Phil Laeger will be joining the ROOTS
team as worship leader in the Theatre Venue for 2005.
Phil has been leading worship around the United States
since 1999, and recently led at the first ROOTS South
event in Atlanta, Georgia. He comes to the UK with a
heart for Jesus and a passion for unity in musical worship.
Phil serves as the Worship and Musical
Evangelism Specialist in the Southern Territory of the
United States. It is through this role that he has really
developed a desire to see all generations worship together,
in whatever the format or style, for a common goal:
praise to the King. "I'm passionate about seeing
different generations and cultures grow in appreciation
for each other's styles. I'm passionate about excellence
in musical worship and I'm passionate about seeing other
people experience freedom in worship," comments
Phil. "We need unity in our worship - not homogeneity
- but genuine unity in what we present to God."
Phil feels that God has really been
teaching him that life is about people and living in
community. It's not about feeling good at various events
and conferences, but instead using what God equips us
with, and taking it to our local context. It's not about
our endless task lists and job requirements, but instead
those we interact with on a daily basis and how we disciple
and befriend one another. People matter more than methods
and outcomes.
Through these recent lessons, Phil
has found being involved in his local corps in Lawrenceville,
GA is really key to who he his, and the effect his wider
ministry has on others. "If my ministry on a broad
scale is going to have any meaning," explains Phil,
"then local work has to come first. I have to show
people what I'm doing in my own setting validate what
I share from the microphone." Phil currently serves
as the corps pianist, worship leader, and has helped
run music conservatories for local youth.
Phil has released two albums,
one solo album, All I Held Onto and a collaborative
project, Send the Fire, both of which will be available
at ROOTS 05. To hear Phil's track "I Surrender,"
one of the most downloaded songs for use in worship
on ShareSong.org, please click
here for a free MP3 download.
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