Hello from Ocean Grove, NJ.

A rare moment of quiet and stillness in the “parlor” of the place we’re staying here for The Forge Conference gives me this opportunity to catch up on the blog.

I’ll be here the next few days with a list of some super talented and cool leaders in worship ministry, technology, and ministry.  We’re leading the 1st-ever “The Forge Conference” and I’m excited.

I’ll be teaching a couple of classes and leading some of the “late night worship” which from my understanding, is a free-for-all praise and worship time for anyone to join in with.

Pretty smooth first day – our flight from Jacksonville, FL to Charlotte, NC was quick and easy.  I am traveling with a couple of co-workers from SSCC … Travis Paulding and Shannon Lewis.  I’m proud that our church is reaching out and equipping other churches and leaders beyond our 4 walls.  In Charlotte we connected with long-time friend McKendree Augustas.

Landing in Newark was cool – I’ve never been to New York City and didn’t realize that Newark was right there by Manhatten and was pretty excited to see New York City and the Statue of Liberty from the plane window.  Yeah, I’m just a good ole’ boy from South Georgia.

We were expecting a guy from Ocean Grove to pick us up at the airport and joked for about 30 minutes about this limo-guy walking around with a sign that said “Augustas”.  Finally after waiting outside for a half hour, we got a phone call that the limo dude was for us … well, we didn’t have a stretch limo, but we did have a big ole’ black Suburban.  I told Travis I felt like I was in a Harrison Ford flick like Patriot Games.  Thankfully, no rocket launchers took us out of the NJ interstates.

For those who wish to follow “tweets” and updates on Twitter/Facebook during the conference – we’ll be using the following hashtag, which you can use to “search” the net:  #ForgeCon10
More later …

It was our incredible pleasure and blessing to have a professional photographer, Kimberlee West on our trip to Peru.  She was always behind the cameras so that we could always be in the moment.  Last night she blew us away by giving us all a USB key full of hundreds of pictures and THIS video she produced (on her Mac, of course).  Thanks, Kimberlee – you are a true professional and a Christ-loving servant!

Today was a fantastic day in Lima, Peru.  I am totally blown away by the faces, testimonies, and stories from all of these projects by Compassion International.

We spent some time this morning getting some tours en route to the church where today’s Compassion project was hosted.  (click the image for a larger picture) … this is one of the big city squares.

We spent a good amount of time with the kids today – for the first time we spent some time with the teenagers today and saw that they are learning marketable skills at the Compassion projects.  For example, they were learning to make silk screen design T-Shirts calendars, printing, and they made some incredible chocolates that they typically would sell.  I say “typically sell” because we ATE THEM today instead.

We also spent time with 3 students who are part of Compassion’s “LTP” (Leadership Training Program).  This is a program where some of the best students get scholarships and leadership training to the colleges and universities.  If only I could have pictures and videos of “Elizabeth” and her story.  She grew up as a sponsored child and now is in the LTP and is studying in the university to be an elementary teacher.  When asked what she wanted to do, she said “go to the farthest parts of Peru and teach the children about my faith in Jesus Christ”.

Last night I shared a once-in-a-lifetime treat with my friend, Scott Copeland.  Scott is a worship pastor up in the Atlanta area and we met at the re:create conference earlier this year.  In addition, Pastor Francis Castañeda from Lima, Peru attends the conference.  We kept thinking it would be a shame to visit Lima, Peru and not see Pastor Francis whom we’d grown to love from our visits at re:create.

In addition to being a full-time Worship Pastor here in Lima, Francis founded the Allegro Institute, a training center for the arts  – worship, music, arts, etc.  His passion for teaching and training worship leaders is contagious – I’m ready to fly back to Peru soon and teach these students in music theory, arranging, and the spiritual aspects of worship leadership.

Scott and I became true locals – as everyone else on our team from Compassion was headed up to bed, we joined Francis and jumped in a cab and toured Allegro Institute.  We toured all around Lima, seeing some sights that I’m sure we’d never see otherwise.  We enjoyed coffee and some incredible “steak-kabob” type dish in a beautiful restaurant overlooking the Pacific Ocean together.  We returned to the hotel around midnight – exhausted, but exhilarated from our time with Francis.

Finally, I captured a great video today with a couple of the sponsored kids.  I’ll post that as a separate blog, it’s still processing.

Thanks for your prayers.  A few of you have emailed or messaged me and asked “how can I sponsor a child”?  Just visit www.compassion.com and it’s so simple.  Have questions, just ask me!

Fred

Yet another great day in Lima, Peru.  We visited a rural church today and were greeted by these beautiful kids.  Maybe you sponsor one of them?

Over and over, we talked to these kids about how their Compassion sponsors have changed their lives.  One young lady (she was 17) said she had just graduated and was hoping to get accepted into the Navy.  She’s been a sponsored child since she was 4 years old.  She said “Compassion has changed my life”.

