As I said in post 5/7 The Kingdom Strikes Back, it was often said by his friends that Godfrey Birtill was writing the soundtrack to the present season – from 1997 through into the twenty-first century. I love music. As a teenager I had my clear preferences, but then with age and broader friendships I became far more eclectic. I’m part of a generation that has memories marked by music - and I love it!
For most of my church-based ministry I’ve also been a worship leader. In earlier posts in this season I’ve shared at length about my flaws, strengths and quirky-ness in this ministry. Along my entire charismatic journey, from conversation to the present day, I listened to worship albums, many of which influenced, shaped and matured me through anointed worship leaders.
So, here's my Charismatic life’s soundtrack. What does your soundtrack sound like? But be careful now, will your soundtrack reflect the work of the Spirit and those life-changing encounters along the way, or just more personal and traditional preferences?
2/7 Wildwall, Malcolm & Alwyn (1974)
I gave my heart to Jesus on July 18th, 1976, during that summer I had access to this recording on cassette tape. I seemed to play it endlessly. It took me almost 12 months to find a regular church to attend, after two very different but both highly disappointing experiences. Prior to that, Wildwall was the soundtrack to my discipleship. And therefore, most local churches fell short of providing the same energy, simplicity and honesty these songs had in feeding my new life in Christ. Amazingly, the second track, I Love You More Today Than Yesterday, is really just a love song. There’s no mention of Jesus. But as an emotionally-suppressed thirteen year-old, with a three=-week-old conversion testimony, I knew without a shadow of doubt, that song spoke about my relationship with Jesus. Amazing? Or a miracle? It would be years before I found true emotional freedom and healing for my human relationships, yet from the get-go, God made me a lover and a worshipper. Amen.
The 1974 recording is probably dated for some tastes, yet I still listen to these songs regularly. Highly highly recommended – have a go and see how you get on.
3/7 Just Like You Promised appears on Come, Holy Spirit, Vineyard Music (1982)
Apologies, though the song, Just Like You Promised, is ringing in my ears, the album of that same title doesn't contain the title track. Go figure? The album is in fact – Come, Holy Spirit.
This is an absolute classic! These songs show the third wave journey of intimacy in corporate worship. It wasn't every charismatic's cup-of-tea. I think the struggle some people had with this new approach (in language at least) is why so-called charismatic churches are empty of power and fruitfulness even to this day. John 15 is clear! Our fruit is directly linked to our connection/intimacy with Jesus, the True Vine, and Father God the gardener. To unpack this would need a sermon series or an entire small book, but because the church failed to recognise this 'season change', I believe we ended up with all the right stage equipment, and even the right script - but as actors today sometimes ask, we failed to understand our motivation. That is, to remain in Him (John 15:4), to encounter the Father's love lavished upon us (1 John 3:1), His love for us... both the motivation (John 3:16) and reward (Hebrews 12:2) of the Cross.
The album is probably very dated now in its arrangements and production. But if you can rise above that, and grasp the simplicity of these songs, you'll discover the ground-breaking spirituality they convey. We're no longer shouting at God from a distance eternal truths hoping He'll hear us - He's now here with us in the same room! Simplicity is key, almost all early Vineyard songs were designed to be played by one individual with a guitar, often in small group settings. Rise above the arrangements, and tune into the honesty of the worship... Come, Holy Spirit , I Just Want to Praise You, and Hold Me Lord.
4/7 Even So Come, Kevin Prosch (1991)
For a decade Vineyard music had been releasing a new worship album every quarter. But with the rise of prophetic worship, came the growing need to only record live worship events. Here was Kevin Prosch’s first solo live recording. I listened to this endlessly in my car. I was in a particular season of needing to drive weekly between Gloucestershire and Greater London. Plenty of time to play this over and over again at great volume. With the passing of time, this may no longer come across as earth-shattering as it sounded back in 1991, but nevertheless its influence on me, shaped my entire approach to worship from that day until now! A selection at be found here, Even so, Come.
5/7 Outrageous Grace, Godfrey Birtill (2000)
This is probably the song and the album that gave Godfrey his first initial breakthrough. Though, personally, I loved his earlier material and albums. They aren’t your straightforward ‘Jesus I love You’ songs, they carry both, simple adoration with deep intimacy, and also serious intercession, often using Old Testament and Celtic imagery – definitely the soundtrack of the season. The link to the album image and title is actually to a song called, Lord Turn Your Footsteps, a stunning and beautiful example of the anointing Godfrey was carrying, not only for worship but for prophetic intercession! A much earlier recording Wild Fire says it all. Enjoy.
6/7 Live From New York, Jesus Culture and Martin Smith (2012)
Ouch! First, I need to say, I was amazed to discover this album is over 10 years-old! There have been plenty great 'songs' written in recent years, and plenty good executions (interpretations) of those songs - You Tube still provides a window into some great anointed worship leaders. I apologise for not referencing a more recent album - or does that simply reflect something of my Charismata VI concerns?
Though I am concerned about the majority of so-called charismatic churches, there are without doubt pioneers and faithful worship warriors spearheading true Charismata in their music-based praise. This live recording brings together the fairly new worshippers (2012...!?) with a now very middle-aged worshipper. These songs are presented with such beauty and undeniably infused with the Spirit of God. When I first heard Martin Smith lead us in the song Song of Solomon (at a conference in Harrogate, UK) I received an extensive 'open heaven' vision and an extended prophetic narrative which still shapes and challenges me to this day! That's the power of true charismata !!
Finally, yet essential listening | Jeremiah 29:11, Henry Kent (1994)
I came to this one late. Bit like this present list, as I staple this on at the end. It was recommended to me by a friend, and I eventually found a copy in a bargain bin of a rather shoddy Christian Bookshop.
It's amazing! I never knew such a live album existed.
I love this recording for many reasons. It actually contains a 'ministry time' within the mix, and the closing song is introduced with some reluctance, but is then presented as an act of intercession. Though, one of the things I most like (as it makes me chuckle), this is an exercise in spontaneous and prophetic worship, so much so that the CD track ordering fails to accurately reflect the actual album’s contents. Now that’s what I call, extempore worship!
This is a must listen to, for anyone seriously pushing into anointed worship leading. You won't find any new songs here to use, but you might learn how to bring God's new songs to others.
Postscript
I hope you’ve enjoy my bias and very autobiographical journey of over 40 years of personal Charismata, and over 100 years of its history.
Please share the links to my blogs with others, perhaps those you think will either enjoy them, or perhaps you feel need to read them. May they be of encouragement. If I have been unnecessarily critical, then put it down to unguarded passion. My heart in this is true and clear – I long to see Christ’s church function in the full measure of His promised Holy Spirit; so full of the Spirit we can start to envision that which we can hardly imagine. Amen.
God bless you all,
Simon
November, 2023.
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