Church Music Makers Podcast: Recent Episodes
Craig Harmann
The podcast is for Church Music Makers, to connect with one another, help each other out with ideas and resources and support for each other. For blog posts and more about Church Music Makers, check out www.churchmusicmakers.com or join the Facebook group at facebook.com/churchmusicmakers
Holy Week and Easter is exhausting. On this episode, Craig gives you encouragement for the weekend as well as encouragement for next week!
Dr. Sarah Bereza is a church musician, author and researcher. She's written an amazing book for ministers called "Professional Christian" and in this episode, Craig and Sarah discuss the book and how we as ministers can fully be ourselves in the spotlight of public ministry. To find out more about Sarah, go to sarah-bereza.com.
Also, check out the Church Music Makers Patreon and sign up at patreon.com/churchmusicmakers
Dr. Matthew Kaemingk is a public theologian who explores questions facing Christians serving in politics, culture and the marketplace. He teaches ethics and public theology at Fuller Theological Seminary. He has written a book called Work and Worship, which you can find out more about here. It challenges church leaders to consider how we formulate and execute our weekly worship services to encourage workers to go out into the world with their faith and let their lights shine.
You can find out more about Dr. Kaemingk at matthewkaemingk.com
Find out more about Church Music Makers coaching at churchmusicmakers.com/coaching
We have lots of influences and encouragements in our lives. Those people impact us and help to form who we are as people, as ministers, and as musicians. On this episode, Craig talks about a couple of people who influenced and encouraged him and the lessons learned from them, as well as how we can encourage and influence others around us. To find the latest blog post that Craig references, check out churchmusicmakers.com
Soundtracks are all around us, whether they are musical soundtracks, or, as Jon Acuff brings up in his book “Soundtracks”, the thoughts, ideas and self-talk that plays in our head about our life. In this episode, Craig unpacks a bit about our soundtracks for ourselves, our lives and our ministries.
On this podcast episode, Craig talks about searching for African American composers and arrangers for organ music, as well as choral music and handbell music. You can find a listing (with links) of organ music here: https://churchmusicmakers.com/product/african-american-organ-music/ Find out more about Church Music Makers at churchmusicmakers.com and you can join the email newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/gnZpLb
On January 30th, this opinion by Tish Warren was published in the New York Times. Her opinion is that online worship does not need to continue. While this topic is difficult and challenging, Craig talks about how we as ministers and our churches can navigate this and how to love our neighbor as best as we can.
Find out more about Church Music Makers here and like and follow Church Music Makers on Facebook.
Continuing the idea of what is new and next for 2022, Craig talks about what is new for your music ministry? Yes, we're all facing uncertainty, but in a perfect world, what would your ideal music ministry look like? Dream big! Post what you're doing on facebook.com/churchmusicmakers or email churchmusicmakers@gmail.com!
Welcome to 2022! A great opportunity to start fresh and start new. Sooooo......what's new for you? Find out more about Church Music Makers at churchmusicmakers.com
We all have stories. And we connect with stories. So what's yours? Comment with what your story is, or email it to churchmusicmakers@gmail.com
There’s lots that stresses us. What, specifically, is stressing you? Check out the podcast to find out more. Find out more about Church Music Makers at www.churchmusicmakers.com
We all make choices in our life. But how do we view those choices? Are we thinking about God in those choices? And when we’re eating and drinking, are we thinking about it as an act of worship? Find out more about Church Music Makers at www.churchmusicmakers.com
Our identity is important and essential to who we are and how we view ourselves and how others view us. So……who are you? Find out more about Church Music Makers at www.churchmusicmakers.com
No. It's hard to say sometimes, isn't it? Do we find ourselves saying it more to our family than our ministry? If so, then this episode is for you. Are you feeling exhausted, feel like you're burning the candle at both ends and not making progress? If so, then this episode is for you. Do you feel like you've got it together, you're in a healthy rhythm and balance of personal/family life and ministry? Then you don't need this episode. But saying no to some things means that we can say yes to others. And that's extremely important!
Find out about Easy Choir Music here.
We all have stress. It's part of life, it's part of ministry. How do you respond to it? That's the question Craig unpacks in this episode.
