As Phyllis Tickle wrote, “It is always the music that carries the message of spiritual and social transformation most powerfully.”
Yet it seems like a lot of praise and worship lyrics don’t quite work for theologically progressive congregations, which leads us to ask:
- What is progressive Christian worship music?
- Why do we need it?
- Where can we find it?
Come sing, listen, and learn about progressive theology, inclusive language, and the messages of the songs we sing in the context of worship.
This workshop is perfect for clergy, church musicians, aspiring progressive Christian songwriters, those who help design worship services, and anyone who is passionate about the role of community song in spiritual formation.
Music is such a part of the spiritual and human experience. That’s why we are thrilled that the Convergence Music Project, along with so many talented musicians and worship artists, are coming together to create this experience. Join Music Revolution coordinators Bryan Sirchio and Christopher Grundy as we sing, listen, and learn about progressive theology, inclusive language, and the messages of the songs we sing in the context of worship!
The Convergence Music Project (CMP) is a new online source of music for worship that has been theologically curated so that all the songs on the site reflect a sensitivity to inclusive language and progressive theology.
Curated by Bryan Sirchio and Christopher Grundy
Bryan Sirchio is an ordained minister who joined forces with well known author Brian McLaren and Rev. Cameron Trimble of the Center for Progressive Renewal in Atlanta to form a new worship music company called The Convergence Music Project (CMP). In 2012, Bryan published a book called The 6 Marks of Progressive Christian Worship Music ,which articulates the theological parameters for a new genre of worship music with progressive lyrics and theology. As of May, 2016, Bryan has released 14 CDs, 4 study guides, and 4 songbooks in all. Bryan Sirchio has also traveled extensively since 1987 offering concerts, leading worship services and retreats, and offering keynote addresses at various regional and national conferences. Bryan has also worked extensively with grass roots organizations in Haiti since 1991. He’s a founding member and leader of an organization called Haiti Allies www.haitiallies.org, that supports education, meal programs, and job creation in Haiti. sirchio.com
CHRISTOPHER GRUNDY is an author, speaker, progressive Christian recording artist, liturgical theologian, and ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. Dr. Grundy serves as Associate Professor of Preaching and Worship and Dean of the Chapel at Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis. He served as pastor of UCC congregations in Iowa and Kansas before earning and PhD in liturgical studies from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. He has also been performing music at regional and national church gatherings for decades. His recent book Recovering Communion in a Violent World: Resistance, Resilience, and Risk critically examines the re-enactment of violence in Holy Communion and seeks to recover more radical Christian meal practices. Christopher is married to Carla Tellor Grundy, a speech pathologist and deaf educator, and they wrangle three teenage sons, two dogs, and three cats. You can learn more about his music at christophergrundy.com and more about his book on Holy Communion at belovedcommunion.org.
Check In for pre-festival events will be available on Wednesday from 1 pm to 5 pm, and Thursday from 7am to 9 am.