Welcome to WorshipGod11: The Gathering
In his book, Christ-Centered Worship, Bryan Chapell says, “Where the gospel is honored, it shapes worship.” That statement has proven true for as long as Christians have been meeting. Every meeting tells a story, and the story we’re supposed to be telling is clear. We gather to rehearse, celebrate, and respond to the gospel of the crucified and risen Savior, Jesus Christ.
Discovering what it means to build our meetings around the gospel was our focus at WorshipGod11: The Gathering, Aug. 10-13, 2011. Here’s a list of the main sessions, which can be downloaded from the Sovereign Grace Ministries site.
Wed. PM – Gathering to Behold – Ray Ortlund, Jr.
Thurs. AM – Gathering to Rehearse (the Gospel) – Bryan Chapell
Thurs. PM – Gathering to Hear – Thabiti Anyabwile
Fri. AM – Gathering to Edify – Bob Kauflin
Fri. PM – Live album recording
Sat. AM – Gathering to Commission – Craig Cabaniss
Our musical guests were Enfield and a band from Sojourn Community Church in Louisville, KY. Both groups are not only amazing musicians but demonstrate a commitment to exalting Christ in their songs and lives.
On Friday night we participated in a live recording, a first for a WorshipGod conference. “The Gathering” features new songs designed for a gospel-centered liturgy that can be used in other contexts as well. You can learn more about the project here.
We offered 40 seminars at WorshipGod11. You can download them all for free here. Topics included intermediate and advanced instrumental tracks, the benefits and limits of creativity, simplifying your spiritual life, improving your vocals, organizing your team, teaching children to worship Christ, songwriting, tech applications, and much more. This year we also offered a Spanish seminar track and a pre-conference intensive for pianists. You can watch videos of that class here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 (coming soon).
Whether the size of your church is less than 50 or more than 5000, you’ll find plenty to benefit from a WorshipGod conference. Along with biblical preaching, passionate singing, and rich fellowship, attendees also enjoy a well-stocked bookstore, free lunches on-site, and lots of give-aways. Best of all, you have the opportunity to meet and get to know like-minded Christians from hundreds of churches who share your passion for glorifying the Savior and serving his church.
The tentative dates for WorshipGod13 are July 31-Aug. 3, 2013, with a location as yet undetermined. Keep an eye on my blog for updates. Hope to see you there!
Bob Kauflin
Sovereign Grace Ministries
Worship Matters
Twitter: bkauflin