matmusic ministries

I found this quote in an email newsletter called Music Connection from ChristianityToday.com. It refers to artists that do not blatantly profess Christianity in their music but are, in fact, Christian people.

I’m continually dismayed by the casual dismissal of other believers. The Fray isn’t an openly evangelical band, but does that mean they must be fallen Christians? Chris Sligh, Melinda Doolittle, and others compete on American Idol … meaning they must not be interested in using their talents to glorify God or build up believers? Does it mean nothing that these artists have identified themselves as Christians in interviews? Isn’t it possible that they might be witnessing their Christian faith behind the scenes?

Apparently, it’s become hard for some Christians to take other believers at their word when it comes to faith. In the past, we used to rely on adages like, “They’ll know we are Christians by our love,” or “Preach the gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.” Nowadays, it’s not enough for believers to identify themselves. Unless you loudly declare your testimonial, work for a church, or insert the name of Jesus in song lyrics (two times minimum), someone is bound to declare your faith null and void.

Russ Breimeier
ChristianityToday.com

This is a tough one for me.

In my work, I don’t openly profess Jesus as I type emails or talk on the phone. I also don’t do the opposite - curse or make crude jokes, etc. I hope, by my actions, honesty, and consistency, that my coworkers will see Jesus in my life.

With that being said, if I made music, it would be hard for me to write about anything except my love for the Lord. I think this is mainly because my affinity is for Praise and Worship. If I was in a rock band, I might have a different take.

I like the Fray and I hope the best for bands like them, Switchfoot, POD, etc. I think a positive message, even if not blatantly Christian, is a breath of fresh air in an otherwise polluted and fleshly industry.

My littlest boy turned two today. It really is hard to believe that it has been 24 months since we walked into Allen Birthing Center to welcome Parker into this world. I am praying that God will bless my son with all the desires of his heart.

We planned a grand party to celebrate but, first things first, time to clean.

The whole family was here for the party and we did what we do best - eat, talk, and love on each other.

Then it was present time. We are so blessed with such a generous family.

After presents, it was cake time…mmm…sugar! Parker sang his own sweet version of “Happy Birthday” while blowing his #2 candle out over and over again.

After the party, the boys got to sneak off for a disc golf tournament at the Colony Disc Golf links. Thanks girls!

In all, a great day of festivities to celebrate a joyful toddler. We love you, Parker.

Currently Listening:

Artist: Brian & Jenn Johnson
Album: We Believe

Vocals: 2
This is a disc that I happened upon because our worship leader at church, Roland Worton, chose a few songs to lead in our church services. The vocal delivery by Brian Johnson is one that is unique. He has a lilting way of delivering words and his lines sometimes almost trail off. This is, however, refreshing not distracting. Jenn Johnson, on the other hand, would be better served as a background vocalist only. Her harmonies are good but as a lead, she leaves something to be desired.

Creativity: 2
The sound, in general is fresh but still familiar enough to be quickly contagious. What sets this album apart is Mr. Johnson’s lyrical delivery. Songs focus on timeless topics but it somehow seems new – always the mark of good worship. The slower songs, however, overwhelm a bit and pull the album down.

Approachability: 3
Praise and worship could very well be divided into two categories; that which can be sung in a corporate setting or that which is best listened to alone. O Taste And See is one song that is perfect for corporate worship and one that I have even led in Children’s Church. The best song on the album, though, is the first – Greatly To Be Praised. Few phrases can be shouted as easily by a congregation as, “You are great and greatly to be praised!”

Musicianship: 3
Solid drums and creative bass lines drive the more up-tempo songs very effectively. The guitar playing is above average with some catchy electric guitar hooks. This one is recommended as a worship-along album.

10 of 15 matmusic points.

I try to keep my blog equal parts praise/worship (thus matmusic) and family matters (thus mat.) Both are loves of my life. Quite notably, the focus of this blog lately has been slanted more heavily toward family.

That’s okay.

Praise and Worship is not as big a part of my life right now as my family is. And I am fine with that. In fact, many would argue that family should always be a bigger part of a father’s life than music. But the distinction is that Praise and Worship is not merely music to me but an outpouring of love to my Heavenly Father. This is, according to his word, most important.

Don’t get me wrong, I still worship through song often. It’s just not as much a part of my life as my family. My praise to Him comes in serving and loving my wife and kids.

So, with an overly long introduction out of the way, I found this article in the Dallas Morning News on Friday, March 10, 2007.

Interesting to note that praise and worship is starting to show clear divisions in genres. The writer, Mike Daniel, speaks of “praise rock.” I like that moniker for groups such as MercyMe and Audio Adrenaline. It fits.

I would also say that there is “praise pop.” Artists like Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman.

There is contemporary praise. Avalon, Phillips Craig and Dean, etc.

I even have few CDs that could be called “techno praise,” Apt Core and the most recent Enter the Worship Circle project called Village Thrift - Circa 2005.

I think it’s great that, however people choose to worship, there is a style to which they can connect. Some are better than others but at least they are there. Too bad, though, that these are so hard to find and even harder to gauge without purchasing.

So here is part of the article that sparked my above diatribe.

LAWRENCE JENKINS/Special Contributor

Thursday night’s concert at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center wasn’t symphonic. It was more histrionic, as most pop and rock bands tend to be.

But those who delivered the rock at this grand, cavernous orchestral hall had little concern about personal winsomeness or other affectations. (Well, except for a couple of mohawks.) Their rock is of ages, and their rhythmic mission is almost wholly from without.

So-called praise rock should be judged by different standards than most other types of popular music for that very reason. MercyMe and Audio Adrenaline have become two of the most successful such groups of the last decade because they deliver Christian messages more capably and palatably than others. It’s not because they bound willy-nilly around the venue, possess undeniable visual or physical onstage appeal or display jaw-slacking technical skill. It’s because they foster spiritual reinforcement through pop rock that’s thoughtfully crafted and almost devoid of potentially grating content.

Today was a fun time at the home with the kids.

Ashton played as a cowgirl.

Wyatt took out literally every single piece of his Army Man set…

…and proudly took some of his own pictures.

Then there was Parker. Parker decided it would be fun to stand on the bottom part of the book shelf and see how many books he could throw on the floor before Daddy came into the room. By the way, he got about half way through.

We have a good time during our weekend bonding sessions!

Wyatt’s second season of soccer has begun.

He is playing with the same team as last fall, the Piranhas.

Below is Wyatt’s schedule. We would love to see you at a game or two. Come on out to The Colony to watch sometime.

02/17/2007 1:15 PM
02/24/2007 10:15 AM
03/03/2007 10:15 AM
03/10/2007 1:15 PM
03/31/2007 2:30 PM
04/07/2007 10:15 AM
04/14/2007 1:15 PM
04/21/2007 11:30 AM
04/28/2007 9:00 AM
05/05/2007 10:15 AM

Here are some more pictures from our ski trip to Winter Park.

(see write up below, “Let’s Go Snow,” for humerous anecdotes and general enlightenment :))

For a CD or zip of the pictures, email me at matguerry@gmail.com.