A conference, just like a magazine, takes on the
personality of its leader’s vision. I have attended
three previous Worship Together conferences
over the years and several conferences around
the country as well. Each ‘brand’ of conference
(if you will allow me to use that word) is different
from the others.
Since Worship Together is also a part of the
Capitol Christian Music Group family, it makes
sense that their artist line up for the conference
would be strong. And strong it was! What is
remarkable to me is that the Worship Together
conference leaders didn’t just stop there and
say, “We have great artists here, let’s be fine
with that.” They were purposeful in designing
an event that dove deeper, beyond the worship
artists’ sets. They added gifted keynote
speakers who truly built up the attendees in
their faith and ministry.
The location of Franklin, TN (just outside of
Nashville) is a good choice for several reasons.
The headquarters for Worship Together is in
nearby Brentwood. Many of the worship artists
and speakers live in and around Franklin. If you
are going to travel anywhere for a conference
from out of state, Nashville is a great destination
location. Folks can get excited about driving or
Jimi Williams & David Gutekunst
flying good distances if they end up in Nashville.
PM1D boards for stage monitors.
With much anticipation, I boarded a plane
the same time, two things are evident – they
clap in time and sing more in tune than your
early in the morning on a Thursday in Seattle The Passion band took the stage, and I traveling to Nashville. After the usual rental car immediately recognized the unique voice and hotel check in, I drove over to the Church of Sean Curran (you may know him from Next up, event hosts Jimi Williams and David
of the City in Franklin. The registration system Bellarive). His lyric writing style is unique as ‘Gutie’ Gutekunst (part of the core leadership
was easy as can be, and their volunteers were well. He implored us to join in. Then each of the team at Worship Together) came out and
super friendly. other worship leaders from the Passion team gave us a heart-felt welcome. They did have
on stage took turns leading their own songs. some unfortunate news to tell the crowd as
There was a nice buzz of excitement in the room When you have a crowd of 1,400 or so worship the keynote speaker that night, Louie Gigilo,
as the beginning drew near. The big screens leaders and music ministry types in a room at had to cancel due to a virus, so he couldn’t
average congregation!
were posting the exhibiting companies’ slide travel. They skillfully bounced back however
show info while hip, remixes of worship songs as they announced the pinch-hit speaker,
were pumping through the PA at a sound level Pastor Henry Seeley from The Belonging
that allowed you to still talk to your neighbors. Co. in nearby Nashville. Pastor Henry is an
For our sound techs reading this, they brought excellent communicator - casual in approach
in a DiGiCo board for FOH and tied into the yet rich in content. After his message was
Yamaha Nexo speaker system that hangs in the done, I witnessed an enthusiastic celebration
sanctuary. The church also owns two Yamaha
of singing praise like I have never seen before!
Worship Together 2019 Video Recap
February 2019
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