The theme of this year’s Reformation Worship Conference was the Book of Psalms.  Considering how preaching, singing and studying the Psalms help build worship in the church, one could attend this year’s conference expecting encouragement and refreshment in moving forward in life and in ministry. 

According to Dr. Hughes Old, “Worship is at the center of our existence, at the heart of our reason for being.”[1]  If this is true, then what could be more worthy of study and pursuit than worship?  This is exactly what the Reformation Worship Conference, recently held at Midway Presbyterian Church in Powder Springs, Ga., set out to do.

An assortment of pastors, professors, musicians and congregants gathered at this annual conference to discuss various aspects of worship, considering the history of Reformed worship and its application today.  The conference was not limited to discussion, however, as the conference attendees participated in worship services that bookended each day.  Worship was the center of this conference.

The theme of this year’s Reformation Worship Conference was the Book of Psalms.  Considering how preaching, singing and studying the Psalms help build worship in the church, one could attend this year’s conference expecting encouragement and refreshment in moving forward in life and in ministry.

The workshops covered a variety of topics: from historical considerations such as “Prayer and the Reformation of the Church” to the very practical, such as “Worshiping Your Way Out of Trouble.”  For seasoned pastors seeking helpful balance in ministry, workshops like “Maintaining Ministry Focus and Spirituality” were offered.  And for those desiring theological rigor, workshops like “The Kingdom Theology of the Psalter” were also available.

The two keynote speakers were Dr. Steven Lawson, the president of One Passion Ministries and lead teacher for The Institute for Expository Preaching, and Dr. W. Robert Godfrey, president and professor of Church History at Westminster Seminary in California.  These two men highlighted each conference day by leading the evening worship services, preaching through Psalms.

Added in with the worship services and workshops was a symposium, which provided time for questions to be asked of seasoned pastors regarding matters of worship.

There is much to be said for spending a weekend sitting under lectures given by men like Doug Kelly, T. David Gordon, Richard Phillips, Mark Ross and Terry Johnson.  Interaction with these men and others like Steven Lawson and Robert Godfrey are a boon to pastors and congregants alike.  Furthermore, it is a great opportunity to connect with others and extend conversations about worship in one’s local church, which provides a sharpening effect for those leading and participating in worship.

Writing as one who has benefited from the wisdom, leadership and nurture of the Reformation Worship Conference for the past two years, I’ve noticed that I find myself more refreshed after this conference and eager to dive back into the weekly rigors of ministry.  My mind is more fine-tuned to the importance of thoughtful, reverent worship, and the desires of my heart are further sanctified as I strive ever to grow as a worshiper.  I am recalibrated to the truth that worship is at the center of this human existence.

Next year’s Reformation Worship Conference will be October 22-25, 2015.  Information can be found at www.reformationworship.org.

[1] Hughes Oliphant Old, Worship: Reformed According to Scripture (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2002), 1.