1January FYW 2008

8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008

1/40

Front Yard Worship

A Songwriters Guild Magazine

Christian Musician SummitConferences

Miles McKeeThe New Covenant Shepherd

Kate WhiteJournal

Rick CuaTermination Dust

January 2008 www.oikeomusic.com

Worship In The SilenceMichael Bahn

Jake HillmanKeyboards

Indie HeavenDreamers Wanted

M U S I C I N C .

8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008

2/40

A Songwriters Guild Magazine

January/February 2008

www.oikeomusic.com

Subscription Inquiries

[email protected]

Copyright 2008 Oikeo Music Inc

2 Front Yard Worship

Beyond Borders pg5

Michael Bahn pg6

Carried Away pg10

Indie Heaven pg14

Miles McKee pg16

Rick Cua pg18

Pastors Perspective pg21

The Editor pg3

The Guild pg4

Diary of an Indie Artist pg22

Contents

Dan Adler pg24

Breakthrough Conferences pg26

Keyboards pg29

Featured Book pg30

Grants pg32

Podcas pg34

8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008

3/40

The only trip Ive taken to anythird world country has beenthrough the eyes, stories and

pictures of other missionariesand their ministries. My heartis always deeply moved when Isee the images of poor, hungry,homeless children who havelost their families to aids andwar. Some of these childrenthemselves have aids. I thinkmost people feel overwhelmed

at the task as I do. It is easier towalk away and comfort myselfthat someone else will take theinitiative but, I cant. My heartcomes back to the question overand over, Why am I here and whatam I supposed to do with my talents

that will make a difference?

A few years ago I felt Godtugging at my heart to makelocal ministry and communitymissions important. I need totouch, feel and know the peopleI am working with and for. Itseems that I can accomplishthis goal much easier and be

satisfied when I can see what ishappening with my own eyesand build relationships in myown neighborhood. So I startedOikeo Music Inc, a nonprofitorganization for songwriters.That is where my story begins.

Most songwriters I knowincluding me, have not had theprivilege of sharing their musicin a local church and most ofus do not have an audience.Thats the bottom line. We havejournals full of song ideas thathave never been spoken outloud, much less sung to a groupof people. Many of us havespent a considerable amountof money on CDs to find thatour audience is pretty narrow.It tends to make the artist in usfeel a little hopeless from timeto time. Everyone wants to beheard and understood. Wouldntit be great to get with some ofthese songwriters and build ateam of people that could impactthe community with their

music? The community mightnot show up for a namelessface like me, but they will showup to raise funds and food forcommunity causes. Bingo, thatsit.

That is when God began to bring

certain nonprofit ministriesacross my path, Safe Harbor Inn,Love Inc, Beyond Borders, NewDirection, Lily of the Waters,and a couple of nonprofits thatare making a difference in theFilipines, Italy, Ireland, Canadaand most of all Africa. Suddenly Irealized how large and expanded

this ministry could be. We canmake an impact worldwide bya few changes here at home. Ican organize concerts. I knowpeople who will play at theseconcerts and I know ministrieswho need our help. This time Ifelt overwhelmed by somethingcompletely different. I amamazed at how God gives eachof us the tools to bring purposeto ourselves and others.

In 2006 we performed ourfirst benefit concert using thegifts and talents of songwritersrepresented by our guild atOikeo Music Inc. For the firsttime in my life I felt like what Ido as a songwriter is important

because my gift and talent hasthe power to impact someoneelse. Some people came to ourconcert simply to raise fundsand food, but they went awaypleasantly surprised by thequality of music our songwriterbrought to the event.

Im glad I now know that Iwill have a chance to make adifference in someones lifelocally and nationally. What aprivilege.

Melissa Saulnier

The Editor


8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008

4/40

puts your song(s) in the CCLI song-pool for other worship leaders and

pastors around the world to choosefrom.

We love to offer services to ourGuild members that help promotetheir music. These services include:

Radio Play

Magazine Promotion

Publishing of your originalsongs

Live Concerts and TouringMany songwriters wonder whattypes of songs qualify to be playedon the Oikeo Music Guild radio oraffiliate programs. The Oikeo MusicGuild chooses Christian songs basedon the heart of the lyrics and thequality of the music.

If you are motivated, ambitiousand have a passion for crafting your

songs, yet you understand some ofyour songs may need to be polished-up or fine tuned, and you have awillingness to grow in your craft,the Oikeo Music Guild can helpget your songs published and evenplayed on the radio!

Oikeo is located on the Web whichmeans we can take your musicvirtually all

over the world!Our radio showplays weekly onour local station KAFC 93.7FMwhich is now streaming onlinereaching a national audience.Basedin Anchorage Alaska, we serviceclients in over 20 states, plus Israel, Canada and Italy through ourmagazine .

The Guild Inspiring ActionAs a worship leader, songwriteror musician, Oikeo Music Inc and

our Guild of writers may be veryimportant to you.

If youre a songwriter, worshipleader or musician and want your

music to be played on the radio, orLIVE in concerts, or published, theOikeo Music Guild can help you!

We connect you and your music withpeople in communities and churches,who want your music! Whether on

the radio, in concert or published, theOikeo Music guild helps you take yoursongs to the people who want to hearthem and purchase them.

We work with a very specific group ofsongwriters and singing artists.

Artists include:

Worship leader artistsbringingyour own songs to your homechurch & community

Touring song-writer artists whoperform for a broader regional or

national audience

New songwriter/artists who arelooking for a place to grow & besupported as they develop theirsongs or music.

Many songwriters do not know whatthe process is or how to be paid fororiginal worship songs, choir music

or hymns. This is accomplished byacquiring a Christian CopyrightLicensing International number(CCLI#).

If you arent sure what a CCLI# is weare looking for the opportunity to tellyou more about your church and thelicensing process for using music.

All churches must pay licensing feesevery month so that original music

can be legally sung in congregationsaround the world. This means thatevery time your song is sung in one ofthese licensed churches, you receive asmall, ongoing royalty.

Oikeo Music Guild helps our membersreceive CCLI#s because we are anadministrator for CCLI.We take yourcompleted original songs and submitthem to CCLI on your behalf. This


8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008

5/40

8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008

6/40

Michael Bahn Worship In the SilenceIn an attempt to cope with my seasonof silence, I began mouthing thewords to songs the band would play.As I tried this week after week, Istill found myself feeling strange anddisconnected to a world I previouslynavigated without a map. After aworshipservice oneevening, aman fromour churchcame upto me and

expressedhow blessedhe was byseeing meworship myheart out inspite of thefact that Icouldnt singat all. Tobe honest,

I was sofrustrated bymy situationthat I felt liketelling him,I dont wantto be yourinspirationright now,leave me alone! But God spoke to

my heart that night and said, Youasked me to teach you about worship,and make you an effective worshipleader. That is what Im doing, butright now it is costing you your voice.All at once it hit me. In a fresh way,I understood that I had led this manin worship with my life, not just withmy voice or musical skills. After thatrevelation, things began to change as

Have you ever wondered howyourr worship would change ifyou couldnt sing? Recently, God

brought me through that exactsituation. My name is MichaelBahn. I am a singer, songwriter andhave served as the worship pastor atRiver Valley Community Church inGrants Pass, Oregon for over 5 years.(www.rivervalleycc.org) I also amprivileged to travel regionally withand without my band, Michael BahnBand, to encourage the body of Christthrough worship. (www.michaelbahn.

com)

In June of 2007, after completing therecording of my latest CD, I beganexperiencing intense muscular achingin my neck while singing. Afterdoctor visits, extensive examinationsand second opinions, my prescriptionwas to spend the next two months incomplete vocal silence. Those twomonths grew into almost 6 months

without any singing. As you mightexpect, this was very difficult for me.During those months, I continuedto oversee and serve on my churchsworship team. Surprising to me, Ifound it incredibly difficult to worshipwhile playing guitar without beingable to sing along. Sadness began toset into my heart as I felt completelyawkward and unable to engage incorporate worship. Although I knew

that worship was so much more thansinging songs, I had never entirelylost my ability to sing before. Thisawkwardness in worship even beganto permeate my own personaldevotional times. As an artist and aperson, I had lost my primary formof expressing my heart to God andothers.