I met a great little boy today – I tried so many times to comprehend his name, but I can’t recall it and I’m sure I can’t spell it.  He was my buddy.  He was so shy at first, but a few hours into our day and he was saying “your name is fred”.  I love hearing them say “Fred” – they roll the “r”.  So do I, now.

Our home visit was a moving experience, as expected.  We hiked up these hills as our bus couldn’t make the climb.  We kept saying “I think I can, I think I can” like the little train who could.

Our home visit brought us to a place where once again I was amazed at the poverty.  A tiny hut with a cloth roof, a stove, some chickens – but this actually had two rooms.  The mother weeped with joy as we blessed her.  Her two daughters are 5 and 3 … the 5 year old is in the Compassion project.  They are all Christians walk to the church.  Loving this woman, encouraging her as a good mother, praying a blessing for her, and seeing those kids excitement over the visit and the food … words can’t express.

I have a video of the actual visit inside, but it’s still uploading to YouTube … so enjoy today’s clip of our hike down to her home.  Maybe I can get some videos of our “competition” today – my team won, we jumped through hoops and crawled through the church in a maze race.  I was glad I’d been doing regimen!

Compassion Trip to Peru, Day 1

Awesome first day in Lima, Peru.  We visited one of the urban projects here in town at a local church.  Did you know that ALL of Compassion’s ministry is carried out through the local church?

We were greeted by the most beautiful people ever with song and dance, as you can see from some of the videos I’ll post.

Today we learned about Compassion’s “CSP” – or “Child Survival Program”.  This is an amazing ministry where Compassion workers reach children before they are even born.  Those who are pregnant or who have recently given birth and who are part of this program are ministered to on every level, from spiritual to social, emotional, and intellectual.

We had the honor of visiting the home of one of the mothers who is in this program.  She was a young, single mom with a beautiful little girl.  She lived in the “Squatter” area — in a tiny hut that was probably not much larger than a 12×8 room.  We were able to witness the Compassion worker as she worked with the infant and checked the various assignments and homework that had been given the mother.  I had the pleasure of praying for this mom and her young daughter and speaking a blessing over her home and family.

Totally had a blast with the kids today.  This one little boy, Ernesto – he grabbed my heart.  He was such a sport-model … and I was pretty surprised at how quickly the Spanish came back to me.

Tonight we’re having dinner with three of the local pastors here in Lima who are part of the Compassion ministry.

Looking forward to Day 2.

Here’s a quick video we made outside after our home visit. We were also able to give this young mother a big basket full of groceries. My perspective of life, people, love, and what’s important … is changing already.

Hey Everybody,

I’m in Houston right now and have met several members of the team that’s going to Peru with Compassion International.  Our flight leaves in less than one hour – about a 7 hour haul over to Lima, Peru.

I’ve been told that we should have internet at our hotel … that will be great.  Not only can I blog and “tweet”, I can call my family and talk to them via Skype.  Of course, you never really know until you get there.

I hope you’ll follow along during the trip.  I hope to upload pictures, videos, and updates throughout the trip.  I’ll post here on the blog (which will update on Facebook as well), but will post more frequently via my Twitter account.

Would love your prayers!

For the Kingdom,
Fred

Hello Friends,

I’ll be leaving in a few days and joining a group of church pastors and missions pastors for a week long mission to Lima, Peru with Compassion International.

I’ve never met a single person on this trip – but I’m looking forward to doing so.  I’m looking forward to the time away, the opportunity to give of myself, to love others, to share a smile, a hug, and hopefully, bring back a greater understanding of Compassion’s ministry.

Time and internet-availability permitting, I will be blogging, uploading photos, videos, and sending out “tweets” via my @fmckinnon twitter account.  (still not following my updates on Twitter – click here to do so).  Many of my “tweets” will update my Facebook Status as well.  Of course, this assumes I will have access to the internet, or that my phone will work and have coverage in Peru.

So all next week will be blog bursts, tweets, and updates from the mission field.

If you’ve never sponsored a child, I’d encourage you to consider it.  Just click the Compassion banner above (or this link) for more details.

Pray for us, and please pray for my family as well.  They are in GREAT hands.

For the Kingdom,
Fred

Hey Everybody,

Welcome to “FreePlay Friday”  – where I catchup on life and anything else I want to discuss here on the blog.

1.  RSS Readers:

To the hundreds of you who are subscribed via RSS – thanks for your loyal readership.  I hope you’ll click over and see the new design here on the blog and leave a comment – I’d like to hear from you today!

2.  AllAboutWorship Podcast Honors:

I had the privilege of being interviewed by Ben and Wisdom a few weeks ago on the “All About Worship” podcast, which has a whopping 4,000+ subscribers.  The interview went live last night – I’d like to invite you to check out the interview on AllAboutWorship.Com or on iTunes.  Regardless of where you listen, please leave them a comment and thank them for the great job they are doing with this incredible resource.

