Welcome to Carltuttle.com

This is a place where we can stay in touch, exchange ideas and resource one another with anything that encourages worship leaders, team members and the worshipping community.

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I have written several articles regarding worship on my blog, you can use the link on the upper left hand side of this page.

It is pretty amazing to see what has taken place in the area of worship since I began leading in 1976, we definitely knew then we were on to something and had hoped to see worship impact people all over the earth and it certainly has. But I don't think any of us foresaw what has taken place. Many will be quick to argue that 'worship is more than singing songs' I will easily concede that, of course it involves more than singing songs. But songs are the most visible and arguably the most impactful aspect of what has emerged in worship. Songs embed ideas, truths and important doctrinal ideas in the lives of Christ followers.

You would be hard pressed to find an appropriate comparison to how worship has been spread throughout the earth like it has through the songs that have been written and recorded over the last 30 years. One of the early examples of this would be the way the song Seek Ye First, spread all over the world and made it's way into worship services in dozens and dozens of countries. A simple chorus, which by the way is one of the things critics have to say about modern worship, 'it to simplistic' yet in the case of this song it's message can't get any more profound, or have a greater impact if followed. To to take issue with this song is to take issue with some of the most profound and clear teachings of Jesus. ' Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and everything else will be added to you.' Does it need to me more complex than this, does is need to be arranged musically in such a way that is more sophisticated or challenging? Or is it okay to be placed in a simple melody, that is accessible to the masses? I think you know what I think. Worship should be accessible, melodies attainable and songs singable. Look at the top CCLI songs, they virtually all have those characteristics and attributes. It may not be as interesting to the skilled musician, but it can be compelling and inclusive for the skill level of the congregation.

In the early 80's I was stunned to hear that my song Hosanna, was being sung at a massive gathering of Catholics in the Louisiana Superdome. As far as I know it was only on one recording at the time. We have seen the same thing with songs like Shout to the Lord, How Great Is Our God, The Lord Reigns, Breathe, I could go on and on and on. It's like the message is being carried on the wings of Angels! and the impact is astounding. When I first started 'leading worship' we didn't even have a name for it back then, there weren't a lot of churches using 'worship teams'. Now you hardly find a church that doesn't. It has been an amazing thing to watch, even more to participate in.

Yes worship has become an industry and yes it has been tainted by commercialism, okay; So what? I have decided to follow the Apostle Paul's example in Philippians 1, where people were preaching the gospel with wrong motives. Paul was just glad the gospel was being preached. I'm just glad the church is gathering, lifting there hearts to heaven with adoration, joy, thanksgiving, praise, reverence, with hearts that are connecting to God. There is something so wonderful about gathering together and corporately expressing our hearts to God, it transcends the reality of this world and ushers us into the reality of the Kingdom.

Blessings to all,

carl tuttle