I continued to serve in silence monthafter month, watching others lead inmy place.

Throughout this season, I would journathoughts and reflections that God wasrevealing to my heart. This reflectinghelped show the process God was

taking me through. I would now like to

share some personal realizations I hadduring this time. May they encourageyou in your seasons of difficulty.

Nevertakeaweekofworship

leading, or any other type of serving,for granted. It can be taken away in amoment.

Ifyouarecommendedfor

handling your trials well, quickly pray


8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008

7/40

singing, strumming or songwriting.Another day it might be throughbuying a homeless man lunch, readingmy Bible in Taco Bell, showingtenderness to my wife and children,smiling at a stranger or praying for afriend.

So how would your worship change ifyou couldnt sing? I discovered thereis so much worship to give the Lordoutside of using my voice. I hopeGod allows each of you reading this todiscover the path of worship outsideof your strengths. Remember, in ourweakness, we see how very strong Heis.

2007 Michael Bahn

For more information aboutMichael Bahn please visit

www.michaelbahn.com

or

www.myspace.com/michaelbahn

Wearesometimesnotas

strong as our giftedness can make usappear. It sometimes takes removingour strengths to help us see ourweaknesses.

Withintrials,wemust

keep our eyes on the Lord. If we

glance away, we get caught up andoverwhelmed by our situations.

Ifyoudesiretoliveinapure

way, your life might heat up to allowthe impurities to rise to the top andbe removed.

Leadworshipwithyourlife,

not just with your musical skills,talents and gifts.

After almost six months, God hastouched my voice so that I can nowsing without pain. Praise God thatI can use my voice to worship Himagain. I am so grateful that the Lordis allowing me to continue servingHim as a worship leader. I ammost grateful that God never stopsteaching us about drawing close toHim. I realize it took me getting

really quiet before I could hear Godsvoice whispering that my calling as aworship leader is so much more thana call to music. It is a calling to laydown my life as a living sacrifice. Thatis my act of worship. One day myworship might be expressed through

that God would receive the glory inthe trial, not you.

Thereistremendousgrowth

for us when we are willing toworship in ways that are different andpotentially uncomfortable.

Itisgoodforanupfront

leader to experience how it feels toserve on the worship team withoutleading the band. You will see andunderstand your ministry and teammembers like you never have before

Godcananddoesuse

others just as effectively as He usesus. As much as we love to do ourministries, they can survive andflourish without us.

Wemustdesiretogrowandlearn from God more than we desireto be comfortable.

Godprunesfruitfulbranches

so that they can produce more. (John15:1-4) Even though pruning hurts,there is no other way to be used in agreater capacity without being prunedfor new growth.

Praythatyoucaneventually

be able to thank God for your trials.Thank Him that He would consideryou and allow you to walk through thetough season.

WeneedtohavepeaceifGod

doesnt allow us to use our mostcherished gifts and if He changes ourcareer or direction.

Polishedprofessionalworship

leader words are not always as

necessary and impacting as we think.Lay worship leaders also have greatthings to say, and we need to let themshare.

AskthattheLordwould

use you, even in a broken state. Askthat He would use your hardship andallow it to bring Him glory, praise andacclaim.


8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008

8/40

Too BIG

8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008

9/40

To MISS

8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008

10/40

Carried Away

i want You10 Front Yard Worship

8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008

11/40

I Want You

Since we last heard from Carried Awayin 2005 with its critically acclaimeddebut disc Closer To You, the Canadiantrio has been on a whirlwind journey

both professionally and personally.For starters, the Ontario-bred groupcomprised of sisters Colleen and PamWalker, plus their cousin ChristinePrankard, have been on a seeminglyendless tour, ranging from several soloheadlining dates, to opening slots forthe illustrious likes of Casting Crownsand Avalon.

Add in several Women of Faith

sponsored events along the way,where the ladies not only reachedout to thousands of adult women, butalso teens and younger youth, andCarried Away truly has come of agewith their music and ministry. Andspeaking of age, the threesome hasalso stepped out of their teenage skinand just tipped into their twenties,demonstrating additional artistic andspiritual growth, while simultaneouslypossessing an even more direct set ofgoals on this impressive sophomorealbum.

Weve basically used our experienceup to this point to encourage youngpeople and really let them know howyour life can change for the betterwith God in the center of it, explainsPam of the continually evolving

songwriting process. We came upwith the album title of I Want You togo along with the theme of the firstalbum Closer To You, which basicallyencourages listeners to get an idea ofwhat they want from this life. Whatare you putting into your life, andmost importantly, do you want Godin your life? Its a huge decision, butgetting to know Him is our ultimate

message.

Though Carried Away has plenty ofguys in its fan base, Christine quicklyechoes another thought relating tothe girls of all ages the group seeks toreach. I think another angle is the factthat so many young people want to be

loved and accepted all the time andtheyll do almost anything to feel thatway. But we want to remind them thatGod will love you no matter what theworld says and no matter what youmay have done. Hes there with openarms of forgiveness and can fill any ofthe holes in your life.

Throughout the entire songwriting

process for the album (which justfor the record is taken up almostexclusively by the group membersin both lyrical and instrumentalcontexts) the trio also explored ideasof holiness and purity. Sure, theyvealways been mindful of the necessarylimits and boundaries when it comesto living a life in Christ, thougheveryones wholeheartedly committedto never falling under the weight of

worldly pressures.

If you want Him to be your all andall, you have to make choices thatultimately result in Him being thefirst priority, adds Colleen. Overthe last couple of years, God hasbeen teaching us individually and as agroup how much He desires holiness.Of course, its a struggle everydayto make Him number one- and notjust with prayer when you need helpwith something- but to make Himwholeheartedly the most importantpart of your life.

The album is strewn with several songexamples tracing these newfoundconvictions throughout I Want You,which hits stores through InfinityMusic Distribution in August. Take

for instance Wasting My Words,which applies those aforementionedconcepts to romance, suggestingto put God before guys, otherwiseits sure to result in heartache andfrustration. Sweet One (CantBreak) extends upon that premiseto again touch on relationships, but

remind all God will never break aheart, which is an integral fact toremember, especially in the wake of adevastating disappointment. Mysteryis also an amazingly powerfulselection, talking about waiting ourentire lifetime to meet the Lord inheaven, but also making it clear wecan catch glimpses of Him throughoutday to day situations.

A lot of times people say our musicis anointed, Colleen notices. Theytell us the music and the songs arecoming from an honest place andthat through being ourselves, theyare encouraged every time they goaway from a show. We think thats thegreatest and highest compliment, butGod deserves all the glory.

That idea can also be tracedthroughout a recent round of tourdates, which saw the group visiting achurch in Tennessee last fall and thenagain this spring in anticipation of thealbum. The threesome recalls hearingabout a young boy who was unable towalk and couldnt even stand up, butwas moved in supernatural ways bythe groups music.

The last time we were there, hismom came up to us and sharedthe most amazing news, exclaimsChristine, choking back tears. Shetold us the only time her son stoodup was during our two concerts andthat she was forever grateful for ourministry. To think that somethingas small as a song could do this forsomeone is simply mind blowing and


8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008

12/40

we cant explain it! Its just the power of music and factthat God can move through anything. Stories like thatare so encouraging that they keep us doing what Hescalled us to do.

Aside from this highly emotional display, Carried Awayalso branched out with an additionally adventurousmusical dichotomy that finds the group straddling the

lines between pop, acoustic rock and worship. The tuneSmile, writtenout of the pure joyto be alive, evokespraise leaderssuch as AaronShust and ChrisTomlin, while thestirring Feel ItInside and Just

Believe takeon the modernradio approachof NatashaBedingfield orMichelle Branch.Yet this vast rangeof influencesalso includes thehighly diverselikes of Natalie

Grant, AvrilLavigne, Coldplayand The Fray.

