June 2000 Table of Contents

From The Editor

By Gary Morris

First off, I want to apologize to Dan Burgess for printing his song, Holy Spirit, Speak, incorrectly in the last issue. Dan, I'm sorry. I think we got it right this time. Now, this doesn't mean you get deadline extensions, though!

Next, I gotta tell you how much fun I have had personally putting this issue together. No, really! It is fun when everyone submits articles to you BEFORE deadline! (Well, almost everyone, but we won't name names.) You have the opportunity to be a little more creative in your approach and techniques.

The fun started when we decided to do a compilation feature on Choir Retreats. We literally went coast-to-coast-to-coast, to bring you the most creative and successful ideas! Working with Randy, Byron and Roger was challenging yet exciting, as each one has a different angle and program for their choirs' retreats. They share great advice on overcoming obstacles, retreat themes, location choice, planning and purpose.

Then, I get a call from Jerry, somewhere on the road (not that uncommon) in Florida, telling me about having lunch with Steve Phifer and a somewhat uncommon vision that he has--at least in light of some of the 'modern' approaches--to the church's worship service. Steve writes about his vision for worship in which every worship service is "an intergenerational discourse on the glory of the Lord." Sound intriguing? You betcha! You need to read Steve's article.

The fun continues…I contacted Cindi Milliron at Southside Nazarene Church, in Chesterfield, Virginia. I said, "Cindi…why don't you write an article for The Communicator about Women in the Music Ministry?" I thought she was gonna jump through the telephone! We knew she'd do a great job and be level about it. We were not disappointed, and I know you won't be either. Her heart for ministry shows through, as she shares, "To be totally controlled by the Holy Spirit -- that's really all that can be asked of anyone in leadership -- man or woman!"

The whole topic of women in ministry is one that has passed across our MusicTalk e-mail talk list recently. And while I'm thinking about it, why don't you check out MusicTalk for yourself, if you're not already subscribed. To JOIN send an email to LISTSERV@JJONLINE.COM and type in the message body SUBSCRIBE MUSICTALK YOUR NAME (i.e. Subscribe Musictalk John Doe). I recently read a comment on MusicTalk where someone stated, "This is an awesome forum for getting help." That's what we're all about -- providing help…'Serving the Servants.'

Just when you start to think, "It doesn't get any better than this," it does! Brother Dennis Jernigan gives us a great interview, and just really expounds his heart on worship, and what it means to be delivered from bondage and to walk in the freedom of Christ. "Worship…becomes a weapon of warfare against the enemy," Dennis states. It reminds me of what Dr. Tony Evans says about the devil being allergic to our praising God. So, let's all make him sneeze his head off!

Well, now that you've seen how much fun it's been putting this thing together, it's time for you to enjoy it too. By the way, if you have ideas that you think might be fun or informative to share with the readers, please let me know about them. Virginia has a little saying where she will ask, "Are you having fun yet?" Yes, Virginia, I am!

Email Gary: Gary.Morris@jjoline.com

Back to Top

Subscription

Advertising?