Report on the 2008 Worship Leader's Conference in Chicago, IL, entitled "Glorious".
Editor's Note: Sorry it took me so long to get this written...please check out the official conference website http://www.gloriousconference.com/index.php) for FREE MP3's of almost all of the classes, as well as even more photos of the conference. Also, check out the Facebook group "Glorious--2008 Worship Ministry Conference" to re-connect with the friends you made!
We had an absolutely amazing time in Chicago this year! It was incredible to see more than 300 worship leaders, musicians, and technical ministry servants worship, encourage, and grow together at this conference.
God was truly moving and really demonstrated His Power when people get together and decide, regardless of what's happening on the stage, to give their all to worship Him. There were many tears as well as shouts of joy as we all collectively connected with God through music. There were so many incredible worship leaders and musicians who led us that it definitely made it easy!
The conference was kicked off Friday night by the Chicago Worship Team and Dave Eastman giving a great opening speech, "God, All Glorious", where he shared about how we can take our worship more vertical, singing our praises to Him and reflecting His Glory all around us. Then Tony Martin and the East Coast Worship Team led us in some very powerful and inspiring Gospel style worship, and the Witchita Church's worship team, led by Mark Hoyle, ended the night with some heartfelt worship from the Heartland.
Saturday morning was kicked off by the Spokane Christian Church worship band, "The Void Reclaimed" leading us into the presence of God with modern pop/rock worship, and then just trying to get out of the way so the people could have some great time with the Lord. We then broke into some great class sessions where we all could learn how to help better meet the needs of our congregations as well as making new connections with new friends throughout the churches. Kevin Darby then led us in some great moments, by taking songs like "Encourage My Soul" in new heights with a familiar (and wonderful) song. Just him, a piano, and some singers...it was great to connect with God again in new ways. Then Malcom Turner, Brian Craig, and the West Coast Worship Team really kicked things into high gear, leading us through many different music styles and really kicking open the gates of heaven as we sang and continued to worship.
On Saturday and Sunday, we were so blessed to hear Sam Laing call us higher and inspire us about "His Glorious Praise". Personally, I appreciated how he shared about the importance of worship as the "romance" in our relationship with God, and how much we need worship to fuel the passion and how important it is in our walk with Him.
There were so many amazing moments, classes, and times of fellowship throughout the weekend that it's too numerous to mention...but I know was so encouraged by the diversity of worship and music styles as so many shared their hearts either through their gifts whether teaching, music, and leading us in worship.
I think the most impacting thing for me, personally, was seeing all of the different styles demonstrated, and then really seeing God's power and grace demonstrated when the people decide to worship Him with all of their hearts, regardless of what's happening around them. It was so much more important what was happening in the chairs than on the stage, that's where God was really moving...when we all sang and worshipped Him together, in spite of maybe not knowing some of the songs, or small technical issues (there were hardly any), or even being exposed to different worship styles. The people decided to worship with all of their heart, and God moved.
Special thanks to Dave Eastman (also Tina Konieczki and crew), for his incredible vision, heart, hard work, and prayers for what this conference could be. It was very well run and every moment was packed with encouragement and inspiration. I know so many returned back to their home churches inspired, encouraged, and recharged to take the people by the hand into the presense of God, and make His praise truly Glorious!
Fun amateur video of the Spokane Christian Church Band's trip and experience at the conference: