Discovery Worship

Worship Songs: Counting On God

Counting on God
Words & Music by Jared Anderson
Copyright © 2007 Vertical Worship Songs
CCLI Song # 5064366

When I first heard the title track from New Life Worship's new CD, "Counting on God", I immediately loved it, but I thought it might be a bit of a stretch musically for Discovery.  This song by Jared Anderson was first released on the Desparation Band CD, "Everyone Overcome", and it is a very high energy statement of faith in God for all of our needs.

I had a different opening set for Sunday's worship time, but when I heard from Andrew the intended focus of his message on Sunday, I prayed about it and put this song into the worship set as a late addition.  I still wasn't sure how it was going to go, but the worship team immediately responded to this song in a very positive way.  After Sunday's service, several people came up to me to tell me how much this song meant to them, and even my 12 year old son told me this was his new favorite worship song.

We know that everything we need is found in Christ, but we don't always live that way.  My wife and I were talking about this again yesterday, and the words of the pre-chorus of this song really hit us where we were at:

Joy unspeakable that won't go away,
Just enough strength to live for today,
So I never have to worry what tomorrow will bring,
'Cause my faith is on solid rock, I am counting on God.

Here are Jared Anderson's reflections on this song (from www.newlifeworship.com):

This song has come to the forefront in the life of our church because of the recent trials we've had to face. The testing of our faith has made us more resolved to endure and overcome the sufferings for the all-surpassing glory of God. It is not only our obstacles that will be defeated, but the Kingdom of our God will overtake the kingdom of this world. This song helps us put our battles into proper perspective. The evidence that this is taking place is seen in the transformation of our lives and community. We are nothing like we used to be.

You can listen to all the songs on the new CD here:

The Worship Set: October 26, 2008

Because Of Your Love (2006), by Brenton Brown & Paul Baloche
From the Paul Baloche CD, "A Greater Song"

Counting On God (2007), by Jared Anderson
From the New Life Worship CD, "Counting On God"

God Of My Days (2008), by Zach Neese
From the Gateway Worship CD, "Wake Up The World"

Speak To Me (2007), by Tommy Walker
From the Tommy Walker CD, "I Have a Hope"

Lives Changed by God

There are two things that I think churches can too easily overlook today in our well-intentioned quest for excellence in our service to God.  Truth is, these two things can have a greater influence than all the carefully planned worship services and outreach programs of the church combined.

First is the power of the Word of God.  Hebrews 4 tells us that the Word of God is living and active and that it peneterates to our very soul and spirit.  Isaiah 55 tells us that God's Word will not return to Him empty, but will accomplish the purpose for which He sent it.  The power of God isn't found in a perfect story or well rehearsed band, but in the nuggets of Truth that God will use to tug at a person's heart long after they've forgotten our songs and our stories.

Second is the power of a life changed by God.  Churches need to do more to share the stories of people who, through the grace and power of God, have overcome addictions, transformed their relationships, given up destructive patterns of behavior, and turned their life around.  Paul said in 2 Corinthians 3 that the church is like a letter from Christ, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of God.  Paul said later, in 2 Timothy, that he was shown mercy so that through him, the worst of sinners, God might show His unlimited patience to those who would believe.

Here is an example of a simple, yet effective way that one church demonstrated the power of God to change lives today.  I found this YouTube video today on the blog of a Christian writer (www.seejenwrite.com).  The video is long, but it is worth watching until the minister closes it out at the end.  The song in the video is from John Mark McMillan, and was recorded by Kim Walker.

"Thank you, God, for the power to change lives today.  You created everything, and you alone hold power over life and death.  Your love is patient and kind, calling to us even when our hearts are turned away.  You sent your son to die for us, even while we were sinners, and we thank you, God.  Thank you for your son, and thank you for the spirit that gives us the power to overcome this world.  You alone are faithful and true, and we owe our lives to you."

