expect
CMS
27 Front Yard Worship
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28/4028 Front Yard Worship
COD
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This is a fresh innovative way to bring new and fresh music right to your computer
every month. Our goal is to provide you with usable music, help you teach the music,
and give you a way to perform the music on an ongoing basis.
For more information please visit our NEW website www.MarkCondonMusicClub.comFor 1 FREE Month as a sign up bonus please use this Promotional Code
For only $11.95 we will send all of thesecomponents right to your personal computer
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can receive their own music and part help.
Mp3 Listening Track of the tuneMp3 Split Track for performance uses
Mp3 Stereo Track for performance
Mp3 Soprano part helpMp3 Alto part help
Mp3 Tenor part help
Pdf File of the rhythm chart
Pdf le of the rhythm/vocal chartPower Point slide for your A/V screens
Lyrics Only for transparency use
Visit our new website to hear clips of the
tunes that you will be receiving and find
out more facts about all that we can do
to serve you.
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29/40
Keyboards Jake Hillman
29 Front Yard Worship
As a piano and/or keyboard playeron a worship team, we have a uniqueopportunity to do what most other
musicians cant; creating space insteadof filling it. I mean, think about it;guitar players strum away, the bass hasto keep up with the kick drum and fillin the low register, drummers are therhythm (unless you have a specifiedpercussionist), and, lets face it, leadguitar players dont really thinkenough is ever enough. Dont get mewrong, I have nothing against these
musicians and believe that they allplay an integral part in worship. Wewouldnt have the awesome worshipsongs we sing without Christianrockers like Lincoln Brewster.However, with so much soundgoing on, how do we contributeto this hodgepodge of people andinstruments that are trying toattempt to work together to leadGods people in worship?
First of all, the most importantelement in any band is listening.If there is one thing that you takeaway from this, I want it to be this:Take the time to stop and listen toyour fellow band members beforeyour fingers even touch those ivories.Unfortunately, this is the key elementthat most musicians forget to do. Weget our lead sheets and off we go. Wekeep telling the sound man to turnus up in our monitor because we justcant hear ourselves above all of theother instruments. At the end of thepractice, we feel that we have donewell in keeping up with the othermusicians and that the lead guitarwas still too loud, but we overcame.We banged away at our piano on thefast songs and played some really
cool rifts on the slower songs that thecongregation is just going to love.
Now dont get me wrong, I am not
writing this to accuse. I am writing thisas someone who has actually been oneof these non-listening keyboardists.Thankfully, I eventually came to realizethe error of my ways. One exercise thatI wish every musician had the chanceto do is record with other musicians.Recording forces you stop and listen towhat other people are playing. Instead
of galloping over what everyone elseis doing, you have to look for the rightplace and listen for the right time in eachsong where you can contribute to theworship within each song. I mean, isntthat what we are called to do?
Now, let me take some time to get offone soap box and sep-up onto another. Ifyou think that playing on a worship teamis your time to shine every weekendfor the congregation, I would suggestthat you take some time away from thespot light to really think about yourintentions. Being on a worship team isnot about us. It is about leading Godspeople into worship that will glorify and
honor Christ, not us.
OK, back to listening. Listening is apowerful tool that we can use to find
those moments where we contributeto the worship by creating spaceand filling in the gaps. Sometimesits just reinforcing the rhythm onthe piano that follows the base orrhythm guitar. Sometimes its findingthe right sound on the keyboard thattakes a moment of reflection to thenext level.
