Choosing good keys for your worship set is a big issue nowadays. I remember in the 70′s everything was mid to low range and simple chords (though hymns typically are pitched high with a high ‘E’ being very common).  In our small church with mostly guitars, this mid-low arrangement worked fine for us. Then we moved to City Bible Church in Portland in the 80s and everything went soaring (high sopranos were the big thing then – with big hair!) But still we generally had one common key for any given song. Our lists of songs and their keys were standard and worked for most of our congregation (except the low-voiced men in the back who couldn’t sing the high stuff – they usually ended up mumbling a lot). We did a lot of spontaneous modulations (again because the songs were simpler back then)higher and higher the songs would go until everyone’s screaming. Weird times!

Integrity’s Hosanna became the main source of songs and helped standardize keys for their songs, along with lead sheets written out for everything! (gasp!) Most songs were mid to high with them. Then Vineyard Music came in with generally lower range songs, more intimate and guitar driven – hard to be intimate when you’re screaming at God. Then came Hillsong Music with usually a couple of key options in their books – but Darlene Zschech is an alto so everything was low to mid.

Now most songs are written by tenors (Tomlin, Redman, etc.) so the original keys are good for them. Not generally for your average congregation. When choosing the key for a song, I think the main consideration has to be the success of your main group of people in the congregation – not your leader.

We led at The City Church in Seattle for a few years and every song had options (lower for female leader – higher for male leader – I chose the lower since I am a bass) But I noticed if the song was too low on a big opening song – it was not successful in the congregation. If it was too high in a softer meditative song – it was not successful in the congregation. My experience is the original key is generally not the best singing key for an average group. So taking it down one to two whole steps makes it singable – and singability trumps cool.

1. Find the range: I try to look at each song individually and its tessitura (range). Play the chords and sing the song. Find the highest note and the lowest note and identify them.
2. Fast songs: For fast, big loud songs the upper range can easily go to E-F-even G if you aren’t sustaining it too long. Don’t hang on high notes (E,F,G)ever. And the lower range shouldn’t go below middle C.
3. Medium and slow songs: For medium to slow songs I might tap an ‘E’ occasionally up high, but stay mid-range mostly with a low A being acceptable if not sustained. I think this will help most congregations be successful in their worship.
4. Overall: You will notice most songs don’t have more than an octave and a half range (low A to High E; or low C to high G) So my system generally works. But it does take time to figure out the best range for each song. I do it in my head now, knowing the high note of the song and its relationship to the key (ie the 3rd of the key) then finding the key where that would work (key of C would give me a high E).
5. Review: so, in summation: no screaming, no low rumblings, mid-range is best for most congregations.  One exception I have found is a woman leader who is a low alto who sings everything real low with power, and the men sing up high matching the same pitch with intensity. It works and has a great sound to it.

• Note: SongSelect (from CCLI) now has the feature to transpose any song (with chords in their database) into any key that you want. This is a great help especially to those who don’t understand music theory or key changes.

God bless you as pursue excellence in worship. Hope you find the right key to your worship!

Dr. Tim

We had a wonderful worship seminar in Hood River in March with Pastor Fritz and Wendi Stranz at Covenant Hood River. Their worship team was so ready and ripe for a fresh new move in worship. We had an amazing day on Saturday teaching and releasing new songs, new thoughts and creative ideas among them. Adrian Stranz is the worship leader there and is doing an outstanding job of leading by example and with his whole heart. He lead a great set on Sunday and Maryl and I joined on flute and cello. Then I preached on releasing the song of faith in worship! What a great response in both services as God released His Holy Spirit freely among us. Such great potential in a growing church in the Columbia Gorge! And it looks like they might be moving to a larger and better facility in Hood River! They are set to explode in great things for God!

Later in April we headed to Medford to be with our longtime friends, Pastor Steve and Kim Schmelzer at Joy Christian Fellowship. Their son and daughter, Jake and Natalie lead the worship team along with a million other things (that’s what pastors’ kids do!). Their band, Wake Up the Dawn, was the key worship team at the Eugene conference with us. What a powerful group. They are joining us in Guatemala in July for another great conference their at Elim Central in Guatemala City. In Medford, we got to flow a lot with cello and flute in the mix and then I was honored to preach again there on Saturday night to a packed house – I spoke on Extreme Worship and sang my song about the Luke 7 woman worshiping at Jesus’ feet (much to the chagrin of the Pharisees) What a challenge to worship God in the midst of our pain and struggles. Another great response at Joy!

At the beginning of May, we went to our hometown, Bend (Maryl and I both graduated from Bend High School in the ’70s) and were privileged to teach a workshop at The Well, a worship conference hosted by Westside Church. Our nephew, Evan Earwicker, is now the Youth Pastor there. His band, Elliot, was the featured band along with Pastor Doug and Donna Lasit (Denver, CO), Jay Smith (Ventura, CA – another one of my great nephews) Bo Stern (from Westside) and Leeland (the band!). I taught a workshop for keyboardists and was able to impart a great deal of material as well as inspiration for worshiping and flowing with the keyboard (see Piano in Worship). Half the class were able to purchase the book/DVD and further their study for worship. All the ministry was actually very rich and challenging with about 350 attendees from all over Oregon and beyond. Multiple times at the altar, hearts were sealed and committed to a deeper walk with Jesus. Leeland capped it off with a wonderful night of worship – they really are amazing!

Now that brings us to our next step: China! We leave Monday, May 21 to join our friends Kwadwo and Jamie Sampany-Kessie in Southern China for a Worship Seminar and ministry May 25-27. (our 38th anniversary is May 25 so we get to celebrate in China! and Jamie and Kwadwo’s anniversary is the 23rd! Double fun in China!) They have invited many from all over China to join us for this great time of worship and release! Please pray for our travel, safety, health and anointing!

