Our church is hosting the National Worship Leader's Conference in 2009 & 2010, so a group of us were able to come to this year's conference (which is in Austin, TX) to check out how they do things and get an idea of what they are expecting.
One of the great things about worship conferences is that when you get a room full of worship leaders & pastors together, the energy and passion is overwhelming. Check out this quick video of everyone singing:
It's humbling being around so many talented artists and musicians. Last night, Mike Collins & I sat in on the production meeting prior to the evening worship. We were surrounded by people like Paul Baloche, Lincoln Brewster, Kathryn Scott, Don Moen, Chris Tomlin as well as the musicians that play with these artists. And as we gathered in prayer, the primary purpose was for these artists & celebrities to come together as one to serve the 2,000+ worship leaders and pastors by leading them in a time of worship where they did not have to 'work' or be 'on', but be instead be freed to wholly and fully worship God. I wonder how often do we as leaders in the church take time to do this. Take time away from ministering to others and allow ourselves to be ministered to.
I sometimes think that I am an exception. I can do double duty - working while I worship. and although there may be some truth in that, I find myself constantly evaluating, constantly analyzing. Be it the worship gathering, a program, a process, or anything dealing with the church. When do I allow myself to stop critiquing and let myself just be.
"Be still and know I am God" wrote the psalmist. Why is that so difficult to do?
