One week, three amazing events and thousands praising and worshiping our wonderful and gracious God—all framed by one song.
Last Saturday the London Men’s convention in Westminster kicked off with Matt Redman’s 10,000 Reasons, and the man himself closed the Big Church Day Out event with it on this Sunday night in the beautiful Sussex countryside near Steyning.
Many Christian events, conferences and festivals are struggling to keep up with change and keep visitors coming back, But the newest kid on the block, The Big Church Day Out (BCDO), has struck a formula that appeals to young and old alike, individuals and families, groups large and small.
While BCDO is just five years old, it has grown up very quickly. A vision of Tim Jupp, former Delirious band member, it was originally a single day out for the first two years (hence the name!). The event is now a fully-fledged full weekend event attracting over 25,000 people across the two days, and this year saw a record number of campers.
So what is the appeal? Where to start? In the words of that Matt Redman song, 10.000 reasons for my heart to find. From a personal point of view here goes.
Location, Location, Location. A beautiful country estate in Sussex where God’s wonderful creation of our planet and everything in it can be witnessed first hand, time and space for personal reflection and a great environment for families (my two boys just love the freedom of the place).
Great Christian Music. The BCDO attracts a host of well known names and up and coming performers alike. This year the main stage featured the likes of Jars of Clay, LZ7, Hillsong Live, Amy Grant and Israel Houghton, as well as the aforementioned Matt Redman. Watch out too for Chip Kendall and Guvna B (a big favourite of my eldest twelve year old son).
Prayer. No gathering led by Pete Greig of 24-7 Prayer is going to be short of prayerful input. Joined this year by former UCB presenter Lizzie Crow, Pete ensured that we were kept focused on God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, and not just on the music.
Down-time with friends. Sometimes it is just great to kick back and spend some real time with friends away from the daily bustle back home. BCDO gives a great opportunity to do just that. Leisurely breakfasts (for campers at least), late evening chat under the starry skies and a calm contentment that comes from just letting go of all the worldly things that get in the way of our relationship with God and with each other.
The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17. Well the singing and worship at BCDO this year was certainly loud and from the heart. Paraphrasing Mr Redman - It's time to sing Your song again, Let me be singing when the evening comes – The Wiston Estate certainly was!
It is a massive privilege of my job to be able to be at events like LMC and the Planting for Christ Conference in South West London where the song also featured and then at BCDO too. However conference or no conference, weekend away or no weekend away, there are still 10,000 reasons (and more) to praise God and enjoy knowing him. Redman’s song is not only for big events – it’s to sing in our hearts in the mundane detail of ordinary life too.
Dean is the Sales Manager at The Good Book Company. He engages with churches, organisations and individuals to provide them with useful resources for their varying ministries. Dean attends St John's Church in Woking, where he lives with his family.
