Worship Resources Intl.

The third meeting in 5 years of the Europe Worship Link was held April 18-21 in a Christian hotel in the beautiful mountains in the eastern part of the country (so pretty it was easy to forget we were in a former Communist country!). Countries represented were the Czech Republic, Latvia, Netherlands, Ireland, Great Britain, Romania, Switzerland, France, Spain, Ukraine, as well as the U.S. and Canada.

The conference theme was “The Word of God as the Foundation, Guide and Rule of Our Worship.” There were worship times, plenary teaching sessions, smaller special-interest seminars, a wonderful "Festival of Worship, Music and Arts of the Nations" on the second evening, and a moving Communion service on the last evening. All of us felt encouraged and revitalized by the beautiful unity in diversity which was a special distinguishing mark of this gathering. The next such meeting is tentatively scheduled for Spring 2009.

A four-minute video clip of musical moments from the event is now available HERE. Selections are in English, Hungarian, French, and Russian, and give a little feel for the rich diversity present at the conference.    

The May issue focuses on the theme of Christ’s ascension forty days after His resurrection, and includes:

• Theme article: "The Neglected Ascension"
• "An Ascension Concordance" (listing of New Testament references to Christ’s Ascension and Session at the right hand of the Father)
• Quotations on the Ascension
• Resources: service materials and songs focused on the Ascension
• Book notice on Jesus Ascended by Gerrit Dawson
• News and event items
• Click HERE to open PDF (left-click) or to download (right-click, "Save link as . . .")

Music ministers from Baptist churches in seven countries of the former Soviet Union (Ukraine, Russia, Latvia, Belarus, Moldova, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan) met at Central Baptist Church in Kiev April 12-14 for a time of instruction, fellowship, networking and mutual encouragement. It was an instructive and invigorating time for all those involved.

The conference was sponsored by Furture Leadership Foundation of Missouri, and planned and led by John Jackson, Minister of Music at First Baptist Church of Farmington, Missouri. (John has been involved in projects in Belarus for many years.) Ron Man of Worship Resources (a department of Greater Europe Mission), who is involved extensively in teaching on the biblical foundations of worship In Eastern Europe, also participated and taught several sessions.

An expanded conference is planned for April 2008, to include pastors and theological educators as well as church musicians.                                                                                                

Interview of Ron Man posted HERE at the website of Semper Reformanda Records.

The April issue includes:

• Theme article: "Easter Sunday and Every Sunday"
• "A Resurrection Concordance" (listing of New Testament references to Christ’s Resurrection outside of the gospels)
• Quotations on "The Glory of Easter"
• "Easter Praise: Hymn Texts on the Resurrection"
• Info on upcoming worship events
• Click HERE to open PDF (left-click) or to download (right click, "Save link as…")

The March issue includes:

• Theme article and quotations on "The Critical Need for Teaching and Preaching on Worship in the Church"
• Guest excerpt by John Piper on "Preaching as Worship"
• Book Review: Doxology: The Praise of God in Worship, Doctrine, and Life by Geoffrey Wainwright
• Info on upcoming worship events
• Click HERE to open PDF (left-click) or to download (right click, "Save link as…")

                                                      The Europe Worship Link is a fellowship of key leaders involved in worship ministry in Europe. We want to honor the unique flavor of each nation’s worship life, yet look beyond our national borders to see how we can encourage and resource one another as we seek to enhance and further the worship lives of our churches and our nations to the glory of God.

Our first Consultation was held in Hungary in 2002, and the second in Poland in 2005. This year’s consultation in the Czech Republic will include:

1. Worship and prayer
2. Studies on biblical worship
3. Opportunities to share one’s own ministry
4. Sharing of information on activities and opportunities across Europe
5. Focused discussions on issues related to worship ministry in Europe

Cost is only 75 Euros, and there are scholarships available as well. For more details and registration information, please click HERE.

The February issue includes:

• Theme article and quotations on "Unity in Diversity"
• "A Parable" by Ron Man
• Guest article: "Hymns: A Sentimental Journey" by Bob Kauflin
• Introducing WorshipBooks (order important worship books here)
• Info on upcoming conferences
• Click HERE to open (left-click) or download (right-click, "Save link as") PDF

The January issue includes:

• Theme article and quotations on "Unity in Worship"
• "Guest Excerpts" developing the same theme
• Book reviews of Exploring the Worship Spectrum: Six Views
• Info on upcoming conferences
• Click HERE to open (left-click) or download (right-click, "Save link as") PDF