After we get back we will prepare for our return to Guatemala City with Pastor Hector Nufio at Elim Central Church (a great church of thousands in the heart of Guatemala City) This church has a big vision and amazing influence throughout Latin America. Wake Up the Dawn from Medford will be joining us for this powerful time from Tuesday, July 3 to Sunday July 8. Last year we had a truly breakthough time with the precious worshipers there and I believe they have many more coming this time from many nations. Thanks for your prayers for this potentially explosive worship conference. Safety is a big issue right now, so please be praying for the safety of the team, the staff there and the attendees of the conference.

We are so thrilled to be able to continue to go to the nations in this season. Thank you for your part, whether in prayer, financial support, notes, emails and phone calls! We are bolstered and encouraged by your faith!

For the nations,

Your worship missionaries, Dr. Tim and Maryl Smith

Every night, the worship band from Medford, OR – Wake Up the Dawn – led us into strong, spirited and deep praise and worship, revealing Jesus’ love all the way! Jake and Natalie Schmelzer (brother and sister) lead the band and write most of their great songs. Dancing and cheering for Jesus was a common occurrence throughout the week. They introduced us to some great new and prophetic songs (and harmonica!) and set the strong passionate tone of the week.

A delightful element of the week was the uniqueness of the different worship groups that led us. From Wake Up the Dawn to Shelley and Callan Coleman (from ECF) with their celtic rock and ballads, to the team from Life Change Christian Center (led by Sister Mary Morton) and their urban gospel praise and call and response, we were us all engaged. It was thrilling to sense a common spirit and flow in such variety of styles

The conference was highlighted with teaching from five pastors: Pastor Mike Herron (Houston, TX) with his unique look at the Psalms and the prophetic blending of music and the word – Mike’s songs continue to stir and delight everyone, young and old. He also released many in new songs around the congregation and ministered prophetically over many lives. Pastor Ernest Gentile (San Jose, CA) taught two sessions on the Amazing Harmony of Worship and the Prophets from the Old and New Testament perspective – powerful teaching that helped all of us better see the part of the prophetic in our worship. This gave a whole new generation a chance to hear one of the most revered prophets of our time. His insight, passion and humor at 82 is inspiring and liberating to everyone who hears him!

Pastor Gary Clark (our host pastor) gave us many insights on why we worship the way we do, inviting us to get closer to Jesus with every song we sing. Pastor Mark Strong (Portland, OR) set the stage by taking over the keyboard in a great gospel moment that brought us all to our feet – followed by excellent teaching on the prophetic tension between Bethel (the house of God) and Ai (heap of rubble) – keeping a kingdom perspective in our worship. Friday afternoon was a very special time of ministry over the whole conference as we prayed and ministered to most everyone there for about two hours, confirming, releasing, words of wisdom, words of knowledge, prophetic exhortations as we did what we call an Acts 13 session! Powerful.

I ministered twice, the first session on Releasing the Spiritual Song in the congregation and facilitated new songs in many different formats including a rousing time of intercession and prayer in song over our President! Powerful time of release for everyone. The final night Maryl and I were prayed and prophesied over by Pastors Ernest & Joy Gentile, Pastors Mike & Marsha and Dr. Mark Strong (our pastor). We are still soaking that in and praying over what God has spoken to us but definitely it was a confirming and encouraging word to us in this season. Afterwards I ministered on the ‘Now’ word of ‘now’ from John 4:23: ‘the time is coming and now is…’ I felt this is a prophetic statement over Eugene Christian Fellowship as well as all the rest of us, that God is calling us forward, out of our past, into all that He has for us NOW! I will try to post an excerpt from that soon so you can hear it for yourself. At the end of the service, as many people responded, Pastor Mark sang songs of deliverance and vision over all of us.

From beginning to end, through wonderful worship, great songs, powerful teaching and sweet ministry at the end of every session – God was glorified, Jesus’ name was magnified and the Holy Spirit was embraced. Lives were changed, hearts were rekindled and ministries were birthed! Read more of the deep impact on peoples’ lives below!

Testimonials from the Conference:

I have been to many conferences over the years, but I have never been to one that affected me more than this one. It was not the messages, all though they were excellent. It was not the worship, all though that too was well led. It was how deeply the Holy Spirit ministered to me —  areas in my heart that I have not been able to change were changed. God showed up in power.

I truly feel so blessed and CHANGED by the word of the Lord that was brought by this amazing, anointed team of people. I truly pray that all will be blessed for their sacrifices and dedication to make this conf happen…I know that it was life-changing for me, and I’m sure it was for others as well! God bless all of you for taking your NOW moments and fulfilling the callings that God has put upon you! -

Courtney Abercrombie

The conference was amazing this past week. Such an important time for so many of us personally… as well as for Eugene Christian Fellowship. What a great service yesterday morning! God is so faithful. Lots of excitement & anticipation…

Darla Bachelder

I was at 2nd service and worship with Cal & Shelley was off the charts (many gathering in the front again to worship and dance a bit). Some testimonies and prophetic/encouraging words and then a great message from Ernest: “It is written” means “It has been written and stands written.” A very NOW word!!! Really felt like the service was just a continuation of the conference. So grateful for your ministry at the conference! Blessings to you and Maryl -

Darla Bachelder

We had a incredible time at the @PraiseProphecy conference! Thanks to Mike Herron, Pastor Gary Clark, ECF team & all who made it happen! -

Natalie Schmelzer

Basking in the warmth from this past weeks “son”shine. All I can say is if you were not able to make it to the Praise & Prophecy conference, something monumental took place and it will forever change us! Hold on because NOW is the time for those who embrace it! (Get a copy of the services ASAP!…just saying :-) -

Ranelle Fortier

What an awesome experience of God’s presence! -

Judi Dials

Truly an amazing conference! -

Rosie Thomas

Awesome conference! Looking forward to the next one! -

Mary Morton

One word about the P&P conference: WOW. -

Shelley James

What a great week we had in Eugene at the Praise and Prophecy Conference with Tim & Maryl Smith, Mike & Marsha Herron and other old and new friends. Hearts renewed, worship revived.. -

Malana Ganz

God truly worked deeply in my heart at this conference. Thank you for your ministry and friendship. -

Steve Ganz

Tim, today we sang, “Now, now is the time to worship!” What a lifechanging word you gave to us. Thank you so much for coming and speaking from the depths of your heart. Much love to you and Maryl! Good friends we now is!

