Arts Blog : Free Downloads

The Call of the Worship Leader

Pam Howell — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 16:25:00 GMT

In this 70 minute recording Jason Hatley , the Pastor of Worship Arts at The Journey Church in New York, NY spends time answering these questions and more. We hope you find this helpful as you continue in your service to God. If you are interested in...(read more)

FREE DOWNLOAD - Have You Died Yet?

Pam Howell — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 18:32:00 GMT

It is easy to be focused on bearing fruit. For the artist and teacher serving in the local church, we are focused on bearing fruit every weekend. Our time easily becomes consumed with creating messages and art, meetings and rehearsals. It isn’t unusual...(read more)

FREE DOWNLOAD - LOOKING FOR GOD - JELL-O

Pam Howell — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:00:00 GMT

Sometimes when I am giving a talk, I ask people to look quickly at the person on their left, then the person on their right. I say, "Do either of those people look anything like you?" Of course the answer is no. "Then why," I ask,...(read more)

FREE DOWNLOAD - Dangerous Women Creed

Pam Howell — Mon, 05 May 2008 18:47:00 GMT

A few weeks back I asked you to do some virtual brainstorming for mother’s day. Someone from the Willow team reminded me of a service element that was used a few years ago, the Dangerous Women Creed. The creed, written by author Lynne Hybels, was used as the closing prayer for the service. Here is the beginning of the prayer … Dear God, please make us dangerous women. May we be women who acknowledge our power to change, and grow, and be radically alive for God. May we be healers of wounds and righters of wrongs. May we weep with those who weep and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. May we cherish children, embrace the elderly, and empower the poor. If you would like to see the whole prayer click here. Lynne Hybels grew up in southwestern Michigan, but after graduating from college in 1973 she moved to the Chicago area. In 1974 she married a youth pastor, Bill Hybels, and in 1975 they started Willow Creek Community Church in a rented movie theatre in Palatine, Illinois. Despite intending to become a social worker, Lynne was pleased to start a church instead, convinced that God has given the local church a clear mandate to address the needs of “the whole person in the whole world.” For years she has been involved with Willow’s ministry partnerships in under-resourced communities in Latin America and in Africa. Writing has been a means for her to honor her love of words and solitary hours, as well as an avenue of activism. She is the author of Nice Girls Don’t Change the World, and coauthor of Rediscovering Church and Fit to be Tied. She most recently collaborated with the Willow Creek Association to develop Hope and Action – a DVD and participants guide that helps churches and small groups begin to address the AIDS pandemic. Bill and Lynne have two adult children, Todd and Shauna, one son-in-law, Aaron Niequist, and one grandbaby extraordinaire, Henry. You might enjoy some other articles by Lynne Hybels, especially these articles about moms: Reframing: A Mother's Day Gift, A Note to Young Moms, and Mothers and Sons Letting Go.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Changed

Pam Howell — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 17:57:00 GMT

I have been blessed, now I want to be a blessing I have been loved, now I want to bring love I’ve been invited, I want to share the invitation I have been changed, to bring change

What I like about the song Changed is it expresses who we are and how we want to live. It engages both our hearts and minds, reminding us of God’s gift of grace and redemption. I am grateful to worship leader, composer and all around good guy, Aaron Niequist for sharing this worship song with us. His new CD Broken Fists was recently released and worth checking out. It is filled with thoughts, emotions and declarations we long to express to our Creator, our Savior and Lord. I hope you enjoy this new song. Click here to get this week’s free download. Aaron Niequist Aaron is a worship leader and songwriter. He lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his wife Shauna and their impossibly chubby 17 month old son Henry. After leading worship in the student ministries of Willow Creek for five years, and at Mars Hill Bible Church for four and half years, he is now leading worship at churches around the country and looking for his next adventure.