Though the group will soon debut this progressiveblend of muses on the road, backed by Pams primarykeyboard playing, Colleens guitar playing (andoccasional assistance on keys), plus Christines guitarplaying, yet another new angle recently developedwithin the girls inspiring story. Last July, the grouphooked up with Compassion International, which is anoutreach organization theyll be sharing about from thestage each and every evening.

Were honestly so in love with Compassion and all theamazing means of helping others it can provide, verifiesChristine. They go into local churches throughoutdifferent counties and meet the needs of the people-starting with Jesus and reaching out on so many otherlevels as well.

Colleen continues: After we went to Peru on a trip withCompassion, we wrote the song Beautiful Girl, whichbasically talks about whenever you sponsor a child, it givesthem hope to face another day. We saw so many people cryingwhen they met us because they were so thankful they weregiven the chance to know Jesus. It was such an eye openingexperience, especially because they were so poor but all sohappy and content.

Though Carried Awayhas always had a largereach throughout NorthAmerica, that trip andmembers subsequentinvolvement withCompassion have stirredup even greater globalgoals. Aside from those

familiar areas, thetrio hopes to continuewriting material thatappeals to the masseswith a message groundedin the Gospel, whiletraveling beyond theircomfort zones.

Our heart and missionis to go out to all nations

and teach people aboutJesus, Pam sums up.We want to teach young

girls and women in particular to obey His commandments andreach as many places as we can. Well go wherever God wantsus to go- even if its Antarctica- and our goal is to go throughevery single door and be lights in darkness.


8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008

13/40

Christina Paul

8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008

14/40

his team at Indelible.

Chris Thomason, IndelibleCreative Group president andfounder, developed the conceptfor the project. In the worldof independent music there arevery few places you can go toget real world informationand practical advice to facilitateartistry and ministry, saysThomason. Indieheaven.comhas proven to be that place, andwe are excited to partner withthem to create a product thatbrings greater awareness toindependent artists.

Artists and songs for Top 20Indie 2008 are being finalizednow and will be announced

In January 2008 at www.top20indie.com, which willserve as the online home forthe brand. The site will includefeatures on each of the artists,audio samples and links back totheir Indieheaven.com profiles.

In addition to the artists culledfrom Indieheaven.com, the

album will also feature newmusic from Crystal Stark,winner of the 2006 GMA inthe Rockies talent competition.Inclusion on Indeliblesindependent artist series waspart of her prize package thatalso included an appearance

Disneys Night of Joy festival inOrlando, Fla.

Later in the year IndelibleCreative Group has plans fortwo more releases in the seriesincluding: Top 20 Indie Worship2008 and Top 20 Indie Rock2008. Each of those titles willfeature the best of independentworship and rock and willbe compiled in early 2008.Word Distribution will handlesales for the albums priced at$9.99 to the CBA market withWEA servicing digital outletsincluding iTunes in the generalmarket.

If you are an independentChristian artist and want

to submit your song forconsideration, JOININDIEHEAVEN TODAY andsubmit through their songsubmission process afterjoining. ALL songs placed onthe compilations will be songsproduced by Indieheavenmembers.

ABOUT INDIEHEAVEN.COM

Indieheaven.com is a Christianindependent musicians resourcealliance dedicated to theadvancement of independentChristian musicians and theindependent Christian music

Indie Heaven Dreamers WantedINDELIBLE PARTNERS WITHINDIEHEAVEN.COM ONLAUNCH OF TOP 20 INDIEARTIST COMPILATIONS

March 2008 Release Will BeFirst In Three Part Series

(FRANKLIN, Tenn.) 11.27.07-On March 4, 2008 IndelibleCreative Group, in association

with Indieheaven.com, willrelease Top 20 Indie 2008. Thealbum will compile 20 of themost talented emerging artistsfrom Indieheaven.coms stableof independent Christian artistson one CD. Artists and songs forthe album were selected frommembers of Indieheaven.com

by a panel of music industryexperts from Indelible CreativeGroup and Indieheaven.combased on song quality, artistexposure and web traffic amongother criteria.

Weve been looking for theright partner to help ourIndieheaven.com membersaccomplish their mission,comments Keith Mohr,Indieheaven.com president.Joining with Indelible CreativeGroup to bring independentartists to the world is a real Godthing. We look forward to thefuture with Chris Thomason and


8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008

15/40

scene. Indieheaven.com partnerswith its members to help themincrease the scope of theirmusic missions, providing:tools, mentoring, community,and other services. Located in

Franklin, Tenn., Indieheaven.com was launched in 2002, andits founder, Keith Mohr hasprovided services to independentartists since 1997. For moreinformation, visit www.indieheaven.com

ABOUT INDELIBLE

Indelible Creative Group is amusic and film company basedin Nashville, Tenn. creatingexperiences through mediaproducts that are culturallyand spiritually relevant. Thecompany represents recordingartists including Travis Cottrell,Phil Joel, Jeff Deyo and SPUR58

among others. Among its currentDVD releases are Max Lucado3:16 Stories of Hope, Craveshort film series from best-selling author Erwin RaphaelMcManus and popular childrensentertainer Miss PattyCake.Word Distribution providesdistribution services to CBAretail; with Lionsgate (film) andWEA (music) serving the generalmarket. For more information,visit

www.indelibleonline.com

Indie Heaven ofers so much!


8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008

16/40

Miles McKeeThe New Covenant ShepherdThe New CovenantShepherd

Anyone who has read the Bible willsurely agree when I say the NewCovenant is a better than the OldCovenant. If we are to take thewriter of Hebrews seriously we haveto come to that conclusion. He makesthis point when he says categoricallythat Christ Jesus is the mediator of abetter covenant, which was establishedupon better promises (Heb 8:6).

The New Covenant has also a betterhope (Heb 7:19) and better sacrifices(Heb 9:23). The New Covenant is anall round better deal for those whobelieve. Which one of us, after all,wants to go back to animal sacrificesand personal obedience to the Law toget into Heaven?

Yet in spite of this we have people

today who insist that Jesus in a merecreation of God. He, they say, is onlythe Son of God and not God ofvery God. How interesting! Theywill, however, agree that Jesus is theNew Covenant Shepherd. And whywouldnt they as Jesus claims this titlefor himself saying, I am the goodshepherd (Jn.10: 10). And, as if theyneeded further proof, Hebrews 13:20designates Him as that great shepherd

of the sheep while Peter calls Him theChief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4).

But according to Jehovah Witnessesand others, although they hold Jesusto be the Shepherd of the flock, theysay He is not God. How curious!This then must mean that the peoplein the Old Covenant were better offthan believers in the New. Why so?

Because according to David in Psalms23, Jehovah (The LORD) was hisshepherd. Knowing it was Jehovah

who was his shepherd he could boldlysay, I shall not want. In the veryvalley of death he informs us he wouldfear no evil. And indeed, why wouldhe fear since Jehovah was taking careof him?The truth is, unless Jesus is Jehovah wewho now live in New Testament timesare at a considerable disadvantage for,after all, we have entrusted the keepingof our souls to one who, according tothe J Ws, is at best a mere creation or,if you listen to some other groups, amere man at worst.As sheep we need a shepherd who hasthe power to keep us safe from thewolves of life. We need a shepherdwho has power and wisdom to guide,to lead and to feed us. If Christ is

not Jehovah how can we have anyassurance he is up to the task ofbringing us safely to eternal life?And never mind eternal life, there aremany times in this life when we needour souls restored. I want Jehovah torestore my soul not some one whosalmost Jehovah or very close to Him.And no, its not asking too much forthat to be the case since that was the

case for David and the old CovenantbelieversSo if Jesus is not Jehovah then thisis, in fact, not a better covenant. Itis not a better hope. Weve beencheated and short sold if Jesus isntJehovah. Since Davids shepherd wasJehovah that should inform any rightthinking person that Jesus and Jehovah

are one and the same unless, that is,the believers advantages are greatlydiminished under the New Covenant.

