Author

Rich Kirkpatrick

Writer, Speaker, and Musician. Rich Kirkpatrick was recently rated #13 of the “Top 75 Religion Bloggers” by Newsmax.com, having also received recognition by Worship Leader Magazine as “Editor’s Choice” for the “Best of the Best” of blogs in 2011, 2014, 2015 and 2016.

Does modern worship fail by trashing the line between the sacred and secular?

by Rich Kirkpatrick October 7, 2015

written by Rich Kirkpatrick

A few years ago, a young adult very openly expressed his frustration with worship at church. “Rich, why is it that I feel closer to God at a Coldplay concert than I do at church?” This was a stunning admission, because it represented not just his experience but that of many and perhaps spoke to some doubts in my own mind. However, what came from this conversation changed how I viewed worship in church. Worship at church should either be made more like the secular music out there, if that is truly more spiritual. Or, there is something missing in the worship at church that needed to be changed. I tried the first, making relevancy a goal, but I think that hand has been overplayed. So, I am left with the second idea. What is missing?

October 7, 2015 3 comments

Christian Life Church Stuff Worship Leading

Top Ten Ways to Have a Fantastic Worship Experience!

by Rich Kirkpatrick September 24, 2015

written by Rich Kirkpatrick

If you are an avid worshiper of Christ and attend church on a regular basis, you probably already know what a fantastic worship experience is to you, right? Or, maybe you don’t attend church as often as you might because your past worship experiences never hit the mark. Having been to church more than many, I see the gamut and know that even when one person is soaring in their version of a worship service, another may be unaffected. There are many factors that contribute to why there is so much disparity, but I think I found ten reasons that will aid you in your experience of worship. I hope these help you!

September 24, 2015 2 comments

Culture Current Affairs Devotional Religion

People NOT like us: Fighting the demon of differences

by Rich Kirkpatrick September 21, 2015

written by Rich Kirkpatrick

With hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees flooding Europe, our response as a nation has at best been tepid. We have 11 million illegal immigrants in the U.S., but many would rather build walls than talk about how humanely to deal with the small children caught in the political crossfire. This week a 14-year-old geeky student brought a homemade clock to school and was arrested for making a “fake bomb”—four policeman surrounded and handcuffed the confused, slightly built young man. He happened to be Muslim and “looked” the part. Why is it that people not like us bring out our dark side? I believe that fear for our safety seems to trump human dignity. But, should it? Would we put Japanese-Americans in concentration camps if we had it to do all over again?

September 21, 2015 0 comments

Weblogs

10 Years of Blogging! 2005 to 2015

by Rich Kirkpatrick September 17, 2015

written by Rich Kirkpatrick

Back in September of 2005 I officially launched myself as a blogger. They were called “weblogs” in the early millennial days which is why my Twitter handle is still @rkweblog. Ten years of conversations and life later I am now RKblog.com with media recognition as one of the top 75 Religion Bloggers in the nation, listed amongst some very impressive individuals of faith.My wife has taught me the value of birthdays and celebration and for that I am grateful to her! I may even bake a cake tonight, but what I would love is just a simple “hello” to let me know you’ve stopped by. After all, this blog is nothing without the thousands of readers over the years who have endured my progress as a writer and human being.

September 17, 2015 0 comments

Leadership Work

Hey ministry leaders, do you really need to build a platform?

by Rich Kirkpatrick August 28, 2015

written by Rich Kirkpatrick

As I was assisting the unpacking this new church’s first sound system, the young pastor asked me something I thought strange in the moment. “Rich, by now shouldn’t you have a couple books out by now?” The conversation centered around his view that my ministry career should be at a certain level of achievement given my supposed status. He mentioned his path was to start this new church, and as it grew he would write a book, and then there was the platform that was needed in all of that. At that moment, I was in a big church and yet taking time as a friend to help set up audio gear in his large suburban, three-bay garage. His church had not even held its first public service, but his personal platform and achievement was center of what he wanted to talk about.

August 28, 2015 7 comments