We can’t believe that 2012 marks the 10th anniversary of Worship Academy!
On Sat 1st December Worship Academy celebrated 10 years of ministry. Held at Cliff College Derbyshire with students, teachers and friends from the past decade, the day marked a significant milestone in the Journey of Academy. Chris Bowater and Andy Bromley celebrated all that God has done and looked to the future with excitement and enthusiasm.
The Journey of the day
The day was centered around 10 words that represented the values of Worship Academy. “Journey, Prophetic, Transformational, Biblical, Spirit Led, Missional, Worship, Love, Identity, Release.” Lucy Buckley from the Organising Team helped plan the event.
“We wanted the day to be a real celebration of what Worship Academy stands for and how far it has come in the last 10 years, and it really was! Students, tutors and visitors joined in a praise filled, God centred day of J.O.Y, giving thanks for 10 fruitful years and looking forward to many more!”
The whole day including the layout and decoration of the room was themed with these 10 words. Artwork was placed around the room and expressions of worship through painting evolved throughout the day. A Journey station provided a reflection for past students to reflect and share how Worship Academy has impacted their lives.
Inspiring Worship was led by Richard Lewis and the Academy Team, featuring skilful musicianship and authentic heartfelt praise.
Alison Key and Sara Bowater brought an International flavour to the day around the word “Missional” where each nation with an expression of Worship Academy was represented and celebrated. Nations including Romania, Portugal, South Africa, America and Singapore.
WA8 bought a creative and special presentation, full of music and meaning focussed on the words Transformational, Identity and Release.
Biblical foundations to the day were laid by the Worship Academy Founders Chris Bowater and Andy Bromley. Chris spoke about the process of Change and the Pioneer Spirit providing a number of wise and helpful pointers to consider when introducing change.
Andy brought our focus to the Cross of Jesus speaking of the “F” (Focus) Factor. He expounded the importance of not being distracted by anything, including the “good” things in worship (music, songs, team). Our focus should be on Christ, that the whole world will know that there is a God. AMEN!
Both great teaching sessions are now available for download from the Academy Shop.
Looking forward to the next 10 years, the exciting future of Worship Academy was then brought to us by Chris Bowater. David Buckley presented the re-branding of Worship Academy with the new Logo, website and the wonderful Academy Travel Mug.
The day ended in the same way it began, with hearts poured out in celebration and worship of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. All who attended can never forget that “J” – “O” – “Y” , it spells JOY”. Here’s to the next 10 years!
“What an astonishing weekend we have just witnessed, as we celebrated 10 years of faithful, fruitful transformation lifestyle training. It was just overwhelming to see the nations and lives that have been touched by the ministry of Worship Academy as we came together to celebrate. I loved the fact that God gave his ‘Kiss’ on the worship that was given to him over the weekend as a thank offering for the last ten years and a faith seeding for the next ten years” Matthew Key – Worship Academy Project Manager