Lori Harpham

4 more words: i adore Ernest Gentile. -

Shelley James

The conference last night was AWESOME!!!!! Feel so blessed to have been there. -

Kelly Fenley

Pastor Tim…Thank you for letting us be a part of such a life-changing ministry.   We have not stopped talking about what we received.   I know I can speak for Marci.  She mention that this was the first time she has attended a conference such as the one we were a part of last week.  It was excellent.  I expressed to Pastor Gary how grateful we were for the awesome hospitality shown to us.   We are thrilled with what the Lord is doing through you and that you have been sent to us.   I love Maryl…what an example of a gifted and gracious lady.

Wanda Warren

Thanks Tim and Maryl, I drank deep and filled my cup! -

Hugh Laybourn

We had a great first night at the praise & prophecy conference… One of the highlights was getting to play “Come like You promised” with Tim Smith (from worship without borders) on the Cello! It was truly incredible!

Jake Schmelzer – Wake Up the Dawn

What an incredible few days at the “Praise & Prophecy” conference! So many amazing times of worship & wonderful messages… Thank you to Mike Herron, Pastor Gary Clark, Tim Smith & the ECF team for putting it on! WUTD had a great time!

Wake Up the Dawn

The Praise and Prophecy Conference in Eugene this week was so successful, we have booked next year already: February 27-March 1, 2013

To stay up-to-date on future conferences, check out: praiseandprophecy.com

God bless you all,

Your worship missionaries, Dr. Tim and Maryl Smith

We give thanks to an amazing God for another incredible 2011 at Worship Without Borders. From Guatemala to India, to Lebanon and Turkey, Maryl and I have seen God move powerfully in worship around the world. Here are some highlights:

• In January 2011 we ministered with in Guatemala City at Elim Central Church with Pastor Hector Nufio and his son, Paul. We did seminars, training and ministry with many people coming to Jesus in service after service. The worship exploded as God moved mightily in song and Word. Elim has a flourishing worship ministry and great influence throughout Central and South America.  We are thrilled to be a part of what God is releasing there. They have already asked us to return this year!

• We were privileged to minister once again at the prophetic worship conference in West Palm Beach, Florida with Pastors Danny and Giselle Bonilla in February 2011. Ministering alongside Mike Herron from Houston, with Portia Sumner, Katy Wade and Marion Overall from Oakland, CA, we had an amazingly prophetic outpouring all week long. Lives were changed forever! They are having us back in 2013.

• In March 2011 we experienced an incredible season of ministry in New Delhi and Lucknow, India with Assembly of Believers’ Church at their International School of Worship. We held two worship conferences, and a week of classes ending with graduation at the School. It was amazing to watch the difference in the students over the course of a week as they released their own songs and put into practice all that the Spirit has for them in worship. We are scheduled to return in 2012.
• In October 2011 Pastor Todd Beal and I returned to Lucknow, India for a special worship concert with 10,000 worshipers attending, followed by a leadership conference for 3000 leaders from all over India. We then traveled to Allahabad for a great weekend of worship in 3 services.
• We returned to Coimbatore, India with Rev. David Prakasam at Bethel City Cathedral in October 2011. We were privileged to minister to their Bible College, widows, orphans, lepers and thousands of worshipers as well as train over 200 leaders and musicians from all over southern India. Powerful and prophetic worship was experienced at every service while 100’s came to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.
• We ended the year with a profound mission trip to Beirut, Lebanon and Antalya, Turkey with Mike and Marsha Herron. Mike and I performed piano and cello in the UNESCO hall in Beirut for a benefit concert for the Bible Society of Lebanon. Then we ministered together in Antalya at a worship conference for over 200 leaders and pastors from all over Turkey. It was deeply moving to worship with these enduring saints and blend our voices and our hearts with theirs.

• The year also took us to Calgary, Las Vegas, Anchorage, Wasilla as well as local ministry in Washington and Oregon.

In July 2011, Maryl and I became official members of Life Change Christian Center with Pastors Mark and Marla Strong. We are so excited to be joined with this great church and to be a part of their exciting vision for the kingdom. I continue to teach the worship segment at LCCC’s Leadership Institute (affiliated with George Fox University) and am involved in helping to set the course for the worship ministry there.

I am on the board for the International School of Worship in Lucknow, India, associated with Pastor August Anthony (Assembly of Believers Church) whose vision and strategy has planted over 500 churches with more than 50,000 believers throughout India, seeing Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs coming to Jesus.

Our new Piano in Worship DVD/book continues to sell well (special thanks to Eastside City Church in Calgary) This instructional book and dvd for flowing in prophetic worship is already in 25 nations and 34 states. We are working on getting it into main worship training centers and we also have opportunities to translate it into Spanish and other languages

Worship Without Borders 2012 plans:

• February 24,25 Worship Northwest, Salem, OR – join us
• Feb 29-Mar 2 Praise and Prophecy Conference, Eugene, OR – join us if you are in the area!
• May 24-27 China
• June 13-25 Life Church, Kampala, Uganda & Islands of Lake Victoria – Pastor Bob Wagar
• July 5-9 Elim Central Church, Guatemala City
• September/October 2012 – teach worship classes at the LifeChange Leadership Institute
• October 2012 – MFI International Conference

Maryl and I want to extend our deep gratitude to the pastors and leaders and friends everywhere for supporting us during this vital time in our lives and in our ministry.  Thank you for your love, financial support and especially your prayers as we labor and worship together. We welcome you to jump deeper into Jesus and experience transforming the world in worship with us.

