MINNESOTA WINS
Worship Arts Retreat Recap | Todd Marshall, Worship Arts Director
Wow… it’s amazing how much connecting and equipping can happen in 24 hours! Our annual Worship Arts Retreat was definitely the best ever! Attendance was up 50% over previous years. Lake Geneva Christian Center is the perfect venue for this event where we met on May 20-21. The opening ice-breaker always sets the tone for our time together as members of our leadership team brilliantly get everyone interacting with each other.
Our guest, Mark Alan Schoolmeesters, who ministered in three of our five sessions, including our Friday evening banquet, was an inspirational blessing to all. The evening weather was too cool and blustery for our traditional bonfire gathering, but many people hung out until after midnight. Our missionary guests, Larry and Melodee Gruetzmacher, brought challenging insights. Worship translates into missions and missions is worship!
On Saturday morning we offered three breakouts from our own expert leaders in the areas of vocals, instruments, and songwriting. Our final session on Saturday morning concluded with a beautiful time of communion together. Also on Saturday, we offered one-on-one conversations with our leaders over mealtimes. Several attendees tapped into this mentorship opportunity and we believe it will continue to grow.
Here’s what attendees were saying: “I left feeling super encouraged and built up!” “I encourage others to come and bring their team!” “It was an amazing atmosphere for worship leaders around our state to build community!” “I left with a wealth of new understanding and relationships!” “This was my first time, and it was incredible! I can’t wait for next year!”
Next year’s Worship Arts Retreat dates are June 9-10, 2023. Mark your calendars now and plan to bring your team!
Our aim as a Worship Arts department is to do what the Gospel does: help people connect their relationship with God to their relationships with others. This is our best worship. As we model this for our leaders, we know it will flow through them to their teams and congregations. Our Executive Leadership team, section reps, district visits, social media pages, and multiple annual gatherings are all a part of moving us toward our goal. We are honored to serve!
