In the Bible, the name Mount Hermon means “sanctuary,” and it serves as the northern boundary of Israel.  Just a few miles from our church is a “sanctuary” with the same name located in the Santa Cruz Mountains.  For 4 days last month, it was a retreat for Christian songwriters from all over the country.  I was blessed to spend a part of my vacation among the many talented singers and songwriters for what was truly a memorable week of fellowship, instruction and worship.  Paul Baloche, Don Moen, Phil Wickham, Sara Groves, Derek Webb, Joy Williams, Mia Fieldes, Charlie Peacock,  Bob Kauflin and Justin Fox were the featured artists and teachers.

I had intended on attending only the day classes, but wound up staying for the evening classes as well.  I met a group of worship pastors—Brandon, Mark and Benji--who talked me into staying in their cabin.  They had an extra bed.  So I was there Tuesday-Thursday.  What a time of refreshing it was!  At the cabin, we talked worship and songwriting.  We traded ideas that we had for each others’ worship teams.   We gathered together for food (which was excellent!) and worship—which was equally excellent. 

We all got a chance to hangout up close with Paul Baloche and the other featured artists.   On Wednesday night, there were a couple of open mic presentations in which songwriters gathered to play their original music for other songwriters.  The performances went well past midnight.   Worship Pastor Brandon asked me to play a song I had played for him back at the cabin—“Fill This Place”—the song we sing here at CCC.  I played it, and I was amazed & grateful for the positive response it received.    

But the high point of the conference for me was the worship on Thursday morning, the last day.  Paul Baloche began with a set of his great music.  He closed with the kind of spontaneous worship that only the Holy Spirit can create.  The entire gathering rose up in one united voice of worship that was indescribable.  The spontaneous worship segued into Sara Groves’ set of worship.  She ended her set with a wonderful version of “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.”  The song began with her original choruses as a prelude that segued into that great hymn.  I believe it was one of the most devastatingly beautiful worship moments I’ve ever experienced!  When the song ended, there was total silence—then came the gradual sounds of gentle sobs from all over the room.  It was total brokenness for His glory.  Communion followed with scarcely a dry eye in the place. 

Being totally broken in remembering Jesus’ sacrifice for us is a totally great thing, I have found.  It takes you far beyond the shallowness of mere ritual and into the deep heart of worship—which was actually what the Christian Songwriters Conference was about:  Worshiping Him as we write songs about Him being on the throne long before we came into our own.

Brandon, Mark, Benji and I continue to stay in touch, and we plan to get together in 2009.  Thank you, CCC for making it possible for me to attend this conference.  And thank you God, for making it all possible!