Dr. Tim and Maryl Smith

Your Worship Missionaries  503.327.4808  timsongsmith@gmail.com

Some languages are shown more than once in a different way. Some say “Merry Christmas” Some add “Happy New Year”. All wish you a “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year”. Enjoy -

*Bolded and Italicized words are languages we have sung in around the world

Afrikaans – Geseënde Kersfees en ‘n gelukkige nuwe jaar
Argentine – Feliz Navidad Y Feliz Año Nuevo
Bohemian – Vesele Vanoce
Brazilian – Boas Festas e Feliz Ano Novo
Bulgarian – Vesela Koleda i chestita nova godina!
Catalan – Bon Nadal i un Bon Any Nou!
Chinese – Sing Dan Fae Lok. Gung Hai Fat Choi (Cantonese)
Chinese – Shen Dan Kuai Le Xin Nian Yu Kuai (Mandarin)
Chinese – Shen tan jie kuai le. Hsin Nien Kuaile
Croatian – Sretan Bozic
Czech – Stastne a vesele vanoce a stastny novy rok!
Danish – Glaedelig Jul og glaedelig nytar
Dutch – Vrolijk Kerstfeest en een Gelukkig Nieuw Jaar
Dutch – Prettige kerstdagen en een gelukkig nieuw jaar
English – Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Eskimo – (inupik) Jutdlime pivdluarit ukiortame pivdluaritlo!
Esperanto – Felican Kristnaskon kaj Bonan Novjaron!
Estonian – Haeid joulupuehi ja head uut aastat!
Faeroese – Gledhilig jol og eydnurikt nyggjar!
Farsi (Persian/Iranian) – Aida Meelauda Messi e shoma moborak va aida toon moborak!
Filipinos – Maligayang Pasko
Finnish – Hauskaa Joulua ja onnellista uutta vuotta!
Flemish – Zalig Kerstfeest en Gelukkig nieuw jaar
French – Joyeux Noel et Bonne Année!
Gaelic – Nollaig chridheil agus Bliadhna mhath ùr!
Galician – Bo Nadal
German – Frohe Weihnachten und ein glückliches Neues Jahr!
Greek – Hronia polla kai eytyhismenos o kainourios hronos
Greek – Hronia polla ke eftihismenos o kenourios hronos
Hausa – Barka da Kirsimatikuma Barka da Sabuwar Shekara!
Hawaian – Mele Kalikimaka ame Hauoli Makahiki Hou!
Hungarian – Kellemes karacsonyi uennepeket es boldog ujevet!
Icelandic – Gledhileg jól og farsælt komandi ar!
Indonesian – Selamat Hari Natal dan Selamat Tahun Baru!
Iraqi – Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah
Irish – Nollaig Shona duit
Irish – Nollig Shona
Irish – Nollaig faoi shean agus faoi shonas duit agus bliain nua faoi mhaise dhuit!
Italian – Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo!
Japanese – Meri Kurisumasu soshite Akemashite Omedeto!
Latin – Natale hilare et Annum Faustum!
Latvian – Priecigus Ziemsvetkus un Laimigu Jaungadu!
Lithuanian – Linksmu Kaledu
Maltese – Nixtieklek Milied tajjeb u is-sena t-tabja!
Modern Greek – Kala Christougenna kai evtichismenos o kainourios chronos!
Norwegian – God Jul Og Godt Nytt Aar
Persian/Iranian – (Farsi) Aida Meelauda Messi e shoma moborak va aida toon moborak!
Polish – Vesowe Boze Narodzenie
Polish – Wesolych Swia, t i Szcze, sliwego Nowego Roku!
Portuguese – Boas Festas
Portuguese – Feliz Natal e um Prospero Ano Novo
Romanian – Craciun fericit si un an nou fericit
Russian – S nastupaiushchim Novym godom i s Rozhdestvom Khristovym!
Romanche – (sursilvan dialect): Legreivlas fiastas da Nadal e bien niev onn!
Serbian – Hristos se rodi
Slovakian – Stastne a vesele Vianoce a vela stastia v novom roku
Slovak – Vesele Vianoce i na zdravie v novom roku!
Spanish – Feliz Navidad y Prospero ano nuevo!
Swedish – God Jul Och Ett Gott Nytt Ar
Trukeese – (Micronesian) Neekiriisimas annim oo iyer seefe feyiyeech!
Turkish – Noeliniz kutlu olsun ve yeni yilinis kutlu olsun!
Turkish – Noeliniz Ve Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun
Ukrainian – Srozhdestvom Kristovym
Ukrainan – Z novym rokom i s rizdvom Hrystovym!
Vietnamese – Chuc mung nam moi va Giang Sing vui ve
Welsh – Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Da!”
Yoruba – E ku odun, e ku iye’dun!

God bless us everyone – Dr. Tim and Maryl Smith

One of the biggest challenges we face as worship leaders is trying to keep the worship of Jesus fresh week after week. And this challenge produces everything from the sublime to the ridiculous as we try ‘new things’ every week. The Hebrew word for ‘new’ is the wonderful word: chadash, which means ‘new or a fresh, new thing’. But it comes from a root word which means ‘to be new or to rebuild, renew, or repair’.

Sometimes it is tempting to throw out the old for the new, but I believe God is calling us to not only keep it fresh in our corporate times of worship but also to rebuild, renew and even repair our songs and our  expressions of worship.

I love trying new things while still honoring the old, tried and proven. Over the years, I have compiled a list of new and fresh ideas that I have either tried or I have seen others do successfully to ‘keep it fresh’ in our worship.

