Reflections

We're back in Dublin now. While we arrived late last night, our luggage didn't make it here until this afternoon. After our plane from Prague was delayed we had all of about 10 minutes from gate to gate for our connection in Frankfurt. That included having to wait in line for a security check while the Lufthansa agents held the plane for us.

The past three days at the Europe Worship Link conference were some of the richest we've had to date. All-in-all there were about 28 individuals from across Europe and from very divergent backgrounds and musical styles who gathered together to explore worship. We had some who work almost exclusively with hymns, including the professor of worship studies from London Theological Seminary. We had others who have used only contemporary music and are very expressive in their worship.

The most incredible aspect of the entire time together was the unity. We were all there because we love to worship and love to do what we can to facilitate worship within the church in each of our particular spheres. I never once heard anything that came close to resembling even a disagreement between any of those attending. There was only mutual encouragement, respect, and admiration.

We all came away with not only new acquaintances, colleagues or "connections", but new friends committed to one another in prayer and support.

The other great thing is that the theme wasn't "The Latest Greatest Thing in Worship" -- it was "The Word of God in Worship". In these days when the emphasis in worship is more weighted toward the spirit over truth, it was refreshing to be with worship leaders and trainers who value the application of truth as the foundation of our expressions of worship.