When I first expressed interest in leading worship, a friend pointed me to an article (don't remember the author) that outlined a top-10 list for worship leaders. It was either the top 10 mistakes worship leaders make, or the top 10 best practices—either way, I only remember one of the points: a worship leader should never lead from a seat/stool/chair.

In preparation for the new assignment I've taken on—developing a worship team to lead the youth at our church—I've spent a good bit of time lately learning new songs and writing out chord charts. Inevitably, I've turned to Google for help, only to find that some of the sites it returns have posted notices that they have been forced to remove their posts.

I was talking with one of the owners of a local Christian radio station the other day, and in the conversation he mentioned a strategic planning session at his church in which the organization's leadership determined that Sunday morning services should not be designed for the un-churched. In other words, his church had decided to stop worrying about being "seeker friendly."

Ever since I first related to the vulnerable reluctance in "Anna Begins", I've held August and Everything After—the Counting Crows' debut album—at the top of my list of favorites. The entire album is raw, emotional, and in many ways beautiful.

Music is powerful, because it connects with our emotions. It doesn't have to be as gritty as the Counting Crows; John Mayer, for example, is much more melodic and refined, connecting through many songs to feelings of love and intimacy. Music without emotion simply doesn't last.