Top 25 songs (according to CCLI)

According to CCLI (Christian Copyright Licensing International), the Top 25 reported songs for the period ending August 15, 2004 were:

1 Here I Am To Worship - Hughes, Tim
2 Open The Eyes Of My Heart - Baloche, Paul
3 Lord I Lift Your Name On High - Founds, Rick
4 Shout To The Lord - Zschech, Darlene
5 Come Now Is The Time To Worship - Doerksen, Brian
6 You Are My King - Foote, Billy
7 God Of Wonders - Byrd, Marc \ Hindalong, Steve
8 Breathe - Barnett, Marie
9 The Heart Of Worship - Redman, Matt
10 Forever - Tomlin, Chris
11 Above All - LeBlanc, Lenny \ Baloche, Paul
12 You Are My All In All - Jernigan, Dennis
13 Trading My Sorrows - Evans, Darrell
14 We Fall Down - Tomlin, Chris
15 I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever - Smith, Martin
16 You're Worthy Of My Praise - Ruis, David
17 Draw Me Close - Carpenter, Kelly
18 Give Thanks - Smith, Henry
19 Lord Reign In Me - Brown, Brenton
20 Better Is One Day - Redman, Matt
21 Shine Jesus Shine - Kendrick, Graham
22 As The Deer - Nystrom, Martin
23 I Give You My Heart - Morgan, Reuben
24 Change My Heart Oh God - Espinosa, Eddie
25 Awesome God - Mullins, Rich

Read more!

Round-up of new and recent CCM releases

This article appeared in the October 2004 Lakeside Spire.

Almost 4 years ago, CNN described Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) as the fastest growing segment of the music industry. In March 2004, CNN published a story stating the number of religious stations in America grew by 32 percent last year. With sales growth of over 20% per year, CCM sales top classical, jazz and new age combined. Many artist are now "crossing over" into mainstream radio and video. Mindy Smith's "Come to Jesus" gets regular airplay on MTV. Mercy Me and Switchfoot enjoy nationwide airplay on many mainstream rock format radio stations. Third Day, Steven Curtis Chapman and Mercy Me played on Jay Leno. The list could go on and on.

Because there is so much music out there I thought I'd write a round up of some of the better new and recent music releases. This certainly is not the last word for what's good, just a list of my current favorites.

By the Tree - Hold You High - insightful, deep lyrics, unique rock sound, worshipful. Check out "Throne of Grace", "Beautiful One", "Only to You", "It Is Well".

Casting Crowns - self titled - less worshipful, still powerfully Christian. This album has been on top of the charts nearly all year. Highlights include "If We Are The Body", "What If His People Prayed", "Who Am I?"

Chris Tomlin - Arriving - released Sept 21, 2004, the lead single off this album "Indescribable" has shot to the top of the charts. Also check out "Holy is the Lord", "How Great is our God", "Unfailing Love" and "All Bow Down".

David Crowder Band - Illuminate - modern rock worship at its best. Original, exceptional worship songs with crisp "ear candy" performances. This is my current most listened to CD. My favorites include "Open Skies", "Revolutionary Love", "Only You", "No One Like You" and "All Creatures of Our God and King".

Jeff Deyo - Light - another one I listen to very often. Founder of SonicFlood, this is Jeff's second solo album. His writing and arranging have matured, but his songs still exude an intense joyful enthusiastic modern rock feel. "Bless the Lord", "Ray of Light", "We Come To Your Throne With Weeping (featuring Mac Powell of Third Day)", and "Keep My Heart (featuring Natalie Grant)" are some of the highlights.

Jeremy Camp - Carried Me - the Worship Project - inspired, soulful, modern rock worship. "Walk By Faith" has enjoyed a long stay at the top of the charts. He does a powerful cover of Chris Tomlin's "Wonderful Maker". Also check out "Enough" (another Tomlin cover) and "Carried Me".

Planetshakers - Hosts of the largest Christian Youth Conference in the Southern Hemisphere, the Planetshakers CD is full of modern, dynamic worship rock. Top tracks include "Open Up the Gates", and "It's All about Jesus".