3.  re:create 2009 Friends

My first trip to re:create was amazing.  I get it now – and understand why so many of my friends tell me “once you go to re:create, you’ll never want to go to another conference”.  One of the most satisfying aspects of this trip was meeting all of these “friends” in blogworld.  A friend of mine back home often asks about blog relationships … “are they real friends”.  Well, I can tell you that I immediately felt at home, and felt as if I’d known these people all my life.  There was NOTHING superficial.  It was like family.  I can’t say how overwhelmed I was.  I’ll be unpacking a lot of the things I absorbed during re:create, but I’ll leave you with this photo of a bunch of us hanging out … see if you recognize any of these awesome people:

(back row standing, left to right:  Chris, Mark, Jim, Rich, Mark)
(seated, left around to right: Tam, Brent, Randy, Richard, Joel, Alastair, and some guy named Fred)

Somehow this picture missed Kim and Neil Bontrager, who must’ve arrived just AFTER this pic was taken.
If I don’t have your blog link, I need it … my re:create book is in my suitcase – so comment and let me know the URL!

4.  Ministry Continues Tonight and Tomorrow

They are calling for boarding of my flight – I land at 4:15 and have soundcheck at 5:00 PM for the Golden Isles Women’s Connection conference this weekend at First Baptist in Brunswick, GA … so no rest for the weary.  Say a prayer for me, pretty please!

*** Follow the “Live Blogging and Twittering” from the Annual re:create conference!
Click Here! (that is, AFTER you read and comment on this post, haha! ***

Good morning everyone,

I’ve been asked this on Twitter (and as a result of Twitter updating my “status”, on  FaceBook as well) a bunch of times this week … “what is #recreate”.

This morning I had a dm (direct message on twitter) from one of my favorite solo piano artists on the planet, David Nevue:
(David’s Site | David’s Twitter)

@fmckinnon OK, it’s driving me crazy. What exactly, is “#recreate”?

Since I’ve been asked that several times in Twitter world this week … I actually had time to spare this AM and wrote a response … here ya go:

David,
Hey man, I don’t think I can answer in “140 characters or less” …

re:create is a conference (shall I call it an event, not a conference … better yet, an “experience”)  I’m attending in Nashville – “an annual thinktank for arts and worship leaders” … it’s an amazing time … unlike any “conference” I’ve ever attended.

Anyway, on twitter, you can use the hash mark (pound – #) to identify a certain “group” or “event” … such as #recreate

This allows you to find all “tweets” related to that event by simply searching #recreate.

Or, for example, you can go to http://www.tweetchat.com and login w/ your twitterID/password, and then enter room #recreate …. and all tweets show up in that room, etc.

I’m blogging live on my site using the ScribbleLive.Com platform – and they have a feature while you’re blogging that allows you to enter something for all tweets to go into the liveblog, etc … so everyone here is identifying their event-specific tweets with the hash … #recreate

Hope that makes sense!
Fred

So, there’s your lesson, my friends on the use of the Hash mark in #twitter!  How have you folks out there been this week?

Hey Everybody,

Dawg, I’m tired.  Very tired.  My mind is numb – mush, from all the information, sensory overload.  It’s a good tired, though.  I’m sharing a hotel room with Joel Klampert (who is blogging much more than I this week) and both of us were so beat we ditched out of the last session tonight pretty much as soon as it was over.

Today was incredible – our first session this morning was with Founder of the re:create event, Randy Elrod.  Honestly, Randy’s been a bit of a mystery to me – haven’t really known who this guy was, what he really believed, or what re:create was all about.  I came here on the overwhelming recommendation of other blogger friends who have experienced it before … like Jim, Los, Chris, and Rich.    This guy (Randy) is amazing.  He’s one of those guys who you feel knit to the moment you meet him.  I would have no trouble spilling the most intimate secrets of my life to this guy within 10 minutes of being around him.  Hearing his story was incredible today and he challenged me in many, many ways … from habits, to family, to ministry, and more.

Ian Morgan Cron was fascinating today, and we had a memorable time in “communion”, or “the eucharist”.  The litury was amazing and left me hungry for more times like this.  I want to challenge you – GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE … and go experience worship in different ways.  It is refreshing.

Ken Davis made us laugh so hard we all hurt.  He knows how to bring it – he makes you laugh until you cry, then you cry because you realize the impact of what he’s saying to you.

Finally, we capped off the evening at yet another swanky, upscale restaurant with amazing food (I had prime rib) and incredible, up-close-and-personal performances from worship artists like Carl Cartee, Travis Cottrell, and American Idol singer/writer Chris Sligh.  I made the mistake of texting my brother that I was sitting at the table next to Chris, and for him to tell my two nephews – so, my phone started lighting up with texts for pictures!  Oh, how I wish I had an iPhone.  My crummy Treo just doesn’t do the job in low light at all … this was the best I could do:

This guy can sing – wow.  Just co-wrote the big single that Rascal Flatts has on the radio now.  Congrats, Chris.  You chose to chase after God … and He’s rewarding you.  I was gonna stay behind and be the starstruck freak and get a picture (it’s for my nephews, you know, haha) but we were all tired so we split.

Was going to come back to the hotel and just crash – but both Joel and I are downloading some of this info out of our brains onto these blogs.

I’ve met so many folks this week – and most of them I’ve followed on Twitter and blogs … and you know what … you wonder “are these people really my friends” …. I can tell you … it’s been amazing … it’s as if we’ve known each other for our entire lives.

Hope you’re able to follow our “live blogging feed” that I’ve got going on here:
http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2009/02/02/recreate-2009-nashville-tn-2/

It’s a bit random and sporadic … but most of the “a-ha” moments, great quotes, 1-liners, and soundbytes are being “twittered” and “posted” there by lots of us here at the event.

My heart is stirred in so many directions – developing the culture of worship further at SSCC is burning in me.  So many ideas.  So many questions.

See you tomorrow (Thursday).  I’m missing my family, and yeah – I’m loving it here, but I’m ready to be in the arms of my wife and kids, too!

Hey Everybody,

We’re blogging live from the re:create conference … lots of the bloggers and twitterers here are participating – so if you’d like to follow real-time comments and posts, quotes from the speakers, updates, etc., follow this post:
http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2009/02/02/recreate-2009-nashville-tn-2/

So I’m sitting here in Building 8 of the “The Factory” in Franklin, TN – being led in worship by 10th Avenue North this morning … it’s been a great event thus far.  No other place really gives you the luxury of being taught my some of the most creative minds on the planet.  On top of that, the room is constantly filled with “music and worship” folks that we’ve all grown to love and respect.

Talk about legends … spent the afternoon yesterday with Matthew Ward (2nd Chapter of Acts) … this dude is hilarious.  Last night we had some incredible worship – capped off with some personal worship time in our small room, with this small group of people with one of my all-time favorites, Michael W. Smith.  Him leading from keyboard only – cutting up, telling stories, teaching us, equipping us, and then leading a near-acapella version of “Agnus Dei” with us … it was powerful.

So stay in touch with the twitter account and the live feed … we’ll keep you updated throughout the week.

Fred

Hey Everybody,

I’m sitting in the ATL airport waiting on my flight to Nashville – I’ll soon be joining so many of my friends here in “blogworld” at “re:create 2009″, the “Annual Thinktank for Arts and Worship Leaders from around the world”.  I’m looking forward to this gathering.

I’ve setup “live blogging” for the event here – what that means is that I’ll be posting snippets here and there each day – you can follow along right here on this post.  I’ll also be inviting other re:create bloggers to join as well.

If you want to comment “live” – just go here:
http://www.scribblelive.com/Event/recreate_2009_Nashville_TN

• 8:43 AM fmckinnon - Monday – Feb 2: Currently blogging, twittering, and texting – everyone enroute to Nashville for re:create. More bloggers and participants joining – all tweets with the recreate hash will post here as well. Have fun.
• 9:12 AM snowjunkie - http://twitpic.com/1arjx – On the plane heading to music city usa!
• 9:04 AM Cynkeys - We are getting ready to leave Chattanooga and head to Franklin…having lunch with some peeps from Cross Point Dickson #recreate
• 9:02 AM okjedi - Hoping the best for all the cre:ators this week! I really wish I could be there. #recreate
• 9:02 AM inworship - @fmckinnon that’s cool. Boarding now. Will live blog as soon as we can. #recreate
• 9:02 AM inprogress - http://twitpic.com/1arbs – We’re off. @inworship & I are headed to #recreate
• 8:38 AM rkweblog - leaving Ontario for Denver to get to #recreate conf in Franklin
• 8:27 AM inworship - @inprogress and I are sitting in thale airport getting ready to board. I am wondering who created times earlier than 8am. I am wondering if it has something to do with the fall of man. This is pure evil!
• 8:26 AM janjowen - I arrived last night and visite Cross Point in Nashville. It was good to sit in worship, and not to be leading. I’m looking forward to a week of refreshment and I’m really praying for a word from God. I haven’t met any re:creators yet but Anne Jackson and Pete Wilson will both be with us some this week. I also met Blake Bergstrom last night. All of CPs staff are always so friendly and welcoming! I’m going to spend some time writing this morning and then I’ll meet up with fellow re:creators at Merridees around 11:30 or so….
• 8:15 AM fmckinnon - OK – so just sent an email and several tweets to a few bloggers I know who are attending – most of them are in airports or on planes right now … wow – I sit here at gate b22 – they have changed our gate to T7 – that’s quite a hike. I’ll unplug and head that way.
• 8:02 AM fmckinnon - Just sent a twitter invite to http://www.scribblelive.com/Event/recreate_2009_Nashville_TN – hope to get more re:create bloggers posting as well.
• 7:43 AM fmckinnon - Test post for live blogging from the re:create conference, 2009 – updates posted throughout the day here, feel free to join the conversation.

