I have had the pleasure of leading worship at 2 conferences in the past few months: one was for Open Doors (the charity started by Brother Andrew the Bible smuggler) and one for Besom (a fantastic charity linking money, food and furniture resources with the poor and needy).
Both were events organised to bring together their key volunteers and they were both an amazing pleasure to lead at. It is always interesting leading people from different types of churches in worship. I spend time listening to God and asking what His focus will be for the day - but then try to choose a mix of hymns, older chorus' and a few newer songs but by well known worship leaders like Matt Redman and Tim Hughes.
Both days were so exciting because the people that came came with an expectation that God was going to speak to them: and He did. When people with passion come together it is awesome.
I would do it every weekend just for the pleasure of knowing God is using me and I get such a buzz. But I got more than a buzz from one of the conferences - I GOT PAID. I know, paid. After feeling like I should give it back and talking to the person who issued the cheque begging them to do so (they would not accept it back - they thought I had earned it) I then had the thought flash through my mind that I am now a professional! Yes I have been paid once for leading worship - so now it is my job. The fact that I may never again be paid for the joy it doesn't matter- I was paid once and I am well chuffed!
