On this episode of The Bounce, we explore the role of music in a church service and how pastors can collaborate with their musical community to create powerful and memorable worship experiences. Our guest is Matt Merker, a worship leader, hymn writer, and author of the book 'Corporate Worship.' We learn that corporate worship encompasses all aspects of a service, from preaching, to reading, to singing the Word. We discuss the importance of hymns and songs that are rooted in theology, and poetry and how they can sustain...
On this episode of The Bounce, we explore the role of music in a church service and how pastors can collaborate with their musical community to create powerful and memorable worship experiences. Our guest is Matt Merker, a worship leader, hymn writer, and author of the book 'Corporate Worship.' We learn that corporate worship encompasses all aspects of a service, from preaching, to reading, to singing the Word. We discuss the importance of hymns and songs that are rooted in theology, and poetry and how they can sustain listeners for a lifetime. We dive into the significance of prayers, instruments, and the order of service and how they can enhance or detract from a worship experience. We also touch on the important responsibility of pastors to be discerning when choosing songs and using them to reinforce the storyline of the Gospel. Join us as we explore the powerful impact of corporate worship and the importance of creating meaningful and memorable experiences for believers and non-believers alike.
About Matt MerkerMatt Merker is a pastor, theologian, and liturgist who is committed to helping Christians understand and live out the patterns and principles of biblical worship. Growing up in a church that emphasized the public reading of scripture, Matt found a passion for understanding how the elements of Christian worship can be arranged to reinforce the storyline of the Gospel. He now uses his skills to equip churches in the areas of prayer, praise, confession, intercession, and celebration of the sacraments. Matt is devoted to helping people connect to God through meaningful worship.
Key Moments
[00:03:37] Historical patterns of Christian worship: prayer, praise, confession, intercession, scripture, hymns, psalms, spiritual songs, teaching, offering, baptism, Lord's Supper, reinforcing Gospel story.
[00:05:27] Corporate worship combining Spirit-led passion with historical rootedness and structure.
[00:07:18] Collaboratively planning worship service with the senior pastor and other staff.
[00:09:17] Pastors should understand the power of music and study it to deepen their understanding of how it moves us and can help us remember the truth.
[00:12:38] Love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength through psalms, sermons, and hymns.
[00:16:34] Source of songs is a legitimate consideration for pastors, honor each other's consciences, Romans 14, great songs not scarce, local languages for gospel-spreading.
[00:22:22] Include non-believers in church service, explain church terms, speak directly to visitors, and use an apologetic level in sermons/songs.
[00:27:25] Enhance support and beautify singing to glorify God without distraction.
[00:31:06] Prayer is important for churches and should include a global perspective and the gospel message.
Resources Mentioned in this Episode
Corporate Worship: How the Church Gathers as God's People (9Marks: Building Healthy Churches): https://www.amazon.com/Corporate-Worship-Gathers-Building-Churches-ebook/dp/B08CS1VW1X
Getty Music: https://www.gettymusic.com
The Great Commission Collective: https://gccollective.org