Well, it’s official.  I just paid my “early bird” registration deposit for the re:create conference, hosted by Randy Elrod and Co in Franklin, TN.  For 2+ years I’ve been hearing about the awesomeness of this conference.  I don’t even like calling this a “conference” when you consider that it’s limited to 150 folks.

It’s dubbed as the “Annual Thinktank for Arts and Worship Leaders”.  What appeals to me most is the smaller group, and the ability to connect on a more personal, meaningful level with the leaders in worship and arts.  In addition, lots of folks I’ve “met” through blogging go, so it should be a nice reunion or first-time meetups!

I am so far from having it all figured out, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to go and get equipped and resourced from great leaders who are preparing the way.

How about you?  What plans to you have for “equipping” in 2009?  It will be here before you know it.  Comment and let us know.

Hey Everyone,

I’d like to say “Thanks” to all those worshipers who attended the “Worship + Web 2.0″ class at the National Worship Leader Conference. Both classes were pretty full and we had the pleasure of being joined with dozens more worshipers from across the globe via Twitter and Mogulus.

I’d like to hear from the new friends who may be here on the blog as a result of the class. Please leave a comment. As for the rest of you … did you enjoy the class, either in person, or online?

Do tell.

Fred

PS: if you’d like a good laugh, visit Shaun Groves’ witty post about the Austin heat … for all you dweebs on Mogulus making fun of my armpit sweat … this post is for you.

Hey Everyone,

In less than one hour, I’ll be teaching the first of two classes at the National Worship Leader Conference entitled “Worship + Web 2.0″. I could use your prayers. Pray that someone will actually ATTEND the class. Pray that I’ll communicate effectively.

I’d like to invite you to join us. Because we’re talking about worship planning and networking online, I’ll be “twittering” and possibly even broadcasting via my Mogulus channel … and would love for you to interact with the class. Not sure if this will happen or not, but be standing by … just in case. I’ll send a “tweet” asking people to participate.

The class will be happening (shortly) at 11:00 AM CST and at 1:45 PM CST.

If you’d like, you can download the class notes.

Here is the presentation. Russ Hutto tried to make me a hip theme, but we ran out of time. He says it’s lame. I’ll forgive him.

QuickTime Movie Presentation
PowerPoint Export

Fred

Hey Everybody,

What an incredible couple of days I’ve had at the National Worship Leader Conference. Yeah, originally the “shuttle” schedule was pretty lousy, but thanks to a new blog/twitter/worship buddy, Jim Drake, we’ve hitched some rides with his clan which has made transportation much easier.

So right now, as I type this … I’m sitting in the Speakers’ Green Room. Laura Story (author of the huge song, “Indescribable” is sitting on the couch to my left. A Pastor and some other friends from Franklin, TN are to my right. Across the rug is legend, Ron Kenoly. Can I tell you that sitting in this room off and on all day with Ron Kenoly is like sitting under a wise man who is chock-full of Godly wisdom. He’s like a grandfather. I could sit and listen to Ron all day long. He’s so authentic, and his heart bleeds for God and His Kingdom.

Truth be told, I’m just too tired to give you all the dozens of pages of notes I’ve taken in the many sessions over the last two days. This conference schedule starts with us leaving the hotel before 8:00 AM, and not getting back to the hotel until after 10:00 PM.

Here are some highlights:

Extravagant Worship in the main sessions with some of the most influential, gifted worship leaders on the planet. I’ve been led in worship by Matt Redman, Paul Baloche, Sarah Kelly, Jonathan Noel, Rush of Fools, Leeland, Matt Maher, Phillips, Craig & Dean, Rita Springer, and in about an hour, Lincoln Brewster, Kathryn Scott, Don Moen, and Gateway Worship. Tomorrow night we’ll be led in worsip by Buddy Owens, CeCe Winans, Phil Sillas & Lily Cruz, Israel Houghton, and Tommy Walker. Yes – in the same week. Can you believe that?

Today:

I took Shaun Groves‘ Advanced Blogging class. It was awesome. Shaun is the real deal. I didn’t have the adapter to make my Lappie work with their projector, so he’s loaned me his … he trusts me to return it to him, and gave to me when I was in need. That’s huge for me. I learned a lot about blogging from him today.

Earlier today I took a powerful class by Ross Parsley. It was about Multi-Generational worship. Let’s face it, most churches have “multiple generations” represented and I was really looking forward to this class. Ross didn’t disappoint – he comes across as very humble, incredibly authentic, and laid back. He’s got tons of wisdom, and I consider it an honor to sit under his teaching. The folks at New Life Worship should count their blessings to have this gift.

