Today I am writing from Austin, TX where Kim and I are attending the National Worship Leader Conference. This is the 2nd year for this conference and I am honored to be here for the 2nd time. Last year the conference was an amazing experience and I have really been looking forward to coming back again. I’ll work to write a post at the end of every day to share my thoughts on the conference.

The conference is held at Riverbend Church, a body of more than 6,000. One of the first things that jumps out at you about this church is the campus. There are at least 8 buildings on the campus that sits on top of a mountain overlooking the river (hence the name of the church).

This is a picture I took with my phone, which isn’t the greatest but will give you a sense of the worship space. There are nearly 2,500 worship leaders attending this conference. I don’t know that I have ever experienced worship like this before. To have this many worship leaders in one place is awesome and when they start to sing it is an amazing sound!

Tonight was all about worship and the theology behind it. The headlining worship leader was one of my favorites, Paul Baloche who is absolutely one of the best and most heart felt leaders I have ever seen. His set was very moving and really took all of us to a special place.

The thing that rocked my world tonight was the worship set led by Matt Redman. I have been familiar with Matt’s music over the years but have never had the chance to see him live. He has given the Church some real gifts in songs like “Blessed Be Your Name,” “Better Is One Day,” “Let My Words Be Few,” “Once Again” and “The Heart of Worship.” (to name just a few) He is an amazing songwriter and tonight I was blown away by his set.

Worship leaders can be guilty of saying some pretty cheesy and weak things in between songs but everything Matt said carried huge spiritual weight. There was nothing weak about it. Transitions are a crucial piece to any worship service and his were done incredibly well.

One of the songs he shared tonight is called, “You Never Let Go.” It speaks of God loving us and leading us with His steady hand. No matter what we face He is with us and will never let us go. Never. Just take a second and think about that. What a powerful spiritual truth. I would encourage you to download the song from iTunes. Find a copy of it and take a listen. 

I’ll write more tomorrow. Here are the lyrics to “You Never Let Go.”

Even though I walk through the valley 
Of the shadow of death,
Your perfect love is casting out fear.
And even when I´m caught in the middle 
Of the storms of this life,
I won´t turn back; I know You are near.

And I will fear no evil,
For my God is with me.
And if my God is with me,
Whom then shall I fear? Whom then shall I fear?

O no, You never let go,
Through the calm and through the storm
O no, You never let go,
In every high and every low
O no, You never let go, Lord You never let go of me.

And I can see a light that is coming
for the heart that holds on 
A glorious light beyond all compare.
And there will be an end to these troubles,
But until that day comes,
We´ll live to know You here on the earth.

Yes, I can see a light that is coming 
For the heart that holds on,
And there will be an end 
To these troubles, 
But until that day comes,
Still I will praise You, 
Still I will praise You.”

“You Never Let Go” by Matt & Beth Redman. (C) 2006 Thankyou Music.