I’d like to see more commercials like this (which aired on Saturday evening, January 14th, 2012) on television:

As much as you plan and prepare for a worship service or any sort of church gathering, there’s always the possibility that something can go wrong. I’ve written a little about this, if you’re interested in reading my humorous unplanned moment in one of our worship services. It’s not an enjoyable experience.

Cary Schmidt, a worship leader in a church in California, wrote a great article about his experience with a worship service “train wreck,” as he calls it. Sadly, I could relate to his very humorous experience. You should take a moment to read it.

The following video takes the prize. Once you’re finished dying of laughter, you’ll probably feel very sad for all involved. Admittedly, it is quite humorous. But I’m so sad for the dear people who were trying to be encouraging.

Anything can happen. Do your best to plan for everything. Then trust that God will work out everything else. And trust that no one is recording it!

Publisher’s description: The collaborative efforts of Keith and Kristyn Getty, along with Stuart Townend, have produced long-lasting modern hymns for the church. Arranger James Koerts has created these contemporary arrangements of some of their best-loved praise classics. Titles: Across the Lands (You’re the Word of God) * By Faith * Come, People of the Risen King * Compassion Hymn * How Deep the Father’s Love for Us * In Christ Alone (My Hope Is Found) * My Heart Is Filled with Thankfulness * O Church, Arise * The Power of the Cross (Oh, To See the Dawn) * See, What a Morning (Resurrection Hymn) * Speak, O Lord * Still, My Soul, Be Still (with Be Still, My Soul).

View preview pages here.

Purchase here.

Publisher’s description: Koerts gives us a stately, straight-forward arrangement of a well-loved Getty hymn. This anthem powerfully reminds us through “the cry that echoes through creation” that Christ is Lord. A great piece for any occasion.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Publisher’s description: Finally a piano collection that provides the perfect selection for jubilant postludes and festive encores! Upbeat and bright, these hymn arrangements are short and flashy to send the faithful forth with a song in their heart. A variety of styles and difficulty levels are included, with careful attention paid to choose hymns that have the spirit of celebration in both tune and text. Enjoy the work of Vicki Tucker Courtney, Cindy Berry, Brad Nix, Alex-Zsolt, Hojun Lee and others!

Publisher’s description: Set in a bright, cheerful tone, James’s new setting utilizes a familiar text. Exciting piano and double-instrument obbligato are added to give your choir full opportunity to join in this uplifting moment. Perfect for a service opener or general anthem use.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Publisher’s description: Energized by the success of Gospel Gold, enjoy this celebrated sequel perfect for every occasion. Like its predecessor, this compilation is essential repertoire for every church pianist. Fifteen favorite hymns and gospel tunes leap from the pages in these exciting new arrangements. Sizzling southern gospel, ragtime, and even jazz treatments infuse this collection with variety and joy. Stretch your offertory options with this brilliant collection from some of today’s most respected piano arrangers: Mary McDonald, Pamela Robertson, Shirley Brendlinger, Brad Nix, James Koerts, Carolyn Hamlin and others.

Publisher’s description: This classic, hymn-like praise and worship song travels freely from contemporary sanctuaries to traditional halls alike. Appearing in hymnals everywhere, Twila Paris’ poignant song has become a standard. The arrangement is straight-forward and thoughtfully presented in choral format as a testament to the grace and mercy of Christ.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Publisher’s description: The name says it all in this creative coupling of two of our most celebrated sacred songs. The character of the Almighty is declared in both of these favorites and in an achievable format that even the most numbers challenged choirs can feel good about. The piano part is of moderate difficulty and the anthem could even include a spontaneous inclusion of the congregation singing with the choir.

I’ve previously given tips for playing background piano music during a worship service. Let’s discuss some ideas about when you should play background music.

A few thoughts, first. I realize each church is different. Some don’t incorporate background music at all, and others continually have something playing. (I once heard an entire church service, sermon and all, with background music. It wasn’t a short service. I hope that organist was well-paid.) There are also many opinions about background music. If you are a church pianist, you would serve your church best to find out what the church leadership desires in this area.

For the sake of this post, let’s assume background music is encouraged. When might you provide background music? Here are some ideas:

1. Preludes. Perhaps the most obvious place for background music, the prelude can provide a powerful set-up to your service. (I’ve also written about this here and here.)
2. Postludes. Another great moment for background music is as the congregation exits. (More about postludes here.)
3. Prayers. Corporate prayer is an important time for any worship gathering. I’m not suggesting that all corporate prayer should have a music soundtrack, but it might be appropriate from time to time to quietly accompany a prayer with simple, reflective chords.
4. Scripture/Devotional Readings. You never want to distract, so if you think you’ll be a distraction, or if you have been in the past, don’t play background music during the reading of Scripture. But if you can handle it with class, it would provide a nice touch to the service.
5. Invitations. Probably the most common place to play background music. Vary it up some. Many times I’ll play through the invitation hymn that’s going to be sung, but many times also I’ll just play some simple chords, or make up a creative melodic motif. Again… don’t be a distraction!
6. Baby Dedications. A music-box type sound would go well during a baby dedication. You can also play familiar hymns like “Jesus Loves Me” or “Precious Jewels.”
7. Testimonies. It might be nice to provide a backdrop for a personal testimony being shared.
8. Transitions. You might consider include a few bars of music between certain elements in your service. If you have multiple places for transitional music, consider using a few well-known measures of a well-known hymn to reinforce a particular theme.

Publisher’s description: James Koerts’ setting of this powerful statement of faith is solid and great fun to sing. You will want your congregation to sing along! Available separately: SATB, ChoirTrax CD. Duration: ca. 4:00.

Publisher’s description: Gentle and flowing, this musical sermon encourages us to charity and admonishes us to live our lives as an offering of praise. As God has loved us in Christ so we must be the body of Christ in this world offering comfort and healing where there is sorrow and injustice. The optional violin part adds a special folk-like quality to this thoughtful anthem.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.