Why I Love the NWLC
This blog was birthed largely to foster interaction between solid theological reflection and the “modern worship industry.” I’ve been astounded at the blog’s success, faithfully growing readership, and thoughtful challenges and interactions. There is a growing hunger for this kind of integrative and non-dismissive approach, coupled with incisive and careful thought.
When I attended the 2012 National Worship Leader Conference, I honestly came in with low-bar expectations of the content. I thought it was going to be the industry pedaling their wares. And there was some of that. But I would also say that there was a surprising amount of stimulating, informative, and inspiring content that made the entire experience not only worthwhile but powerful. I got to hang with a few very talented and smart buddies, and you can read about my reflections of the entire experience here.
The 2013 NWLC is Shaping Up to be Dynamite
If my life weren’t in such severe transition this year, I’d be going myself, but I hope to take my team to it in 2014. This year’s conference in Leawood, KS, from July 15-18, doesn’t look like it will disappoint. These are the speakers/worship leaders I would most be interested in hearing, and they’d be the ones I’d commend to you:
- Ian Morgan Cron – a liturgy and history guy and a creative writer I’ve been dying to meet in the flesh
- Marva Dawn – simply one of my biggest “worship heroes”; her thought dramatically influenced mine
- Reggie Kidd – I met him at the last NWLC, and his breakout session was one of the best (he had hipster worship leaders chanting ancient liturgical texts…how cool is that?!?)
- Matt Maher – he’s a mainstream worship artist and songwriter whose music I’ve found a cut above the rest; he writes with deep biblical allusion, and you can tell he’s imbibed a lot of traditional Christian liturgy based on the language and content of the lyrics (“Your Grace is Enough” has become a classic example); I would take a songwriting breakout session by this guy in a heartbeat
FREE Giveaway!!!
So here’s the deal. Worship Leader is letting me give away a package deal to one lucky winner. It includes:
- full conference registration
- pre-conference and dinner ticket
- worth over $400
If you want it, I’ll need you to share this post on Facebook or Twitter to drum up some support for this event and my little blog.
If you share it on Facebook, you’ll need to:
- Mention the post & giveaway
- Share the link (http://ow.ly/ki6E2)
- Tag me, which necessitates you are my friend 🙂
If you tweet it, you’ll need to:
- Mention the post & giveaway
- Share the link (http://ow.ly/ki6E2)
- Tag me (@zachicks) and the Conference (@NWLConf)
When you do so, I’ll be able to know that you did it, put your name in a tally, and we’ll announce the winner one week from today, contact you, and get you your sweet prize!
**4-30-13 Update**
WE’RE HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE THE WINNER OF THE FREE REGISTRATION GIVEAWAY:
Ben Williams, Worship Leader
Christ Community Church (Jackson, TN)