FREE DOWNLOAD - The Worshiping Artist

Pam Howell — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 02:08:00 GMT

As we meet with artists and leaders we frequently hear them ask for direction in how to build a strong foundation of faith and a solid relationship with Christ. Artists serving in the local church want to know how to grow as personal worshipers of God. It is all too easy for us to focus on deadlines, rehearsal and services. It is all to frequent for worship to be something we do for a few hours of week and not how we live. We want to give you a resource that would help you and your teams grow as personal worshipers. We are thrilled that Rory Noland and Zondervan agreed to share Chapter One of The Worshiping Artist. This is a fantastic spiritual formation tool, written with the artist in mind. Click here to get this week’s free download. To learn more about this resource visit ServiceBuilder. Rory Noland is the director of Heart of the Artist Ministries, an organization dedicated to serving artists in the church. Rory is the author of The Heart of the Artist: a Character-Building Guide for You and Your Ministry Team, Thriving as an Artist in the Church: Hope and Help for You and Your Ministry Team, and his latest book The Worshiping Artist: Equipping You and Your Ministry Team to Lead Others in Worship all published by Zondervan. Rory leads worship for the Transforming Center, a ministry that cares for the souls of pastors, and he also serves as Pastor of Worship at Harvest Bible Chapel in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. Rory will be one of our teachers at ARISE, this year’s arts conference. He will be presenting the following breakouts for artists and leaders: Building and Leading a Music Ministry, How to Prepare Spiritually to Lead Others in Worship, and Navigating Current Trends and Controversies in Worship.

FREE DOWNLOAD: First Five

Pam Howell — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 21:11:00 GMT

“Who is in your 5?” Though this question generally refers to the people in your life you are most connected with, those you most desire to be with and those who bring you the most pleasure, this drama is asking the question in the context of Christ calling us to love all people. The scene is set for a dinner party and the main character struggles with the questions, "Who are the first five people you do not want to your table? What if they were the first five to the table?” She is faced with inviting those who she finds challenging, difficult and different. She wrestles with Christ’s call to love like He loved. She is challenged to live out her faith. This drama provokes people to think about how they love and do they want to be different.

Click here to get this week’s free download. To learn more about this resource visit ServiceBuilder.

CORRECTION FROM JANUARY’S EQ[U]IP

Pam Howell — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:30:00 GMT

We apologize! The link we posted in January’s EQ[U]IP for Foster’s song Love Justice didn’t give you the song for free. So, here is the link you want, Sorry for the inconvenience.

Free Download: Love Justice

Pam Howell — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 15:00:00 GMT

He has shown all you people what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 TNIV About a month ago at a Sunday morning service I heard a great new worship song. Matt Lundgren, worship leader at Willow Creek taught us Love Justice. The song not only engaged me musically but moved my head and my heart. It called me to self-examination and it called me to want to live more aware of the world God has placed me in. After the service I asked Matt to tell me about the song. Love Justice was written by Brian Wu and Matt Lundgren. They are half of Foster, a new group of worship leaders. Stephen Kelly, Thomas Egler and a diverse network of other worship leaders round out this group of gifted and Spirit led artists. They have a desire to awaken the church to compassion, mercy and justice. Love Justice is just one example of how they hope to inspire people to be agents of social change. Foster aspires to be bridge builders in areas of culture and racial division. Their music reflects this aspiration in the multi-cultural approach of their EP, A World that Barely Breathes. They hope to inspire people to broaden their worship language. To increase their God vocabulary. And to inspire us to not just engage in a moment of worship but to live our lives as worship. I hope you will download this song and check out Foster. If you want you can get more of their music at

Free Download: Unaverage Joe drama script

Pam Howell — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 18:53:00 GMT

We have seen all through Scripture that following God doesn’t always lead us down the prescribed path. His way often contradicts the predictable choice. His love is contrary to popular belief. Joseph’s story is no different. Faced with loss of honor and so much more, he responds to God’s calls with courage, devotion and love. Unaverage Joe gives us a glimpse into a pivotal moment in Joseph’s life, as he tries to explain his decision to marry his betrothed, despite her being pregnant. We love this script. We love that in the midst of humor we are reminded that God calls us to follow Him … to trust Him … and to love Him with our whole lives. Click here to receive this free resource. To learn more about this resource visit ServiceBuilder.

