The Group Life Conference started today. I have the privilege of serving on the creative team for this conference, so I get to sit in on all the sessions.
We had rich times of worship. Joel Johns is our worship leader for the conference, worship leader from Willow McHenry. He crafted beautiful worship moments - the team disappeared & we were in the presence of the Holy God. The last session of the day opened with the Crowder song, Come and Listen. The song is based on Psalm 66 ... Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works in man's behalf! Praise our God, O peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard; he has kept our feet from slipping. Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me. Crowder says, "I believe that corporate worship is rooted in response; responding to who God is and what He has done and what He will do. The music that follows this invitation is rooted in response to the story of God." It was just an awesome experience to be singing the songs & remembering the stories we heard throughout the day about how God is redeeming lives.
We heard from John Burke during the first session. John Burke serves as lead pastor at Gateway Community Church in Austin, Texas, a congregation dedicated to helping unchurched people become a unified community of growing Christ-followers, no matter what their background or past. He taught from his new book, Soul Revolution: How Imperfect People Become All God Intended. John told story after story of how God is working in amazing ways in their community. The idea is people are choosing to seek out God and stay connected. The people of Gateway are engaging in a simple experiment of faith. Check out the site to learn more and hear some of the stories.
In session two we heard from Mark Batterson and Heather Zempel. Mark Batterson serves as lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, DC. Heather is the discipleship pastor at National Community Church in Washington. Fantastic contributors. This was the first time I heard Heather, she rocked! Their content reached beyond small groups. There was much to benefit and apply to leading our arts teams and to creating services. One challenge they left the group with, "If you want to impact someone's life, love them when they least expect it and least deserve it."
The last message of the day was delivered by Will Miller, an ordained minister, a hospital and police chaplain, and a psychotherapist. He has worked in community mental health centers and drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs. Will has served as a spokesman for the National Institute of Mental Health. He is one of the country's foremost media and popular culture analysts, and has been profiled on NBC's Dateline and in People Magazine. Will's latest book Refrigerator Rights, looks at the combined impact of cultural issues on community and the emotional well-being of people. If you are looking to understand your congregation or your artists check this session out and check out the book.
I am thankful for a day I get to serve and grateful I for what I was able to learn.