Keith Lancaster

Keith — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:56:55 +0000

Keith — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:24:55 +0000

Making Melody in Melbourne

Keith — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:32:30 +0000

Photo by Richard Hooi – - Christians from multiple congregations around Melbourne, Australia gathered for the second annual Autumn Songfest. The public school that was rented for this occasion echoed with heart-felt praise, as all ages joined together for this special event. Jules Cseszko did an outstanding job of facilitating this gathering, which was preceded by a Worship Leaders clinic, sponsored by the South East congregation.

Common song leader mistakes

Keith — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:14:03 +0000

What are the most common mistakes made by song leaders / worship leaders in directing congregational singing? While conducting a recent leaders’ clinic, I realized, yet again, how the same mistakes seem to be universally prevalent. After the song leaders came forward to lead one song each, I critiqued them (”in love”) and offered suggestions immediately following. My assignment seemed quite awkward, as thoughts of Simon Cowell (of American Idol) came to mind. There were many positive skills displayed among the diverse line up of leaders. However, here are some that seemed to be ubiquitous and should be corrected:

1. Never using a pitch pipe (and every leader of a cappella singing should.) If I could start with one universal wish, I’d want every leader to attain the correct pitch, every time for every song.

2. Staring at the song book (and making no eye contact with the congregation.) Take away the song book (or monitor screen), and you’ll find a host of helpless song leaders who would not know where to look.

3. Employing stale tempos – - In fact, they’re so common that often the congregation is actually leading (and inevitably dragging.)

4. Never changing the tempo (and as you know, variety is the “spice of life.”)

5. Dynamic contrasts seemed to be non-existent. Why not sing some sections softly and others loudly? Yet, we migrate to a non-expressive, predictable pattern.

6. Impossible to smile and sing? This one is right up there with not using a pitch pipe. How can you say, “Come we that love the Lord and let our joys be known” without projecting a single ounce of joy? This one change could revolutionize song leading (simply expressing joy and smiling!)

7. Body language contradicting the message of the songs. Taking the above example further, worship leaders must understand how powerful non-verbal communication is, and how our leading often undermines the message of the songs. There is no question about the winner of “words versus non-verbal communication” debate. I suggest that there is not a single leader (especially me), who could not benefit by analyzing video recordings of their leading (painful, but helpful).

Which mistake do you believe is the most common of all? (You can leave a comment to add others.)

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A delightful, private Flute Quartet concert in Melbourne

Keith — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 04:18:45 +0000

What a treat for Jules Cseszko to arrange for us to hear this Flute Quartet! I just now realized that I can post links to a Face Book photo album from my blog. Click here to check out all the Flute Quartet pics. Hearing this music increases your intelligence. There are some styles of music I’ve heard recently that has the opposite effect.

Walking on top of the Trees

Keith — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 04:04:15 +0000

While in Brisbane, we were treated to a visit to Tamborine Mountain and their brand new “Sky Walk” through the rain forest. It’s always interesting to walk through and above the trees on a series of walkways designed to protect the rain forest. My first experience on one of these was years ago on my very first visit to Western Australia. A few years ago, we found a similar walk near Vancouver, British Columbia. This Sky Walk is very well designed and provides a very unique perspective.

The Face of Luna Park in Sydney

Keith — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 03:43:04 +0000

We walked across the Sydney Bridge to the park on the north side, called Luna Park. The face that greets you there is one that is large enough to walk under. I don’t know if this clown is funny (thus, the humor category) or scary? What’s your take?

Combined Sunday morning worship in Brisbane, Australia

Keith — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:29:40 +0000

Redlands College was the location for a vibrant, combined assembly of God’s people in the Brisbane area, on Sunday, February 28. I have heard of many unity gatherings and combined assemblies on Sunday nights and other days of the week, but rarely do I hear of churches combining on Sunday morning. The agape atmosphere was exhilarating as we shared “a common love for each other and a common gift to the Savior.” Of course, I was encouraged by the opportunity to lead 20 songs during the service. The singing was some of the best I have ever heard. More importantly, it was obvious that people were enthusiastic about praising God and giving Him the glory He is due!

Keith — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:05:02 +0000

Keith — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 06:16:06 +0000