The Worship Set: October 19, 2008

Because Of Your Love (2006), by Brenton Brown & Paul Baloche
From the Paul Baloche CD, "A Greater Song"

Hosanna (Praise Is Rising) (2006), by Paul Baloche & Brenton Brown
From the Paul Baloche CD, "A Greater Song"

Forever (2001), by Chris Tomlin
From the Chris Tomlin CD, "The Noise We Make"

How Great Is Our God (2004), by Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash & Jesse Reeves
From the Chris Tomlin CD, "Arriving"

Mighty To Save (2006), by Ben Fielding & Reuben Morgan
From the Hillsong CD, "Mighty To Save"

Hope Of The Nations (2002), by Brian Doerksen
From the Brian Doerksen CD, "You Shine"

Team Profile: Mike Bauman

Mike and Kelly joined Discovery after moving back to Minnesota from Colorado, although Kelly grew up in the church here in St. Paul Park. They have two wonderful little girls who enjoy spending time with their grandparents, cousins, and aunts and uncles nearby. Mike has been playing the keyboard and singing with the worship team for a little over a year.

Mike has a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Minnesota, with major concentrations in Computer Science and Psychology, and he competed with the Gopher Men's swim team while at the U. Although he loves the idea of articifial intelligence, he is not actually a humanoid. Mike works in Patient Support at Boston Scientific, as a Resource Line consultant.

Here's (almost) everything you wanted to know about Mike, in 15 questions:

First Things First...

• First Job: Burger King - I still love their Whoppers.
• First Car: Pontiac Sunbird '84.
• First Pet: Tiffany, a little Yorkie - she is still a ball of energy. She keeps my parents company now that all 3 of their children have moved out.

A Few of My Favorite Things...

• Favorite Teacher: Mr. Eckhart - he taught Physics at the U of M and had a great sense of humor. I remember his politically correct use of stuffed animals as props. None were damaged at all as he took careful pains to help us visualize them as broccoli as they flew across the room.
• Favorite Restaurant: Outback Steakhouse - this is where my wife Kelly and I met.
• Favorite Movie: The Matrix. (the first one, of course).

Interesting Diversions...

• What I'm Reading: A lot of Parenting magazine articles. Both of our girls are under the age of 2 and this magazine seems to be open 24/7 at the kitchen table. I also try to spend time in the Word every day. Oh, and "Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb" by Al Perkins, and, "Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See?" by Bill Martin Jr / Eric Carle. These seem to be favorites with the girls.
• What I'm Watching: American Idol and House (when its on in the background).
• What I'm Listening To: Casting Crowns - The Alter and the Door (worship), Hillsong - God He Reigns (worship), Mary Beth Carlson - In this Quiet Place (piano).

The Important Stuff...

• Salty or Sweet? Sweet - I don't have the biggest sweet tooth, but, there are times I just crave it.
• Pepsi or Coke? Pepsi.
• Vikings or Packers? Vikings!

The (Really) Important Stuff...

• What do you do on the Worship Team at Discovery? I play 2nd keyboard.
• Why do you serve on the Worship Team? I have a heart and a passion for worship and for ministry. I really believe God has given us music to draw us close to Him and it is an honor to serve Him and the Church in this way.
• What is your funniest Worship Team Memory? I remember Caleb Brock walking up on stage one time and picking up a microphone and singing into it. He is definitely following in his father's footsteps. :)

Note from Rob: I asked Mike if I could include this picture of him playing at the piano with his oldest daughter. Enjoy!

Worship Songs: Because of Your Love

Because of Your Love
Words & Music by Brenton Brown and Paul Baloche
Copyright © 2006 Integrity's Hosanna! Music / Thankyou Music
CCLI Song # 4662501

I'd been looking for a good opportunity to introduce the song "Because of Your Love" to the church, and the start of our new 40-day "WHY" sermon series this past Sunday seemed like the perfect fit.  This is a song written by Brenton Brown and Paul Baloche, and it appears on both Paul Baloche's 2006 "A Greater Song" CD, and on Brenton Brown's new 2008 "Because of Your Love" CD.

Here is a YouTube video with Paul Baloche singing the song on a Christian TV show.  Take a look at the video, then continue reading for some notes on how we do the song arrangement at Discovery.

The verse and chorus are on both Paul's and Brenton's CD's, but Brenton Brown adds a bridge part that I really like as well.  They both do something different for the intro on this song, but I didn't think either intro would work well for us.  We do the verse instrumentally for the intro, building with the band, with me leading the melody line on the piano.  After we sing the verse and chorus twice, we bring it down dynamically and sing the bridge 2-3 times, building back up to the chorus.

You can get a copy of the song lyrics at Paul Baloche's website, www.leadworship.com, or you can download a chord chart with the bridge part from Brenton Brown's website, www.brentonbrown.com.

