Refuel Conference 2023
One of the most amazing experiences I’ve had since beginning to lead worship was the opportunity to go to the Refuel Conference in January 2023. While there, Gretchen, our keyboardist and I got the opportunity to meet Paul Baloche after attending a song writing workshop where he spoke. Speaking to him afterward, he remembered our current pastor who had actually learned worship leading at a training that Paul helped with in Texas.
During this conference, we and one of our media team, were able to listen to some of the best in the field of worship. We had breakout sessions in smaller groups and then we would all meet back in the auditorium for the worship sessions lead by Paul Baloch, Jon Egan, and Tim and Rachel Hughes. Spirit filled worship services where we could just worship without the pressure of leading a congregation. We heard from several pastors as they presented messages. The message that stood out to me the most was Rita Springer’s. Her words kept your attention. At the end, there was a time where people could come up to the front and pray. I was amazed at the number of people who went forward in tears, in complete abandon to God, and the outpouring of love as others came alongside them to comfort and pray with them.
I was sad when the conference was over. I had never imagined the connections and camaraderie I would feel as a result of this conference. I look forward to the next opportunity to learn like this!
God Speaks Still Retreat 2023
Several years ago I felt like God was pushing me to plan a retreat for the ladies from my church. I knew nothing about planning a retreat, so I took some time to mull over this notion. Then COVID put the world on hold and I didn’t think about planning a retreat until a friend of mine mentioned that we should have a retreat. That was the moment the planning began.
I’d been to a couple of local retreats, but they were different than what God had put on my heart. Our retreat was supposed to bring our women together and create a bond and relationships among us. God was a part of the planning from the very beginning, from the planting of the seed. I asked him to lead the way and he did! His plan was better than anything I could have imagined! The planning for next year is in the works and God’s our guide. Steppin’ Out In Faith is our theme that was designed specifically for us by Loving Christ Ministries. We are encouraging our women to invite their family and friends to the 2024 retreat. The focus will be on trusting in God to provide the skills required to complete whatever he calls us to. I am so excited to get in full on planning mode. I know it’s going to be better than last year. That can only be possible with God!
Becoming A Disciple For Christ
I never considered myself to be a disciple for Christ. I mean, who am I that I could possibly lead someone to become a believer in Jesus? What does it mean to be a disciple?
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me.” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him.
Matthew 4:18-20
That’s how Jesus invited his first disciples to follow him and learn from him. It doesn’t exactly happen like that now. Being a disciple of Christ is to be a whole-hearted follower of him.
To be a disciple of Jesus means one would have to learn from Him and stay close to Him. That’s at the core of discipleship. The way we do that now is by talking to him through prayer and studying the Bible so we can learn how he lived because that should be our goal, to live like he did.
We don’t need to think we have to know everything about Jesus before we can lead someone to believe in him. Study of course to increase our understanding. The answers will be there when we need them.
If we profess to be followers of Jesus, then our lives should reflect that by the way we live. We shouldn’t have to tell people we are disciples. They should see how it affects our lives so much that they want what we’ve got.
So, now it’s time to figure out how to step outside of your box to reach others. When I started thinking about how I could build relationships with others and share my faith, I decided to to inviting women to have lunch with me. I started with one of the ladies at church and then another and then I’d invite many to have lunch. We had 10 ladies before I knew it. We’ve continued to do this for over a year and it’s a great way to get to know others.
We each find our own way to be disciples for Christ.
Where God Leads 