So, now that weve stopped tolisten, what do we listen for?1. Listen to the rhythm. Payclose attention to the rhythmguitar and try to follow. Listento the percussionist or drummerand, again, follow suit. Mostup-beat worship songs are guitardriven, which does not leave awhole lot of room for us. So,instead of pounding away on that
piano, support the song by usingstring, pad or organ sounds onthe keyboard. Remember, youdo not have to be the driving
force behind every song. The songwill basically lead itself through aneffective team. We just need to knowhow we contribute to that team.2. Listen to the leads of otherinstruments. One of my biggestmistakes for many years was drivingover the lead guitars or bass. As muchas they may annoy us, lead guitarshave their place. I know, some of usjust hear a bunch of screeching noisefrom our lead guitarist, but believeme; they can be extremely integral,especially if we learn to effectivelyplay with them, not against them.Instead of turning them down inyour monitor, keep them in enough
Continued on page 36
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are loved and cared for and
all intentions are for their best
interest, they begin to trust the
motives and purposes for the
feedback. Most often, when
delicate conversations and
evaluations go awry, it is not
because of content, but becauseothers have believed that the
sometimes painful input means
that someone has milicious intent.
The best way to keep this from
happening is to continually foster a
spirit of loving care in your group.
The rst rule of safety is group
purpose.
If everyone is working toward the
same goal of great song crafting
and can be assured that the others
have the same goals, interests, and
values, you have the beginning of
a healthy climate for trust building.
Used with permission by: Melissa
Saulnier and Paul Wainamo
Buy this book at www.oikeomusic.com
cared for. Maybe your situation
would respond well to couches
and sofa chairs. Either way, your
goal is to create a comfortable
atmosphere that encourages
conversation and interaction whileproviding the means to share
music, songs and ideas.
Trust is the foundational building
block that causes the group to
become a cohesive and productive
guild. Because we are listening
to intimate ideas from each
songwriter, conversations can
become delicate from time to time.
Since we are all in different
places emotionally, creatively, and
spiritually, you can be guaranteed
of being given the opportunity
to learn how to deliver delicate
messages with sensitivity and
discretion in your group. Always
remember we are to encourage
rst before we evaluate.
Education is key. By educating
your guild or group, whether it be
through books, DVD, seminars,
monthly workshops, or private
study, foster in them the tools they
need for self-evaluation. Weve
chosen to take the stance that if a
guild member wants evaluation
for a song, he or she will ask for
it. None of our members offer
too much input without rst
being asked. Although, there are
exceptions to every rule, chances
are, you will nd those who ask
for evaluation will more than
likely be long term members of
your group that have had time to
establish trusted relationships
When an individual knows they
A Safe Place To Share
Proverbs 27:6 Wounds from a
friend can be trusted, but an en-
emy multiplies kisses.
A Safe Place To Share
One of our rst goals as a guild
was to choose a church that we
knew offered its facilities to
many local community events and
groups for use. Why? Because it
immediatly placed us on common
ground in vision: Building
community and relationships ina safe place. A bi-product of this
action was that the church, in
time, became and now functions
as the covering for our ministry
and song guild. While this may
not be possible in your situation,
we suggest strongly that in some
way shape or form, you nd a
ministry or leader that you can be
in submission to and that is willing
to function as a covering for you.
We are creatures of comfort.
Here in Alaska, comfort is key!
In the dead of winter at 20
degrees below zero when we
expect people to come out to our
meetings, it is very important that
they feel comfortable with their
surroundings. While you may
never experience these kind ofweather dynamics in your area,
it is important that you consider
your environment and what will
best encourage an atmosphere of
community and sharing.
Circling the chairs around the
piano and providing coffee gives
our members a feeling of being
Chapter Two
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Christian Foundation Grants
Private Foundations - What
They Are
The vast majority of funds avail-
able to grantseekers exist in private
foundations. A private founda-
tion (PF) is a nonprot organiza-
tion that is usually established
and supported by an individual
or family. It is tax exempt upon
receiving approval from the IRS,and may be funded with cash,
securities, or other assets. Today,
most nancial planners recommend
initially funding a PF with at least
$5 million. Establishing a PF is
costly ($15,000 to $25,000) and
time-consuming (up to 6 months);
administrative costs are high.
