Worship Matters

Yesterday we had another planning meeting for WorshipGod08: Rediscovering the Psalms, to be held July 30- Aug 2 at Covenant Life Church in Gaithersburg, MD, outside of Washington, D.C.

This will be our 5th conference. Every one has been filled with rich biblical teaching, practical instruction, fresh encounters with God, great fellowship, and lots of laughter. Laughing helps us not take ourselves too seriously. When you’re involved in regularly leading others to magnify God’s glory in Christ, it’s good to remember that we’re the jars of clay and Jesus is the treasure (2 Cor. 4:6). Laughter helps us do that.

No one makes us laugh more at WorshipGod conferences than Mark Altrogge. While Mark writes incredible songs for corporate worship, he’s also one of the funniest guys I’ve ever met. And when it comes to giving announcements, he’s in a class of his own. He brings the full force of his giftedness to the task. He’s imaginative. He’s hilarious. He’s creative. At times, he even gives helpful information. That’s why an attendee at WorshipGod06 commented, “Mark Altrogge is the ultimate announcement-giver! I would attend just to hear these.”

So early in the planning stages I made sure Mark could give the announcements at WorshipGod08. In case you’ve never heard him in action, here’s a sample of what he did in 2006. He was thanking those who served on the tech team, and used it as an opportunity to bust on me. His comments are only slightly exaggerated.