Today was the second full day of the WorshipGod06 conference. Bob Kauflin led the day’s opening session and spoke on “Pursuing God’s Presence”. Bob spoke on the Spirit’s role in worship. Tim Challies has a good recap of the session.

The afternoon sessions were break-out seminars. I attended one on “Corporate Worship as Pastoral Care”, led by Bob Kauflin. Bob shared some insights I hadn’t really considered before and I think that’s largely due to some of the ways I have viewed the role of worship, views that may be changing slightly as a result of this conference. What I mean by that is I had one particular view of worship and its purpose prior to arriving at WorshipGod06. Some of the things Bob presented this afternoon represented a slightly different view of worship and its purpose. But as I’ve thought about that throughout the afternoon, the two views are not in opposition to one another.

I have taught for a long time that worship’s goal is to glorify God. It isn’t to console the hurting, it isn’t to evangelize, it isn’t to do anything but glorify God. Although these other things might take place in worship, they are more conincidental than intentional. Bob suggested that pastors are called to do five things—feed, lead, care for, protect, and be an example for the Church—and that these five things can have a place in worship. Indeed they can if the texts of the songs we sing (or any other forms of worship) are as Christ-centered and biblically sound as Sovereign Grace consistently models (I’m assuming here the pastor’s sermon is already Christ-centered and biblically sound). Through these types of texts, both the glory of God can be revealed and lifted up and the congregation can be edified. I would still argue that exalting God is the first and ultimate goal, but congregational care can take place at the same time.

Tonight’s main session was an extended time of worship that involved singing, Scripture reading, and prayer. Again, Tim Challies has a much more detailed explanation of what went on. Be sure to check out the comments if what Tim wrote causes any concerns for you.

The evening closed with a concert by Keith and Kristyn Getty. To say the concert was awesome would be a gross understatement, but I don’t know how else to put it. Have I mentioned before that I like Getty’s work?

I met and spent time with some new friends tonight and saw a friend from seminary who I hadn’t seen in five years. It was a great night all around. The conference ends tomorrow after one more break-out seminar and a main session. Pray for safe travel for the more than 1000 conference attendees as they return home to their local contexts and lead their people in worship.