Several of the top leaders in the church music field will be on hand to make these three days a time of motivation, inspiration and challenge for you. Keynote speakers and musical artists, selected specifically for their ability to communicate encouragement and challenge to those in music ministry roles, include:
We'll open our first evening together with a concert experience you won't soon forget! Danny Murray & the Voices of Lee (from Lee University) will join us for an entire evening of concert ministry. Several years ago, in their debut appearance at Choral Festival, they sang four songs for us...and got four standing ovations! You are in for an incredible evening of musical excellence, coupled with powerful ministry value, as Danny Murray & the Voices of Lee conclude our first day of The Gathering together.
Tuesday night offers an opportunity for you to experience the music and heart of one of the most promising song writers and worship leaders of our day! Laura Story is perhaps still best known for her song "Indescribable" that Chris Tomlin introduced on one of his recordings; but the title cut from her latest album, Blessings, has hit the #1 spot on Christian radio and the album has been a top five seller for months now. Laura serves as worship leader at Perimeter Church in the Atlanta, GA metro area, and has a heart that will bless you as much as her music!
On Tuesday, just before we release you for an entire afternoon of free time (yep, you read that right, an afternoon "off"), you'll hear from the dynamic young pastor of one of the largest churches in America, Matthew Barnett of the Dream Center — Los Angeles, CA. A unique church and ministry in every sense of the word, the Dream Center not only provides housing to more than 600 people in various rehabilitation programs, but also serves more than 40,000 others each week with food and other services that minister to the physical as well as spiritual needs of people. They have also planted more than 150 satellite Dream Centers around the world to date. You'll be inspired, challenged and encouraged by this visionary pastor whose church is literally changing the world with the Gospel!
DR. KIRK NEELY
On hand again this year as our "camp pastor" so to speak, "Dr. Kirk" is a trained pastoral counselor with a real heart for those in ministry. Over the last 15 years plus, he has counseled hundreds of our attendees as a beloved confidant and encourager. He will be leading some devotional sessions and is also available for one-on-one counseling time if you desire.
READING SESSIONS & MOREDuring each day's reading sessions a wide variety of leading church music publishers will presentall the newest and best in church choral music for Spring and Easter 2012. Including Lillenas, Praise Gathering, David T. Clydesdale, Word, Lifeway Worship and more!
Other special guests ministering include Marty Parks, Randy Vader, Jay Rouse, John Jennings and other leading choral composers and clinicians!
