Last week I was in the Sovereign Grace studio with producer Sal Oliveri, recording the vocals for our next project, Psalms, due out at the WorshipGod08 conference in July. I can’t believe we’re already working on another CD when Come Weary Saints just came out.

Any way, it was a long but fulfilling week. Ryan Baird, from the Sovereign Grace church in Pasadena, CA, and part of the band West Coast Revival, sang five songs, and brought his usual blend of passion, strength, and thoughtfulness to each song. He also entertained us at times with his brilliant impersonations. Here’s a sample of Kermit singing part of “Greater Than We Can Imagine,” based on Psalm 145Psalm 145 [145:1]I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. [2]Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. [3]Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. [4]One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. [5]On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. [6]They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness. [7]They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness. [8]The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. [9]The LORD is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made. [10]All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, and all your saints shall bless you! [11]They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power, [12]to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. [13]Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. [The LORD is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.] [14]The LORD upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. [15]The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. [16]You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing. [17]The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works. [18]The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. [19]He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them. [20]The LORD preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. [21]My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.

Another vocalist was Melissa Farmer, from the Sovereign Grace church near Philadelphia, PA. Melissa doesn’t do impersonations, but she has a wonderful voice and is a godly woman. She’s fairly new to recording, but did a brilliant job on the Come Weary Saints CD.

John Reilly, also from the Philly church, participated as well. John has his own band, Reilly, which writes songs that are more performance oriented than congregational.

While it was great to work with all the vocalists, it was a particular joy to record one of my sons, Devon. Lest anyone think this is nepotism (favoring relatives), here’s how Devon ended up as a vocalist. Devon and the Na Band have their own CD, Looked Upon coming out at the end of May. When I played it for Sal, he looked at me and asked, “Why don’t we have Devon sing on this project?” The thought had never crossed my mind, actually. As Devon grew up, he sang pretty badly. I’ll never forget being at a small group meeting and hearing this awful noise coming from behind me. I turned around and saw it was my son, half-heartedly trying to sing songs that I’m not sure he really believed.

Since that time, Devon was graciously converted, and has become a godly man with a passion for leading others in praising the Savior. Oh, and his voice has gotten a lot better, too.

Two things struck me as I worked with the vocalists. First, they’re all in their 20’s (except Melissa, who is 19). I was freshly struck by the kindness of God in allowing me to serve the next generation. Second, three of them are PKs, pastor’s kids. I was also grateful to see three examples of PKs that weren’t of the stereotypical godless and rebellious type. By God’s mercy and grace, we’re watching our children enthusiastically embrace the faith of their parents, as they declare and demonstrate a passion for the Savior.

I recently told some young musicians in our church that I’m living the rest of my life to serve their generation and the following ones. What a joy it was last week to give myself to that task.

Now I’m just keeping my eye out for the guy who’s going to take my place.

8 Comments »

1. dear friends–how we thank our God for you all and the commitment and skill with which you are tackling this new project! we have longed for new tunes for the psalms for a long time, and can’t wait to hear what God is giving us through your efforts. may He receive much praise!

   Comment by susan — May 16, 2008 @ 8:40 am

2. I missed the word “Kermit” in your line above the sample and clicked on it expecting something completely different! I almost fell out of my chair laughing! That’s great. Thanks for the laugh!

   I’m really looking forward to this new album. Thank you for all you do to pour into my generation. I’m grateful.

   Comment by Emily — May 16, 2008 @ 10:53 am

3. Wow! this is an encouragement! Keep up the good work!

   Comment by Gabriel Gagnon — May 16, 2008 @ 1:08 pm

4. Bob,
   I want to thank you for Come Weary Saints. My Mom died this week and I have been listening to the album over and over. What a comfort the words are to my soul. The last song that you arranged and altered is especially encouraging (It is not Death to Die). I’m so thankful Mom is with our Lord and is not suffering physically anymore. This is the first time I’ve known her that she is pain free! The arms of Jesus are a wonderful place to be. Thanks again, Paul Hayes

   Comment by Paul Hayes — May 18, 2008 @ 1:19 am

5. Paul,

   So sorry to hear about your mom, but so glad she’s with the Savior. Also, I’m grateful that Come Weary Saints has been an encouragement to you.

   Comment by Bob Kauflin — May 18, 2008 @ 8:23 am

6. Wow. Kermit embraces Sovereign Grace music. Fantastic.

   (Thanks for the laughs!!)

   Comment by Nicole McLernon — May 29, 2008 @ 10:02 am

7. Bob,
   This was very encouraging for me. I attended Na last year and this year (just last weekend) and I think Devon is a wonderful worship leader.

   This was encouraging because I started playing guitar at age 14. I didn’t start leading worship until I was 26. When I started doing I felt so inadequate. I was a good guitar player, but struggled at singing (mostly with remembering melodies and starting on the right pitch). And to make matters worse my worship team consisted of some gifted singers. I felt like a fish outta water.

   I am now 29. I have been doing it every Sunday for 3 years. My voice has gotten stronger and singing is very natural for me. Leading worship has become a great joy and privilege to me. I am so thankful the Lord has called me and groomed me for this precious task.

   So what you said about Devon’s singing being once poor but now better was encouraging to me, b/c I think he sings great and his passion is undeniable. I pray that the Lord’s will is that I continue to grow in this respect in the same way that Devon has obviously grown. The songwriting on Lu are great as well.

   You have many reasons to be a very proud father, Bob!

   Comment by Josh H. — May 31, 2008 @ 1:21 am

8. Hi Bob,

   Several things I want to say. First, I didn’t get a chance to speak with you at WG08, but I want you to know how special the time was to me. Not only was I blessed by the practicality of the seminars and the great teaching in the general sessions, but the times of singing were especially sweet and refreshing. Thank you for all your prayer and devotion and hard work.

   Secondly, I have to tell you that the Psalms CD is just phenomenal. I’ve been listening to it pretty much nonstop since the conference, and it just seems to get better and better. The songs direct my attention to our Lord, encourage me when I’m discouraged, and give me a vehicle to express faith and joy and trust. This may be my favorite Sovereign Grace CD overall.

   Thirdly, as one parent to another - your boy Devon, on the Psalms CD, just about breaks my heart with his singing of Blessed Is the One. Please tell him thank you. Of all the great songs on that CD, that one in particular stands out to me because of his tender and passionate performance.

   I hope you are getting rested up after the conference and the CD and everything else you do. I thank God for how he is using you and the other folks at Sovereign Grace.

   A Friend from the Other Side of the Beltway,
   Lindele Elliott

   Comment by Lindele — August 30, 2008 @ 8:55 pm

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