ACAFEST 2008 - Nashville, TN



What a wonderful celebration of singing, concerts, worship and song!
We've been enjoying some great classes by outstanding presenters.
James Tackett (below), founder of the Paperless Hymnal, discusses copyrights 101.
Today, Charles Dorris, Vice President of the William Morris Agency, teaches a class on booking.
Shane Coffman will teach a class today on becoming a full-time worship minister.

   

The keynote messages from Lipscomb's Summer Celebration have been inspiring.
The opening night featured Jeff Walling, with worship led by Ken Young and Hallel.
Last evening, Jerome Williams inspired attendees with upbeat praise and the message was presented by Don McLaughlin (North Atlanta).
Tonight, some of my Madison friends are preparing to help me lead the worship before Randy Harris speaks.

   

Singing is everywhere!
Registrants have arrived from all over world.
Messiah's Men of West Africa are a big hit.
Below - Bryant Malone jams with Messiahs' Men.



Tonight will feature a concert by South Side Singers, Committed and Acappella.
Attendance for the Praise & Harmony workshops turned out to be encouraging.



Danice Sweet and Revival, of Arkansas City, Kansas, were among the many groups who provided a soulful and heartwarming presentation.



Shane Coffman, who helps direct the Tulsa Workshop, along with the Memorial Drive Singers led an "Evening Praise" outdoors at Lipscomb's new Amphitheater.



I could not have been prouder of DURANT (featuring three of our children: Melissa, Kimberly and Anthony).  They were in excellent form for their concert last evening.



So where are you? 
Why not make plans to attend next year's ACAFEST?



Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN.
Check out all the ACAFEST Photos here.  Don't forget to leave a comment at the gallery.

We should never underestimate the power of music to move, convict and shape our hearts.  I recently received this message, that once again, humbled me to the power of music - especially in combination with God's message.

"I remember as a teenager wearing out my Acappella tapes. 10 years later I find myself in South Korea separated from my family and friends. I have not entered the house of God in months. I have not had a conversation about God in years. Tonight, sitting in front of my computer for some reason I searched for Acappella. The first song that displayed was "Lead me to rest". After the third time of listening to it, I started thinking about my life and the lack of peace I have. I so long to have that rest and peace again. I want it more than anything in this world. I had forgotten what it was like to live in the circle of His blessing. I don't know how many years ago you sat down and wrote the words to that song but tonight, I firmly believe that God had me in mind when he gave the words. I have 8 months left before returning to the states. I want to return a different man, living in HIS rest. Thank you! I have only 3 life changing moments. Salvation, my wedding day, and tonight. Thank you again and God bless."

Wow!  How do you respond to a message like this?

"I so long to have that rest and peace again. I want it more than anything in this world."

Shouldn't all of us long to live in God's circle with this much conviction?

I have only 3 life changing moments. Salvation, my wedding day, and tonight.

Again, the power of music should never be under-estimated.

I don't know how many years ago you sat down and wrote the words to that song but tonight, I firmly believe that God had me in mind when he gave the words.

Brother, if this song affected you that strongly, then it may been written just for you!  Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and may God bless you on your journey back to His rest!