1. How would you define Biblical worship?

Worship that is shaped by the narratives that describe corporate worship and the texts that clearly give directions and definitons of God honoring worship. e.g Ex 24, 1 Chronicles 16, book of psalms, Acts 2; 1 Corinthians 11, Book of Revelation, etc.

2. Does Redeemer Indy follow a specific liturgy or pattern for worship each Sunday? And if so, how do you select songs for worship to fit that pattern?

Redeemer follows a general pattern for liturgy, although it is modified throughout the year to emphasize different things. Songs are picked a couple of different ways. They are picked to reflect the church season we are in (advent, xmas, lent, Easter, Pentecost, etc), they are picked to reflect and reinforce themes in the preaching, and they are picked according to the place they hold in the liturgy (first hymn of praise vs. a reflective meditative song during Lord’s Supper).

3. Does the culture of Indianapolis play a role in the music ministry at Redeemer? And if so, how ?

We try very hard to have an ‘indigenous’ sound. This is done by incorporating a broad range of musicians from Indianapolis who reflect different musical cultures. We have musicians who play the saw, washboard, and banjo, and players from the Symphony. We also write a lot of our own music that seeks to reflect the Gospel in way that connects with our particular congregation.

4. If a young musician felt called to become a lead worshiper for their church, what advice would you give them to help in their preparation and education ?

We have a worship internship program that takes a young musician through a 3, 6, 12 month intensive training to deepen their understanding and skills and help define their calling.

5. Redeemer Indy has begun multi-site church planting. What role and responsibilities do you have in recruiting and developing worship leaders and bands to send to these sites ?

All of the above! It is my joy to both raise up indigenous musicians and also seek to bring in worship leaders from other places who might be agood fit for a church plant here. They get trained in the values and vision of the site, they get resources and the ability to craft site-specific materials, and a weekly staff meeting for training, encouragement, and fellowship.

6. How important is personal preparation and worship before coming before God’s people and leading them in song and prayer ?

I’ve heard it really helps! A good friend and Worship Director at Naperville Pres (Chicago Area) humbles me every time I try to get him to do something on a Saturday night. This man gives that night solely to the Lord in preparation to lead worship on Sunday morning.

I always try to lead the music team in small time of devotion and prayer on Sunday’s mornings to re-awaken the glory of God to them.

7. Worship is sometimes a contentious subject in the church, what key factors from a leadership perspective have helped the elders and congregation of Redeemer get beyond this ?

I attended seminary after college to pursue a pastoral degree (M.Div). This has given me a very unique ability to interact with the elders and the congregation in a meaningful dialogue. At this point I am a Ruling Elder for Redeemer and I have a passion to help worship directors foster healthy productive relatonships with their pastors, sessions and congregations.

8. You’ve been doing this for a number of years now. If you could go back to the beginning of your ministry, what thing(s) would you do differently ?

Pay more attention in composition class! Have a better realization of the many facets of a worship leadership position. You have to juggle so many roles/balls.

9. Favorite book(s) on worship? (And for the geeks who are reading?) Favorite piece of gear you use ?

Books:

Harold Best “Music through the Eyes of Faith”

John Witvliet “Worship Seeking Understanding”

Ross Miller “John Calvin and the Reformation of Church Music in the 16 ^th Century

Gear:

Edirol R-9 – I love this thing. I record everything now: rehearsals, jam sessions, songwriting ideas.

10. Lastly, if someone is visiting Indianapolis, where is the best place to get a coffee and/or beer ?

Coffee – Hubbard’s and Cravens in Broad Ripple

Beer – tie between McNivens Scottish Pub downtown and The Red Key in South Broad Ripple

Bruce also directs Cardiphonia Music, which is the artistic hub of Redeemer Indy and is a member of a collaborative effort between like-minded lead worshipers called Liturgy Fellowship. His most recent CD, Mid' all the Traffic, is excellent. You can find it at the Cardiphonia Music site, itunes or CDbaby.