WorshipGod06 Conference – You’re Invited

It’s a funny thing coming back from India…My body still thinks I’m taking a nap when I go to sleep at night, so I wake up every two hours thinking it’s time to get up. I’m sure I’ll adjust eventually…

There are many things I’m looking forward to discussing on the blog in the coming months, but at this point I wanted to make you aware of an event we’ll be hosting August 9-12 , 2006 here in Gaithersburg, Maryland. We’re calling it the WorshipGod06 Conference: The Glory of His Presence. It’s our fourth bi-annual conference related to the topic of music and biblical worship. This year the main messages will focus on the topic of God’s presence.

In Scripture God is described as being present everywhere (Ps. 139:-7-8), and yet we are also encouraged to seek His presence continually (Ps. 105:4). Most Christians would acknowledge that there are times God "seems" more present than others, and yet pursuing a "feeling" of God’s presence can lead down some fruitless and potentially dangerous paths. At the conference we’ll seek to gain a more biblical perspective on God’s presence, and understand how to both celebrate and pursue God’s active presence when we meet. Most of the speakers will be Sovereign Grace pastors, with the exception of Randy Alcorn of Eternal Perspective Ministries, who will be addressing the issue of how anticipating God’s presence in heaven should affect our lives now.

We’ll also be joined by Keith and Kristyn Getty, who will be working primarily with songwriters and particpating in the musical leadership. Last October we had Keith and Kristyn (along with Stuart Townend) in for an evening concert. I was both inspired and challenged by their desire to write theologically rich songs that help the church grow in a love for our Savior. Keith has co-written a number of songs with Kristyn, and also with Stuart Townend. Probably their best known collaboration is In Christ Alone.

While the conference is intended for those who serve in pastoral and musical leadership in the church, anyone who wants to deepen their knowledge of and love for God will benefit. More information can be found at the WorshipGod06 website. I’d be delighted to meet some of you there.