Gordan MacDonald was the afternoon speaker and he was really great. It was during that “sluggish time” of day where my body was distracted, fatigued, yet I knew in my spirit that what he was saying was important. Plus, I’ve learned that when these guys who have been in ministry for 40+ years speak, I should shut up and listen. Gordon delivered big-time, and opened my eyes to further understanding what’s going on as a Worship Pastor, and how to navigate that with multiple age groups.

Bishop Joseph Garlington spoke this morning. His keyboard player accompanied his sermon, playing strings, keys, hits, sound effects, and various nuances that made the entire presentation a vivid, interactive session. I thought to myself how these little music “things” throughout the sermon kept me engaged, and heightened my emotions during the talk … thought about how movies always keep a soundtrack growing, and found myself wondering why we don’t do this more?

Yesterday we had more incredible sessions, other classes by Paul Baloche and Ross Parsley, and dynamic teaching by Dr. Leonard Sweet.

Wish I could share more, and I should – I’m on information overload right now, but wanted to get a blog out. Thanks to everyone who is taking this journey with me!

For the Kingdom,
Fred

Hey Everyone,

As promised, here’s an update from the National Worship Leader Conference in Austin, TX. I can tell you one thing … it’s HOT in Austin, TX. We arrived yesterday via ExpressJet air. Before leaving the Jacksonville, FL I called the hotel to confirm that their complimentary shuttle would be at the airport. She confirmed that it would be there at the top of every hour. We arrived a bit late, so I was afraid we’d miss the 3:00 PM shuttle. I called the hotel from baggage claim and she said “it’s running a little late, so you should be fine”.

Well, 2-1/2 hours later, we still have no shuttle, and we’ve been standing out on the sidewalk of the airport in the Austin heat. Every subsequent phone call to the hotel confirmed they were clueless as to the shuttle situation and more and more people assembled on the sidewalk waiting for the mystery shuttle.

I finally caved in and said “ok folks there is one sure way to get that shuttle … I’ll give up and get a cab, then the shuttle will show up”. So, I hailed a cab, piled in, and arrived at the hotel with a $40 taxi bill. As I paid the driver, the hotel shuttle drove up (just behind us) with all our friends from the airport. Go figure.

“Shuttle” is a cuss word this week. The transportation situation is just not good at all, and I regret not renting a car. Traffic is ridiculous in this area and the church is out in this area where there are no restaurants, gas stations, etc.

But … it’s all part of travel, right?

Blog friend-now-met-in-person Chad Wright picked us up at the hotel and we went to dinner … had a blast and took a pic here.

Last night we had worship with several folks including Sarah Kelly, Matt Redman and Paul Baloche. Skip Heitzig was the speaker, and he did an awesome job. He was a fantastic communicator, and really encouraged the worship leader. I love worshiping with Paul Baloche, and regretted having to slip out early because the “shuttle” (sh****TLE) schedule said that last ride back to the hotel was at 9:30 PM. So, we slipped out … got outside in the muggy, humid heat to find NO SHUTTLE. We waited … and waited, meanwhile, the rest of the smart people who stayed for worship are now dismissing. Finally the shuttle comes closer to 10:00 and we then sit in parking lot traffic another 15 minutes or so.

So it’s nearly the end of Tuesday already, but I have only updated Monday … I’ll put Tuesday in a new blog, and will update soon.

Is anyone following?

Fred

Hey Everyone,

I’m a few hours from boarding my flight to Austin, TX for the annual National Worship Leader Conference. A fellow blogger, friend, Worship Leader, and Contributor for TheWorshipCommunity.Com will be making the trek with me … thanks, Russ Hutto!

As with the Willow Arts Conference, I’ll be blogging from the conference in Austin. For more frequent updates, you should be following my twitter account.

Pray for me, especially on Thursday from 11:00 – 12:15 CST and 1:45 – 3:00 PM CST, as I”ll be teaching the “Worship + Web 2.0″ class.

Hope to hookup with Chad Wright this trip, and many other bloggers and friends. If you are there, twitter me or email me … we’ll find a way to hookup. Me thinks we’ll crash a restaurant or hotel lobby after one of the night concerts!

More to come,

Fred

Hey Everybody,

So we’ve just completed Day 2 of Arise, the Willow Creek Arts Conference. Overall, it’s been a blast. As I mentioned yesterday, Chris has been keeping a good stream of blog posts and pictures from the event, so rather than rehashing all the details, just check out his blog.

Today was a bit different, as we had breakout sessions all day … so our team was separated.

My first session was called “Putting Music Technology to Work In Your Church”, taught by Steve Young. I walked away extremely disappointed in this session, mostly because it was like Pre-K basic. The first hour was spent talking about the most basic of basic stuff … different types of keyboards, guitar modules, and electronic drums. I’d hoped to jump into some serious stuff about virtual synths, loops, click tracks, Ableton Live, etc … we barely scratched that stuff in the last 10 minutes of the class. It was a bummer.