Steven Curtis Chapman - All Things New - no longer in the country pop genre, his 14th cd is an excellent modern pop worship album. "Angels Wish", "Believe Me Now", "Much Of You", and "Big Story" are some of the top tracks.

Tree63 - the Answer to the Question - a return to their "roots" - modern worship with evocative, meaningful lyrics "King", "Blessed Be Your Name", "Overdue" stand out among many great songs.

Watermark - The Purest Place - worship driven expressions of faith, includes guests Charlie Hall, Tim Hughes, and Caedmon’s Call’s Danielle Young. Listen to "Glory of Your Name", "Purest Place", and "Holy Roar".

Again, these artists are only some of those that are out there. I pray that these artists and songs will help you to grow closer to God, and hunger for Him more.

Read more!

Jeff Deyo on being a Worship Leader

While browsing Jeff Deyo's website looking for the lead sheet to his new song "Bless the Lord", I found a great article he wrote on being a Worship Leader:

Being a Lead Worshiper
Jeff Deyo

Whether at a church, a small group Bible study, around a camp fire or at a gathering like WorshipCityPraise, your preparation for leading worship is VERY important!!! Here are a few things that have helped my band and me strive to serve the Lord in this way.

As worship leaders (remember each band member is a worship leader, not just the lead singer), you need to remember that leading worship is NOT trying to get people to sing. It is WORSHIPING GOD yourselves, SO THAT others will FOLLOW your LEAD!!!! Instead of concentrating on worship leading, focus on being a lead worshiper. Instead of concentrating on keeping your eyebrows up (hoping everyone will think you are happy and in love with Jesus), focus your thoughts and heart on Christ. Focus on two things – loving God and helping people love God – then others will follow your lead.

For starters, you and your band or worship team MUST worship the Lord together as a small group, alone, away from people and the stage in order to be able to lead worship effectively in front of others. This is not always easy. Put in a Tim Hughes or Chris Tomlin CD (and play it loud) or have someone lead on guitar or piano and then have everyone in the band sing together, TO GOD!! Force yourselves to spend this time – it is equally or more essential than our precious rehearsal time!!! In fact, I would recommend cutting your current weekly rehearsal time in thirds and spending one third in Bible study, singing, and prayer and the other two-thirds rehearsing, in that order. This way you will get the most out of your rehearsal. You might say, “There isn't enough time for this.” But, trust me; you don't have the time NOT to do this! Once you've all worshiped together, you will be amazed at how much quicker you learn the songs and how much better you work together.

During the rehearsal PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE – then when you get on stage, forget it all! That’s a suggestion I got from worship leader Lindell Cooley. What this means is, be very prepared, but be equally prepared to do anything God would have you do once worship begins – you need to be in great unity musically and spiritually so that you can go together where ever God leads you. You must be practiced to do this. Maybe you'll do a song you planned to do fast, much slower or the opposite. Maybe you'll do a song that was not even on the set list – heaven forbid! Maybe you'll do one song several different ways for 20 minutes! You may even find that you will write new songs while you are on the stage!!!! The best worship comes out of the heart and is SPONTANEOUS, especially from the leaders!!! Don't be afraid of the unknown – just TRUST God, and sing and play to Him from your heart! He designed you to do it! Anything less is offensive to God!

I recommend that each member worship God with his instrument AND his voice. One of the keys to worshiping God is getting truth in your spirit. Music has a way of doing that – singing especially. Even if some members don't sing into microphones, EVERYONE should be singing some of the time. This helps each person worship God with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength. It also helps instrumentalists not think too hard about what to play so they will be better candidates for God to play through them! Of course, you definitely need to emphasize the need for your band to worship with their instruments, too – let God lead their fingers and hands in what to play. The Hebrew word Zamar means to praise God with an instrument. What does it sound like to play “God is AWESOME” on the drums? What does “We repent!” sound like on the guitar? Teach your band members to ask these questions. What they play should “agree” with the particular song they are playing.

