Last year we were thrilled to have our first WorshipGod UK conference in Bath, Called to be Faithful, hosted by Nathan Smith and Grace Church Bristol. It was a joy to link arms with other UK churches and ministries that are pursuing theologically informed, gospel-driven, Spirit-empowered singing in local congregations. Attendees came from more than 10 different countries and over 100 churches to learn, fellowship, sing, pray, and encourage one another.
In response to many requests, WorshipGod UK is coming back to the Bath Forum, 7th-9th May, 2015. The theme will be Gathering Around the Gospel. When the church meets, there are a hundred things we can focus on or be distracted by. Political issues. Personal preferences. Making people feel good. Drawing crowds.
But there is nothing more crucial for us to do than rehearse, expound, and revel in than the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the power of God and of first importance (Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor. 15:3-4). When our vision for what we’re called to do is clear, there are no ordinary Sundays. Every week is an opportunity to deepen our relationships with God and his people through the gospel.
WorshipGod UK is a partnership between Sovereign Grace UK, Grace Church Bristol, and Sovereign Grace Music. But we’re excited about the relationships that have formed and deepened since our first conference. Our guests this year include Kevin DeYoung, Mike Reeves, Tim Chester, Jeff Purswell, Dave Gobbett, Rick Gamache, Matt Searles, Simon Brading, Christian Wegert, and Devon Kauflin. We’ll also be featuring various songwriters and music leaders from the UK.
WorshipGod UK isn’t just for musicians. It’s designed to serve anyone who plans, leads, or cares about the gatherings of the church. That includes pastors, worship leaders, service leaders, instrumentalists, singers, songwriters, and tech personnel. But we think anyone who wants to deepen their relationship with God through his Word and the gospel will benefit from coming.
The main sessions of the conference will address different aspects of what God calls us to do when we meet as the church. We gather to behold God, study the Word, rehearse the gospel, sing, edify one another, and be commissioned. While attendees can attend any seminars they’d like, we’ll have tracks for pastors, service leaders, songwriters, musicians, tech teams, and general issues. Topics include Encountering God’s Presence, Shaped by the Psalms, Leading Your Church Through Change, Worship in Light of the Trinity, and much more.
To make it possible for more to attend the conference we’re starting on Thursday night and ending on Saturday at 5pm. In addition, pastors and their wives are invited to an all day conference on Thursday from 10am-5pm, featuring Kevin DeYoung, Jeff Purswell, and Rick Gamache. On Thursday afternoon from 1:30-5pm, Bob Kauflin will lead a pre-conference seminar for music and service leaders and Steve and Vikki Cook will lead one for songwriters.
Registration rates go up 1 Dec, so you’ll save money if you sign up before then. For more info to register go to the WorshipGodUK website.
We hope you’ll join us! And in case you missed it, here’s an overview of WorshipGodUK 2014.
Sovereign Grace Music on Vimeo.
Um, pastors and their wives? What about the pastors with husbands?
Lj, thanks for asking. We believe Scripture teaches that God has laid out a wise and beautiful plan of men and women complementing each other in their roles in the church and family and that the elder/pastor role is to be filled by men (1 Tim. 2:9-15; 1 Tim. 3:1). This book by Kevin DeYoung explains that position in more detail.