I should mention that I don’t believe in doing new stuff just because I’m bored or the people are bored. I do believe in provoking all of us to hear great songs with new ears. Sometimes due to repetition, our ears become dull to the words of the powerful songs we are singing. So I like to put a fresh coat of paint on each song so we can ‘see’ it with new eyes.  To awaken the worshiper in each one of us, is one of the highest goals of a worship leader.

So consider these ideas (because of space I will just give you a few):

• Change the words or word of a song
• Fast songs slow/slow songs fast
• Hum while someone speaks the words- whispering
• Men only/women only/children only/over 40 only/blondes only etc.
• Children’s choirs/senior choir/bell choir/brass choir/string choir/bluegrass/Dixieland band
• Have a child start the song
• Antiphonal choirs (put one in the balcony)
• A capella (no instruments or just one solo instument)
• Different language
• Soloist in congregation
• Singers surround congregation
• Solo instruments (look for unique instruments in the congregation ie bagpipes)
• Drum cadence
• Have a couple lead worship

Okay, that’s just a few. Later I will give you some more radical ideas. But in the meantime, keep it fresh and sing a ‘new’ ‘chadash‘ song to the Lord. He loves it.

Be creative, and have a Great New Year!

Dr. Tim Smith

Remember: Contributions are tax-exempt at Worship Without Borders!

©2011 SongSmith Ministries

I was honored to join Mike and Marsha Herron in Beirut, Lebanon for a benefit concert at the UNESCO hall for the Bible Society of Lebanon on December 5. After ministering in a Baptist Church on Sunday, Mike and I rehearsed for a couple of days and then performed his ‘Prince of Peace’ concert on Monday night. It was very well attended and greatly received by all. We had some national talent singing and performing with us throughout the evening so it was very special. Mike weaved his songs in with some Christmas standards for a great mix of new and old. I joined him for seven songs on the cello and got to play the piano accompaniment to a wonderful soprano on ‘O Holy Night’.

Beirut is a very picturesque city that sits on the eastern edge of the Mediterranean Sea. What a beautiful view we had from our ‘hotel’ way up on the hill above the city. We hope to go back in the future for other endeavors to encourage the wonderful people of Lebanon.

Antalya, Turkey

Following the concert, Mike, Marsha and I flew onto Turkey for a week-long worship conference with about 200 pastors and leaders from all over Turkey, as well as Brazil, UK, Norway, Belgium, Jordan and others. The setting of the beautiful hotel was idyllic to say the least and gave us a pleasant background to worship God together for four days. Joining us for the ministry were many brothers from Brazil (Asaph Borba from Porto Alegre, Brazil was the leader) and a brother from Jordan.

From the very beginning you could tell this would be a very special week as they joined wholeheartedly into the time of worship with a Brazilian flavor! Then Mike shared on the ‘Earthquake of Praise’ (being very prophetically significant since a devastating earthquake had just hit Turkey a few days before) with a great response of worship at the end.

Each morning was given to worship, powerful sharing by local pastors as well as preaching and teaching from the team. We heard some amazing words from these great pastors as well as our Brazilian brothers. Profound would be an understatement for what God was doing. I got to share the first morning on flowing in worship as a team and then in the afternoon with Piano in Worship. You could see the lights coming on for the musicians in the workshop and many were able to get my book/DVD Piano in Worship to further their study and release for worship on the keys.

There were two workshops related to Turkish music, instruments and arts used in worship in Turkey and this a fascinating discussion similar to many nations around the world – integrating the indigenous instruments, styles, songs and expressions into contemporary usage in the church. This is an especially daunting task in Turkey since the instruments, scales, rhythms and pitches are much different than western-style musical expressions. And the instruments are much softer (though some have pickups now for amplification). We experienced the beauty of the ‘oud’ (turkish lute) and the saz in traditional music and heard 10/8 meter and even 19/8 in some of their songs! Natural to them, exotic to us.

The response overall was wonderful and gratifying, knowing we have connected significantly in this great land. We are working on follow-up and more resources to come their way to allow the seeds sown from this short time together, to grow and mature into the song that God wants to release in Turkey. His church, though small in size, will flourish even in this land and His song will be released in city after city by the wonderful grace of Jesus. We will return to continue to breathe on these churches and leaders.

After this significant week in Antalya, we returned to Istanbul for a short day of sightseeing and enjoying the cuisine and music of Turkey before we returned.

All in all, a great 12 days of ministry, song and blessing. I want to thank Pastor Mike Herron and Asaph Borba for inviting me to join in this wonderful time with their team. And thank you to all the pray-ers out there and supporters who make these adventures possible. Your sacrifice is touching lives around the world! To God be the glory!

in Him,

Dr. Tim Smith

Can you imagine Christmas without music? A true ‘Silent Night’? Personally, I love Christmas and all the music that goes with it. Many say I have an ‘anointing’ for it, but I know that might not be the case for your average worship or music pastor and there are some musicians who absolutely dread it. And I know that by now, probably you have every service through Christmas scheduled and you’re possibly looking at Easter songs!

I also know that your average congregation gets glutted with Christmas songs and ‘cheer’ even before Thanksgiving so it makes it difficult to get them to sing it ‘one more time’ at church. And then add in traditions, myths, legends, nostalgia, over-kill, consumerism, bad experiences (and the list goes on and on). These can all get in the way of a truly wonderful and spiritual experience (even though we’re Christians and this should be one of our most exciting moments – God incarnate now comes to earth!). So what does a weary worship pastor do?