To find out more about Craig and Church Music Makers, go to www.churchmusicmakers.com
Dr. Nathan Myrick is a professor at Mercer University. But he's also a theological ethicist and ethnomusicologist. In this episode, Craig has an opportunity to talk to him about his most recent book "Music for Others: Care, Justice and Relational Ethics in Christian Music". It's a great conversation with lots of unpack!
To find out more about Nathan Myrick, go to his website, www.nathanmyrick.com
On September 1st, Church Music Makers will be launching a Patreon to subscribe to! To find out more and subscribe, like the Church Music Makers Facebook page.
How many (insert denomination here) does it take to change a light bulb, goes the very well-worn joke, with the punch line of CHANGE? WE DON'T CHANGE! That's true to some degree, yet, life, ministry and everything else around us seems to change quite regularly. So how do we deal with it? In this episode, Craig explains a little about some of his experiences with change, and some hope and help to deal with change.
Look for the membership announcement on the Church Music Makers Facebook page later this week!
Keep up with Church Music Makers at www.churchmusicmakers.com
In this episode, Craig has a conversation with Blake Flattley. Blake writes to bring hope in the darkness, to tell the story of the human struggle, and narrates a story where death doesn’t have the last word.
Blake grew up in the small mountain of Placerville, California, most well known for gold discovery or as the town with the stoplight in the middle of the highway. He was first turned onto music by a blind saxophonist who had lost the will to play, but one day took up his horn to play at the urging of others. It was that moment, hearing him play, that set Blake on a path in pursuit of the craft of creating music, performing, and songwriting.
He grew up singing at church and listening to music from the Beach Boys, Bob Dylan, and Johnny Cash. He played in a variety of bands, playing saxophone, guitar, bass, or whatever other instruments he could get his hands on.
In 2008 he founded the Orange Effect (We All Yell, Gravel & Gold), a harmony-driven, Americana-folk quartet. After their breakup, he began playing under the moniker Graffiti Cathedral, and later Blake Flattley.
Blake has toured nationally as both a solo artist and with his bands, sharing the stage with many notable artists including Young the Giant, Sharon Van Etten, and Reign of Kindo.
Blake has contributed to "The Armchair Project” and "Winter Is On My Head" (The Lone Bellow, Future of Forestry, Paul Baloche, Young Oceans, and Reign of Kindo) as both a producer and as a musician. In 2015, he released There Will Be Rest, a collection of hymns and music from his local church. The title track was a finalist for the John Lennon Songwriting Contest.
Check out more about Blake at blakeflattley.com and check out more about 1517 Music at 1517.org/music
Find out more about Easy Choir Music at easychoirmusic.com
Resources available at www.churchmusicmakers.com/store
Fill out the Google Form about Church Music Makers' Membership vault here.
We've all been forced into being flexible over the past 17 months. We're all probably ready to be done with it. In this episode, Craig talks about why being flexible is helpful, along with some of the experiences that he has learned throughout his years of church music in how to be adaptable and flexible. Just like we challenge ourselves to learn new techniques, styles and repertoire in music making, so we do need to challenge ourselves to be adaptable and flexible to grow ourselves.
Easychoirmusic.com
Churchmusicmakers.com/coaching
Churchmusicmakers.com/store
Google Form for membership site
Mental health and focus is a challenge that many of us face. In this episode, Craig talks about how Simone Biles and mental health became the national conversation last week, and how for us as church musicians, we face many similar challenges. He also gives some encouragements to help you care for your mental health and to prioritize it. Because if we're not caring for ourselves and at our peak, how can we care for and minister to anyone else?
Links:
www.easychoirmusic.com
www.churchmusicmakers.com/podcast-2
www.churchmusicmakers.com/coaching
www.churchmusicmakers.com/store
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Do you take vacations? Are you on one right now? Vacations help us to rest, relax and refresh so that we can be the best ministers we can be. But do we always mentally allow that to happen when we're physically gone? That's what Craig Harmann talks about in this episode. As always, the Church Music Makers Podcast is brought to you by Easy Choir Music, so go and check them out!
In this episode, Craig talks about the most important part of music ministry. It may surprise you to hear what he thinks it is. Also, check out easychoirmusic.com if you're looking for choir music! Follow Church Music Makers on Facebook and join the Facebook group! Or, the best way is to join the Church Music Makers email list for weekly updates on Monday!
