I’ve been called a “gatherer”.  For years I’ve dreamed of “gathering” a group of people for a time of refreshing, encouragement, and direction.  As the founder and publisher of TheWorshipCommunity.Com and as a blogger at FredMcKinnon.Com, I’ve seen a growing community of worship leaders, pastors, volunteers, and creative artists share their burdens, their victories, their dreams, their songs … and I’ve wanted a way to gather us.

For several years I’ve wondered what our conference would look like.  The reality is this:  there is a large list of conferences and seminars for leaders that are designed to resource and equip.  These events are wonderful and empower creative leaders with new ideas, new resources, new technologies, and new relationships.

My dream was for something different …

I believe that the greatest ideas, the greatest visions, the most strategic plans are often birthed in a place of stillness, rest, and solitude.  From my own experience, I’ve seldom tapped into the flow of empowering ideas and Spirit-led directions without removing myself from the busyness of life that our culture has created.

I believe that God is speaking … that God has been speaking … but we’re too busy to hear.

I believe that our fast-paced schedules – work, ministry, family … many good things … have deafened our ears to the “still, small voice” of God that often whispers to us “this is the way you should go”.

I believe that if we can create an environment for leaders to be relaxed, rested, and renewed, big dreams will be birthed.

My dream is to create that environment where this can happen.  That place is called “Refuge”.

Sponsored by TheWorshipCommunity.Com and Worship International, Inc., in cooperation with St. Simons Community Church and an incredible team of volunteers, the dream becomes a reality here on St. Simons Island on October 23, 2011.