The other 3 classes that I took were called “Conversations” – these were very small-group breakouts that you could choose as an alternative to the bigger classes. Each “conversations” was led by someone and there would be 5-8 people at the table, just all having a “conversation” about the topic.

“Developing Your Worship Leading” by Joe Horness (previously WC’s Worship Director for 25 years). This was a great class and we tackled some issues head-on that we’re confronting right now at SSCC.

“Building Health Relationships with your Musicians, Singers, and Tech Team” was also a great experience. We talked about ways to keep unity across your music, vocal, band, and tech team – how to empower volunteers, earn and build respect, etc. Some great insights, and well worth the time.

“The Church as Music Publisher and Record Producer” – this was taught my a long-time friend, Susan Fontaine Godwin of ChurchCA.com, and was very enjoyable. As an artist, I’m constantly trying to learn what other churches are doing to empower their songwriters, artists, and other forms or art, while protecting them (and the church) from future copyright, ownership, and liability issues.

Towards the end of Session 3 I got a direct message via Twitter from Lee McDerment, the Worship Leader at NewSpring in Anderson, SC (with Perry Noble and Tony Morgan) … “yo dawg, you in the building, I’m in the coffee shop until 3:15″. Lee and I have spoken on the phone (re: recording in church, etc) and via email several times, but it was my first chance to just hang out w/ the guy. Kudos .. he’s super cool, super humble, and 100% genuine. Glad to make that relationship … and after hearing his rock-out album, I had no clue he studied classical piano like I did!

After the final session, I headed back to the hotel where the Vendor’s Expo is happening – I made a b-line straight for the Sensaphonics booth where they had one of their audiologists on hand doing full in-ear impressions. I got full impressions made of both ears, and in 4-5 weeks I’ll some groovey silicone custom-fit sleeves for my Shure E5 IEMs. I’d had substantial surgery done in my left ear years ago, and the audiologist noticed right away, which was funny – she was like “what happened in there!”.

Chris, Travis, and Bo were in the Expo when I arrived so Chris (always with cam in hand) captured some video of that moment which I’ll post soon. In the meantime, here’s a pic he shot yesterday while we were at lunch …

Would you say we’ve drunk the Steve Jobs Kool-Aid?

More later!
Fred

Hey Gang,

Day 1 of Willow Creek’s Arts Conference, “Arise” was awesome. I’d like to recap everything, but it’s after midnight – we enjoyed the full day, had some steaks tonight, and headed into the city – just got back. My morning starts very early, so I’m crashing.

My Twitter feed is updated throughout the day w/ the details … and my roommate and co-worker, Chris Moncus, is doing a great job taking photos, uploading, and blogging the details, so see his site for today’s updates.

I miss my family!

More tomorrow.

Fred

Hey Everybody,

I’m off today with Chris Moncus, Travis Paulding, and Bo from SSCC to Chicago to be a part of the Willow Creek Art Conference, “Arise”.

I’m pumped to be able to get off and get some refreshing, creative ideas. I look forward to spending some good hang time with my friends and co-workers as well.

We’re staying @ the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center where the Expo is located, so if any of you are out there and wanna gather for some hang out time one evening @ the hotel, let me know.

I hope to blog whenever I can from Chicago, and will have more frequent and specific (and totally wasteful, non-important) updates from my Twitter account … so if you want those … you gotta “come follow me”. (grin)

Don’t be a stranger – I’ll be checking in.

Fred

Hey Everyone,

So it’s official. I will be teaching a class this year at the National Worship Leader Conference in Austin, TX. The title: “Worship Planning + Web2.0″.

“From FaceBook to Twitter, Blogging, Social Networking, and Online Communities … how can the web enhance your ability to plan and create great worship encounters for your congregations.”

I’ll start writing the syllabus soon – but I need to hear from you ALL … how has the web, and more specifically, the 2.0 web helped you as a Worship Leader, Musician, or Tech?

1. Leave a comment and share your story.
2. Blog about it, email it, and share it on your links … I need HUGE PARTICIPATION here.
3. COME to the class if you’re attending the NWLC!

Let the stories begin.
Fred

Hey Everyone,

I’ll be leaving next week with Bo, Travis, and Chris to attend Willow Creek’s “Arise” Worship and Arts Conference in Chicago. I’m excited to get away and get some new ideas, and “re-equip”.

Just reviewing my breakout selections:

1. “Putting Music Technology To Work In Your Church”
(by Steve Young)

2. Develop Your Worship Leading
(by Joe Horness)

3. Developing healthy relationships within band/vocal
(by Don Garberg)

*thinking about substituting a different class for more creative/arts ideas …. possibly a “creativity in action” class from another chuch)

4. The Church as a Music Publisher or Record Produce
(by good friend, Susan Fontaine Godwin, from ChurchCA.Com)

Anyone else gonna be there next week?
Fred

Hey Everybody,

Thanks to all those who prayed for our concert up at Ft. Belvoir, VA this past weekend. It was an awesome trip, and far from uneventful. You can catch some of the highlights of the trip in random Twitter updates and my previous post. Perhaps the biggest ordeal was my realizing that my Driver’s License had expired in November of last year. This morning, I’ll be going straight to the Georgia State Patrol’s office to get it renewed.