Tough question, right? Join Craig Harmann as he unpacks that question and gives some encouragement for you to make time to be in the study of God's Word, and to be still and listen for God. Find out more about Church Music Makers at www.churchmusicmakers.com and find out more about Easy Choir Music at www.easychoirmusic.com
Sleep matters. It's important. We all know that, yet do we wake up in the morning feeling completely rested? A lot of that has to do with our routine before we go to bed, but it's also what we do throughout the day. In this episode, Craig talks about your sleep as well as revisiting a bit more about your physical health. Check out www.easychoirmusic.com, the sponsor of The Church Music Makers Podcast.
Many of us don't do well with rest. We usually go and go and go until we're forced to rest, either willingly or unwillingly. How do we solve that? Find out more in this episode and check out www.easychoirmusic.com to give you some rest when it comes to planning for the fall and beyond for music for your choir! Also check out www.churchmusicmakers.com/coaching to find out more information about coaching for church musicians.
In today's episode, Craig talks with Peter Burroughs, worship leader at Salem Lutheran Church in Tomball, Texas (salem4u.com) about parenthood, family time and how it fits in with ministry. Along with that, Craig and Peter talk about lessons learned from the pandemic. Check out Church Music Makers' sponsor, Easychoirmusic.com and check out Craig's compositions here. Also, if you're interested in the ministry coaching that Craig talked about, you can find out more here.
Do you have hobbies? If so, what are they? If you don't have hobbies, how do you find them? Trial and error! Check out what Craig says on today's episode and also, check out www.easychoirmusic.com for your choir music needs!
Our physical health is essential. Fueling and moving our body gives us the energy to do things well. Many of us in America are either overweight or obese. How do we fix that? Small, incremental changes, one choice at a time. On this episode, Craig talks about how we need to prioritize our physical health, some small changes that we can make, along with finding our motivation.
Check out easychoirmusic.com
Check out churchmusicmakers.com
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Are you OK? That's the question we don't always ask ourself on a regular basis. But are you? Since we've just passed Easter, it's a good time for us to spend time with that question and wrestle with an honest answer. The blog post Craig referenced in the episode can be found here. Please subscribe and review the podcast and share with other church musicians. And please, check out www.easychoirmusic.com.
How do you rest? Do you rest? It's Holy Week and we all need it. But yet, we feel guilty about it. We're great at that, aren't we? Check out this episode to get encouragement and reminders from Craig. Also don't forget to check out www.churchmusicmakers.com and you can sign up to get emailed reminders when new posts are written.
So what do we do? Things are starting to return to a sense of "normal", but does that mean that we start returning to everything immediately? Craig talks about a Facebook post that he shared in the Church Music Makers Facebook group and his thoughts about what the answer for us is. For choir resources, check out the sponsor of Churchmusicmakers.com, Easychoirmusic.com.
It's been one year since the Covid global pandemic first started shutting down things here in the United States. Things have been radically different throughout the world, and most specifically, throughout our churches. In this episode, Craig shares some thoughts on that past year, what possibly we can learn from this, and how we can move forward. As always, The Church Music Makers Podcast is sponsored by Easychoirmusic.com, so go check out their resources
In this episode, Craig talks about why he has been having a hard time with the reaction of many churches and Christians to wearing a mask, and wonders how that response is loving our neighbor as ourself. Check out www.easychoirmusic.com for excellent choral resources and assistance in putting together virtual choir videos.
Why in the world would you leave a church music ministry position that is paying you well, covering your insurance and contributing to your retirement? Well, Craig did that. Without really a clear next step when he announced it. In this episode, he talks about what led up to that decision, why he made that decision and what has happened since. Check out easychoirmusic.com for resources for your choir or virtual choir recordings. Also, check out www.churchmusicmakers.com/store for resources that Craig has created for choir, children's choir, handbells and piano.
Matt Walker hosts the podcast "The Choir Director Corner". It's a great resource for choir directors, but also for all musicians. In this episode, Matt and Craig talk about life and balance between work and family, along with other things. Enjoy and find out more about Matt and his work at https://choirdirectorcorner.com/. Also, check out easychoirmusic.com, sponsor of Church Music Makers.
