Steiger

Okay so this post will be different than most of the other posts I write. This week was lecture series. During lecture series, they normally bring guests in to tell us about their ministry or something of that sort. This year (as well as the last two years), David Pierce came to the college to tell us about his ministry, Steiger International. David has a great story about how he has gone into dark areas to spread the gospel. He has started a band called No Longer Music and they put on a show in "Heavy Metal" and "Death Metal" shows all over the world. At the end of the show they present the gospel and invite anyone who would like to receive Jesus, to come forward. This is great and awesome.

David, can seem a little unorthodox because of his appearance and his commitment to ministry. He came to the school and had recruitment in mind, throughout the entire series. That isn't a bad thing. I could easily start on a soap box about how I am not a big fan of what he is doing. I believe that we need people like David though. It isn't my ideal ministry, but I believe it is his. God is doing great things through him and his entire team. I think he is so fussy about recruitment, because he has to be. If you are called to this ministry it needs to be a full commitment. You can't just waltz into Amsterdam and start preaching the gospel unless you are prepared for it.

So to wrap this thing up. I think David is a great tool that God is using. Does it look pretty, no. But, I don't think that doing the work of the kingdom is supposed to look a certain way. We can judge all we want, but it is not up to us to judge. So lets support him as he pursues God.

Matt Brown

Writing Songs

Well it has been a little while since I have last posted in this blog. Now is the time to get back to it. Songwriting was the topic in class this week. Songwriting is one thing that I am not particular thrilled about. Don't get me wrong, I think some people are just blessed with creativity and passion for songwriting. I am not. The thing is, as worshipers of God, we are called to sing a new song unto the Lord.

I could enlighten you with some tips that I learned in class about writing worship songs, but I choose not to. I can tell you from experience that songwriting is tricky. Here are a few things that I learned from my personal experience.

     1. Listen to the song played back a few times. Sometimes just listening to it you can hear if   something is working or not. 
     2. Let other people listen to the song and listen to the input that they give you. If other people don't like your song, chances are, it needs work. Not saying it's a bad song, just saying to put some more time into it. 
     3. Don't fall in love with your first draft of the song. Just know that you are going to change it a few times. Most songs aren't fully written in one day. Take some time to work on the song a bit. 
     4. Don' be afraid to ask people for help. Their are plenty of people more talented that can help you and inspire you.

Those are just a few tips that have helped me. The biggest thing to remember is that we write songs to glorify God, because He is worthy of our songs. He is the object of our affection. So pursue Christ and write songs that will glorify Him.

Matt Brown