In 2003, PFs gave over $26 billion
in grants, which represents nearly
11 percent of all charitable con-
tributions in 2003. Corporations
and corporate foundations (below)
gave slightly more than half that
amount. The majority of giving-
about 75 percent-is by individuals.
Religious, educational, and health
organizations, in that order, receive
the majority of these funds.
A non-operating PF fullls its
exempt purposes by making grants
to support charitable programs
conducted by other organizations.
An operating PF conducts its own
programs, expending funds directly
for charitable activities. Unless
Grant Seekers
they also make grants, CFG does
not cover operating PFs.
Private foundations are subject to a
variety of excise taxes and restric-
tions on their activities that are
not applicable to public charities.
Additionally, contributions to non-
operating PFs are limited to 30%of adjusted gross income and 20%
for capital gain property. For public
charities like Christian community
foundations, the deduction level is
50% of adjusted gross income and
30% of capital gain property.
A PF may or may not have staff.
The function of staff is to process,
evaluate and fund grant applica-tion. If there is no staff, the ap-
plications are handled by a board,
individual, or family. Many PFs
also depend on the assistance of
an attorney and accountant. PFs
vary considerably in the amount of
assets they control. Some PFs have
only a few thousand dollars; others
have billions. Click here for more
details on Donor Advised Funds
Private Foundations - How They
Work
Once a private foundation is estab-
lished, it may begin receiving grant
applications. Do not submit a grant
application unless the foundation
Belive that someone wants to give
you the money.
Project your organization into the
future.
Start with the end in mind.
What are your strengths and
priorities.
Create a plan.
Research prospective funders,
starting locally.
Target sources that have an inter-
est in your organization
Tips To Prepare Your Organization For A Grant
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indicates it receives grant applica-
tions. Some foundations ask that
you follow specic instructions
when writing and submitting a
grant; others have no policy. Once
an application is received there
is typically some type of evalua-
tion process involving a meeting
with the foundation staff, board orsource of funding.
The written grant proposal and
the actual project you propose are
critical components of obtaining
a grant. If the grant is accepted,
funding eventually follows. Some
foundations may require follow-up
reports for accountability purpos-
es. For more detail on how privatefoundations work, see the section
entitled Applying for a Grant.
Christian Community Founda-
tions-What They Are
A Christian community foundation
is a tax exempt public charity. A
Christian community foundation
(CCF) has many features that are
different from a PF. For instance,donors may receive a greater tax
deduction when contributing most
assets.
Community foundations are sup-
ported by, and operated for the
benet of, a geographical (i.e.,
Denver) and/or religious (i.e.,
Christian, Jewish) community.
The information provided here is
equally applicable to all commu-
nity foundations, of which CCFs
are a signicant part. In 2004,
community foundations distributed
over $2.6-billion. The largest CCF,
National Christian Foundation,
distributed nearly $170 million.
A Christian community foundation
establishes donor advised funds
(DAFs) for its clients. A DAF
is a fund into which the donor
places various types of assets.
Upon transferring the assets, the
donor relinquishes control to the
foundation with the understand-
ing that the foundation will followthe donors advice regarding the
ultimate disposition of the funds.
One advantage of a DAF is that a
tax deduction may be taken imme-
diately, even though the funds may
not be directed to a specic charity
for months or years to come.
Christian Community Founda-
tions - How they Work
An individual, family, business,
ministry or church may establish
a donor advised fund. A DAF is
generally established by: (1) mak-
ing an initial asset contribution,
which can range from $2,500 to
$50,000 (most community founda-
tions require between $10,000 and
$25,000); and (2) completing a
form document that can be down-loaded from the internet. Legal
assistance is not necessary.
A DAF may be opened with cash,
securities, closely held stock, real
estate, various business interests,
collectibles, and other non cash
assets. For a complete listing of
funding assets, inquire at a nearby
Christian community foundation.
