SPRINGFIELD – There is no doubt the name of Jesus was lifted high at this year’s Missouri Baptist Convention, Oct. 25-27.
The convention featured several different groups, representing different genres of Christian music, which helped participants worship while conducting the state’s business.
John Francis, MBC worship specialist, said the program was designed appeal to the majority of convention participants.
“I look for that group that has draw and appeal to the typical person at the convention; a lot of times that is the pastor,” Francis said.
Monday night’s worship was under the leadership of Mike Wright, worship leader at Canaan Baptist Church in St. Louis. Wright said his desire was for Christ to be exalted and His people encouraged through worship for the convention.
“We are excited to have the opportunity to join with brothers and sisters in Christ from other churches in worship of the one true God,” Wright said. “We want to see Jesus lifted high and God’s will be accomplished at the 2010 Missouri Baptist Convention.”
Wright led in worship with the help of his praise band, and praise team from Canaan. The church’s worship choir also presented three songs during the pre-service.
Gospel group, The Martins, led the convention in worship on Tuesday, singing many of their popular songs. The Martins are trio of siblings – Joyce, Jonathan and Judy, who have been singing tight brother-sister harmony since they were children. Although their foundation was in Southern Gospel, most of their music fits into their own style. According to their biography, they usually sing “whatever interests them.”
Aside some of their “toe-tapping” favorites, they also led in congregational singing.
“A great deal of our (participants) like Southern Gospel and some like contemporary – we looked for a group that has crossover appeal like the Martins,” Francis said.
On Wednesday morning, the Missouri Music Men sang and led in congregational singing. The group, comprised primarily of Missouri worship leaders, helps to bring state appeal to the convention because it brings in men from all over Missouri, said Francis, who also directs the choir.
Local group, Southern Raised Bluegrass, also helped close out the final day of the convention, all the while bringing Ozarkian flair to the event. The group, which features siblings Lindsay, Sarah, Emma Grace and Matthew Reith, are from rural Hurley in southwest Missouri.
The group began in 2007 and has performed at numerous churches, festivals, camps around the state.
DEREK GEAN/contributing writer