“How did we get here?…” — 10,000 Fathers Worship School

…that’s the question I kept asking myself last Friday night as I stood atop the Trump Terrace, overlooking the Windy City.

Recently, 10,000 Fathers has developed a unique partnership with Northern Seminary which is based just outside of Chicago. After undergoing the 18-month journey that 10,000 Fathers has to offer, students now have the ability to further their education with a Masters in Worship through Northern.

Last week, I was given the opportunity, along with other leaders and students, to be a part of the pilot class. In complete honesty, I was a little nervous about what to expect. I’ve been out of the classroom for quite some time now and I wasn’t exactly looking forward to the return of cold chalkboards, long lectures, and busy-work.

But as I walked into our first class on Tuesday evening, it felt more like a family reunion than the first day of school. I was immediately greeted by worship school students I hadn’t seen for (what has felt like) ages. The Northern Faculty welcomed us all with warmth and hospitality. The classrooms were open freely for discussion as we studied Church History together. It soon became clear I wasn’t alone in this endeavor; I had a community to journey with towards the Masters Degree.

I couldn’t help but feel like something monumental was taking place. At times, I would look around the classroom and laugh. A group of musicians who actually care about furthering their education!? This was a different breed of musician than any I had ever seen… Especially in the Church.