Thou Shepherd of Israel and mine,The joy and desire of my heart,For closer communion I pineI long to reside where Thou artTis Jesus the first and the last,Whose Spirit shall guide us safe homeWell praise Him for all that is past,And trust Him for all thats to come.Charles Wesley

Miles McKeeMiles McKee MinistriesBox 541, Kingston Springs, TN,37082www.milesmckee.comMaking Jesus Famous Permission is given by the author,Miles McKee, to copy this article if

it is done in its entirety without anychanges.Permission is also given post thisarticle in its entirety on InternetWebPages


8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008

17/40

8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008

18/40

Termination Dust and Other Signs from God

As a musician, Ive twice had the greatprivilege of playing Gods music at theAlaska State Fair. On our first visitI can remember sitting in a coffee

shop in Palmer on a beautiful Augustmorning with my wife Diana. As thewaitress brought us our cappuccini andscones, she looked out the windowand commented Termination Dust.Our curiosity must have been evidentbecause we were quickly told that thetermination of summer and summerjobs was annually signaled by theappearance of August snow on the

mountain peaks.

Similarly this analogy speaks tothat unfortunate time we have allexperienced when the connectionbetween band and audience,worship leader and congregation isterminated. It could be for manyreasonsdistractions, music that lacksrelevance for a particular group of

people, or a lack of knowing who youare playing for and what your ultimatepurpose is. As worship leaders andmusicians we should use our abilities,

not just musical, but all of our sensesto help people draw close to the Lordin worship.

Jesus declared,A time is comingand has now come when trueworshippers will worship the Father inSpirit and truth, for they are the kindof worshippers the Father seeks. John4:23

As a young musician I learned howto move an audience through anemotional or soulish experience. Fromthe energetic highs of rock anthemsto heart tugging moments of songsabout love & love lost, we took peopleon a musical journey. We learned toread the audience and watch for signs

that told us if we were connectingor not. There were many things wecould do to reconnect and if we werereally in trouble we pulled out the big

gun the drum solo! This was doneas entertainment capturing onesattention for a purpose our purposein those days was to connect to thesoul man to win their hearts.

Fast forwarding to Christian music andcongregational worship, reading thesigns involves more. Its about leaningon God and having hearts open to Hisleading.

A number of years ago, during oneof our Rock The Boot tours inItaly, I was invited to minister at asmall church in Naples. This was acongregation where the men sat onone side and the women, with headcoverings, on the other. During thefirst song I realized we had a problem.I was playing one of my aggressiverock anthems as an opener and theshock waves pinned the conservativeNeapolitans to the old wooden pewsin terror. It was either going to be areal bad night or I had to think fast andmake some changes. I remember wellthe process that began somewhere inthe middle of the first chorus and wascompleted by the songs end.

And this I pray, that your lovemay abound still more and more inknowledge and all discernmentPhilippians 1:9. Wisdom isfound on the lips of him who hasunderstanding Proverbs 10:13

Watching the congregation

Rick Cua All For The King


8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008

19/40

8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008

20/4020 Front Yard Worship

All For The King Music,

through RickCua.com,

periodically delivers FREECONGREGATIONAL

WORSHIP SONGS

in MP3 format with Chord

Charts and Lyric Text Files.

Please join our Mailing list

at www.rickcua.com Gods

Very Best To You!

Rick & Diana Cua

8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008

21/40

Pastors Perspective


integrity. He remained faithful, andbecame, in most peoples eyes, themost influential minister of the gospelthat ever lived.Joseph died in a palace; Paul died in aprison. Both saw the revelation Godgave them come true. Both madedaily obedience to God their primarygoal. Both maintained their integrity.It was God who brought about theirsuccess. Their role was not one ofconscious planning or preparation,but merely maintaining their integritybefore God, and obeying Him

faithfully.It is a great thing to have a God-given vision of future ministryaccomplishments.It gives us something to hold on towhen times of discouragement come.But such a vision is not essential toa successful life of ministry. Evenif we are blessed with such a futurevision, it should in no way changeour approach to our walk with

God. The only way to see Godsplan accomplished, whether weknow what it is or not, is to commitourselves to take up our cross dailyand follow Him. We should neitherrush toward, nor run away from, thevision. We take only the steps Heshows us to take, when He revealsthen to us. Even if we know of ourfinal destination, it does not negate

the necessity of following Him to thatdestination. It is in through faithful,daily, obedience that Gods plan isdeveloped, and we are prepared forwhat is ahead.Remember the wisdom of Proverb16:9 A mans heart plans his way, butthe Lord directs his steps.Pastor Jack Aiken

[email protected]

PlansIn the realm of human endeavor,success almost always depends onadequate planning. Financial plannersfrequently quote the old adage Noone plans to fail, they fail to plan.The beginning of a new year is a timewhen we evaluate our plans and takemeasures to revise them. At thesame time, we often make New Yearsresolutions that we hope will correctsome perceived deficiency in ourlives.Church staffs will soon be meeting

to finish their planning for the year.Some pastors will plan a whole year ofsermons in advance. Some ministers,including pastors and worship leaders,will be reviewing their career planstargeting the various positions theydesire to hold over the years.I believe in planning, and I can see thevalue in setting goals, but the Biblecautions the Christian against puttingto much dependence in man-made

plans. In the book of James we areadmonished to preface all our planswith If God wills.Many of us, when we feel that Godhas called us to a particular work forHis kingdom, have a dream aboutwhere that ministry may take us, andwhat we will be able to achieve. Someof that comes from an over-inflatedego, and sometimes God will give usa glimpse of what He has ordained forus to do. The question that presentsitself is, How much planning mustI do to bring about Gods will in mylife? I believe the answer lies in thelives of two characters from the Biblethat God called to high positions ofleadership.Joseph, one of Jacobs youngest sons,had a couple of dreams that gave hima partial revelation of the plan God

had for his life. It was his destiny toone day be in authority over his father,mother and all his brothers. Whatan ego-trip that must have been for ateenaged boy! While the dream wasabsolutely true, he was not given evena hint of what he would be requiredto endure before that day. Neitherdid he know that he would be giventhat authority to benefit his family, nothimself.Along with his dreams, Joseph alsohad a deep commitment to the will ofGod. He had many temptations to

abandon his integrity and take whatwould appear to be an easier, morepleasant road, but the real focus ofJosephs life was not his dream, butremaining faithful to his God. Formost of his life, before his elevationto power, he was a slave. He had noability to plan or prepare himself for aposition of power. However, God wasexecuting His plan in Joseph, and eventhrough Joseph was not aware of it,

God was preparing him for his futurerole. It was only in remaining faithfulthat his God-ordained future becamea reality.The apostle Paul is another exampleof one to whom God gave a visionof his future life of service. In Paulscase, it was not a revelation of futurepower and glory, but God showedhim the things he would be requiredto suffer for His sake. God gavePaul a visiona mission he wouldpursue to the death. Although Paulwas given a revelation of things hewas to suffer, he made no plan toavoid those sufferings. In fact therewere times when he deliberatelywent into danger because he knewit was Gods will. His only plan wasto be completely obedient to God.By obedience, Paul maintained his

8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008

22/40

Diary of An Indie Artist

Diary of

An Independent Artist

By Kate White

Dear Readers,

When Melissa approached me aboutdoing a regular feature in FrontyardWorship, I got really excited about thepossibility of doing something like ablog something casual, honest and aplace where we could interact I amalso a worship leader at my churchand worship is a big part of my life andinspiration. But as we talked, I reallyfelt led to write from the IndependentArtist perspective. Partly because ofthe number of gigs I do in that vain,but also because I have a heart tomentor other independent artists in thejourney and struggled myself to findanswers when I was starting out.

