Comments for Koerts Music

Comment on Faithfulness, not success by Mark Martin

Mark Martin — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 02:02:11 +0000

Great, true thoughts! Thank you.

Comment on How to be a great choir accompanist by Laurie Iskat

Laurie Iskat — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 03:37:52 +0000

Great notes about keeping with the chord structure. Although I enjoy improvising with the accompaniment, I have to keep in mind that the harmonies must fit the choral harmonies. No need to add confusion for the choir or director. I believe sight-reading skills are critical to truly supporting the choir. Also, anticipation – “mind-reading” – can easily be achieved by just paying attention to the director and blocking out other distractions. Being able to anticipate what measure the director wants to start with is helpful, too.

Great article!

Comment on We Rest On Thee by Dave Mincy

Dave Mincy — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 13:01:27 +0000

Hey James:
I heard this song on the new SoundForth release CD and really liked it. Good work.

Also, congrats on the new baby!

Comment on Examples of a worship order by James

James — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 20:20:08 +0000

Hey! Thanks, Troy!

I agree with you… preaching IS the main thing. Excellent suggestions!

Comment on Examples of a worship order by Troy Self

Troy Self — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 19:11:38 +0000

James, I believe that the Scriptures are central to our worship of Christ, and while music is vital, preaching is THE MAIN THING

Not too long ago, it was my very SAD experience to sit in what may be considered a ‘flagship’ church in our conservative, independent Baptist movement and observe the traditional service order played out:

Congregational song and opening prayer
Choir
More congregational singing
Announcements and offertory
Special music, 1 or 2 numbers
Sermon
Invitation

After a 30-40 minute buildup, when this gifted and capable pastor came to the pulpit, there was audibly a collective ‘SIGH’ from the congregation–what??? Preaching the word of God is the MAIN thing. Of course, it’s not the only thing…indeed, I consider the offering part of our worship. In fact, when the congregational singing and special music are completed, the worship doesn’t end–it CONTINUES.

What can we do to help create anticipation rather than apathy toward the preaching of God’s word in our services? I propose the following:

Congregational song
Opening prayer by member or guest
Choir
Congregational songs in succession
Special music
Sermon
Invitation
Announcements
Offertory

Try it for a month and see if it doesn’t allow a smoother transition into the sermon, thereby being anticipatory.

Jokingly, new people often remark on the ‘freshness’ of the service, including impact by the sermon, and I say “that’s the way we normally do it; and, this way if you don’t like the sermon you don’t have to ‘pay for it’!” ha.

Comment on Jesus, Draw Me Ever Nearer by Gina Sprunger

Gina Sprunger — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 21:52:54 +0000

Very nice, James. The Lord has wonderfully gifted you!

Comment on Hope Is Born Again by Rob Laing

Rob Laing — Wed, 26 May 2010 17:47:55 +0000

This will be a great addition to our Christmas in the Parlor concert the first part of December!

Comment on Hope Is Born Again by Tweets that mention Hope Is Born Again | Koerts Music -- Topsy.com

Tweets that mention Hope Is Born Again | Koerts Music -- Topsy.com — Wed, 26 May 2010 13:24:17 +0000

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Comment on Hope Is Born Again by Rick Stevens

Rick Stevens — Wed, 26 May 2010 02:59:14 +0000

Love this song! Great Job James!

Comment on 10 things not to say to your church pianist by Mama Squirrel

Mama Squirrel — Wed, 26 May 2010 01:26:32 +0000

“You sounded so much better this week!”