Well, whether you ‘believe’ in Christmas or not, whether you prefer to celebrate it or not, whether you enjoy it or not, why not use this time to point to the only thing that really makes sense of it all? Jesus. He did come to earth. He was born sometime. He was a humble King in swaddling clothes, somewhere (probably not in the dead of winter). He was foretold by prophets and announced by angels. Our job is to make sure every song reveals Him and every word comes alive in their hearts. Help them see and hear (and sing) the great Christmas music with new eyes and ears (and mouths). Here are some ideas:

1. Study the carols and their composers – Find out one significant thing about each carol you sing. Share it you’re your team. Then share it with the congregation before you sing it. For instance, Isaac Watts didn’t write ‘Joy to the World’ as a Christmas carol and probably didn’t sing it at Christmas. He wrote it as a new setting for Psalm 98. Look up and read Psalm 98 out loud before you sing ‘Joy to the World’ next time. In fact, play the music behind it while you read it to the congregation.
2. Rehearse the words with the congregation – because we are so inundated at the malls and everywhere we go with Christmas songs, we have a tendency to become dull to the words and the meanings of the songs.  The Psalms say we are to ‘Sing with understanding’. We need to make the words come alive and provoke the contemplation and curiosity of the congregation.
   1. Have the congregation speak the words first. I encourage the people to speak the words with emotion and physically (use your hands).
   2. Highlight a key word or phrase that is significant and often overlooked. “’till He appeared and the soul felt it’s worth’! Wow!
   3. Mix and match – try lyrics to a carol with another well-known tune in the same meter (i.e. Joy to the World to the tune of Amazing Grace)
   4. Feature a prominent word in the PowerPoint display – i.e. ‘Joy’ in red, different and bigger font.
   5. Sing the forgotten verses – so many carols have multiple verses that are rarely sung and surprise people when they start singing them. Shock them!
3. Treat each carol uniquely – Avoid doing it the same old way each year. Try some variety [caution: don’t get too far away from the original or you might lose people that way too] Help the people hear these songs in a new way. Consider some of these possibilities:
   1. Use a same-note drone throughout the song – ie bagpipes
   2. Change tempo: speed up or slow down the song (I love Joy to the World in half-time)
   3. A capella is always a great thing to throw in if you can pull the four parts (practice with your singers first)
   4. With a capella add a single instrument – recorder; snare drum; trumpet; cello (my favorite) – have them play a counter melody against you.
   5. Engage the kids! Bring them up and sing a fun song with them. Or have a kids’ choir sing one. One little six year old voice can change everything.
   6. Engage the seniors! Definitely the forgotten force in your congregation. They can still sing and they will probably put more emotion in these songs than your college-age singers. Give them a shot. You know you make them sound and look great.
   7. Place your choir around the sanctuary and leave them there till the last song. Then have them walk up slowly singing the final incredible song (your choice).

Whatever you do, make sure you worship Jesus this Christmas season. Not the songs, not the mood, not the myth, not the nostalgia, just Jesus – King of kings!

Be creative, and have a Merry Christmas!

Dr. Tim Smith

©2010 SongSmith Ministries

October 18

There were over 10,000 in attendance on this first night! Todd and I ministered in the middle of the program with three songs hand-chosen for this special occasion: Our God (Tomlin), Here in Your Presence (Egan), and Holy, Holy Holy Lord. We had procured a nice cello from Delhi (from a Jewish synagogue) and so I was able to play to my heart’s content. I started off with the Bach Unaccompanied Cello Suite #1 Prelude that lead into some improv and free worship that ultimately lead into ‘Our God’. Then we flowed into ‘Here in Your Presence’ with Rahul Patrick joining us with some great guitar riffs, followed by the classic Holy, Holy, Holy Lord (God of Power and Might) where we released Todd’s trumpet. It really kicked! Such an honor to be a part of this great event! (side point: the cello A string broke the night before and we found out a guitar B string works on a cello! Take note all you aspiring cellists!)

Famous Indian comedian, Johnny Lever, shared a funny and powerful testimony of God’s redemption in his life followed with an altar call with hundreds responding to the love and hope of Jesus Christ.

October 19

The next morning the United Fellowship Conference started (over 3000 Indian pastors and leaders). I had the privilege of leading worship in the opening service. Though we sang mostly in English, the response was encouraging and we even sang some in Hindi! Pastor Erik Rangel from Yuma, Arizona preached an amazing word to open the conference – to love one another as Christ loved us! Simple yet profound – great response. Then it was a great set of Hindi songs followed by more speakers and great responses.

In the evening the conference continued with more worship, special music and special speakers in this beautiful conference grounds (it sleeps, feeds and seats more than 8000)

October 20

The second day of the conference we were once again honored to lead in worship this amazing group of pastors and leaders from all over India. Their response was amazing and we introduced a little more Hindi songs. What a flow! In the afternoon I taught over 400 leaders and worship leaders on prophetic music and worship. It was delightful to see them let loose with their own songs again and again, ending with singing a prayer of blessing over those around them. The Holy Spirit truly moved among us and stirred the deep longings for His presence and His voice in the congregation! That night Todd and I lead worship for the whole conference in the main arena (complete with lights and bugs of every imaginable size and shape) and had a powerful time blending our voices with theirs, releasing a great sound of worship. Todd then preached on the Jesus, the Light of India!

October 21

The final morning, during the worship (in Hindi) we heard the sweet sound of pure and spontaneous worship. It floated through the air so effortlessly and beautifully that we easily could have stayed there all day and no one would complain. It’s humbling to see the fruit of  the seeds we have sown in the worship here. The worship team sat beautifully on a simple chord progression and no one was in a hurry. No clapping, no shouting, just pure adoration. Then we (all the speakers) were brought up to the front of the conference to honor us and pray for us. A tremendous honor and humbling, knowing the great sacrifice of these wonderful people who sat in front of us! God is doing a powerful work in India through these and countless others all over this land. Big thank you to Brother Tony, Mark Smucker, Pastors Michael, Rocky, Patrick, Shanu, Nixon (amazing meals), Marvin (on the sound), new friends Sally Guest and her father Ross Davies from New Zealand and countless others who blessed us in so many ways! It was also wonderful to see so many of the students from the International School of Worship there!

