Why sing? Worship leaders explore question at Baylor conference

WACO—Why is Christianity a faith that sings?

More than 2,000 worship leaders and Christian musicians from around the country gathered on the Baylor University campus to explore that question during the “Fantastical” Church Music Conference, led by Baylor alumnus and Dove Award-winning recording artist David Crowder.

“Why do we sing?” moderator Crowder, music and arts pastor at University Baptist Church in Waco, asked a panel that included keynote speakers Louie Giglio, Rob Bell and Francis Chan.

Conference leaders (left to right) Dan Haseltine from the band Jars of Clay, Bob Kauflin from worshipmatters.com and singer/songwriter Matt Redman listen as David Crowder shares thoughts on worship during a panel discussion.

“It sounds like a really simple question, but I think it’s foundational and fundamental,” Crowder said. “It was really interesting to hear each speaker tackle that question and share the purpose of music in the church.”

Giglio, pastor of Passion City Church in Atlanta, Ga., and a leader of Passion Conferences for college students, answered the question by pointing to the vastness of God’s creation.

“I sing praises to God because I’m rejoicing in being part of the universe that he created,” said Giglio, whose involvement in college ministry began at Baylor when he established Choice Bible study in 1985. “We are cosmically insignificant, but divinely prized. I’m singing because my soul has been awakened from the dead.”

Bell, pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Grandville, Mich., challenged songwriters not to solely rely on “blood guilt” and “three-tiered universe” metaphors.

Bell, author of Velvet Elvis and teacher on the popular NOOMA videos, emphasized that many people today feel an aching sense of loss in their home life. He stressed the desperate need for songs that offer Christ as the believer’s true home.

Chan, pastor of Cornerstone Community Church in Simi Valley, Calif. and author of Crazy Love, underscored the importance of using hymns and contemporary worship songs to proclaim praises to an almighty God.

Rob Bell

Crowder and other conference organizers planned the event in Waco to assist and encourage worship leaders by sharing ideas and providing beneficial resources for songwriters, as well as sound and lighting seminars for behind-the-scenes workers on production and technical teams.

In addition to leading workshops and panel discussions, musicians including Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Israel Houghton, Jars of Clay, Gungor, Derek Webb, Hillsong London and Leeland performed concerts throughout the conference.

“We’ve been thinking about doing a conference like this for years, and it’s really an extension of our desire to serve the church, both locally and globally,” Crowder said.

“It was amazing to have all these leaders in the same room, while exploring both the richness in the history of church music and celebrating where we currently are.

“It’s our desire that people will walk away with a better understanding of music’s role in the church, a greater appreciation for the diversity that exists in church music, enthusiasm to lead in authentic and thoughtful ways, a lot of new songs to use and a renewed excitement for their role in the church.

“I also hope that leaders will be challenged to think more theologically about the musical selections they are putting in front of congregations. Craft-ing and choosing songs for a congregation is a huge responsibility, because you’re ushering people into the presence of God, as well as shaping the way people think about and praise him.”

Peter Wilson, lead singer of Hillsong London, encouraged worship leaders to remain focused on Christ and be used as his instruments.

“When your eyes turn off of yourself and on Jesus, you realize you are standing with him,” Wilson said.

“When you realize his glory and grace, you can’t help but praise him.”