Country Pastors

Tim Keller recently wrote an affectionate recommendation of small town ministry.  It reminded me of my own story as a pastor’s son in small town in Nebraska. (How small? The church doesn’t have a website.)

Keller writes:

Young pastors or seminarians often ask me for advice on what kind of early ministry experience to seek in order to best grow in skill and wisdom as a pastor. They often are surprised when I tell them to consider being a ‘country parson’ — namely, the solo pastor of a small church, many or most of which are in non-urban settings.

Read the whole thing.

Conversations with Ethan: Jazz vs. Rock

Dad, I like Rock more than Jazz.

That’s okay, Ethan. Kids are supposed to like Rock, because Rock is written for children.

“The First Place” @ DG Conference

Welcome to those of you who have found my blog because DesiringGod’s recent conference! My song, The First Place, was sung there on Sunday morning (along with many other great songs — here’s the full list).

You can find sheet music, song background, and even a string quartet arrangement of the song HERE.

For information on other songs I’ve written, and free sheet music for all of them, check this page.

Alphabet Song

Levi is learning his alphabet, and the best way to do that is to have a famous musician teach it to you.

Which is your favorite?

LENA HORNE: MoTown ABC.

Patti LaBelle: Black Church, with Shout ABC.

India Arie: Neo Soul ABC.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo: African ABC

Take 6: Harmonic ABC

Manhattan Transfer: Swinging ABC

Celebrity ABC, with Ray Charles, Patrick Stewart, David Robinson, Susan Surandon, Lambchop, and Tony Bennett.

3 Stooges: Teaching girls.

AND THIS MIGHT BE THE CRAZIEST THING YOU’VE EVER SEEN.

Perspective.

Try things differently.

Josh Harris Eaten By A Bean Bag

Spinal Tap on Jazz

Favorite Quotes:

“You can get a degree in how to play it wrong.”

“Jazz is a mistake, waiting to have happened.”

[ht: ss}

Happy Birthday!

To the best brother in the whole world.

VOTE for Nicki.

Nicki is a student at Cornerstone who sets up stage, sound, and screens for our chapel every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. She has the chance to be on the cover of “Bible Archeology Review”’s 200th issue.

But only if we all vote for her. She’s #20 (profile shot, gloved, with a green bandanna).

Vote HERE.

@ WG ‘09

I’m at Bob Kauflin’s worship conference, and having a blast. I’ll post several things this week, but not right now. You can follow the small details on twitter. #WG09.