One of the joys of both being on and moderating a panel discussion on worship issues at a place like the Calvin Symposium is that you’re bound to talk about things you didn’t imagine would be on the table. Such was my case as I moderated “The Worship Leader as Pastoral Musician.” So many important issues were brought up, and our hearts were on our sleeves. Many sensitive topics were not navigated around, but through.

One of the things I love about Calvin is its diversity. The annual Symposium is a place known for creating “irenic friction,” the kind of rub that is truly productive, sharpening, and formative. So few places can achieve this balance. They usually slip off the tight rope either on the side of homogeneity (everyone looks the same and says the same thing), or relativity (conviction-less “blah blah” where everyone’s opinion is so validated that no truth-planes are ever landed). I think, in my panel, you see that kind of irenic friction happening between panelists and the great questions that were being asked from the audience.

I would love your thoughts about what stood out to you from this discussion. What new insights did you gain? What do you agree and/or disagree with? What would you add to the discussion? Where would you have wished it would have gone? What needed to be said that wasn’t said?

I imagine that with my book coming out this October, I’ll have the opportunity to engage in more of these kinds of discussions. Check it out and comment below, please!

(Oh, and go pre-order The Worship Pastor on Amazon now!)

Worship Leader as Pastoral Musician from Calvin Worship Institute on Vimeo.