Country music fans will know this classic song by Hank Snow in which he calls out virtually every town in America you’ve ever heard of in a single song. When I think of it, I imagine my Dad playing it in his famous “Chet” style in our front room. I haven’t actually been everywhere. But, here’s a recap of the last few weeks…
Southern Baptist Convention in Birmingham
For all the things you could say about the SBC these days, you have to acknowledge that God is at work and is raising up a new generation of leaders. I am genuinely excited about the direction the SBC is headed. We have our challenges, but we have good leaders asking great questions with an emphasis on prayer and sharing the Gospel.
SonPower 2.0 in Nashville
This was our last event under this name, but it was the first one with a new approach for a student worship event built around missions and worship. To say it was one of the most spiritually impactful weeks we have had in an event in a long time would be a vast understatement. We are about to re-launch this experience under a new name and in a new location for 2020. Great days are ahead for this conference! Be on the lookout for more information…
This annual event gets stronger and stronger each year. This year was filled with unique and impactful moments and next year is shaping up to be even better!
Music Mississippi in Grenada
This was the first of three Baptist State Convention events I was asked to address. Even better, it was a trip back home to my native state where so many great friends still serve. I am always blessed by the leadership of my friend, Slater Murphy. This was an amazing gathering with some of the finest church musicians I know.
North Carolina Worship Expo in Winston-Salem
Kenny Lamm is a visionary leader who imagined this event a couple of years ago as a way to help worship ministries in North Carolina. This was the first time for this conference, but it was strongly attended and so well done. I would recommend this conference to everyone in that part of the world.
First Baptist Church, Madison, MS
Occasionally, I will go to an individual church to help with a retreat or conference. And whenever the one asking is from a place I used to live, well, I try to make it happen. This ministry led by Ross Johnson is so strong and healthy. I heard one of the best challenges of a choir by a pastor at this event and blogged about it a few weeks ago. Check it out.
Liberty University in Lynchburg
It has been my joy to teach at Liberty for the last 12 years. I love what the Lord is doing there through my friend, Dr. Vernon Whaley, and his team. I am so blessed to a part of it and learn more than I teach every time.
North American Mission Board, Alpharetta, GeorgiaSeveral members of the LifeWay Worship Team joined Mark Clifton and the Replant team to train and encourage leaders working to revitalize churches across the country. The opportunity to help train these leaders in worship philosophy and resources was truly a blessing! I hope we get to do this again and again with our friends at NAMB!
Alabama One Day Conference for Worship Leaders in Birmingham
Keith Hibbs, and the Alabama State Convention, offered this conference for pastors and worship leaders at Hunter Street Baptist Church. It was a packed-out room full of great leaders from churches in Alabama. I was so honored to share “Worship Essentials” with these great church leaders.
So, you can see, I’ve been burning up the road this summer. An event in South Carolina is right around the corner as well as some others. I am so blessed to be able to meet with church leaders and students and talk about worship and the One we serve.
I am encouraged by what I see happening in all of these places. The Church is alive and well! It’s a privilege to be along for the ride.
Mike Harland is the Director of LifeWay Worship. When he’s not directing 30+ employees, you’ll find him leading worship at various churches around the country, writing/arranging worship songs and/or, writing his next book (checkout his latest book: Worship Essentials). In his spare time, he loves playing basketball and spending time with his family (and his two new grand-babies). Visit MikeHarland.com to keep up with all that Mike has going on.
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