My friend, Lamar

Relationships are the currency of the kingdom. Next week, my wife and I are traveling to Dallas, where I'll be speaking at a worship conference organized by Lamar Boschman. We thought it would be a good idea to share how my connection with Lamar began.

So, who is LaMar Boschman? He's one of the original contemporary worship leaders, likely one of the first itinerant worship leaders.

He’s authored many foundational books that shaped modern worship thinking and ran one of the largest worship conferences in the world for years.

An artist with Integrity Music long before many others, Lamar is a foundational figure and a father to modern worship. He is a mentor, influencer, and father to many, including Kari Jobe, Christine D'Clario, Bob Sorge, Jentezen Franklin, Mark Harris (4Him), and many, many more… He speaks worldwide, doing massive events in Brazil and beyond.

In 1995, during my first year of university, I visited Montreal for Christmas. While there, a friend and I went to a bookstore where I discovered a book titled The Heart of Worship. Although I wasn't particularly interested in worship over other topics, this book stood out to me.

As my friend browsed, I devoured every word. The book resonated deeply, putting language to feelings and ideas I had but couldn't articulate. It gave context and clarity to my thoughts on worship. Despite not having much money, I bought and devoured the book over the weekend.

Upon returning to London, Ontario, I approached the lady in charge of our worship teams and declared my desire to be a worship leader. She looked at me with tears in her eyes and said she had been praying for this moment. Inspired by Lamar Boschman's book, I knew this was my calling.

Years later, through Facebook or some other means, I learned that Lamar was coming to lead worship at a church in Toronto. Determined to meet him, I attended the service and introduced myself afterward.

We had coffee in his hotel lobby, where I met his wife, Kimberly. This initial connection led to sporadic emails until one day, Lamar invited me to a mentorship retreat at his home in Dallas.

At this retreat, I met other worship leaders from across the U.S., and Lamar mentored us on various worship topics. Year after year, I returned to these retreats. By my third year, Lamar asked if I'd like to speak at the retreat.

How am I now speaking about worship at home and at events organized by the one who introduced me to the heart of worship?

Now, he's organizing this upcoming worship conference and has generously invited me to speak there as well. Lamar's influence extends far beyond what many realize; his legacy has touched countless worship streams or ministries.

I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn from and serve alongside him. This journey has taught me that relationships are vital. Mothers and fathers in faith are invaluable—serve, love, and support them. If you seek growth, do so by serving others genuinely.

Remember Jesus' words to Peter: Feed my sheep. Serve those around you, honor those ahead of you and behind you.

Cultivate rich relationships; they are your true wealth.