Sound Plus Doctrine

Some leaders love to know and plan every detail of the Sunday service in advance. Others prefer finding out what God will do spontaneously in the course of the meeting. Wherever we fall on the spectrum, both planning and spontaneity are an important part of engaging with God genuinely as we gather. In this episode, Bob and David explore those dynamics and suggest that those who are prepared to be spontaneous will have more opportunities to glorify God.   Referenced in the Episode: Showing the Spirit  – D. A. Carson Paul, the Spirit and the People of God – Gordon Fee   Have a question about this episode? Send us an email at soundplusdoctrine@sovereigngrace.com

Christians who come out of a hyper-charismatic or pentecostal background are often wary of any talk about God’s presence. But Psalm 105:4 encourages us to “seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!” What does it mean to “seek God’s presence continually” and how can we be committed to the authority, sufficiency, and inerrancy of God’s Word but still desire to experience the active presence of God when we meet on Sunday mornings? That’s the topic David and Bob talk in this episode of Sound Plus Doctrine.   Have a question about this episode? Send us an email at soundplusdoctrine@sovereigngrace.com

God’s people are uniquely defined by God’s presence. It’s a sign of his favor, mercy, and covenant love. But bad things happen when we start to speak about God’s presence in a way that makes it sounds like we can control it, or worse, profit financially from it. In this episode, Bob Kauflin and David Zimmer explores the pitfalls that can accompany a genuine desire to know God’s nearness.   Referenced in the Episode: Showing the Spirit  – D. A. Carson Paul, the Spirit and the People of God – Gordon Fee   Have a question about this episode? Send us an email at soundplusdoctrine@sovereigngrace.com

There is something profound about a church that faithfully carries out its meetings with a steady consistency, week after week, month after month, year after year. It testifies to the unchanging truths we trust in, rely on, and cling to. But what happens when leaders realize there’s something they could do something better or differently? What if God reveals an area that could be shored up, strengthened, added, or done away with? That’s the topic Bob and David tackle on this episode of Sound Plus Doctrine.   Referenced in this episode:  Getty Sing Hymnal Church Planting is for Wimps Have a question about this episode? Send us an email at soundplusdoctrine@sovereigngrace.com

It can be discouraging to attend a worship conference where everyone seems to assume your church has a large staff, several music teams, and an unlimited budget. For most of us, that situation is far from reality. In this episode, Bob and David talk about how to make the most of limited resources, maintain a strong faith in God’s plan, and serve with contagious joy. Referenced in this episode: “Christian worship is the God-enabled response of his redeemed people to His self-revelation that exalts God’s glory in Christ in our minds, affections, and wills in the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Bob Kauflin “Corporate worship is God’s Spirit-enabled and Word-governed gift, initiated by the revelation of God in Jesus Christ, for his covenant people to gratefully assemble in space and time to witness to the worth and work of God in Christ by the Spirit through proclamation, prayer, singing, and the sacraments, as they receive from Christ, act in him, and long for him to come again.” – Devon Kauflin The Cross and Christian Ministry by DA Carson Music Through the Eyes of Faith by Harold Best Have a question about this episode? Send us an email at soundplusdoctrine@sovereigngrace.com

We’re grateful for every person who wants to write songs for their church. But how do you avoid the common mistakes that many beginning songwriters fall into? At a recent songwriter camp, we developed a list of potential errors to avoid, and thought it might be helpful to share with others. We hope it’s an encouragement to you as you seek to serve the Church with your songwriting gifts! Mentioned resources: Related episode: How Do I Know if I Should be Writing Songs? Conference seminars on songwriting A Godward Life by John Piper And Now Let’s Move into a Time of Nonsense by Nick Page Song Editing Checklist – S&D   Have a question about this episode? Send us an email at soundplusdoctrine@sovereigngrace.com

The hosts discuss the challenge of having hard conversations with musicians, emphasizing the need for a culture of encouragement. They share personal stories and insights on giving feedback relationally, separating critique from personal artistry. The importance of addressing lack of skill and practice with grace is highlighted. They also delve into managing character concerns within the team, advocating for gospel-shaped compassion. Leaders are encouraged to self-examine and maintain humility while striving for authentic worship in their communities.

What do you do when you lead the singing in your church, but it’s obvious that you and your pastor have disagreements? “My pastor isn’t involved.” “My pastor micro-manages everyone around him.” “My pastor wants me to lead songs I’m not very excited about.” In this episode, David, Devon, and Bob take some time to talk about helpful and unhelpful ways of having those hard conversations. Have a question about this episode? Send us an email at soundplusdoctrine@sovereigngrace.com

Season 10 of Sound Plus Doctrine kicks off with a question from a listener who had to step down from leading congregational worship for a longer period than he expected. Bob, David, and Devon discuss how God often uses times when we don’t serve to help us better understand how we view our role and ways he might be working, of which we might be unaware. Have a question about this episode? Send us an email at soundplusdoctrine@sovereigngrace.com

Music can be a massive blessing and encouragement to a local congregation. But when musicians begin to think their contribution is more important than everything else, it leads to conflict. A podcast listener wrote in to ask how they might resolve that kind of tension between their music department and the rest of the church. Listen in as Bob and David suggest biblically practical ways to tame the monster of music ministry. Have a question about this episode? Send us an email at soundplusdoctrine@sovereigngrace.com