As I write this, Worship & Creative Conference 2021 starts TOMORROW!!!! Even as our amazing team are in final rehearsals as we prepare to host you and others from across the global, Cass and I have been reflecting on how we can prepare ourselves for conference.
Just like all of us would get everything ready to attend an in-person conference (packing our suitcase, getting there early, double checking we haven’t forgotten our passport, etc), I’d encourage you to get all your ducks in a row as you prepare to join for conference!
Here’s a few life hacks to help you and your friends & teams to get the most out of WCC online!
1. It’s a 24-hour live stream (so get a good night sleep before Friday)
Conference will be going non-stop for 24 hours, so no matter where you are in the world, we will be coming to your time zone!
It’s going to be so fun!
If you’ve already registered, log in to the online portal and familiarise yourself with the program and plan what you want to watch live… if not all of it!
But don’t be put off by the 24 hours. Watch what you can, and take in the rest later (it’s all on demand till November 30th)… but more than anything I encourage you to dedicate the time to the Lord and watch Him do what only He can do!!!!
2. The God we worship is the same, whether through a screen or in a building.
When we were in lock down, which as many of you will know was just recently lifted, I had a really significant worship moment with our daughter. It was during one of our Mega Prayer nights. Cass was at Church participating in leading and praying and our son was on zoom with his RDG (connect group) in another room.
What made it so meaningful was my intention…. I chose to stand in worship and engage like I would if I was in the Church building and with the congregation physically.
We say it all the time, but as the Word encourages, if we draw near to God, He will draw near to us.
So, my encouragement is to worship God whole-heartedly during the conference.
Pour out your praise.
Lift up your adoration.
Take your eyes of yourself, your circumstances and turn your attention to Him.
Do what you need to do to be comfortable worshipping loudly and proudly…. if that means shutting your windows and doors… do it!!!
3. Midnight Massive (make sure your best headphones are fully charged)
This has always been a highlight every year at Worship and Creative Conference.
It’s an extended worship time together and always ends at midnight (Sydney time).
Our worship team have been praying and preparing for months, and our tech team have got some great things planned.
So, make sure you have your sound system or best headphones ready to go.
I’m confident this will be a meaningful & immersive time; I’m so looking forward to it!!
4. Create an environment that makes sense.
This isn’t Netflix… it’s a conference!
Get your meals & snacks ready beforehand so you don’t miss out, grab your notebook, tidy up the room where you’ll be joining. Get your WCC group chat ready with your friends & fellow team.
5. Put the masterclasses in your November calendar!
We know masterclasses are a WCC favourite! You won’t see all the masterclasses in the 24-hours, but you’ll have access to EVERY ONE till the end of November. So look through the options, and why not put them in your calendar so you don’t forget or miss out on them!
Book a Friday evening with Jad & Taya teaching about worship leading, or set aside a Saturday afternoon to learn about storytelling & film with Ben Field. (Hot tip, we think you’ll probably want to rewatch them a few times, cuz they’re THAT good!)
6. Get your elements ready for Communion
During the conference we will be receiving communion together…! I can imagine this moment being one of the highlights of our time together, so I wanted to let you know so you can prepare the emblems.
7. Come hang in the chat!
We’ll be ready for you in the chat! Don’t be shy, come say hi!
8. Invite your Friends / Team for a Watch Party
These times are always great when shared… so why not host a watch party (obviously in line with any relevant health guidelines wherever you are).
I think this is especially great if you lead a worship or creative team…. why not invite your key team to enjoy the conference together??
I know many of our creative teams all over the world will be doing just that!!
9. Pack your suitcase (aka get all your tech stuff in order)
It would be crazy if you were all set in every way except you forgot to charge your phone or computer!! So, this is your reminder.
Just like you’d never travel to conference without your passport, don’t forget your password for WCC! Check your email for your login details, and make sure you’ve got the online portal bookmarked and your password handy
10. Pray and prepare your heart.
Let’s commit, on both sides of this conference (your side and ours), to approach it with a sense of prayerful wonder and awe!
Let’s be open to all God has for us.
Let’s bring our faith to it.
And let’s use it as a holy time where we allow Him to lead us and guide us.
I can’t wait and I hope you are as excited about it as I am!!
See you at conference!
Rich
Nov 2 2021
