Back in November, I got to spend a few days in Colorado with sixty different worship writers from ten different countries, speaking a total of six different languages. By the time I said goodbye, my head was bursting.
It strikes me that when you fill a room with worship writers something is always bound to happen. But I still left feeling amazed, inspired and encouraged in several vital ways.
1. It made me think about family
When people gather for a meal, say grace and then, instead of tucking into their food, start wandering around to shake hands, hug, greet old friends and meet new ones, you know that family is forming. Do I allow enough time to encourage this in my worship team at home?
2. It made me think about God’s Spirit
That same Spirit that lives in those of us from the UK resides in those who live in Australia, Zurich, Indonesia, the USA, South America, Canada and beyond. It’s tempting to think that there’s something special about the way that certain countries worship. In truth, we’re all equally loved by God and our different responses can help others to see new aspects of His character.
3. It made me think about dignity
We introduced WeAreWorship to everyone, sharing the work we are doing to add translations (starting with Spanish) to our website and to provide songs in the local language of each nation. During this time, I heard someone in the room say ‘thank you’. It was a deep thank you, one that came with an overwhelming sense of relief. For too long we’ve allowed things to be out of balance.
4. It made me think about diversity
All the people in the room loved Christ, yet they came from different backgrounds. Without the badge of their church, they were all just people. Some were from ‘mega-churches’ others from small churches, some were from the charismatic, others from the more traditional denominations. But the week was one where we saw people for who they are, not for the church or ministry they represent
5. It made me think about humility
It was a fascinating room to be in. Filled with some of the most anointed, gifted and talented writers in the world, in theory it should have been bursting with egos. In practice it was a room full of humility, preference of others, honor and respect for all. It was a room where we felt comfortable to share, to talk and to be vulnerable.
Family, God’s Spirit, dignity, diversity and humility; I know I need more of all of them. Don’t we all?