Giving through the fund can oftenbe done online. The fund is admin-
istered by the Christian community
foundation. This administration
includes all appropriate reporting,
receipting, and distributing. In
exchange for this service, the CCF
charges an annual fee of up to 1%
of fund assets.
Once the DAF is established, thedonor may make grant recommen-
dations to tax exempt 501(c)(3)
organizations. Donors should real-
ize that the CCF maintains ultimate
control over the fund. However, it
is very rare that a donors recom-
mendation is not followed.
CCFs may also provide other prod-
ucts and services, such as Chari-
table Gift Annuities, CharitableRemainder Trusts, disposition of
assets, and management of assets.
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Podcast God Cares About Art
34 Front Yard Worship
Hi my name is Rich Irwin. I am
a ministry leader at Anchorage
City Church, and these are
encouraging words for artists.
What does that sound like?
This is a question that my
friend Rose would ask me.
I am grateful that he would
ask the question so frequently.
He would also say, This may
be the last time we get to play
music, so lets worship with
everything we have. He is a
wise man and a huge inuence
on many of us in the local
scene.
This may be biased towards
music, but youre supposed to
write about what you know.
So visual artists, writers,
dancers and the like, please,
take the principle here and
apply it to your own artistic
discipline.
I want to challenge you to make
better art. I want to challenge
you to look to scripture for
inspiration and application to
your art. Im going to quote a
few verses and I want you to
think about them and try to
capture them artistically this
month.
Genesis 1:2
And the earth was formless andvoid and darkness was over
the surface of the deep. and
the Spirit of God was moving
over the surface of the waters.
Now what does that soun
like? I heard a song by Moby
once that tried to capture it
But, honestly I think theres
a better one out there waiting
to come out. Is that loud,
or is it a subtle sound? Is it
a thunderclap of force, or a
slow brooding tension? Does
it cause rejoicing, or reverent
fear? What does that sound
like?
Job 38:12
Have you ever in your lif
commanded the morning and
caused the dawn to know its
place? Man, what does that
sound like? We read that verse
that says God opposes the
proud but gives grace to the
Ri
chIrwin
RichIrwin
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Cont From Page 33
Christian Community Foundations-
Private Foundation Support
Private foundations use Christian
community foundations in a vari-
ety of ways, including:
To Meet 5% Minimum Distribution
Requirement-Private foundations
must distribute 5% of their value
each year. However, sometimes a
PF has not met that requirement by
the end of the year. This may occur
for a variety of reasons; for in-
stance, a ministry may have failed
to meet the terms of a grant, thus
forfeiting its funding. To meet therequirement, a PF may distribute
funds to a DAF by December 31.
The PF may then distribute (by
recommendation) the funds at any
time in the future.
Anonymity-Private foundation
tax returns are a matter of public
record. Therefore, a PF may prefer
to make grants through a DAF.
Distributions through DAFs can becondential or anonymous.
Grant leverage-A PF may choose
to distribute some of its grant mon-
ies through a DAF, and have the
Christian community foundation
solicit proposals from community
ministries. This attracts attention to
community initiatives but not the
PF.
35 Front Yard Worship
humble and we say Oh yeah,
thats right! while stumbling
in our own areas. Here God
confronts Job in a very real
challenge with this direct
question. What does it sound
like to have your bluff called
by the Almighty God? What
does it sound like to command
the morning and cause the
dawn to know its place?
Matthew 9:12-13
It is not those who are healthy
who need a physician, but
those who are sick. Go andlearn what this means. I desire
compassion and not sacrifce,
for I did not come to call the
righteous, but the sinners.
What does that sound like?
Jesus is rebutting an attitude
the Pharisees had toward those
they were commanded to
love. On any given day I am
both the sick and the Pharisee.
What does the righteousness
of God sound like when it is
confronting my hypocritical
heart? What does it sound like
when my hypocritical heart
discovers that He came for me?
