Worship in Transition: Looking Ahead to the 2024 Andrews University Music and Worship Conference

Best Practices for Adventist Worship (BP): The 21st annual Andrews University Music & Worship Conference, scheduled from February 22-24, 2024, is designed around the compelling theme of "Worship in Transition." This theme is inspired by the immutable words from Hebrews 13:8: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

In the midst of a transformational phase at Andrews University, numerous churches are likewise navigating their unique transitions. These changes often present both challenges and opportunities in leadership and cultural adjustments. As we collectively ponder the question, "How do we lead through change?" it's crucial to ground ourselves in one constant—Jesus Christ.

The conference aims to delve into advanced scholarship and provide practical tools to aid leaders in guiding their communities through these times of transition. What specific transitions related to worship do you see churches currently wrestling with?

David Williams (DW): At some point, every church is going to face leadership change, such as senior pastor, worship pastor, or lead musician. It is often in new stages of leadership that churches face challenges, whether dealing with liturgical order, musical preferences, or the shared vision for worship ministry. At a broader level, I see many churches that are seeking to enliven their worship through musical forms that are new to their community, but they don’t know where to begin or lack adequate training. Others face an ongoing transition from a mono-cultural congregation toward a community with racial and ethnic diversity. Giving voice to those worship languages is challenging but also exciting and rewarding when done well.

BP: Could you highlight some potential constants in worship beyond a broad, essential emphasis on Jesus Christ?

DW: The conference asserts a simple reality: Amidst change and transition, culture wars, and preferences, the center of worship is always Jesus. He does not change. Beneath all the various ways in which we contextually bring our praise is a heart of worship, a desire to worship the triune God. Such an appeal challenges each community to continue fixing our eyes on Jesus, and to continue worshiping Him, while we experience change and transition. We will continue to gather, sing, pray, listen to the Word, and respond in praise and service. Broadly speaking, these things don’t change. But what they look like, how they feel, and how they meet the needs of the church community—these change.

BP: What key strategies or questions should we keep in mind to distinguish between transitional elements and constants in worship?

DW: We need to keep in mind that times of transition hold the potential to be transformative for faith communities. Especially when we keep focused on our Constant. When a congregation worships together, collectively surrendering their will to the Almighty, God works in their midst to unify them and transform them to be effective change agents in their wider community. We need to remember that the transitional elements—the way we worship—are like window dressings. We cannot let them so clutter our view that we lose sight of the object of our worship, our Creator-Redeemer, and His goodness and love. Some key questions to keep in mind as we move through transition are: What change do you desire in your congregation? Is the change you envision requisite for genuine worship? Does the liturgy impede the congregation’s worship or your own? What are you worshiping?

BP: Apart from attending the conference, either in person or online, where else can church leaders seek practical advice and tools that can inform their leadership through times of transition and change?

DW:  I have only pointed toward some of the challenges and opportunities churches face today. That is why we put out a call for papers each year for scholars to present their latest research to address the questions of the conference. I am looking forward to learning from these leaders at the conference next February! The field of worship studies is ever-growing. Therefore, it is invaluable for church leaders to attend the conference each year as they seek to lead their communities through transitions.

Past conference videos and training sessions can be found online, such as at Adventist Learning Community. I also suggest a few books that may help our readers:

Lilianne Doukhan’s In Tune with God is an outstanding source for all Adventist pastors and musicians.

Constance Cherry’s The Worship Architect is a vital source for leading congregations toward intentional worship with theological integrity.

Adriana Perera’s In Spiritu en Verdad is an excellent Spanish-language resource addressing worship and music in the church.