I dont know about you, but for me I

found that initially, the music industry-including the Christian Music Industry-was complicated and hard to breakinto and find my place. There are greatresources and people out there whoreally want to help you be successful inyour journey and then there are deadends and opportunities that turn outto be a huge waste of time and money.

I hope to be a resource to you and passon what I know. I do not claim to bethe end all Independent Artist! Ivecome a long way and have learned a ton

in the process but just like you, I have along way to go. My goal is to create afeature where you can:

1) Catch an honest glimpse ofmy life each issue Ill give youa snapshot of where I am at rightnow as an artist and band and whatIm struggling with and what Imexcited about,

2) Share what spiritual themeGod is dealing with me on and howthats affecting me and my music,

3) Touch on the practical andbusiness side of things. I hope tobring you specific, useful ideas thatmake sense. Ill tell you what Imdoing and whats worked for me.

4) Answer your questions! If you would e-mail me either at Oikeomusic or [email protected], I will gather your questionsand try to answer those mostcommonly asked or what I thinkare really GOOD questions to beasking in the coming issues. Asmuch as Id like to answer eachone individually, time constraints

will make that impossible butmore than that, I believe we can allbenefit from your questions, so Id

rather answer them in print!

Okay, not much room left for parts 1-3of this first issue so Im going to giveyou a brief history of my journey togive you a quick snapshot of where Ivecome from and bring you up to date!

Ive been doing music all my life andhave been a part of worship teams andleading worship for a number of years.

I started songwriting at 14, studiedmusic and business in college, spent 10years overseas with my husband andfamily in church planting and worshipand by 1995 had recorded 3 differentalbums. We moved back to the states,and by 1999 I had a very strong sensefrom God that He wanted to use mymusic for more than stacking up on thepiano.

1999-2002A friend gave us $10,000 towardmaking another CD.I struggled with self-promotion soavoided Gods call to step out and domore with my music for another 3years!

2002I entered a Christian artist contest and

made the top 5.I lead worship at our ministrysconference and was stronglychallenged (again) to get my songs outand move forward.We moved to a larger church / theystarted using my songs in worshipwithout my initiating it. First time Isaw a congregation of 700 sing one ofmy songs. Humbling and tearful.


Kate White

8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008


new way. Lost and gained players.Had first website designed, but couldntupdate it.Started a business as Sole Proprietor (haveto have a legitimate business to sell CDs)Curly Willow Music.Toured to CA solo. Used my tracks. Soldlots of CDs. Band played 4 gigs a month

together.Song featured on SongDiscovery website.2nd time to GMA in the Rockies competed in all 3 categories song/vocal/instrumental. Got really sick butstill placed in the finals for vocal andinstrumental and song Quiet Place took2nd place nationally in its genre.Signed 2 songs to an Independent FilmWAJ again- able to join the master writers

class (had to be published)Went to Christian Music Summit in

Seattle. Met Margaret Becker, DawnJones and Hazel Nieves. Discovered needfor total marketing makeover. Workedhard and did the homework to understandmy unique call and communicate it. Got aMyspace and a booking coach.

2006Developed a website with Hazel Nieves.One I could update myself and also sellmerch on.Developed press kit, new photos, all to fitsame look as website.GMA Week in Nashville. Hazel was thereand used my site as an example. Greatpublicity for me.Solid band and same players. Doing 4-8gigs a month / with and Kate

without band. Touring more bothlocally and in CA.Contacted by Centricity Recordsto come to their Independent ArtistRetreat. AMAZING opportunity!!15 artists / and or bands and 15-20 industry professionals there tohelp us. Wow. Free studio time,

co-writing sessions with industrywriters, web and press kit review.KEY: I took copious notes and madeEVERY change they suggested that Icould do within my means.Updated website once more, stillwith Hazel Nieves, to be much moreefficient.Hooked up with other Indies from theretreat and asked questions and got

help on putting contracts together,setting up tours outside your area,etc.Developed decent contract.Developing greater confidence inasking for fees, doing the business sideof the music ministry.Went through Tom JacksonsPerformance Training (on DVD)Band showing more interest in ourprison gigs / outreach

Met Oikeo Music, set up tour to AKfor January 07.Offered a Record Label Contract.

2007Toured to AK with full band. Doing6-15 dates a month. Toured to AK,CA, OR, WA.Prayed through and addressed legalaspects of Label ContractDeveloped a strong ministry toPrisons. Have set up ministryrelationships to streamline entry intoprisons for concerts.Continued from Kate WhiteDiary of An Indie Artist

Saw 60 prisoners pray to receiveChristBooking, writing, gigging.Cont pg 25

8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008

24/40

8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008

25/40

that I lead the way in songs is to write

in culturally eclectic styles. So even

when Im using lyrical content that is

strictly praise and worship oriented, Im

using diverse styles that are stretching

the listeners and singers to break down

musical prejudices and sub-cultures and

to become accustomed to and embrace

other musical forms. In doing so,weve inuenced thousands of people

to listen to, worship with and embrace

Black Gospel, Reggae, Latino, Native

American and many other styles of

music who had only worshipped with

hymns or pop white worship music in

the past. So in that context Im using

the actual style of music to teach and

inuence as well.

So as you write your next song, think

about what music and lyrics your song

will need to highly inuence those who

listen to and sing that song in the future.

What does the Church need to hear?

What does the Church need to sing?

Imagine Christian worship music

bringing about signicant change in the

lives of believers and the world around

themits easy if you try.

www.heartofthecity.org


Started a Retreat called Journey toWholeness.Learned a lot about label andpublishing contracts. Decided notto sign with label. Great folks,but lack of peace to move thatdirection. Kept a good relationship

with label and still work with them.New record possibility opens up.Start pre-recording prep at studio.Feeling led to start a non-profit.Wrestle with this most of the fall.Get counsel and continue to seekGod on non-profit. Decide tomove forward with non-profitstatus.Head into studio with sessionplayers and record basic tracks.

Kate White

Paul Wainamo

Join worship

leader Paul Wainamo

in this soothing

instrumental ull o

grace. Experience Gods

peace and tranquility.

Available at

www.oikeomusic.com

Sanctuary

8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008

26/40

Breakthrough Conferencesauditoriumnext to 3000 wor-

ship leaders and songwriters,

singing our hearts out with Paul

Baloche and other great leadersas they led us in worship.

Some o the eatured artists

and perormers were Brian

Doerksen, Phil Keaggy, Lincoln

Brewster, Tim Hughes, Tommy

Walker, Paul Baloche, Doyle

Dykes, Haley, Leann Albrecht,

you get the picture. By the

way, you wouldnt know at a

glance that Carl Albrecht had

a heart attack a ew months

back. What an amazing re-

covery. Im Im sure he wants

continued prayer rom the

Body o Christ.

This year 2007 included Key-

note Speakers like Tom Kraeu-

ter, Bob Kauin & Zoro the

Drummer.

The CMS 2008 will oer over

120 workshops in the ollow-

ing tracks...

