Make Music
Scott Kerlin writes about themes such as: what the Lord is teaching him, worship, music, ministry, and life's experiences.
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The Gift of Christmas
October 04, 2011
We have big plans for our Christmas musical, "The Gift of Christmas." We are partnering with First Baptist of Centerville for this event to share the message of hope with as many people as possible in our area. We expect 100+ choir, 25+ orchestra, children, students, drama, and even a few other creative elements. How incredible to spread the Christmas message in such a powerful way?! And here's the real kicker... You can be a part!
From children to students to adults, this is an opportunity for you to sing! Our two oldest children's choirs will take part in the m ... read more
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Matt Redman and 10,000 Reasons
July 26, 2011
There are many reasons why Matt Redman has been my favorite songwriter and worship leader since his music hit the shelves at the same time as the classic single, “Whoomp! There It Is.” He is one of those writers that has more than impressive ability and artistic creativity. I believe he has been called by God and equipped by the Holy Spirit to write songs that believers all around the world can sing to the glory of God.
Apart from writing amazing songs, Matt has a humble spirit that exudes from his music and heart. While on stage, it is so obvious that Matt is only performing fo ... read more
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National Worship Leader Conference
July 21, 2011
It's been an incredible week at the National Worship Leader Conference in Kansas. There's no way to properly describe every aspect of the conference, other than to say we worshipped God through some powerful and creative means each day. The workshops were very educational and insightful, and I'm so excited to get home and prayerfully brainstorm what God wants to do in and through our worship at Shirley Hills.
In this post, I won't share lots of facts or quotes from this week, but I will share some personal reflections. I may share more logistical or tec ... read more
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Catch Up
June 23, 2011
It's been awhile since I've blogged, so here's an attempt to catch up on the last few weeks. Summer is in full swing, which means life is either crazy busy or as relaxed as can be. I've experienced both of those extremes recently.
Sunday, June 5th was as busy a Sunday as I've experienced, but it was such an amazing day! Apart from the normal Sunday morning services, we had a special Sunday evening hymn service followed by our brand new gathering for college students, singles, and young professionals. It was interesting to do a very traditional hymn service with hymnals, pi ... read more
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Memorial Day Video
May 30, 2011
I am so thankful to all the men and women who serve our country and have served in years past. On this day we reflect and remember the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. May God bless those who serve, their families, and the families of the fallen.
Here's a great video from The Skit Guys for Memorial Day:
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College Ministry & The Edge
May 17, 2011
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Album Review: Derek Webb’s "Feedback"
May 02, 2011
Derek Webb,
singer-songwriter formerly of Caedmon’s Call, released an album titled Feedback on April 5, 2011. This is a
worship album unlike anything I have heard or, for that matter, seen. Derek
Webb collaborated with artist Scott Erickson and photographer Jeremy Cowart to
produce an audio-visual project communicating the meaning and depth of the
Lord’s Prayer.
Musically,
this is an instrumental album that has been described as both “electronic” and
“classical.” Though electronic instruments are used at times, there is a
variety of acoustic or stringed instruments heard in each track ... read more
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Reflections from Prison Ministry & Easter Musical
April 23, 2011
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Love Is Alive
April 13, 2011
It is the
best season of the year to be a follower of Christ. I love Christmas as much as
anyone: the music, lights, family, food, movies, giving and receiving, and cold
weather… it’s so much fun. The message that the Messiah has come to earth is
crucial in the story of redemption. However, it doesn’t compare to the
celebration of what Jesus did for you and me through the death, burial, and
resurrection.
I believe
the church struggles with these two great seasons of the Christian calendar, particularly
the less liturgical denominations (such as the one I am a part). That may s ... read more
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Beautiful Things
April 07, 2011
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Reflections from Music City and the Smokies
March 24, 2011
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Songwriting: Stand Firm
March 16, 2011
Songwriting
has been one of my greatest ambitions since I was in high school. No other
hobby brings me as much joy and frustration at the same time. Some of the songs
I have written were quite horrible, but the idea of writing a song that allows
the church to worship keeps me coming back to the drawing board. One of my
constant prayers is that God will allow me to develop this gift of songwriting.
So I’m working at it, and I’m trying to do my part to grow as a lyricist and
composer.
Last summer
I attended the National Worship Leader Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Apart from e ... read more
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The Christian Atheist
March 08, 2011
Book
Review: The Christian Atheist, by Craig Groeschel
I've never
been much of a reader. I’m not proud of that fact, but it’s definitely been a
reality throughout my life thus far. Cliff’s Notes and Spark Notes helped me
through high school, and then there was the family vacation where a friend and
I had to read “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.” It was apparent to our mothers
that we were not interested in reading on vacation, so our mothers read to us
all the way to San Antonio and back. To be honest, I still don’t know why the caged
bird sings.
It’s even a
running joke w ... read more
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Befriended by the King
March 03, 2011
There are several songs
that speak of friendship with God (hymns and contemporary songs), so this is
not a new concept. It is, however, an incredible concept to grasp. The Creator
of everything, the King and Lord of all, the Beginning and the End… yes, He
desires friendship with His creation. Though I don’t deserve this friendship
(and certainly don’t bring anything of worth to this relationship), He
faithfully and graciously covers my life with love and grace. Is this not an
astonishing mystery? I constantly fail Him, and yet He remains faithful.
My favorite songwriter
for some tim ... read more
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A New Hallelujah
February 24, 2011
It’s been an
interesting week, as “the crud” finally reached our home in Warner Robins.
Fortunately, I was the sole recipient of such sickness at the Kerlin household,
and I was able to voluntarily quarantine myself in the upstairs portion of the
house. The sickness ran it’s course after a day or so, and I was able to make
it to Shirley Hills for rehearsals last night. The choir has been working on
the song “A New Hallelujah” for several weeks, and this song will be the choir’s
call to worship Sunday morning. I thought it would be good to share a few
thoughts about this song, a ... read more
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Out of the Mouth of Babes
February 18, 2011
I haven’t been a father for very long. In fact, my journey
into fatherhood began one month ago today. Happy Birthday, Addie!
So, I’m no expert on being a dad, and I’m certainly not a
prophet. But I’m here to tell you that Addie is fulfilling Scripture day by
day… and even more so night by night.
In Matthew 21, Jesus is conversing with the chief priests
and scribes who are not overjoyed at His following, particularly when the
children began to worship Him in the temple. Jesus refers to Psalm 8 and says,
“Have you never read, ‘Out
of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have p ... read more
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What in the Word?
February 16, 2011
Often times worship is seen as simply a matter of the heart,
so many conclude that one’s actions and speech are not particularly important
in worship. Perhaps this is why so many people in worship at any given church
look like they would rather be at the dentist office. You can almost hear
people say, “Don’t view my actions or expect me to sing… my heart is right with
the Lord.” While I will acknowledge that worship stems from the heart, should
it not overflow into the expression of one’s face, the posture of the
worshiper, and the voice of every believer? Is it possible that we have le ... read more
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The blog begins... Make Music!
February 14, 2011
Make music? Sounds like a strange title for a blog, but it’s
in reference to Ephesians 5:19. This is one of the few references to music or
singing in the New Testament. In this chapter, Paul is giving instruction to
the church, and in a portion of Scripture dealing with BIG issues he
communicates the importance of worship through song. How cool is that?
Interestingly, he doesn’t specify that musicians or singers
alone should make music. The implication is that all believers should “make
music from your heart to the Lord.” What should this “music” or “melody”
consist of? The many Psal ... read more
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