Click here for Video: India 2011 Part 1  – Lucknow

October 22

The next morning we took an ‘interesting’ 4 hour taxi ride to Allahabad (2nd oldest city in India) to minister with Pastor Arun Michael and his wonderful team of pastors and leaders. On the ride, we worked hard with Pastor Michael to translate a few common songs into Hindi that would flow musically as well as lyrically. They came out beautifully and we will probably use these again and again. Pastor Michael has a real gift in making these songs ‘sing’ in Hindi. Thank you Pastor!  In the evening the church was packed with eager worshipers. The local team lead worship and then we followed. We immediately tried out the new Hindi songs much to the delight of the people and got into a great flow. Todd’s beautiful song,’ The Sweetest Name I Know’, translated into Hindi, was a great hit and ended up being the theme song for the weekend!

October 23

Sunday morning we had a great time in both services singing, releasing, and preach/teaching about the wonderful presence of Jesus and our response to Him – shachah! I felt such a great personal release to preach there like never before and they were so responsive that it made it even easier to minister with confidence and great joy. After the service we prayed with many for healing, encouragement and recommitment. What a great and humble group of people. A big thank you to Pastor Arun Michael, Pastor Glorious, Vivak (great worship leader) Ajeet and Prince and a powerful group of people who treated us so wonderfully. We had to get back to Lucknow so after a quick lunch we returned with a harrowing 5 hour taxi ride (in the dark of night!) but we made it (thanks for braving it with us Pastor Glorious and Vivak!). Thank you Jesus! We’re alive!

Click here for Video: India 2011 Part 2 - Allahabad

October 24

Today, we flew from Lucknow in the north, to New Delhi and then on to Coimbatore in the extreme southern tip of India. What a contrast of weather. They are experiencing the tail end of the second monsoon season so every day had it’s time of deluge! Wet, wet, wet. We stayed the whole week at the Bethel Bible College in a nice room.

October 25

Our first day in Coimbatore was dedicated to visiting many of the wonderful ministries Bethel City Cathedral (Dr David Prakasam) has established over the years. We returned to the precious leper facility, inhabited with joyous and vibrant people who are filled with the Holy Spirit and passionate in their love of Jesus. To lift up holy hands with them is humbling and stirring to say the least. To blend your voice with such faith all around you is powerful. We found out that these sweet people had raised more than 50% of the funds needed to build their new chapel. Industrious, faith-filled, joyful and loving community where God abides!  God bless Pastor James and Persia for shepherding this wonderful group of saints. Next we went to a boys’ home and got blown away by such a boisterous display of song and dance that we just had to join in have fun with them for a bit. They even got to play Todd’s trumpet! Then we returned to the Widows’ Home that we visited two years ago to the same sweet ladies of faith that live there. After some greetings and exhortations we prayed for them and that was powerful. What faith abides in that house! We call them the ‘Happy Widows of Coimbatore’! These were the gallant saints who had been praying for my brother, Pastor Wendell Smith for six years and now are praying for Gini and the family faithfully. They just don’t give up – because God doesn’t give up either! We ended our day at another boys’ home and after lunch with Pastor Peter Prakasam we had a rousing time of singing with the boys. Who could not love these people? God bless Pastor Peter Prakasam for overseeing all these wonderful ministries. In the evening, Todd met with the sound team at Bethel while I had a great session with the main worship leaders there.

Click here for Video: India 2011 Part 3 Widows, Lepers and Orphans – Coimbatore

October 26

Today we taught two sessions at the Bible College – an enthusiastic group of young adults training for pastoring and leadership in the church of India. After some stirring songs (plus trumpet and cello – they rented a cello for me here too) I shared on the shachach and proskuneo and guided them into bowing and worshiping through challenges they face. Todd shared on the Royal Priesthood and shared his Zimbabwe story of God’s protection in adverse circumstances. Our good friend, Manoraj was our amazing translator once again. In the evening, we visited another widows home near the church and ministered to these beautiful ladies. Then we worked with the sound and the musicians of Bethel. Great rehearsal.

October 27

In the morning, our session with the Bible College was punctuated with some prophetic worship. After a sweet visit with another Widows Home near the church (Pastor Williams), we proceeded to the Worship Conference at Bethel City Cathedral in their beautiful new facility – hosted by Pastors John and Terry Prakasam. Over 200 worship leaders and pastors from all around attended. Pastor Sam lead the first worship time, setting the tone for a powerful conference. We sang a few songs then jumped into prophetic songs and released a sense of purpose from the beginning. Afterwards, I taught on the Vision for Worship in God’s church. Great response.

October 28

The conference continued all day Friday. It started with a great time of worship led by Lelin (powerful) followed by us leading them into a season of spontaneous worship. I finished my teaching on vision and then Todd shared on the seven words of praise – powerful teaching and really got them participating from silence to shouting – especially the teaching on barak (kneeling, bowing, prostrate) which had all of us on our faces before God. We finished the day with breakout sessions for singers and musicians. I took the singers through a vigorous workout on vocal quality and gave them tools and ideas to enhance and improve their voices daily. We came back together for a final teaching on what it truly means to ‘lead worship’.

October 29

The final day was incredible with Todd finishing his teaching on the shabach, leading into a great teaching on Breakthrough worship! Then of course, we ‘brokethrough’! Powerful. We finished the conference by exploring the new spiritual song in our worship. Song after amazing song was released in the people after some simple instruction of how God would sing through us – through His word, thanksgiving, prayers, etc. The times of sustained worship and song being birthed were stirring to watch and to hear. Most had not experienced this level of release in song and were enjoying it so immensely. We then anointed every person present to sanctify them and set them apart for the ministry of worship in the house of God. Many tears and much joy everywhere!