Recently, it seems like churches are cutting music positions. Or at least furloughing their musicians. This is not a good practice, especially when it's not done with kindness and love....which seems like that happens more often than not. You have a swirl of emotions, you're hurt. These are genuine and real emotions to be felt. In this episode, Craig talks about his experiences losing his church music positions and how he's learned and responded to them, and hopefully it gives you some encouragement. Check out the sponsor of Church Music Makers EasyChoirMusic.com and
Pureficoffee.com for some great coffee and an opportunity to minister to others.
Making goals. Making plans. We all do it, but what happens when we slip up? Do we quit, or do we dust ourselves off and keep going? In this episode, Craig shares a bit from Jon Acuff's book "Finish" and talks about how we should set goals and what happens when our perfectionism gets in the way. Check out www.easychoirmusic.com and www.pureficoffee.com
On today's episode, Craig talks with Rick Lee James, author, podcaster and musician. Rick hosts two awesome podcasts, "Voices in My Head" and "Welcome to the Neighborhood" about Mr. Rogers. For more about Rick, check out his website www.rickleejames.com.
Church Music Makers is sponsored by Easychoirmusic.com. Check them out for your music and virtual choir needs.
Also, check out www.churchmusicmakers.com
It's the week of Thanksgiving, and we're all thinking of things to be thankful for. It can be pretty difficult in 2020, but there are still things for us to be thankful for. So what are you thankful for? Email churchmusicmakers@gmail.com with what you're thankful for! Also, Craig shares a bit of a shift and refocus for the blog and the podcast.
Don't forget to check out www.easychoirmusic.com for awesome music for your choir!
David Von Kampen is a composer, lecturer, conductor and much more. He is husband to Mollie and dad to Gretta and Willa. And that's what we're talking about how. How do we as church musicians keep our spouses and our family as a priority in what we do? It's not easy, but we talk about some different things that you can do.
To find out more about David, check out http://www.davidvonkampen.com/choral-music and you can find him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DavidVKmusic
Check out easychoirmusic.com, the sponsor of Church Music Makers, along with www.churchmusicmakers.com
Have you been let go as a full time church musician? If you have, it isn't easy or fun. It hurts and is frustrating. In this episode, Craig talks about his experiences and some lessons learned, along with asking the question "Is there job security being a full time church musician?" Check out www.easychoirmusic.com as well as www.churchmusicmakers.com
In ministry, we can get tired. We can get worn out. If you're considering quitting, stop. Seek counsel, seek God's direction. Spend time searching out what God has in store for you. When we make decisions out of exhaustion or tiredness, we may not always make the wisest decisions.
We all have comfort zones. We've all been pushed out of them in some shape or form in the past 7 months. But when we move outside of our comfort zone, we grow and our comfort zones expand. Craig talks about ways that we can do this. Check out www.easychoirmusic.com, the sponsor of Church Music Makers, and www.churchmusicmakers.com. There you'll be able to sign up for the membership vault!
On this episode, Craig talks with Dan Lugo, a worship leader in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, about life over the past nearly 7 months, creative tiredness, caring for yourself and much more! Follow @newishworshipleader on Twitter and find out more about Church Music Makers at www.churchmusicmakers.com and more about Easy Choir Music at www.easychoirmusic.com
As musicians, we have to be flexible and adaptable. In the midst of this pandemic, it's getting more and more exhausting and frustrating. So, how do we be flexible and adaptable? Craig explains in this episode. And it's more about self-care than working harder. Check out www.easychoirmusic.com, the sponsor of the podcast, and go to www.churchmusicmakers.com
In this episode, Craig gives you some insight into him and Church Music Makers, but also encourages you to take care of yourself. Find out more about Craig and Church Music Makers at www.churchmusicmakers.com and check out Easy Choir Music at www.easychoirmusic.com.
We all need rest. Ministry is hard and doesn't always give us the time to rest. But we have to. In this episode, Craig talks about how we need to make ourselves a priority, how saying no isn't a bad thing, and how we shouldn't feel guilty to step back and rest.
Check out www.easychoirmusic.com and www.churchmusicmakers.com
Ministry in the church is stressful. How we handle it and respond to that stress can be difficult as well. When we don't handle that stress in a healthy way, it can lead to addiction. Craig Harmann of Church Music Makers has a conversation with Jason Rice about addiction. Jason is a host of the Soberholic podcast and he has a powerful story.
This episode is sponsored by Harmanny Music Education and if you're looking for music lessons or music education opportunities, specifically summer camps for children going into K-8th grade, check out the page!
