I had the privilege of leading the song “How He Loves” this past Sunday with my friends at Buckhead Church in Atlanta, GA. It was a amazing day, and I just wanted to share one of the stories of what God was doing – this is from my new friend Tom Sullivan.
“I went to Buckhead Church today for my fourth visit and I am always surprised, enlightened and blessed every time I go. My friends Trey and Marjorie Miller who first introduced me to B.C. just celebrated the birth of their new baby girl so I journeyed to church solo. Song playing in the church as I arrive? Miley Cyrus “Party in the U.S.A.” Seriously, when was the last time you heard Miley Cyrus in your church?!! Ok, if you think that’s wild, try Wild Cherry “Play That Funky Music” or Van Halen “Jump” IN CHURCH!! What a departure from my Catholic church days. This is Change you can REALLY believe in!
The band comes on stage at 9 ish and breaks into Kool & the Gang “Celebration”. This is just like a Chastain Concert my friends and it’s FREE!! The band mixes into Earth Wind and Fire “September” then into C&C Music Factory “Here We Go”. WOW is all I gotta say!!!
Campus Pastor Jeff Henderson comes out to welcome everyone to the “Surprise Party”, makes a few quick announcements then surprises everyone with gift card giveaways!! Then, it’s back into the music. Now, the music at Buckhead Church is so much a part of the message. Over 40 professional musicians rotate around the various North Point campuses and perform at each service. Today I was blessed to hear my new favorite song “When The Waters Rise“(written by Casey Darnell) performed by an artist I had never heard of but will be adding to my itunes favorites. His name is Seth Condrey and he sounds amazing. His voice reminded me so much of Casey’s but are still very much different. The song just picks me up and flies me across the room. Another surprise? The talented and gifted female vocalist Mandy Miller who’s voice further lifted me up. (To borrow a line from Oprah, that’s Joy Rising!) When Mandy spoke about her life and how at one point was in the lowest pit of life possible, God came and joined her and lifted her out, tears just flowed down my face. She began to sing an amazing song that echoed the power of her experience and what each of us can experience when we open that door to Christ. Powerful stuff and it’s just 9:20. Seth closed the bands performance and seamlessly spoke from the heart praising God for his blessings and asking for him to be with each of us.”
To see the rest of this and more of Tom’s blog, check out his website – tomonair.com
Tags: Buckhead Church, Worship