Free Download: A Reason to be Thankful

Pam Howell — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 20:22:00 GMT

Chasing Francis by Ian Morgan Cron As we reflect on the many blessing in our lives … of course being artists we are thankful for art – the songs, images, and stories that God brings into our lives. We are thankful for how they move and inspire us to see life in a new way, to love God and the people He puts in our lives … to live life. Chasing Francis moved us to experience all those things and more. Ian Morgan Cron has done an exceptional job creating a story that stirs our souls, challenges our minds and touches our hearts. We have been recommending Ian’s story for months to friends. So we are so excited that we can do more than just tell you about a great story, we can give you a glimpse into Chasing Francis. Ian and NavPress have graciously agreed to share the beginning of Chasing Francis with you. Just click here to download the first 37 pages of the story. In addition to hearing what you think of Chasing Francis, we would love to know what works of art God has blessed you with this year. An ordained Anglican priest, Ian Morgan Cron serves as senior pastor and founder of Trinity Church in Greenwich, CT, a non-denominational community committed to social justice as well as to communicating the Christian story through the arts. To introduce others to St. Francis, whom Cron has billed the “consummate postmodern saint,” he authored Chasing Francis: A Pilgrim’s Tale (September 2007, NavPress). Cron’s literary debut has received praise from a host of both Catholic and Protestant thinkers including Brian McLaren, artist Makoto Fujimura, Friar Richard Rohr, Tony Campolo and Brennan Manning. Ian lives in Old Greenwich, CT with his wife Anne and three children Cailey, Madeleine, and Aidan.

Free Download: What does love have to do with it?

Pam Howell — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 17:51:00 GMT

In the Name of Love: Creating a Safe Place for Artists Ross Parsley Let us love one another, for love comes from God. I John 4: 7 What does love have to do with an arts ministry? When that ministry exists to serve Jesus Christ, who called His followers to love one another, love should be our hallmark. Yet, we all know that love isn’t often the predominant characteristic of our teams, nor is it the experience of many artists in the church. Are you interested in building a ministry culture founded on love? If so, Ross Parsley will lead you through I John 3 and 4 to paint a picture of how to build a culture of love that can deeply impact your ministry. This teaching focuses on many important truths, including how loving people makes our art better. Ross will also discuss ways that love can be demonstrated and measured in our arts ministry, and how a culture of love can be fleshed out in auditions, evaluations, and more. Click here to get this week’s free download. Where does love make a difference in your ministry? Ross Parsley currently serves as Worship Pastor of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He is the founder and president of the New Life School of Worship, committed to training and equipping young men and women to lead worship in local churches. Ross has been leading and teaching on worship for over 20 years and is the worship leader on several Integrity Music recordings including "My Savior Lives" and "I Am Free". Ross demonstrates his philosophy of the generations working and worshipping together by harnessing a team of leaders and songwriters at New Life whose songs have quickly become worship favorites in churches around the world.

Free Download: A Welcome Thing Drama Script

Pam Howell — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 18:15:00 GMT

It’s not unusual. We’ve all done it. When faced with a tough situation, we look for a conventional response or for someone else to step in. There are usually a myriad of reasons why we wouldn’t think we are a part of the solution. Our lives are full. There must be someone else more qualified. And it wouldn’t look right. This drama gives us a glimpse into one of those tough situations and how two people step in to make a difference. Ron and Paul decide that God has asked them to step out of their comfort zone and to not worry about appearances. God is asking them to be His hands and feet to someone in need. He is asking them to share what they have. He is asking them to have courage to be the answer. We think this drama has the potential to open our eyes and hopefully our hearts to how we might be part of the solution. Click here to receive this free resource. To learn more about this resource visit ServiceBuilder. Let us know what you think!