What does it sound like when
His compassion is poured out
through me and what would
have been a sacrice is now a
pleasure?
The question is What does He
sound like?
Thanks for reading this. To
hear the podcast go to :
www.oikeomusic.com
Heres how you can reach me:
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Continued from page 29
range to hear (heres where thatlistening thing happens) what theyare playing. If you hear a nice riff, oreven think that theyre overplaying(I know, hard to imagine), stop, andwork out some key places where you
can pick out separate parts, partsthat you can play together to supporta specific line, or parts that youtake turns playing on every othermeasure. Just like a good marriage,communication does wonders!Now, lets talk about the bass. As amusician, my left hand can be mygreatest asset or my worst enemy,especially on those great up-beatLincoln Brewster, Paul Baloche,
Matt Redmond, Chris Tomlin songs,I know, it can be hard holding backwhen we just want to jump up, lightthe piano on fire and play like JerryLee Lewis. But, theres a reason whywe have a bass guitar player and it isto well, play the lower register ofeach song. That doesnt leave a wholelot of room for our left hand. Whichleads me into3. Listen to the range thateveryone is playing in. If you havea bass player, stay out of his or herrange. If you have a lead guitarplayer, play in a different register,even if it is one octave, up or down.If you are supporting the rhythmguitar player, play in a similar range,but invert your chords into a littlehigher place. This supports the
separation of each instrumentand allows them to effectively worktogether.4. If you are a keyboard player,listen for the right sound. In a recentarticle in Worship Musician magazine,Brian Bergman, a worship leader andkeyboard player for Charlie Hall,
wrote a wonderful article aboutchoosing keyboard sounds and howto use them effectively. Some tipsthat I can offer is to choose soundsthat fit the song, not necessarilywhat you have heard everyone elseplay. Remember, less is more! Softersounds, like strings or pads, can reallyadd a nice element to an upbeat song,especially if you are having a hard time
finding some space. Instead, createsome space and support the song byadding elements, not more noise. Playin ranges that leave the song soundingfull, not what in the world is that highpitched sound I keep hearing? If thesong is a reflective song, play morepiano sounds, or layer some strings orpads behind the piano sound if yourkeyboard has the capability.
As a worship team and band member,some of my greatest learningexperiences have been thehumbling ones wherethe lead guitar player hasstopped everything tofind out what Im playing.Taking time to stop andlisten to each elementand picking out the parts
Oikeo Music Inc, is delighted to support our guild o songwritersby picking out one song per issue to display in our magazine. We
eel this keeps the ocus on one song and ofers the songwriter more
chances o having their song used. Oikeo Music Inc is an administrator with CCLI and we takesour writer s seriously. I you are a
worship leader using this song in your congregation, please enter the CCLI# and log this song each time you use it.
This month we are revisiting a song that was in a previous issue beore our subscription was so widespread. Now that our
magazine is in 20 states plus Israel, Canada, and Italy, we eel it is timely to re-introduce you
to the greatest theme we can have and that is surrender to our Savior, Jesus Christ. We hope
you enjoy this song.
that I can contribute to have made myjob easier as a worship leader. As thekeyboardist in a band, our greatestmoments are when the lead guitarplayer and I complement each othersnotes, riffs, ranges and sounds.
Finally, remember that as a worship
leader, your job is not to stand outabove the rest and wait for yourmoments to shine. It is Christ thatmust shine through the gifts andtalents He has given us. We give Himthe glory, praise and honor that is dueby using those wonderful gifts for Hisglory, not ours.
About the author: Jake Hillman is
a piano and keyboard player for RiverValley Community Church in GrantsPass, Oregon. He has over 20 yearsof piano and keyboarding experienceand has played on worship teams sincehe was 13 years old. Jake has beeninvolved in leading and supportingworship, as well as recording withchurch worship teams and his currentband, Michael Bahn Band. For moreinformation, go to
www.michaelbahn.com.
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Happy
New Year
2008