Thanks for listening and don't forget to check out Church Music Makers!
Nikki Lerner joined the podcast back in February. Since then, things have changed, but the conversation is still needed. Today, Nikki's husband David joins in as well. For more about Nikki (she has new music coming out very soon!), check out her website at www.nikkilerner.com. Make sure to listen to her podcast Culture Coach as well. It's fantastic and full of great tips and tools each week.
If you're interested in summer music camps for your children or you know of someone who is, go to www.harmannymusiceducation.com/summer-camps and sign up! Online summer camps are weekly starting July 20th!
Jamie Kocur has had an amazing journey in her life of music. From singing in choirs to getting a music degree from Florida State, to being the musical director for the African Children's Choir, to worship leading, all of it was soundtracked by Contemporary Christian Music (CCM). Along the way, Jamie has some realizations about what is being sung in these songs and struggles with many different things along the way.
In this episode of The Church Music Makers Podcast, Craig talks to Jamie about her book, her life and where she's at now. It's a fun and insightful conversation, especially for those who may be wrestling with doubt or struggle with things relating to faith.
You can get her book on Amazon or Apple books!
Connect with Jamie on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram
Check out Purefi Coffee that Craig talked about in the podcast at Pureficoffee.com
As always, check out Church Music Makers at www.churchmusicmakers.com
As we're trying to look ahead, we're trying to figure out what to plan for our choirs for the fall. Will we have choirs? In this episode, Craig talks through some of his thoughts about what things could look like.
Right now, many of us are in a holding pattern when it comes to our handbell ministries. We can sort and organize, and that's good...but we want to plan. We're being asked about a plan. So, what do we do? Find out more in this podcast, as well as at www.churchmusicmakers.com
A couple of months back, Craig chatted with Fred Willis about what his church was doing in relation to the Coronavirus. Now, Fred is back to update where they are, as well as talking about how we love one another and how we encourage one another no matter what color skin we have. Find out more about Fred at https://www.soulprospermedia.com/. It's a great resource to learn and grow.
For those of us who are white, the conversations about race have been tough. As church musicians, we are called to look at all styles of music and use it to glorify God. This conversation is uncomfortable for all of us, but if we don’t have it, it’s difficult to grow. The article referenced in the podcast and on the blog is https://www.mlagmusic.com/research/beyond-elijah-rock and please do check out www.churchmusicmakers.com as well as www.easychoirmusic.com
Are you trying to figure out creative ways to get your group together? Craig has come across an idea that just may work. Check out the episode for more information!
We're all facing struggles right now. Whether that is what to do in regard to our music ministries as we start to move into a newer "normal", or we struggle with what to say or do in regards to the struggles of racism and inequity in our nation. Or maybe it's our own struggles of feeling overwhelmed, exhausted or anything else we're facing in life right now.....we're all struggling. Hopefully this podcast gives you some encouragement and hope.
With things starting to reopen and get back to some sense of......"normal", the question for us is "where do we go from here" in regard to our music ministries. The answer is.....we don't know. Take a listen to the episode and hear Craig's thoughts on that waiting that we'll all have to be doing.
We've all had to pivot and move our worship services online. This has brought about a new reality. Now, as states are starting to "reopen", what does that mean for us in the church? What does our worship look like? Germany is considering banning singing from worship services, because of the spread of the virus through droplets in the air. Would we do that? To read the article Craig referenced in the podcast, go to https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/29/germany-to-set-out-rules-for-religious-services-including-singing-ban
The newest album from Greg LaFollette, "I'll Wait For You, My Love" comes out today. Craig shares a bit of each song from the album and talks a little bit about it. Go to www.greglafollette.com to find out more about Greg and his music, and go listen to this album! It's SO good! Also, if you need a lead sheet created for your songs you've written, go to www.churchmusicmakers.com/services and reach out to Craig. He'd be happy to create lead sheets or whatever printed music you're needing!
Craig has the opportunity to have a conversation with pastor and podcaster Steve Glosson. Steve shares insights as to how he's helped to guide his congregation into the whole new world of streaming, along with talking about some of the longer term challenges and consequences that may come from the quarantining and isolation. Check out Steve's podcasts at Geekoutpodcast.com to find lots of fun podcasts to listen to!
