Hey Friends!
I had an amazing time leading worship at the 2017 GCN Conference. A few folks have asked about my experience as well as a copy of the set lists so here we go!
I’m still in awe. I’m writing this weeks after the conference and the awe of being asked to serve as worship leader for this conference still amazes me. For those who don’t know my story, I’m someone who was told by church leaders that God would never fully use me because I’m gay or that people would never see me as a man of God because of my sexuality. Years later I’m seeing every one of those words fall to the ground as amazing opportunities to lead and be an advocate for LGBTQ inclusion in churches continue spring up on my path.
I also had the honor of assembling a world-class team of LGBTQ people and allies. Many of us share the similar stories of being wounded by churches and church leaders and being part of an event like this – while sometimes difficult – is cathartic and redemptive in ways that we can’t fully describe. When possible I’ll do follow-up posts with stories that I have permission to share.
For those who couldn’t be at the conference or who missed the live stream, videos are here! Our team led worship for the first three general sessions of the conference, which all can be viewed on GCN’s YouTube page (Session 1, Session 2, Session 3, Session 4 – Liturgical Worship). Additionally, please enjoy the keynote speakers who’s talks are also on these videos.
I’ve created a Spotify playlist with most of the songs we shared. You can follow that playlist here.
I wanted to be very intentional about the song selections for the conference. With 1400 people in attendance all coming from different churches, denominations, theological leanings, and musical preferences, creating a worship experience for us to have TOGETHER required some intentionality. Fortunately, this is something that I strive to do year-round, GCN being no different. Our selections tried to incorporate songs that would be familiar when possible or easy to pick-up and follow-along if it was your first time singing it. The songs range from hymns to gospel to contemporary Christian music and included a bilingual worship song. We also tried to be mindful of the messages and language of each song to be sure that the sets were as accessible to a wide an audience as possible. I’m still learning and there are lots of places where I can do better at this, but I think it’s worth the extra effort.
One of the songs that are not on Spotify is “Room For Us All” by The Many. In 2016 I started singing with this group and I LOVE the music that we’re making together. You may download the song for free here along with other music from The Plural Guild. Something I secretly hoped for while we were singing this song is that while we repeat the chorus of “We are on this earth to love” that people would hold hands or lock arms and sing this… and it happened! It’s the little things that make my heart glad. 🙂
Below is the written setlist and after that some cameraphone photos and screen shots of what people shared about the conference on Twitter.
Thanks for following my grand adventure and stay tuned for more!
Session 1 – Thursday:
- Lord, You’re Worthy
- Medley: Set A Fire, Always, Ever Be, Simple Gospel
- My World Needs You
- You Are Good (in Spanish and English)
Session 2 – Friday:
- Reprise of “You Are Good”
- For Those Tears I Died
- Simple Gospel
- In Christ Alone with On Christ The Solid Rock
- Glorious
Session 3 – Saturday:
- Here’s My Heart
- Deep Cries Out
- Old School Medley: We Bring The Sacrifice of Praise, In The Name of Jesus, Victory is Mine,
- “Here’s My Heart” (Reprise)
- My World Needs You (Reprise) with Isaiah 58 Spoken Word
- Room For Us All
- Hold Us Together
Session 3 – Continued at Offering:
- Chase Away my Dark
- It Is Well