> Lead Worshipers/Pastors

> Vocals

> Acoustic Guitar

> Electric Guitar

> Bass

> Drums/Percussion

> Keyboards

> Winds/Strings

Matt Kees and Bruce Adolph are

the brainstorm behind Christian

Musician Summit a powerul

yearly event. They have estab-

lished a great set o core belies

and values:

Core Belies:

* We believe in the triune God:

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (one

God in 3 distinct persons). (Isaiah

9:6, John 1:32-34, John 14:15-17-

,25-27)

* We believe the Bible is Gods

Word to us without error (2 Timo-

thy 3:15-17)

* We believe that Jesus Christ isthe Savior o the world; our only

hope, and our only way. (1 Peter

3:-9, John 14:6)

* We believe Gods grace is all we

need! (Ephesians 2:8-9)

* We believe there is work to be

done to spread the Gospel and

grow the Kingdom! (Matthew

28:19, Ephesians 2:10)

Core Values:

* We value Gods desire or His

Church to be united (Romans

15:4-6)

* We value the command to

worship in spirit and truth (John

4:23-24)

* We value the command to sing

to him a new song; [and] play

skillully (Psalm 33:3)

* We value the command to Do

nothing out o selfsh ambition

or vain conceit, but in humilityconsider others better than your-

selves (Philippians 2:3)

The Christian Musician Summit

(aka CMS) is a two-day coner-

ence or lead worshipers, musi-

cians, technicians, pastors, song-

writers & indie artists to improve

their skill and inspire their talent

CMS Is one o the most amaz-

ing experiences a songwriter orworship leader can encounter

each year. So many talented and

ministry oriented groups come

together under one roo or

practical training, equipping and

resources. All this to improve

skill and inspire talent.

Melissa Saulnier, President o

Oikeo Music Inc says,

A group o us rom Oikeo MusicInc met Matt Kees in 2005 as we

were seeking out a conerence to

send our Alaskan guild writers and

artists to. We ound him to be a

humble and personable guy. Since

that time I have noticed tremen-

dous growth and vision as I have

been watching CMS.

The frst year we attended CMS

2006 at Overlake in Redmond

Washington, I was overwhelmed at

the learning and knowledge that

anyone attending can come away

with. I enjoyed every class I at-

tended and came home with new

riends and contacts that have

changed my lie and perspective

on worship and leadership. Some-

thing that really impacted me was

standing together in the main


8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008

27/40

>Songwriters

> Indie Artists

> Post-Modern Worship

> Audio

> Video

> Sotware

Sharing & presenting these work-

shops are over 50

Presenters repre-

senting the best o

the Christian Music

industry.

Featured artists or

2008 include Paul

Baloche, Kathryn

Scott, Lincoln

Brewster, and many,many more...

In addition to work-

shops, the CMS

oers registrants

access to 90 Exhibit

booths. Everything rom musi-

cal instruments, to record labels,

to audio gear, to sotware, to

hardware, to installation proes-

sionals.Registering or the 2-day Sum-

mit gains you access to the

workshop sessions, the general

sessions, the exhibition halls, and

both evening concerts.

Also, registration badges have

assigned seats or the evening

concerts. General sessions and

workshops are general admis-

sion. The main oor will again beor registrants only.

Another important unction o

CMS is the Songwriters Boot-

camp the day beore CMS be-

gins.

WHEN & WHERE?

Thursday, March 27, 2008 Eccle-

sia Church, Franklin, TN

Matt and Bruce say that this church

has such a cool vibe. Its in a building

called The Factory.

The Factory has an indoor mall with

a bunch o cool stores... as well as

the Church... its also the home o

Big Idea (Vegietales)... and the CMT

Crossroads concerts...WOW!

WHAT & WHY

The Songwriter Boot Camp is an

intensive day o workshops and

clinics or serious songwriters as well

as olks who desire to improve theircrat by learning rom the best in the

industry.

HOW DOES THE BOOT CAMP WORK?

Show up in the morning...

to register, get a name badge and

fnd out which group you are in...

General Session

The day will begin with a general

session. Ater the general session,paticipants will move into various

elective workshops...

Elective Workshops

These will include everything rom

writing great melodies, to copyright

ino, to the benefts o co-writing, to

arranging, and much, much more...

Then o course theres lunch and

ater that...

Critiquing Sessions

Groups will go into Critiquing Ses-

sions. Participants will break up

into groups o around 20.

The song that you send in will be

critiqued by a ew clinicians. The

entire group will listen to eachrecorded song, ater-

ward, the clinicians

will give a construc-

tive critique. It is help

ul or songwriters to

listen to the critiques

o all the songs, as

there is much inorma

tion to be gleaned.

General Session &Special Perormancee

Ater the Critiquing

Sessions, paticipants

will gather again as a

ull group or a Q&A

panel discussion, as well as give

the registrants the opportunity to

listen to the songs o some o the

clinicians.

HOW TO SUBMIT A SONG

Registrants will be asked to submi

one (1) song on a CD or an MP3 via

email or review.

Here are some things other people

are saying about CMS....

This was my frst CMS and along

with the learning and knowledge

everyone had to share, worshiping

GOD with hundreds o people who

are GOD called, and driven by their

love or GOD That was amazing.

I didnt know what to expect and I

came away with more than I could

have ever tried to expect

CMS


8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008


COD

E

This is a fresh innovative way to bring new and fresh music right to your computer

every month. Our goal is to provide you with usable music, help you teach the music,

and give you a way to perform the music on an ongoing basis.

For more information please visit our NEW website www.MarkCondonMusicClub.comFor 1 FREE Month as a sign up bonus please use this Promotional Code

For only $11.95 we will send all of thesecomponents right to your personal computer

every month! You have the ability to makeas many copies of these les for your localassembly as you would like. So every person

can receive their own music and part help.

Mp3 Listening Track of the tuneMp3 Split Track for performance uses

Mp3 Stereo Track for performance

Mp3 Soprano part helpMp3 Alto part help

Mp3 Tenor part help

Pdf File of the rhythm chart

Pdf le of the rhythm/vocal chartPower Point slide for your A/V screens

Lyrics Only for transparency use

Visit our new website to hear clips of the

tunes that you will be receiving and find

out more facts about all that we can do

to serve you.

8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008

29/40

Keyboards Jake Hillman


As a piano and/or keyboard playeron a worship team, we have a uniqueopportunity to do what most other

musicians cant; creating space insteadof filling it. I mean, think about it;guitar players strum away, the bass hasto keep up with the kick drum and fillin the low register, drummers are therhythm (unless you have a specifiedpercussionist), and, lets face it, leadguitar players dont really thinkenough is ever enough. Dont get mewrong, I have nothing against these

musicians and believe that they allplay an integral part in worship. Wewouldnt have the awesome worshipsongs we sing without Christianrockers like Lincoln Brewster.However, with so much soundgoing on, how do we contributeto this hodgepodge of people andinstruments that are trying toattempt to work together to leadGods people in worship?

First of all, the most importantelement in any band is listening.If there is one thing that you takeaway from this, I want it to be this:Take the time to stop and listen toyour fellow band members beforeyour fingers even touch those ivories.Unfortunately, this is the key elementthat most musicians forget to do. Weget our lead sheets and off we go. Wekeep telling the sound man to turnus up in our monitor because we justcant hear ourselves above all of theother instruments. At the end of thepractice, we feel that we have donewell in keeping up with the othermusicians and that the lead guitarwas still too loud, but we overcame.We banged away at our piano on thefast songs and played some really

cool rifts on the slower songs that thecongregation is just going to love.

Now dont get me wrong, I am not

writing this to accuse. I am writing thisas someone who has actually been oneof these non-listening keyboardists.Thankfully, I eventually came to realizethe error of my ways. One exercise thatI wish every musician had the chanceto do is record with other musicians.Recording forces you stop and listen towhat other people are playing. Instead

of galloping over what everyone elseis doing, you have to look for the rightplace and listen for the right time in eachsong where you can contribute to theworship within each song. I mean, isntthat what we are called to do?

Now, let me take some time to get offone soap box and sep-up onto another. Ifyou think that playing on a worship teamis your time to shine every weekendfor the congregation, I would suggestthat you take some time away from thespot light to really think about yourintentions. Being on a worship team isnot about us. It is about leading Godspeople into worship that will glorify and

honor Christ, not us.

OK, back to listening. Listening is apowerful tool that we can use to find

those moments where we contributeto the worship by creating spaceand filling in the gaps. Sometimesits just reinforcing the rhythm onthe piano that follows the base orrhythm guitar. Sometimes its findingthe right sound on the keyboard thattakes a moment of reflection to thenext level.