Craig has the opportunity to have a conversation with Chris Owenby, Director of Traditional Worship at Hillside UMC about how they are dealing with the challenges posed by the Coronavirus pandemic. For more information about Chris and the resources he's created, check out The Resourceful Church Musician.
Another day, another Matt. This Matt is Matt Adler, a worship leader, singer and songwriter from San Antonio. He and Craig talk about the challenges of online worship, how to stay sane and busy while being inside, and about Matt's amazing worship project called Collective Worship. For more on Matt and the Collective Worship project, check out www.mattadlermusic.com
On this episode, Craig has the opportunity to have a conversation with Matt Janney, a history and Bible teacher, worship leader, songwriter and this conversation is full of encouragement and insights. Get a taste of Matt's music on Spotify.
Sarah Bereza is a church musician, blogger, podcaster, mom, doctor, author, and so much more! She's a huge resource to the church, and you can find out more at her website, https://sarah-bereza.com/. Enjoy the conversation and hopefully it brings you some encouragement!
On this episode, Craig has the opportunity to have a conversation with Christopher Titko, the Church Music editor for JW Pepper (www.jwpepper.com) and church musician about a wide variety of topics, like self care, as well as how our congregations are walking through this new "normal" we're currently facing.
Another day, another conversation, this time with Fred Willis. He's a worship leader in Fort Worth, Texas, and this conversation was so much fun and engaging. Hope this gives you encouragement!
In the crazy, unforeseen, brand new world that we're living in of global pandemic, social distance and having to navigate what that looks like for the church, The Church Music Makers podcast is moving from a weekly podcast to a daily podcast....because, what else are we going to do? The hope is to give you encouragement, tips, advice and support as you and your congregation navigate this craziness until normal returns....sometime. Check out the first conversation with Jason Rice, Worship Pastor in Birmingham, Alabama. You'll enjoy it!
We're in the middle of a surreal, hard to explain crisis. In this episode, Craig gives encouragement and explains that the podcast will be going from a weekly to daily podcast, giving an opportunity to hear from other church musicians and how they're navigating through this rough time. Check back daily for more, and go to www.churchmusicmakers.com as well!
What's next with our "social distancing" and closing things regarding the Coronavirus? No one knows. But, in the midst of it, we are going to figure it all out together. With our hearts focused on John 14:27, where Jesus says, "Peace I give to you", we have peace in the middle of this uncertainty. We can use our creativity and the tools that God has given to us to connect with one another and encourage one another. I hope that's what this podcast does for you.
We face change all throughout our lives. Maybe it's major change, maybe it's minor change. Whether it's in our personal lives or our ministries, we face change. And God is with us at all times! He's there by our side through all of the changes. But do we trust in Him? Listen to the episode to find out more. Also, check out Easychoirmusic as well as churchmusicmakers.com
When we sing, whether it is choral anthems or congregational hymns or songs, the words we sing matter. For more about the sponsor of the podcast and www.churchmusicmakers.com, check out www.easychoirmusic.com
If you've never heard of Nikki Lerner, please listen to this episode! Nikki has an amazing podcast called "Culture Coach", she writes songs, teaches, sings, writes and you can find out more about her at www.nikkilerner.com. This is the first ever podcast interview (with many more to come!) and it will challenge and encourage you! Find out more about our sponsor, www.easychoirmusic.com and join the conversation in the Facebook group!
Have you set goals? Do you feel like you struggle to set goals? On this episode on The Church Music Makers Podcast, Craig talks about setting goals and how we can achieve success. Check out www.easychoirmusic.com the sponsor of Church Music Makers, as well as www.churchmusicmakers.com.
Whatever we view our job as, God has called us to lead His people in worship. There's a huge and high calling for us as we praise and worship God. But adding the paid part of it all makes things a little awkward. So, how do we navigate that? And Craig explains what is coming up for him. Check out the sponsor, www.easychoirmusic.com!
We all need to practice. How much do we make a priority of it? Find out more by listening to this episode. Check out www.easychoirmusic.com, the sponsor of Church Music Makers, as well as www.churchmusicmakers.com.
It's the age old question, isn't it? How do I get more people involved in my music ministry? Well, the easy answer is to ask for more people. But there are a few other ways. Listen to the podcast to find out more about it. Also, check out www.churchmusicmakers.com as well as our sponsor www.easychoirmusic.com. Also, if you're interested in coaching, please email Craig at harmannymusic@yahoo.com.