Free Download: Let Go and Open Up- Drama Script

Pam Howell — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 15:05:00 GMT

Trust. It isn’t easy. We’ve all been let down by someone. Some of us have been wounded. Some of us carry the pain and disappoint for many, many years. So then when it comes to our relationship with God … it’s hard. We’ve heard He’s faithful. We are told He is near. We are taught He listens … He wants us to talk with Him … to pray. For some this may come easy but for others they have a lot of past to get over. It isn’t easy to put their trust in God. I like this script because I think it shows someone’s real struggle with trusting God. It shows their desire to want to give everything over but not having confidence in the process. Jen, the main character is so tired of the way her life is, but she's afraid of letting go and being let down. Again. We offer this script for two reasons. First and most importantly we want to remind you of the people in your church, on your team, in your neighborhood and maybe in your family who are in the same place as Jen. God calls us to bring truth and encouragement to the broken. We can do that with our lives. With our art. Second, we want to give you this script as a resource. You might be able to use it in a service or as an idea. We hope it feeds and touches the creative part in you. Click here to get this week’s free download. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3: 5, 6 To learn more about this resource and to watch a preview of this drama visit ServiceBuilder.

Free Download: Integrity

Pam Howell — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 15:25:00 GMT

Integrity: What It Is and Why It Matters Nancy Beach, Henry Cloud and Bill Hybels Integrity. It is a significant and weighty word. We don’t use it casually and unfortunately it doesn’t seem to be used often enough when describing leaders. Why? What does the word really mean? How do we cultivate it in ourselves and the communities we lead? As you begin a new ministry season, approach new challenges and new opportunities, we would encourage you to take time out of your full schedules to listen to a message that will remind you, encourage you and teach you about the significance that integrity plays in your lives and your ministry. Are we, the church, doing a good job in demonstrating integrity? Click here to get this week’s free download Part 1 Click here for Part 2 Nancy Beach is executive vice-president of programming and production for the Willow Creek Association and a teaching pastor of Willow Creek Community Church. A champion for the arts and artists in the church, she is the author of An Hour on Sunday: Creating Moments of Transformation and Wonder. Nancy holds a master’s degree in communications from Wheaton College. Dr. Henry Cloud is co-founder of Cloud-Townsend Clinic and president of Cloud-Townsend Resources. He is a popular speaker and co-host of the nationally broadcast New Life Live! radio program. He has written or co-written nineteen books, including Boundaries, It's Not My Fault: The No-Excuse Plan for Overcoming Life's Obstacles, God Will Make a Way: What to Do When You Don't Know What to Do, and Nine Things You Simply Must Do: To Succeed in Love and Life. His most recent books are How to Get a Date Worth Keeping and Integrity. In his consulting practice, he works with leaders of organizations and corporations, from family-held firms to Fortune 25 companies and non-profit organizations. With his extensive executive coaching background and experience as an organizational and leadership consultant, he speaks regularly at corporate and leadership events held across the United States and internationally. He is a graduate of Southern Methodist University, having earned a BS in psychology. He completed his PhD in clinical psychology at Biola University. Bill Hybels, founding and senior pastor of Willow Creek, is well-known for his relevant and insightful Bible-based teaching. He is the author of 20 books, including Just Walk Across the Room, Rediscovering Church and Fit to Be Tied (both co-authored with his wife Lynne), Too Busy Not to Pray, Becoming a Contagious Christian (with Mark Mittelberg), and The God You're Looking For. He is chairman of the Willow Creek Association's board of directors. Bill received a bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies and an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Trinity College. Link to pt 2 of this message – Defining Moments: Integrity: Cultivating Character – this is on the WCA site too. Click here for Henry Cloud's Book, Integrity: The Courage to Meet the Demands of Reality