Nineteen high school students in the Xperience recently returned from a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans. This tour led the group down through the southeastern United States, to a handful of Lutheran churches along the way who supported us with hospitality, lodging, food, and even freewill offerings for McPIE. I speak for the entire group—as well as the adult volunteers and staff—when I express my sincerest thanks for the support from Christ Lutheran Church that enabled us to take this trip.

Having gone on several band and choir tours, I am well aware of what makes a tour successful. Any trip can have the most talented musicians going to the most unique destinations, but without several fundamental aspects, a trip that should go smoothly can quickly become unenjoyable. Two highlights from my perspective:

1. I am proud of the Music/Worship/Tech staff for enabling this ministry to thrive. Three years ago, when we rebuilt from the devastating effects of Covid, the Xperience was not—and did not try to be—the same ministry it had been 10 or 15 years prior. A fresh approach made for an exciting ministry opportunity that has grown significantly each year, despite the inevitable loss of graduating seniors. This growth is large in part due to the work of several key individuals on my staff, especially Bill Porter and Shelby Johns.

2. I am thankful to the leadership of the ELCA National Youth Gathering for allowing us to share this unique ministry with the larger church body. At one point during the National Youth Gathering, over 1,200 youth from the southeastern United States gathered in a hotel ballroom for a regional worship service. The music was led by none other than Christ Lutheran’s Xperience youth. This size of assembly will likely be the largest for whom these youth will ever lead worship. This was the first time our group has been asked to lead worship in a setting of such magnitude.

My greatest takeaway from my involvement in this ministry is the way in which these students are taught to use their musical gifts. The word “perform” often slips—usually inadvertently—into dialogue when speaking of musicians who lead worship. Worship musicians, myself included, do not perform for audiences, but rather we present worship to God and lead others in doing the same. These students are well aware of who the “audience” of our worship is, and each night during our pre-worship huddle, we would remind ourselves of that fact—God is the audience of our worship. He is who receives the praise, not us. I am pleased that one of the fundamental aspects of the Xperience is that we teach students how to be worship leaders, not performers.

Your financial and spiritual support was felt during our time on the road. Thank you to everyone who made this trip a possibility for these students! And, for those high schoolers who are interested in participating in the Xperience next year, save the date for a kick-off retreat: Saturday, September 7, at 10 AM in the Pit. Just show up, and bring your instrument if you play one. I look forward to seeing you there.

Mark Johanson

Minister of Music & Worship