October 30

Our time in Coimbatore finished with a bang at the main services of Bethel (they have 3 Tamil services in the morning and 2 English services simultaneously – with over 4000 believers worshiping together) We shared briefly in the early (6:30AM!) Tamil service and invited them to join us in the evening. Then we led worship in both English services; I preached in the first one and Todd in the second. It was nice to be able to minister without an ‘interrupter’ (interpreter) since you can say so much more and get your own flow going. I shared on Persevering Worshipers (Abraham, Lot, and David) and gave them a glimpse of worshipers around the world who persevere in their worship (Guatemala, Uganda and Kamchatka). We never give up – but press in to all that God has for us. Todd preached on being the light of India in everything we do and say in the world around us.

The evening service was given to worship and prophetic sharing and singing. There was a literal deluge outside so we thought many wouldn’t be able to come because of transportation. But they showed up, drenched to the bone and ready to worship! It was absolutely off the charts! By now, we have a little more grasp of some of the Tamil songs so we were able to jump right in with their language and sing with them instead of ‘to’ them. We led them in dancing, celebrating and responding to the call of God on their lives. At one point I had those who had illnesses and sickness in their bodies to come forward and (I’ve never done this before!) had them dance during ‘Trading My Sorrows’ while the young maidens danced around them like Miriam at the Red Sea. It was a sight and beautiful thing to behold as joy replaced sorrow and laughter replaced tears. Song after song encouraged the spirit of worship. Todd actually started the night with his prophetic trumpet blasting. I accented moments with the cello (my voice of choice) and together we had an amazing night with an array of styles, dynamics, tempos, and textures that was an arranger’s dream! I love to worship God in this environment, it is so freeing. The thousand or so worshipers with us were rejoicing and responding all night long. None of us wanted to stop but time had it’s way of moving along and the buses wait for no man. So our time in India ended on a tremendous up-note. A big thank you to Pastor John Prakasam and Pastor Terry Prakasam for their amazing hospitality, as well as Lelin, Sam, Manoraj, Abby, Pastor Peter Prakasam, Mohenraj, Jacob (took wonderful care of us at the Bible College), Carolin, Andy, Daniel, David, Rohen and all the great people of Bethel!

October 31-November 1

After a ton of goodbyes and packing up all our clothes and our memories, we headed to the airport in Coimbatore – then on to Chennai, to New Delhi, to Amsterdam and then to Seattle and FINALLY home sweet home (Portland, Oregon) to my sweet wife Maryl!

What a great two weeks full of variety, fruit, release, joy, healing, impartation, faith and new seasons for all! We love you India and we will return!

In Him,

Dr. Tim Smith and Pastor Todd Beal – Worship Missionaries

This Saturday, October 15, we return to India for our fifth time in this great nation. Due to some physical ailments, Maryl will not be going with me this time, but we are believing for her total healing and health while we are gone. Pastor Todd Beal is joining me again for an exciting time of ministry in Northern and Southern India. Here is a prayer guide for our trip (October 15-31) Thank you for your prayers and support now as we continue to release worship around the world!

1. Protection and Safety – Psa 4:8 I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.  Both on the trip over in the plane, during our travels in cars on the highways and streets, in the churches, hotels, airports, and even shopping. And please remember and pray for Maryl and our families who are here while we are gone. Maybe give them a call to see how they are doing.
2. Health – Psa 107:20  He sent His word and healed them. Remember that Maryl is facing strong physical ailments. Pray for total healing and tests are conclusive for clarity. In India, good, safe food and drink readily available helps. Last time in Coimbatore we all got sick from something we ate. This won’t happen this time. No diarrhea or intestinal problems.
3. Strength – Is.40:31 But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. We are looking at 14 straight days of ministry with no significant breaks. Pray for stamina, good sleep, breaks when needed. With constant singing, talking, speaking and shouting, the voice can get weary. Pray for our voices to remain strong.
4. Anointing – Isa 10:27 It shall come to pass in that day That his burden will be taken away from your shoulder, And his yoke from your neck, And the yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing oil. Pray for Todd and I to have the anointing of Christ upon every meeting. We don’t want to lean on our own talent, skill, passion and past successes. His anointing is always fresh and invigorating and keeps us going.
5. Clarity – 1Co 14:7 Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played? 8 For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle? Pray for clarity of the word and prophetic words that will come forth. That it will cut to the heart of the matter and be easily received.
6. Favor – Pro 3:3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, 4 And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man. May the heart of the people be open to every message. May they receive it gladly and embrace relevant responses and actions. Especially favor with pastors and leaders as we work with them.
7. Impact – I Cor 16:9 For a great (high, large, mighty, loud) and effective (active, operative, powerful) door (portal, entrance) has opened to me, and there are many adversaries (to lie opposite, be contrary, oppose).  16: 13 Watch (keep awake, be vigilant), stand fast (be stationary, persevere) in the faith (persuasion, conviction), be brave (quit you like men, act manly), be strong (empower, increase in vigor).We have the opportunity to impact and influence hundreds of churches throughout India in 14 days. May the heart of the Father, true worship be conveyed and demonstrated throughout our time there. May new songs be birthed that week. May leaders be emboldened and encouraged to step up into their calling. May the weak be strengthened, the widow and the orphan comforted; may healing virtue flow in every service. May His Spirit be released to destroy the works of the enemy in this nation! May we remain vigilant every step of the way to the devices of the enemy.
8. Finances for the trip – Php 4:19  And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. God is certainly blessing us in many ways financially, but we are stretched between personal obligations and the India trip expenses (around $2000). Good things are happening and we believe God will continue to provide as we remain faithful to what He has called us. Please pray for abundance during this season and fresh new sources of His provision!
9. October 17-21 Lucknow, India/October 22-23 Allahabad, India/October 24-31 Coimbatore, India

Your Worship Missionaries – Dr. Tim and Maryl Smith and Pastor Todd Beal