The Worship Set: October 12, 2008

Because Of Your Love (2006), by Brenton Brown & Paul Baloche
From the Paul Baloche CD, "A Greater Song"

I Am Free (2004), by Jon Egan
From the New Life Worship CD, "I Am Free"

I Know Who I Am (2007), by Israel Houghton & Chris Tomlin
From the Israel and New Breed CD, "A Deeper Level"

Take My Life (Holiness) (1994), by Scott Underwood

Speak To Me (2007), by Tommy Walker
From the Tommy Walker CD, "I Have a Hope"

I Choose You (1994), by Maureen Pranghofer

Team Profile: Rob Brock

I am the Worship Pastor at Discovery Community Church. My goal is to lead both believers and seekers into God's presence each week in worship, so that everyone can say, as Jacob did, "Surely God is in this place!" I love writing worship songs for the church, and I'm a member of the Minnesota Association of Christian Songwriters.

In addition to my part-time work with the church, I also work full-time as a Product Manager in Marketing at Boston Scientific. I have a B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Minnesota, and I'm currently pursuing an MBA at the University's Carlson School of Management. My wife, Lynda, and I have been married for 13 years, and we have a passion for serving the church and raising up our 4 children to love and serve the Lord.

Here's (almost) everything you wanted to know about Rob, in 15 questions:

First Things First...

• First Job: Doing oil changes at Del's Auto in Forest Lake - I was a grease monkey :-)
• First Car: A very stylish '76 Dodge Aspen station wagon - blue with wood panels!
• First Pet: I didn't have pets growing up, since my dad was alergic to pet hair, but my sister had two birds named Bela and Bartok.

A Few of My Favorite Things...

• Favorite Teacher: Mrs. A. for math in junior high - a catholic school teacher in the public school, and everyone loved her.
• Favorite Restaurant: Outback Steakhouse - my first date with my wife! We love the Aussie Chips and the Sinful Syndey Sundaes.
• Favorite Movie: Minority Report - the best Sci-Fi movie ever

Interesting Diversions...

• What I'm Reading: Avoid Boring People - by Nobel Prize winner James Watson, Group Genius - by Keith Sawyer, Doing What Matters - by James Kilts
• What I'm Watching: American Idol, House, Monk (when I actually watch TV)
• What I'm Listening To: Paul Baloche - Our God Saves (worship), Robin Mark - East Of The River (worship), Chris Botti - Italia (jazz trumpet), Harry Connick Jr - Come By Me (big band jazz), Foo Fighters - Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace (rock), Matchbox Twenty - Exile on Mainstream (rock), Little Big Town - The Road to Here (country)

The Important Stuff...

• Salty or Sweet? Definitely salty. Give me chips and dip over chocolate any day.
• Pepsi or Coke? Diet Pepsi, to balance out the chips and dip.
• Vikings or Packers? Vikings!

The (Really) Important Stuff...

• What do you do on the Worship Team at Discovery? I have the privilege of leading worship each week for the church. I love to find (or write) new worship songs for the church to keep our worship times fresh, mixing new with old, to help take people to the throne room of God.
• Why do you serve on the Worship Team? I live life with a soundtrack in my head, and I want to praise God with this gift. I would lead worship every night if I could, since music is so much a part of who I am. Music is therapy for me, and music is inspiration.
• What is your funniest Worship Team Memory? When Louise told me during mid-week practice to take all of her ideas, comments and suggestions with a 'grain of salt'. When we came in for practice on Sunday morning, someone on the worship team had placed a salt shaker on the piano for me to collect all of her 'grains of salt'.

The Worship Set: October 5, 2008

Our God Saves (2007), by Paul Baloche & Brenton Brown
From the Paul Baloche CD, "Our God Saves"

You're Worthy of My Praise (1991), by David Ruis
From the Jeremy Camp CD, "Carried Me: The Worship Album"

You Are Holy (Prince of Peace) (1994), by Marc Imboden & Tammi Rhoton
From the Michael W. Smith CD, "Worship Again"

This Is Our God (2008), by Reuben Morgan
From the Hillsong CD, "This Is Our God"

I Cling To The Cross (2007), by Matt Redman & Paul Baloche
From the Paul Baloche CD, "Our God Saves"

That's Why We Praise Him (1999), by Tommy Walker