I had a great time at the Forge Conference this past weekend and so glad I went. I’m hoping there is another one because it was so refreshingly unique in it’s approach and execution. I so appreciated the variety and diversity in worship styles (I will say the urban Gospel scene wasn’t well represented, but hey…we were like on the Jersey shore so whatever). The theme was a blend of ancient and modern. I also got to lead worship and speak twice. My highlights:

• Such a unique reverence and worshipful spirit there.
• Hanging with Jonathan Lee. He led worship at my church Wednesday, we did our 4 hr. trip together Thursday, roomed together at the conference, and found out we have a lot more in common than just Asian-sounding last names. His song Pouring It Out For You is on the upcoming Newsboys album. Love that song.
• Accusing Jonathan of stealing my Tempur-Pedic pillow. He has been exonerated.
• Seeing Calvin Lee (no relation to Jonathan) again. He’s my friend and also a bassist who plays correct notes. That is good because I have no grace for bass.
• Experiencing Dunn & Wilt and the sheer beauty of the hammered dulcimer. I want one.
• Beholding the sheer majesty of Rich Kirkpatrick‘s new mustache. I must think of a name for it.
• Seeing everyone’s reaction when I used the word “urine” in my message. Epic.
• Leading worship and speaking in a t-shirt, hat, and cheap Old Navy hoodie. I never get to dress down. That was seriously refreshing.
• Being in awe with my bandmates at the sheer creepiness of Ocean Grove, NJ. I repeat:  if there is ever a zombie-apocalypse, it will start in Ocean Grove, NJ. Examples:  creeper zombie doing Tai-Chi under the gazebo and the creeper zombie staring at us from his front door. Let’s also not forget the zombie-creeper cashier at the pizzeria. I would have brought my firearm if it wasn’t illegal to cross state lines with it. I’d be like Leon from Resident Evil capping them suckas, mixing red & green herbs, and kicking zombie tail with Randy Martins.
• HeyTell. Sorry, can’t say anymore than that on this one.

I’m sure there are going to be a ton of other guys that will post more profound content on what the teachings were like and etc. My hope is that at least from my post, you can see that ministry and life can actually intersect, be fun, and therefore life-giving. It was needed for me because on the personal side of life I had a lot to juggle last week to the point of wondering if I should go to ForgeCon. I’m really glad I did despite the craziness of life. You really can’t put a price-tag on friends and these kind of experiences. To find out more about ForgeCon go to theforgeconference.com or follow @joelklampert. He’s the man behind the everything of Forge.

And if there’s ever another ForgeCon and you are involved in worship or pastoral leadership or service…GO.