As We Gather in His Name - Song Story
This song was co-written with Brad Guldemond at a Compassion Artist Retreat on Quadra Island, BC in fall of 2014. We wanted to write and up-tempo “opener” or call to worship that could be used by churches to gather people into the sanctuary to worship.
As we wrote we started to have a conversation about what we look for in a church - what people come to find… that’s what turned into the bridge of this song. As I recorded this song I couldn’t help but think of one of my mentors (who doesn’t know me), Bill Hybels, that I paraphrase often in my worship team workshops. “People don’t come to church to stay the same - surprise me, challenge me, scare me, make me smile, anger me… just don’t leave me the way I was when I came in.”
I think as we gather in worship services all over this globe our Heavenly Father looks down and smiles, as any father would when his kids are playing nice in the sandbox - and the heavens rejoice.
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be
trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another
to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together,
as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the
day of his return is drawing near.
Hebrews 10:23-25 (NLT)
Words and Music by
Brad Guldemond & Mike R Schuster
©2014 Brad Guldemond (SOCAN) / MyCar Music (SOCAN)
CCLI #7035713
Musicians on “As We Gather in His Name”
Mike R Schuster (vocals)
Sean Croley (BGVs)
Mike R Schuster (acoustic)
Tony Lind (guitar)
Carlin Lemon (keys)
Dave Janssen (bass)
Phil Robertson (drums)
