Here to Worship

Some of my most meaningful times with the Lord have come through song.  The best songs communicate, through words and melody, what I have a hard time expressing on my own.  And the best worship leaders are so good at what they do that I can forget they're there as what I'm hearing and singing becomes a powerful, personal moment between me and God.  Those moments create space in my soul for me to engage with Jesus in my everyday moments of joy, stress, anxiety, love, and anger.

The student band leading worship at Epicenter 2012

One of my first experiences with Cru was back in 2004, at the New York City Fall Retreat in rural PA.  We had a great time interacting with the 80+ students who were there and helping to overcome a transportation snafu in which a charter bus simply didn't show to transport the students from NYC to PA (everyone got there in the end).  What stands out to me most about that weekend, though, was the band, led by students from Columbia.  They were passionate and energetic - so much so, in fact, that the lead singer had lost his voice by the last morning of the retreat!  I especially remember a driving, powerful, and incredibly fast-paced rendition of David Crowder's "No One Like You".  Their enthusiasm was contagious, and many of us in the crowd found ourselves jumping up and down with the band and smiling as we sang.

This week, I officially contracted with a venue for our first ever Worship Arts Conference.  We're inviting students from all over the Northeast, many of whom are leading worship on their campuses, to a weekend of professional training and equipping that will grow them in their faith and ability to musically guide others toward Jesus.  Some of these students will also become The Epicenter Band at our annual winter conference.  I'm so excited!  The Worship Arts Conference will be October 26-28th at Camp Deerpark in New York.  Please pray with me that the right students show up, and that the time is meaningful both for the students and the staff training them.  Thanks!