So, now that weve stopped tolisten, what do we listen for?1. Listen to the rhythm. Payclose attention to the rhythmguitar and try to follow. Listento the percussionist or drummerand, again, follow suit. Mostup-beat worship songs are guitardriven, which does not leave awhole lot of room for us. So,instead of pounding away on that

piano, support the song by usingstring, pad or organ sounds onthe keyboard. Remember, youdo not have to be the driving

force behind every song. The songwill basically lead itself through aneffective team. We just need to knowhow we contribute to that team.2. Listen to the leads of otherinstruments. One of my biggestmistakes for many years was drivingover the lead guitars or bass. As muchas they may annoy us, lead guitarshave their place. I know, some of usjust hear a bunch of screeching noisefrom our lead guitarist, but believeme; they can be extremely integral,especially if we learn to effectivelyplay with them, not against them.Instead of turning them down inyour monitor, keep them in enough

Continued on page 36

8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008


8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008


are loved and cared for and

all intentions are for their best

interest, they begin to trust the

motives and purposes for the

feedback. Most often, when

delicate conversations and

evaluations go awry, it is not

because of content, but becauseothers have believed that the

sometimes painful input means

that someone has milicious intent.

The best way to keep this from

happening is to continually foster a

spirit of loving care in your group.

The rst rule of safety is group

purpose.

If everyone is working toward the

same goal of great song crafting

and can be assured that the others

have the same goals, interests, and

values, you have the beginning of

a healthy climate for trust building.

Used with permission by: Melissa

Saulnier and Paul Wainamo

Buy this book at www.oikeomusic.com

cared for. Maybe your situation

would respond well to couches

and sofa chairs. Either way, your

goal is to create a comfortable

atmosphere that encourages

conversation and interaction whileproviding the means to share

music, songs and ideas.

Trust is the foundational building

block that causes the group to

become a cohesive and productive

guild. Because we are listening

to intimate ideas from each

songwriter, conversations can

become delicate from time to time.

Since we are all in different

places emotionally, creatively, and

spiritually, you can be guaranteed

of being given the opportunity

to learn how to deliver delicate

messages with sensitivity and

discretion in your group. Always

remember we are to encourage

rst before we evaluate.

Education is key. By educating

your guild or group, whether it be

through books, DVD, seminars,

monthly workshops, or private

study, foster in them the tools they

need for self-evaluation. Weve

chosen to take the stance that if a

guild member wants evaluation

for a song, he or she will ask for

it. None of our members offer

too much input without rst

being asked. Although, there are

exceptions to every rule, chances

are, you will nd those who ask

for evaluation will more than

likely be long term members of

your group that have had time to

establish trusted relationships

When an individual knows they

A Safe Place To Share

Proverbs 27:6 Wounds from a

friend can be trusted, but an en-

emy multiplies kisses.

A Safe Place To Share

One of our rst goals as a guild

was to choose a church that we

knew offered its facilities to

many local community events and

groups for use. Why? Because it

immediatly placed us on common

ground in vision: Building

community and relationships ina safe place. A bi-product of this

action was that the church, in

time, became and now functions

as the covering for our ministry

and song guild. While this may

not be possible in your situation,

we suggest strongly that in some

way shape or form, you nd a

ministry or leader that you can be

in submission to and that is willing

to function as a covering for you.

We are creatures of comfort.

Here in Alaska, comfort is key!

In the dead of winter at 20

degrees below zero when we

expect people to come out to our

meetings, it is very important that

they feel comfortable with their

surroundings. While you may

never experience these kind ofweather dynamics in your area,

it is important that you consider

your environment and what will

best encourage an atmosphere of

community and sharing.

Circling the chairs around the

piano and providing coffee gives

our members a feeling of being

Chapter Two

8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008


Christian Foundation Grants

Private Foundations - What

They Are

The vast majority of funds avail-

able to grantseekers exist in private

foundations. A private founda-

tion (PF) is a nonprot organiza-

tion that is usually established

and supported by an individual

or family. It is tax exempt upon

receiving approval from the IRS,and may be funded with cash,

securities, or other assets. Today,

most nancial planners recommend

initially funding a PF with at least

$5 million. Establishing a PF is

costly ($15,000 to $25,000) and

time-consuming (up to 6 months);

administrative costs are high.

In 2003, PFs gave over $26 billion

in grants, which represents nearly

11 percent of all charitable con-

tributions in 2003. Corporations

and corporate foundations (below)

gave slightly more than half that

amount. The majority of giving-

about 75 percent-is by individuals.

Religious, educational, and health

organizations, in that order, receive

the majority of these funds.

A non-operating PF fullls its

exempt purposes by making grants

to support charitable programs

conducted by other organizations.

An operating PF conducts its own

programs, expending funds directly

for charitable activities. Unless

Grant Seekers

they also make grants, CFG does

not cover operating PFs.

Private foundations are subject to a

variety of excise taxes and restric-

tions on their activities that are

not applicable to public charities.

Additionally, contributions to non-

operating PFs are limited to 30%of adjusted gross income and 20%

for capital gain property. For public

charities like Christian community

foundations, the deduction level is

50% of adjusted gross income and

30% of capital gain property.

A PF may or may not have staff.

The function of staff is to process,

evaluate and fund grant applica-tion. If there is no staff, the ap-

plications are handled by a board,

individual, or family. Many PFs

also depend on the assistance of

an attorney and accountant. PFs

vary considerably in the amount of

assets they control. Some PFs have

only a few thousand dollars; others

have billions. Click here for more

details on Donor Advised Funds

Private Foundations - How They

Work

Once a private foundation is estab-

lished, it may begin receiving grant

applications. Do not submit a grant

application unless the foundation

Belive that someone wants to give

you the money.

Project your organization into the

future.

Start with the end in mind.

What are your strengths and

priorities.

Create a plan.

Research prospective funders,

starting locally.

Target sources that have an inter-

est in your organization

Tips To Prepare Your Organization For A Grant

8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008


indicates it receives grant applica-

tions. Some foundations ask that

you follow specic instructions

when writing and submitting a

grant; others have no policy. Once

an application is received there

is typically some type of evalua-

tion process involving a meeting

with the foundation staff, board orsource of funding.

The written grant proposal and

the actual project you propose are

critical components of obtaining

a grant. If the grant is accepted,

funding eventually follows. Some

foundations may require follow-up

reports for accountability purpos-

es. For more detail on how privatefoundations work, see the section

entitled Applying for a Grant.

Christian Community Founda-

tions-What They Are

A Christian community foundation

is a tax exempt public charity. A

Christian community foundation

(CCF) has many features that are

different from a PF. For instance,donors may receive a greater tax

deduction when contributing most

assets.

Community foundations are sup-

ported by, and operated for the

benet of, a geographical (i.e.,

Denver) and/or religious (i.e.,

Christian, Jewish) community.

The information provided here is

equally applicable to all commu-

nity foundations, of which CCFs

are a signicant part. In 2004,

community foundations distributed

over $2.6-billion. The largest CCF,

National Christian Foundation,

distributed nearly $170 million.

A Christian community foundation

establishes donor advised funds

(DAFs) for its clients. A DAF

is a fund into which the donor

places various types of assets.

Upon transferring the assets, the

donor relinquishes control to the

foundation with the understand-

ing that the foundation will followthe donors advice regarding the

ultimate disposition of the funds.

One advantage of a DAF is that a

tax deduction may be taken imme-

diately, even though the funds may

not be directed to a specic charity

for months or years to come.

Christian Community Founda-

tions - How they Work

An individual, family, business,

ministry or church may establish

a donor advised fund. A DAF is

generally established by: (1) mak-

ing an initial asset contribution,

which can range from $2,500 to

$50,000 (most community founda-

tions require between $10,000 and

$25,000); and (2) completing a

form document that can be down-loaded from the internet. Legal

assistance is not necessary.

A DAF may be opened with cash,

securities, closely held stock, real

estate, various business interests,

collectibles, and other non cash

assets. For a complete listing of

funding assets, inquire at a nearby

Christian community foundation.

