Reflecting on Arena Worship at CALLED
Just over two months ago, pastors from across the North American Division and beyond gathered with their families at CALLED, joining thousands of our sisters and brothers in Christ to fellowship, dream, learn, celebrate, and worship together. Members of the worship ensemble were asked to reflect on how the experience inspired, affirmed, and encouraged them in their local ministry and leadership. Hopefully, you will resonate with what they shared.
Pastor Victor Bartley from Baldwin’s Chapel SDA Church writes, “The resounding tenor from the worship was the testimony of the collective voice. This voice carried encouragement to face the burden of the call with a steadied joy.”
Pastor Joanne Cortes from Beltsville Seventh-day Adventist Church - DC Campus says, “I loved seeing people at CALLED express their worship without fear. Having the freedom to worship in whichever way draws you closer to God is something I have always envisioned for our church. I was so blessed to be part of a team that made it possible for those who were present to express their worship authentically.”
Pastor Lola Moore Johnston from Restoration Praise Center shares, “I was blessed to see pastors across the theological spectrum come together in moments of joint worship. Several approached me to specifically say how beautiful it was to worship in ways they may not have experienced in their local context. I needed the reminder that God is not confined to my theological style but is freely moving across terrains to tabernacle with all who seek communion.”
Pastor Vanessa Hairston from Miami Temple Seventh-day Adventist Church says, “Leading worship at CALLED was both an answered prayer and a reminder of the hope we have of the ultimate answer to all our prayers.”
Wayne Bucknor from Oakwood University writes, “I thoroughly enjoyed my time playing with the multi-cultural band. It honestly has been my favorite band playing experience. The variety of cultures coming together was a taste of heaven. Although many participants shared how blessed they were, some surely thought it was too contemporary and others, perhaps, that it was not contemporary enough. At this point in my life, I just chuckle at the worship wars, having studied music throughout its storied history; and I consider the blessing of its variety like the blessing God has given us with the variety of flowers, fish, dogs, etc. We will always have our preferences and that’s just fine. Excellent Levitical ministers of music will continue to navigate us in our worship of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Isai Moran from Crosswalk reflects, “I was grateful for how Christ-centered the whole conference was. The conference seemed to celebrate Gospel focused ideas. It was encouraging to see the church pivoting in that direction.”
Chaplain Jason Decena from La Sierra University writes, “Oftentimes, worship in our churches can be a point of division rather than fulfilling its true purpose of creating unity. Being on stage at CALLED was a unique experience. During the course of the week, I often felt the force and power of the worship moments, hearing those gathered singing with unity and conviction, embodying the words we were singing. Being able to see the faces and hear the voices from the stage was a position that humbled me; and I was honored and privileged to experience those sacred moments from that vantage point.”
Chaplain K.C. Hohensee from Anthem — Loma Linda University Church shares, “As I think back on our time of worship, I especially praise God for the embrace felt during the worship in music. The opportunity to corporately worship, 5000 voices strong, singing both modern and anthemic hymns of faith, in varied tongues and arrangements, left me with goosebumps and a full heart, daily. I am grateful to have been part of a legitimate taste of heaven’s choir, feeling reaffirmed in my excitement for that great reuniting.”
Pastor Justin Alabata from Forest Lake SDA Church adds, “There was so much eagerness and surrender every time we gathered to worship together. It was humbling. The Body doesn’t desire to just sing or just watch. They yearn for the presence of God and desire to pour their hearts out to Him.”
Nicholas Zork from Church of the Advent Hope writes, “Worshipping together with such a diverse gathering of people was a palpable reminder of the fact that what we have in common—as a church community and as human beings—is much stronger than what might divide us. Embracing, affirming, and celebrating one another and our differences enabled me to more fully experience the God who loves us all and whose image we all bear.”