Whether by plane, bus, train, or car people are making their way to The Nashville Convention Center for the opening events of this year’s GMA week and Dove Awards Ceremony. As registrants arrive from vast areas of industry including artists, management and media, they receive a schedule jam-packed with a list of showcases, performances, workshops, and services. Indie artists made their mark, opening up the week with the Indie Extreme Artist Showcase at the Global Café in Nashville. Artists included Matt Brouwer, The Sonflowerz, Virginia Hill, Daniel Pratt, Laura Kaczor, Quimi with the Katrinas, Await the Day, Tquan Moore, Staci Garber. The Casting Crowns made a stop on the Altar & The Door Tour, performing at the Sommet Center with Leeland and John Waller, all presented by Way-FM.

The following morning a crowd gathered for Sunday morning worship service before heading in various directions. Before departing they were remind as worship leader Travis Cottrell spoke that God’s ability to use them doesn’t depend on talent but on surrender. This further prepared hearts to receive the message from Beth Moore of Living Proof Ministries, who taught around Gen 32. Moore reminded listeners to continue to wrestle with the Lord until we receive the blessing. Even as the encounter leaves us in a wounded state it humbles us to now carry on with Christ’s plan for us. She also stressed the importance of maintaining integrity in the eyes of Christ, not others while in vocational ministry, which was quite relevant to the crowd that gathered. Moore left with final words of advice: seek the Lord daily in quiet time and memorize scriptures, also allow God to use circumstances where people fail us to remind us the importance of relationship and intimacy with him.

This afternoon will feature The Music City Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony at 3 pm. Those set to be honored are Steven Curtis Chapman, Steve Wariner, Kirk Whalum, Merle Kilgore, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Hank Williams Sr. and more! Evening service will feature Michael W. Smith and special guests Fred Hammond, Israel New Breed, and Mandisa.