Who Will Be a Witness?

A Report from the PAM Worship and Music Conferences, 2026

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“Who Will Be a Witness?” 

Those were the first words spoken as more than 1500 people gathered in Montreat, North Carolina, for the 2026 Presbyterian Association of Musicians Worship and Music Conferences.  Nearly two weeks later, the conference closed with a joyful declaration throughout the assembly: “I will be a witness for my Lord!” 

Every morning began in worship. Every day was filled with music, learning, laughter, prayer, and conversation. Choirs lifted voices in song. Children, youth, and adults learned side by side. Organists, pastors, worship planners, artists, dancers, instrumentalists, and congregation members shared their gifts in ways that reminded us that worship is never the work of one person but the offering of the whole people of God.

We were inspired by powerful preaching from The Rev. Dr. Brian Blount, retired president from Union Theological Seminary. We sang under the direction of renowned conductor Eric Nelson. We reflected on the poetry and hymn writing of Mary Louise Bringle, whose words have shaped the Glory to God hymnal. We listened as David Hufford’s organ music filled the sanctuary, and we explored everything from Bible study and worship planning to storytelling drumming, liturgical movement, painting and even ukulele.

First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor was woven throughout the conference.  David VanderMeer served as Conference Co-Director, while David Hufford was Service Organist. Brent Ivey, Sandra McDonald, and Randall Nicholls worked behind the scenes to help make the conference possible.  David Prentice-Hyers, Melissa Anne Rogers, Sarah Rutherford, and Tom Brandt returned home carrying fresh ideas and renewed energy.  

What made the conference so extraordinary wasn’t simply the outstanding music or nationally recognized leaders. It was the beautiful diversity of God’s church gathered in one place. Participants came from 41 states, 24 denominations, and every generation from children to older adults. We sang in many languages and were accompanied by organ, piano, brass, strings, woodwinds, guitars, ukuleles, and even a melodica.  Among the auditioned handbell choir were David VanderMeer, Sarah Rutherford, and former Resident Minister Tommy Langejans.

Throughout the conference, we were reminded that worship always sends us somewhere. It calls us beyond the sanctuary to bear witness to God’s love in our homes, our communities, and our world.

The question that opened the conference now comes home with us: Who will be a witness?

May our answer, as individuals and as a congregation, be the same one that rang out in Montreat: "I will be a witness for my Lord."