i am an offering

After looking up what “in absentia” actually means I have to say this - “You keep using that word.  I do not think that word means you what think it means.”  But I digress already….

For those of you (like me) who are unable to attend WorshipGod08 I thought I’d offer a few highlights from some folks who have been there and are posting to Twitter.  Even just a few great nuggets from the conference were enough to encourage me.  So here we go:

“Our perception of God will shape our response to God in worship” - CRAIG CABINESS (via Shannon Lewis.)

WG08: Thabiti Anyabwile - Self-centered emotions lead to despair, but God-centered emotions to a singular love for Christ!” (via Josh Tuttle)

Attending Bob Kauflin’s session on The Task of a Worship Leader. It appears everyone else at this conference is in here, too.” (via Gregory Pittman) Not surprised!

His word is more powerful than the flow of our services - Kauflin” (via Brad Loser)

I also found this exchange rather interesting and humrous (especially as these guys were hanging out together):

Listening to Bob Kauflin Teach is like drinking from a fire hydrant” (via Shannon Lewis)

Listening to mark dever teach is like drinking from a fire hydrant” (via Brad Loser)

Enjoy the rest of the conference, guys, and thanks for sharing with us!

What I Blog About - From Wordle

Since Billy Chia just confessed that he is a “church addict” after entering his blog into wordle, I wanted to see what would come about if I did the same thing.  Here it is:

The best thing about it - every time I refreshed, the words “worship” and “happened” always showed up prominently.  Thank You, Lord, for reassuring me that “worship happened” every time we have gathered!

Blog Love - Some Links You Should Check Out

Shannon shares a great series on Maturity in Christ.  I’d highly encourage reading all parts.  Part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, a bit more, and a bit more!

Brad Loser (loh-ser, not loo-zer!) is going through Worship Matters. If you want some detailed thoughts from some folks going through the book, definitely check it out.  He shares quite a bit, so be prepared for some reading, but it’s worth it.

Billy shares a really fantastic post on complaining and feedback to follow up his humorous post that he posted in response to Ragamuffin Soul’s “you-asked-for-it” question. I think I’m one of the few people that actually recommends not reading Ragamuffin soul, but I thought Billy eventually turned this around quite positively. *EDIT* Los contacted me directly with a very positive comment asking why I said this in the comments.  I really appreciate it and explained why I said this below.  I shouldn’t have said it and should have let people come to their own decision about his blog.  I do apologize for that and hope we can all be at peace.  The power of words are quite incredible at times.

Russ has a fantastic story about his privilege to be Fred’s guest at National Worship Leader Conference and hang out with some of the more famous worship folks.

Lorie King has a featured article on The Worship Community on how to enhance stage presence. I think her perspective is right on with all of these tips.

Finally, Fred has a wonderful post about making sure we focus on good things happening and celebrate victories.

Have a fantastic weekend, everyone!  More thoughts from my teaching this Sunday will come next week.