Upon arriving at Willow Creek we were greeted by many volunteers and found our way to check-in. We then got a seat in the back as the lights faded and a center light shone on a snare player.
Then the lights went to the center aisle where an entire drumline joined him and took the stage.
Then we had an amazing time of worship. It was high-energy and so well done. I felt called to worship and got to fully engage. It was an environment worthy of “how can we do that?” There were 5 singers, 3 guitar players, bass, drums, aux percussion, sax, and keys. I really enjoyed the fact that everyone in the band seemed to be leading worship, not just playing instruments. Most every singer participated in spoken instruction. There was also scripture reading by several singers.
Another high point was the fact that it felt like one big time of worship instead of several songs. I really loved the flow, segues, and the myriad of sounds that came to enhance it all. Each song was a piece unto itself and had it’s own unique sound but still fit together as one great time of worship.
Then after a good drama, Nancy Beach took the stage to encourage us to continue to find new ways to reach people. Yesterday’s methods might not meet today’s people where they are. She encouraged us to follow God as He leads as the most creative being ever and loves His church more than we do. To help you, here are my notes.
- I am called to be faithful.
- Sometimes we don’t know how deaf we are until God opens our ears.
- God responds to a surrendered heart.
- Psalm 40:3 “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.”
- What is MY new song?
- Can a new song be a new way of communicating God’s truth or expressing the idea of God’s truth through other mediums, especially artistic mediums, such as graphics, videos, dramas, dance, and music?
- Do we do ministry out of memory or out of imagination? Are we doing what we have done before or what we have found by seeking God?
- Communicate God with FRESHNESS
- Willow is doing Wednesday nights different. It begins with a corporate worship time in the sanctuary and then breaks out into sessions geared towards people in every step of the Christian life. There will be session for new believers all the way up to seminary level classes for those fully devoted to Christ.
Wanna see all of my Willow Arts Conference 2008 recaps?
Tomorrow’s gonna be a busy day. 
That is the new CD by McKendree Augustas – titled “A View for Opened Eyes” – in a nutshell. 