You all need to study the Psalms intensely! Maybe study them together. Get a feel for how David worshiped the Lord. There are times when he was very intense and times when he was still enough to know that God was God. Your worship leading should reflect this diversity! You can read Amos 9:11-12 and Acts 15:16-17 which shows us that God is going to restore the Kingdom of David in our day – and for HIS purpose – SO THAT all men might find the Lord!!! You can also look at passages like 2 Chronicles 5-7 & 20, Psalm 40, Psalm 84, and Revelation 4-5.

David and Solomon are some of the greatest lead worshipers ever! The first book of Chronicles talks about David bring the ark (the presence of God) to the people, dancing all the way – there is lots of symbolism here. The second book of Chronicles talks about Solomon building the temple to God. The dedication of the temple in chapters 5, 6 and 7 is especially AWESOME!!! 1 Chronicles 25:6-8 will blow the minds of your musicians!! These and many other passages will help you see the importance and power of music for worship in the Bible.

You also need to start reading Song of Songs. I know this book is a little strange, but it is actually God's symbolic love letter to us. It shows us the kind of communion God desires for us to have with Him. King Solomon represents God, and we, God's people, are represented as Solomon's bride. The first verse calls this book the Song OF Songs. That means it is the most important one that Solomon wrote!! I'd say this means it must be HUGELY significant for us!!!! As you read it, you will start to develop a new vocabulary for praising God. Verse 5:1 says we should drink deeply of God's love – that is what worship is!!!! When you begin to drink of His love on stage, you will find God drawing people to Himself just like He says He will in John 12:32. That is what it is ALL about!!

Read more!

New christmas album - also fund raiser opportunity - out reach opportunity

There is a new Christmas CD coming out soon featuring Steven Curtis Chapman, Erin O'Donnell, Andy Griffith, Rebecca St. James, Aaron Neville, Avalon, Stacie Orrico, and ZOEgirl.

The record label EMI-CMG and digital media company 21Ministry are offering the CD, entitled "The True Meaning of Christmas", at a reduced price, and are promoting it as a fund-raising opportunity for Churches. I see it also as an out-reach opportunity. Even just from a pure "listening" point of view, the CD is appealing - because of the artists and songs they are performing.

The song list on the CD will be:

* Steven Curtis Chapman: “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”
* Erin O’Donnell: “Hark The Herald Angels Sing”
* Andy Griffith: “Jesus’ Birth In Bethlehem, Luke 2”
* Rebecca St. James: “O Holy Night”
* Aaron Neville: “The First Noel”
* Avalon: “Joy To The World”
* Stacie Orrico: “O Come All Ye Faithful”
* ZOEgirl: “Angels We Have Heard On High”

“Christmas songs are not just for the Christian. Everyone sings them – they are a national phenomenon and an integral part of holiday traditions. Yet, coming from talented artists who unabashedly integrate the Christian faith into their everyday lives, we hope the songs convey a deeper passion for, and a clear expression of, the true meaning of Christmas, which is the birth of Jesus Christ,” said Erik Wirsing, manager, special markets for EMI-CMG. “We're very excited to be a part of this project.”

The CDs can be customized for your organization and cause, and will cost only $4.95 each.

EMI CHRISTIAN RECORDING ARTISTS FEATURED ON 21MINISTRY CHRISTMAS CD

Steven Curtis Chapman, Erin O'Donnell, Andy Griffith Headline "The True Meaning of Christmas" CD Available for Church Fundraisers

Contact: Eileen Scott
(919) 669-8264

August 24, 2004 -- DURHAM, N.C. -- 21ministry, in cooperation with EMI Christian Music Group (EMI-CMG), has developed an innovative keepsake for Christian gift-giving this Christmas in the hopes of witnessing to 2.1 million people. The unique gift is a multimedia-enhanced compact disk (CD) of the most popular recording artists in Christian music, combined with excerpts from The Jesus Film Project. This 2004 edition of “The True Meaning of Christmas” CD features holiday favorites sung by Steven Curtis Chapman, Erin O’Donnell, and Andy Griffith, among others.