This trip was a great cultural experience as well. With the exception of Sonic Flood, all the other bands had a strong urban/black gospel sound. Even though twin sisters Mary Alessi and Martha Munizzi are “white girls”, it’s only in complexion. They are saturated with soul.

My appreciation for gospel music has soared through the roof. Bottom line … gospel musicians play far more complex arrangements, chord voicings, and rhythms than the “same-old, white/U2-rockish, pop/contemporary worship music” that we play over and over. I’ve got a degree in Music Theory yet I am sure I’d spend hours trying to “figure out” exactly that these guys were playing.

On Sunday, I stayed over and brought the Word to the congregation of the “gospel service” at the Woodlawn Chapel on Ft. Belvoir. Once again, with the exception of myself, Jay Sellers (my guitarist), his Mom, our wonderful escort, Lt. John Hunter, and a couple of others … we were the only “white folk” in that service. It was amazing. What rich culture of praising God. And let me tell you – these wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ were some of the most honoring and hospitable people I’ve ever been around. We were made to feel like royalty, and I have a deep appreciation and respect for them. I feel that I’ve found some great friends in the Kingdom and would go back in a heartbeat.

All reports are that Shannon Lewis (Associate Worship Dir) did an awesome job leading a rather mixed team of youth musicians and some of our newer adult vocalists in worship at church on Sunday. Apparently, I missed quite a Sunday – with quad baby dedications, a real pig on the stage, and Pastor David stomping around in full scuba gear.

Which brings me to today. Not only did my Driver’s License expire, but Joy’s AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America) credentials have also expired. She’s headed down to Orlando, FL this afternoon and won’t return until Sunday evening. So – just like two weekends ago, I’m “Mr. Mom”. Pray for me to have the extra measure of grace that Mom’s take for granted! I’m looking forward to some quality time w/ the kids!

Speaking of Joy … knowing we were apart all this past weekend, and now will be apart for 4 more days … we had a great date last night.

Babysitter: $35
Sharing OutBack Special and 1/2 Order of Aussie Cheese Fries: $30
Two Tickets to Indiana Jones: $18

Time together: Priceless.
We certainly don’t have nearly $85 budgeted for date night in a week. That’s way over our entire budget for a full week of “eating out, entertainment”, etc. But it was one of those times when I said “Joy, we’ll figure out where to squeeze this out of our budget later … we’re going out, period”. She happily obliged.

So, I’d love to get some discussion on this blog.
1) If you (like me) are Caucasian, what has your experience (if any) been in a more African American church culture?
2) How often do you and your babe date? Do you budget for it?

Fred

Hey Everyone,

My buddy Jay Sellers and I arrived safely today in Washington, D.C. I thought I’d never get here, as I was informed upon checking through security at the airport in JAX that my ID had expired. So, flashes of this entire concert weekend flushing down the drain as I stood there, wondering what would happen.

TSA (security) decided I could go through with extra screening – so I’m the guy over there holding the orange TSA “high risk” card, getting searched over. I’m just glad that I haven’t been pulled over since my license expired nearly 6 months ago without my realizing it.

Landing at DCA (Washington-Reagan) was a breeze, and I promptly went to security and asked them if I’d be able to come home Sunday w/ my expired license. They said no prob, it would just take extra screening like in JAX.

Well, getting onto the military base at Ft. Belvoir wasn’t quite as simple. We were held up at the gate, and despite my military escort, the MP’s wouldn’t allow me on base. “But, he’s one of the headline artists for the concert in the AM, and they are expecting Mr. McKinnon on Parade Field 1 right now for a sound check”. Sorry, expired ID = invalid ID = no getting on this base. Finally, the Major got involved (thanks Major) and vouched for me. After a brief wait, they let us through and off we headed to sound check.

Went straight to the big Parade 1 field where they had this huge stage setup with a big tent over it and a massive PA … and enough backline gear to stock a music store. “Simon”, the house band leader was there with his musicians, and let me just say … these guys are amazing. Jay and I laughed that we’re the only “white boys” around, which doesn’t matter a bit, ’cause we felt the brotherhood (and sisterhood) immediately. The house band started playing my tunes like they’ve been playing with me for a decade. I’ll have to get a pic of us all tomorrow. We rehearsed again after dinner this evening, and we just had some awesome church and worship.

So, we’re back at the housing, and I’m hoping to get a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow will be a long day – will be twittering and sending some pics from the shows.

How was your Friday?
Fred