Giving through the fund can oftenbe done online. The fund is admin-

istered by the Christian community

foundation. This administration

includes all appropriate reporting,

receipting, and distributing. In

exchange for this service, the CCF

charges an annual fee of up to 1%

of fund assets.

Once the DAF is established, thedonor may make grant recommen-

dations to tax exempt 501(c)(3)

organizations. Donors should real-

ize that the CCF maintains ultimate

control over the fund. However, it

is very rare that a donors recom-

mendation is not followed.

CCFs may also provide other prod-

ucts and services, such as Chari-

table Gift Annuities, CharitableRemainder Trusts, disposition of

assets, and management of assets.

8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008

34/40

Podcast God Cares About Art


Hi my name is Rich Irwin. I am

a ministry leader at Anchorage

City Church, and these are

encouraging words for artists.

What does that sound like?

This is a question that my

friend Rose would ask me.

I am grateful that he would

ask the question so frequently.

He would also say, This may

be the last time we get to play

music, so lets worship with

everything we have. He is a

wise man and a huge inuence

on many of us in the local

scene.

This may be biased towards

music, but youre supposed to

write about what you know.

So visual artists, writers,

dancers and the like, please,

take the principle here and

apply it to your own artistic

discipline.

I want to challenge you to make

better art. I want to challenge

you to look to scripture for

inspiration and application to

your art. Im going to quote a

few verses and I want you to

think about them and try to

capture them artistically this

month.

Genesis 1:2

And the earth was formless andvoid and darkness was over

the surface of the deep. and

the Spirit of God was moving

over the surface of the waters.

Now what does that soun

like? I heard a song by Moby

once that tried to capture it

But, honestly I think theres

a better one out there waiting

to come out. Is that loud,

or is it a subtle sound? Is it

a thunderclap of force, or a

slow brooding tension? Does

it cause rejoicing, or reverent

fear? What does that sound

like?

Job 38:12

Have you ever in your lif

commanded the morning and

caused the dawn to know its

place? Man, what does that

sound like? We read that verse

that says God opposes the

proud but gives grace to the

Ri

chIrwin

RichIrwin

8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008

35/40

Cont From Page 33

Christian Community Foundations-

Private Foundation Support

Private foundations use Christian

community foundations in a vari-

ety of ways, including:

To Meet 5% Minimum Distribution

Requirement-Private foundations

must distribute 5% of their value

each year. However, sometimes a

PF has not met that requirement by

the end of the year. This may occur

for a variety of reasons; for in-

stance, a ministry may have failed

to meet the terms of a grant, thus

forfeiting its funding. To meet therequirement, a PF may distribute

funds to a DAF by December 31.

The PF may then distribute (by

recommendation) the funds at any

time in the future.

Anonymity-Private foundation

tax returns are a matter of public

record. Therefore, a PF may prefer

to make grants through a DAF.

Distributions through DAFs can becondential or anonymous.

Grant leverage-A PF may choose

to distribute some of its grant mon-

ies through a DAF, and have the

Christian community foundation

solicit proposals from community

ministries. This attracts attention to

community initiatives but not the

PF.


humble and we say Oh yeah,

thats right! while stumbling

in our own areas. Here God

confronts Job in a very real

challenge with this direct

question. What does it sound

like to have your bluff called

by the Almighty God? What

does it sound like to command

the morning and cause the

dawn to know its place?

Matthew 9:12-13

It is not those who are healthy

who need a physician, but

those who are sick. Go andlearn what this means. I desire

compassion and not sacrifce,

for I did not come to call the

righteous, but the sinners.

What does that sound like?

Jesus is rebutting an attitude

the Pharisees had toward those

they were commanded to

love. On any given day I am

both the sick and the Pharisee.

What does the righteousness

of God sound like when it is

confronting my hypocritical

heart? What does it sound like

when my hypocritical heart

discovers that He came for me?

What does it sound like when

His compassion is poured out

through me and what would

have been a sacrice is now a

pleasure?

The question is What does He

sound like?

Thanks for reading this. To

hear the podcast go to :

www.oikeomusic.com

Heres how you can reach me:

[email protected]

8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008


Continued from page 29

range to hear (heres where thatlistening thing happens) what theyare playing. If you hear a nice riff, oreven think that theyre overplaying(I know, hard to imagine), stop, andwork out some key places where you

can pick out separate parts, partsthat you can play together to supporta specific line, or parts that youtake turns playing on every othermeasure. Just like a good marriage,communication does wonders!Now, lets talk about the bass. As amusician, my left hand can be mygreatest asset or my worst enemy,especially on those great up-beatLincoln Brewster, Paul Baloche,

Matt Redmond, Chris Tomlin songs,I know, it can be hard holding backwhen we just want to jump up, lightthe piano on fire and play like JerryLee Lewis. But, theres a reason whywe have a bass guitar player and it isto well, play the lower register ofeach song. That doesnt leave a wholelot of room for our left hand. Whichleads me into3. Listen to the range thateveryone is playing in. If you havea bass player, stay out of his or herrange. If you have a lead guitarplayer, play in a different register,even if it is one octave, up or down.If you are supporting the rhythmguitar player, play in a similar range,but invert your chords into a littlehigher place. This supports the

separation of each instrumentand allows them to effectively worktogether.4. If you are a keyboard player,listen for the right sound. In a recentarticle in Worship Musician magazine,Brian Bergman, a worship leader andkeyboard player for Charlie Hall,

wrote a wonderful article aboutchoosing keyboard sounds and howto use them effectively. Some tipsthat I can offer is to choose soundsthat fit the song, not necessarilywhat you have heard everyone elseplay. Remember, less is more! Softersounds, like strings or pads, can reallyadd a nice element to an upbeat song,especially if you are having a hard time

finding some space. Instead, createsome space and support the song byadding elements, not more noise. Playin ranges that leave the song soundingfull, not what in the world is that highpitched sound I keep hearing? If thesong is a reflective song, play morepiano sounds, or layer some strings orpads behind the piano sound if yourkeyboard has the capability.

As a worship team and band member,some of my greatest learningexperiences have been thehumbling ones wherethe lead guitar player hasstopped everything tofind out what Im playing.Taking time to stop andlisten to each elementand picking out the parts

Oikeo Music Inc, is delighted to support our guild o songwritersby picking out one song per issue to display in our magazine. We

eel this keeps the ocus on one song and ofers the songwriter more

chances o having their song used. Oikeo Music Inc is an administrator with CCLI and we takesour writer s seriously. I you are a

worship leader using this song in your congregation, please enter the CCLI# and log this song each time you use it.

This month we are revisiting a song that was in a previous issue beore our subscription was so widespread. Now that our

magazine is in 20 states plus Israel, Canada, and Italy, we eel it is timely to re-introduce you

to the greatest theme we can have and that is surrender to our Savior, Jesus Christ. We hope

you enjoy this song.

that I can contribute to have made myjob easier as a worship leader. As thekeyboardist in a band, our greatestmoments are when the lead guitarplayer and I complement each othersnotes, riffs, ranges and sounds.

Finally, remember that as a worship

leader, your job is not to stand outabove the rest and wait for yourmoments to shine. It is Christ thatmust shine through the gifts andtalents He has given us. We give Himthe glory, praise and honor that is dueby using those wonderful gifts for Hisglory, not ours.

About the author: Jake Hillman is

a piano and keyboard player for RiverValley Community Church in GrantsPass, Oregon. He has over 20 yearsof piano and keyboarding experienceand has played on worship teams sincehe was 13 years old. Jake has beeninvolved in leading and supportingworship, as well as recording withchurch worship teams and his currentband, Michael Bahn Band. For moreinformation, go to

www.michaelbahn.com.

8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008

37/40

8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008


8/3/2019 1January FYW 2008

40/40

Happy

New Year

2008

Documents

1January FYW 2008