As a former Praise and Worship Leader for many years in the nineties and the early 2000's, I was talking to my brother Joe the other day and we both got on the topic of how effective Praise and Worship music "back in the days" (90's and early 2000.s) seemed so anointed. A few Sunday's ago, he said he went to a church service and the P&W Team began to sing "How Great Thou Art" and there was an anointing that flooded the room. When asked why this was the case, I chimed in with an enthusiastic truth-- The Praise and Worship in the nineties when I was leading Praise and Worship in a church in Marina, California included songs from a music company named Hosanna. Hosanna had managed to put out songs that not only had an anointing on the songs, but THE BODY OF CHRIST united in embracing these songs -- eventually learning all the songs because they all purchased the Tape Cassettes of Hosanna products and played them in their cars, their homes and everywhere else they went, so by the time Sunday came along, everyone already knew the words. In knowing all of the lyrics the congregants were able to sing with all of their hearts, minds, bodies and souls without having to have one eye open to read the words from the transparencies. There was an incredible unity in ALL churches singing the same songs back then, so it didn't matter what church you attended, you would always find the same songs that you already knew -- and again, you were able to enter into the presence of the Lord no matter what church you were attending.

Now in 2016 there are many churches who are "performing" on the platform instead of just loving Jesus and leading others in the presence of the Holy Spirit. I love much of the contemporary music that is out there, but I must admit I am more drawn to Praise and Worship leaders like Chris Tomlin (a 2016 P&W Leader and successful Contemporary Singer). But again, there is still an anointing that rest on the songs of the 1990's and early 2000's and I would love to see the churches sing more of these songs.

As a Praise and Worship leader it is your responsibility to sense where the Holy Spirit is leading in the music and the spiritual atmosphere that is being evident in the sanctuary. Again, I have experienced singing the more modern contemporary versions of worship-- but when I begin to sing songs like "Create In Me A Clean Heart", "Great is Thy Faithfulness", "Our God is an Awesome God", "As A Deer Panteth" or "In Christ Alone", "Ancient of Days", "The Power of Your Lord", I Exalt Thee" or Michael W. Smith's song "He Gave It All" -- the congregation enters in and there is an anointing-- and where there is the anointing, the church service will include incredible miracles, signs and wonders-- producing Words of Knowledge, Prophecy, healing and casting out of the devils. If this is what Jesus said we would do in the Great Commission, perhaps we should return to some of these older songs and I am certain we may very well begin to see miracles, signs and wonders again. I believe God is a Progressive God, but I also believe His Spirit places an anointing on these songs and that cannot be denied.. I am not saying there isn't an anointing on any 2016 contemporary songs, for there is, especially for the songs with lyrics that include scripture passages. As we declare the Word of God through song we are praying twice.

May we embrace those songs that are still anointed so that the Churches in 2016 can experience the movement of the Holy Spirit -- and they too can see miracles, signs and wonders. (Note: I do believe in musical progression for "the times", but there are many musicians and singers who are making the platform of Praise and Worship a Concert Hall. There is a place for a "concert" yes, but the church is where folks of all ages are gathering and I am not saying just because I am now 52 that I can't be blessed and benefit from any of the new music, I am just saying there is a great anointing on the songs I used to lead in the 1990's and early 2000's. Just don't discard those songs of old just to make room for only the current contemporary music - it's all a balance!

Have a blessed day in Jesus today everyone!

02-11-16 J.