Nineties Worship Night at the Museum of the Bible

Not too long ago, churches across America held worship services without the aid of Planning Center run sheets, multitracks backing up the band, or programmed lights synced to the setlist. Before the rise of worship-leading celebrities and worship songs on the radio, there were songs genuinely written for the church. I remember as a young teenager in Roanoke, Virginia, leading worship with a slightly out-of-tune acoustic guitar. We sang Vineyard songs and Hillsong’s “Shout to the Lord,” and God’s presence filled the room, leaving everyone not impressed by the band, but transformed by Jesus. Songs were simple to learn, and chord charts were easy to follow, projected onto a wall by an old overhead projector. We worshiped with excellence, but there was also a distinct atmosphere of “spirit and truth” that defined that era of the church.

Enter Nineties Worship Night

On a Friday night in our nation’s capital, in an upper room at the Museum of the Bible, a couple hundred believers—many of them worship leaders and churchgoers, young and old—reconnected with that sweet spirit from decades ago. But instead of out-of-tune guitars, we were led by some of the most iconic voices and songwriters from that movement. Worship leaders who, in their day, weren’t celebrities but inspirations, showing me a passion and heart for praise.

Jeff Deyo, founding lead singer of Sonicflood, opened the night with a call to worship from Psalm 103. From that moment, it was clear this wasn’t going to be a highly produced show but a night where ministry and music collided. The band, filled with talented musicians, was clearly having a blast as they led the room in worship, pouring their hearts into songs we’ve sung for over 20 years. Jeff kicked off the night with “More Love More Power,” and closed his set with a medley of “Open the Eyes of My Heart” and “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever.” Immediately, I was transported back to my high school days when Jesus changed my life to a soundtrack of worship. Lisa Nicole added her sweet, powerful voice, bringing back the best kind of nostalgia.

“One of the highlights for me at Nineties Worship Night was singing the duet with Lisa Nicole on ‘I Could Sing of Your Love Forever.’ We hadn’t sung together in over 24 years, but it felt like we had transported back in time to bring this timeless song to a new generation. What a beautiful moment!” – – Jeff Deyo

Charlie Hall and Passion

Next was Charlie Hall, one of the key voices of the Passion movement in the late ’90s and early 2000s. Bible in hand, Charlie pastored us through the next half hour, leading songs like “Marvelous Light” and “Give Us Clean Hands.” As a worship pastor, I was reminded during his set that nothing beats anointing. The songs overflowed with the Spirit of God, and though we entered hungry, we left full.

After Charlie, there was a brief sponsor segment featuring the Timothy Initiative and Compassion International. Like many sponsor segments, the transition was a bit unpolished and felt like a sharp left turn from the flow of the night. Being Nineties Worship Night’s first major live event, there were definitely some clunky moments and less-than-perfect execution. But honestly, that imperfection felt fitting for a night celebrating the ’90s. During this sponsor spot, Lisa Nicole sang “Just to Be Close to You,” drawing us back into worship. Her voice was undeniable, and her heart for the Lord was inviting.

Brenton Brown

Soon after, Brenton Brown took the stage, having just flown in from overseas. His set was a mix of ’90s songs and newer tracks, opening with “Lion and the Lamb,” a song from more recent years. Yet even his newer songs carried the deep well of worship that characterized the ’90s. My favorite moment came when Brenton shared a story of his early worship-leading days alongside Brian Doerksen in the UK. Before leading a service, Brian chose to begin with a slow song, which confused Brenton. Brian reminded him that access to God’s presence isn’t dependent on the right song formula but only on the blood of Jesus. As we stood together, worship leaders and all, we sang “Refiner’s Fire” with Brenton through tears, hands raised in adoration of Jesus.

A Family Reunion

The night concluded with all four worship leaders leading the room in “Everlasting God.” It felt like a family reunion. You could sense these worship leaders weren’t just there for a gig; they were there to connect—with each other and with God. Jeff, Charlie, and Brenton, all worship pastors, led songs birthed in their home churches that have since reached the global church. The spirit of the evening wasn’t about impressing anyone. It was about adoring Jesus and connecting people to His presence. As we sang “Lord Reign in Me” and “Better is One Day,” I was reminded that no matter how much the church evolves, nothing can replace the anointing that carries a song.

Chad Gentry, the founder of Nineties Worship Night and a worship leader himself, shared a bit of his heart on my Worshipology podcast a few months ago. Just as today’s bands are influenced by those from earlier eras, worship leaders of today are inspired by the worship leaders of yesterday. This event brought me back to a place I deeply love, and I’m grateful to have been a part of it. If any part of the night felt disjointed, I trust that as these events continue, they’ll smooth out. But honestly, the unpolished parts may have been the most authentic, reflecting the spirit of the church in the ’90s.

Overall, I highly recommend attending a Nineties Worship Night. It’s a chance to revisit the place where many of us encountered Jesus and felt God’s presence. As Revelation 2 warns about leaving our first love, I believe on August 16th, in that auditorium at the Museum of the Bible, a few of us found it again.

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