With just over two months to go until the CSW National Conference on 10 November, we're bringing you another chance to hear in advance from our amazing line up of contributors! This month, we've been speaking to Dave Bilbrough, who will be leading worship.

Dave has spent over 30 years in full-time Christian ministry, and is one of the best-known worship leaders in the UK. He spoke to us about the humbling experience of hearing persecuted Christians use his songs for worship, the challenge these believers present to the UK Church, and the role of music in worshipping a God who loves justice...

What led you to become a worship leader?

Having become a Christian in my teens, I found myself wanting to write songs; songs that expressed my gratitude and thankfulness to God.  Gradually, over time, these were taken up by others and used during their corporate worship times.  With a growing repertoire of self-written and current songs alongside the encouragement and support of my local church leaders I began to step into my calling as a worship leader, that is, as a facilitator to help people encounter God, particularly using music as a vehicle. Three decades and more years later I'm still doing it!

Have you ever led worship in a country where Christians are persecuted?  If so, what was that like and has it shaped your experience of writing songs and leading worship?

My travels have taken me to many situations around the world. Inevitably that has meant visiting some regions that could be called 'hotspots' for persecution and suffering. Sometimes religious persecution can be overt – imprisonment etc; other times it appears in more subtle ways, i.e. the state or local authorities limiting education opportunities for family members and the stifling of further job opportunities, housing, etc. 

A few years back I was asked to lead the first worship gathering in a particularly sensitive area of the Middle East.  Although government approval was obtained I was informed that many secret police were at that concert, along with several thousand others!  It made me very aware of my responsibility to be God's ambassador in the situation.  One is very conscious that with opportunities come responsibilities.  As a worship leader I am called to bring a sense of proclamation, but that is coupled with pastoral care for the safety and wellbeing of the local congregation. I can tell you it's an amazingly humbling experience when people in difficult situations, and quite different cultures, choose to use my songs to express their praise. 

Have you met worship leaders persecuted for their faith – if so, what impact did this have on you and your work?

I've known and met a few that have paid the price.  I'm thinking of immigrant workers in certain countries who were deported, and others who have been intimidated or bullied by their community.  I've also met some former protagonists who have turned from their ways, I'm glad to say, and found Christ for themselves. 

I am filled with awe and admiration for the courage and commitment of people who lift up Christ in the face of adversity.  I guess meeting many of these people and hearing of their experiences informs, consciously or otherwise, many of the worship material I write.  I have met various people, particularly in parts of Sri Lanka, Indonesia and the Middle East on my travels and some who have found their way to the West from areas such as China who have all impacted my thoughts in some way.

Do you think we take for granted the opportunity we have to worship in this country?

Undoubtedly!  The freedom we have to gather together and publicly affirm our faith any time of day (or night) is so underappreciated by the British church.  The passion and commitment that many believers display around the world by comparison stand as quite a challenge to us.  Enthusiasm can be quite a contrast when we encounter it.

What role do you think worship music plays in raising awareness of justice issues?

We worship a God who cares about the plight of the individual, justice and righteousness.  True biblical worship should always bring this to our attention.  Our modern day songwriters have a responsibility to convey this in their compositions.  At times we have put too much emphasis on individualised expressions and neglected the wider picture of God's character and desires revealed through scripture. To reflect and communicate the character of God's compassion is so important.  In addition, songs can be a wonderful tool for informing and highlighting the needs of the global Church.

What are you looking forward to most at the Conference?

Being inspired by stories and first-hand reports from people of integrity who have chosen to take a stand against 'the tide' for the sake of the gospel.

Join us at the CSW National Conference 2012!

Dave will be leading inspiring, uplifting worship at the Conference. You'll also hear the latest news from the frontlines of fighting religious persecution, be encouraged by moving testimonies, and hear an expert panel discuss how UK Christians respond to the issues of religious freedom.

Book your ticket
Click here to book online or call 0845 456 5464. Tickets are £10 each. Bring friends to save! Buy four or more tickets, and you'll get each ticket for £7.

Don't miss out – the CSW National Conference on 10 November promises to be truly exceptional.