Music Ministry keeps us busy. Not just the music part of it, but the ministry part of it. In this episode, Craig talks about how to effectively minister to those in our care, as well as encouraging those involved to minister to one another, along with ministering to the congregation. For more about Church Music Makers, check out www.churchmusicmakers.com and for more about Easy Choir Music, check out www.easychoirmusic.com.
Do you feel overwhelmed by stuff? Have you heard yourself say, "but it's been in the family..." or, "I may need it someday". Well, this is the podcast for you! As we start 2020, Craig talks about how to organize, downsize and possibly purge, but it's all about asking the questions, "Do I need it?" "Is it practical?" "Does it serve a purpose?" Find out more about Church Music Makers at www.churchmusicmakers.com and the podcast and website's sponsor, easychoirmusic.com
On this episode of The Church Music Makers podcast, Craig talks about how we plan, whether that is for our rehearsals in the short term, or planning farther out in setting goals and a vision for our music ministries. The podcast is sponsored by www.easychoirmusic.com and go check out www.churchmusicmakers.com
How do you respond when your plans change? Throw a temper tantrum? I hope not! Be flexible? Maybe? In this episode, Craig talks about how to deal with changes of plans, big or small. Check out the Church Music Makers Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/576925229391689/ as well as go to www.churchmusicmakers.com! If you want to email Craig, send him an email at harmannymusic@yahoo.com
One of the many challenges that we face as Church Musicians is funerals and grieving the loss of loved ones. We can feel it especially at Christmas. Check out Craig's thoughts and experiences with grieving and funerals. Check out www.easychoirmusic.com as well as www.churchmusicmakers.com
Can you park your car in your garage? Know exactly where everything is in your house? Then, this isn't the episode for you. If you feel overwhelmed by the stuff in your house or garage, don't know where everything is, then listen to this episode! Also, go to www.churchmusicmakers.com/store to find a link to purchase "Songs for the Seasons" as well as the other Ebooks Craig has written.
After taking a week off from podcasting, Craig explains why, along with a few nuggets about the experience of singing at Carnegie Hall, making sure to rest and relax over Thanksgiving, things he's thankful for, and upcoming projects! Find out more at www.churchmusicmakers.com
Are you ready for Christmas? It's coming, whether we're ready or not! In this episode, we discuss how we get ourselves ready for Christmas and how we survive the busy, hectic crazy time period! Check out www.easychoirmusic.com as well as www.churchmusicmakers.com!
Based on the blog post "A Reformation of Church Music" found at https://churchmusicmakers.com/2019/10/31/a-reformation-of-church-music/ and don't forget to go to www.easychoirmusic.com and check out their great choir music!
Which is more important, music or ministry? You probably already know the answer, but check out the podcast for more detailed thoughts. Also, check out our sponsor www.easychoirmusic.com and www.churchmusicmakers.com!
How do you manage your time? What do you spend it on? Check out this episode to hear about how we can use our time effectively and efficiently. Check out www.churchmusicmakers.com and www.easychoirmusic.com
As Church Musicians, we're surrounded by choices on what to eat and how to move. The reality is that we don't always make healthy choices in those areas. This episode discusses ways for us to be more intentional about making those choices, taking small steps to building healthy habits. Check out www.churchmusicmakers.com as well as easychoirmusic.com
How often do your check your phone? How often do you go to social media? In this episode, Craig talks about the potential pitfalls that come from overusing our phones, technology and social media. For more about Church Music Makers, go to www.churchmusicmakers.com and for more about Easy Choir Music, go to easychoirmusic.com
Spiritual health is probably the most important part of what we do. If we're not healthy when it comes to our relationship with God and our spiritual health, then things from that really don't matter. For more about Church Music Makers, check out www.churchmusicmakers.com or join the Facebook group. Also, check Easy Choir Music, the sponsor of the podcast!
Caring for yourself is not selfish. This episode deals with how we as church music ministers care for ourselves so that we can care for others around us. It's important and essential.
How do you handle the responsibilities of family, be it caring for your parents, your spouse or your children, and effectively do ministry? Find out more in this episode. Also, check out Easychoirmusic.com as well as churchmusicmakers.com
This is your introduction to The Church Music Makers Podcast, why it's here and who is doing it!