To help churches and Christian organizations foster outreach during Christmas, 21ministry and EMI-CMG have developed a fundraising program for organizations to resell CDs with customized labels specific to each group order.

“The True Meaning of Christmas” CD is available for purchase by churches and Christian groups at $4.95 each. It serves as a valuable keepsake for members during holiday services, as a unique invitation to build affinity with newcomers, and as a gift to friends unfamiliar with the Christian faith. The cost includes customized labels that enable each organization to resell CDs as a holiday fundraiser. The web site http://www.christmas.21ministry.com is available for information on ordering.

According to 21ministry Executive Director, Jason Song, “The True Meaning of Christmas” CD is expected to be well-received. “Response was tremendous last year. Churches look for ways to reach out to young adults, and multimedia technology
invites them to learn more about the meaning of Christmas on their own terms,” he said.

Enhancements to the 2004 edition are based on feedback from last year’s project – mainly the addition of the biggest artists in Christian music and video footage from The Jesus Film Project. Church groups and Christian organizations have praised the uniqueness of 21ministry’s fundraising program, developed specifically for Christian outreach during the holiday season. This year, the availability of the Christmas CD for use as a fundraiser is expected to be a huge success in its efforts to reach out to 2.1 million people.

“This holiday fundraising program enables churches and other groups to order custom-label CDs at a designated price and retain all the proceeds from reselling them,” said Song. “In the past, ministry teams have used these CDs to showcase the
vitality of Christian life, and they have been especially popular in outreach to
young adults.”

Eight EMI-CMG recording artists perform Christmas favorites on this exclusive compilation:

* Steven Curtis Chapman: “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”
* Erin O’Donnell: “Hark The Herald Angels Sing”
* Andy Griffith: “Jesus’ Birth In Bethlehem, Luke 2”
* Rebecca St. James: “O Holy Night”
* Aaron Neville: “The First Noel”
* Avalon: “Joy To The World”
* Stacie Orrico: “O Come All Ye Faithful”
* ZOEgirl: “Angels We Have Heard On High”

“Christmas songs are not just for the Christian. Everyone sings them – they are a national phenomenon and an integral part of holiday traditions. Yet, coming from talented artists who unabashedly integrate the Christian faith into their everyday lives, we hope the songs convey a deeper passion for, and a clear expression of, the true meaning of Christmas, which is the birth of Jesus Christ,” said Erik Wirsing, manager, special markets for EMI-CMG. “We're very excited to be a part of this project.”

In addition to the songs performed by EMI-CMG artists, each Christmas CD is a multimedia collection of compelling video clips from the film “JESUS,” as well as inspirational articles and devotionals from Christianity Today and Our Daily Bread.


“JESUS” is a 2-hour docudrama about the life of Christ, initially released in 1979. The Jesus Film Project distributes it as an outreach ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ, and is responsible for more than 5 billion viewings worldwide.

To obtain an order form for “The True Meaning of Christmas” CD, 2004 Edition, contact: Christmas@21ministry.com, or call 1-866-21FAITH (866-213-2484).

Through its Sparrow, ForeFront, and EMI Gospel record labels, EMI Christian Music Group is home to many of today’s top Christian musicians, including those on this exclusive CD. Four-time Grammy award winner Steven Curtis Chapman, with 41 number one songs, headlines this compilation. EMI CMG is a unit of EMI Music, the third largest recorded music company in the world.

21ministry is headquartered in Durham, N.C. and advocates Digital Evangelism among individual churches, religious organizations and seminaries to help them spread the gospel and make connections with young adults through dynamic, interactive outreach methods. 21ministry works with Christian organizations of all denominations, some of which include: Presbyterian Church (USA), Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, and Christian Appalachian Project, among others.

from: http://www.religionnews.com/press02/PR082504.html

also see: http://www.21ministry.com/christmas/2004/about.php

Read more!