Life Pacific University Students at the east campus recently had the opportunity to participate in a historic global gathering of worship leaders at the inaugural Empowered21 Worship Collective, held February 17–19, 2026, at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The three-day gathering brought together influential worship leaders from six continents, representing generations and denominations united by a shared vision: authentic health and renewal in the global worship movement. The event aligned with Empowered21’s EveryONE vision, believing that every person on earth should have an authentic encounter with Jesus Christ through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit by Pentecost 2033.

Among those present were LPU East student worship leaders Harrison Leslie and Nellie Kerns, who returned inspired, affirmed, and equipped to serve alongside Pastor Josh Pate, LPU East worship Director and Worship Pastor at the Bridge.

“The Empower21 Worship Collective gathering was a refreshing and anointed time in God’s presence, standing alongside worship leaders from around the world,” said Pate. “I was reminded of the unity of the global Body of Christ and the calling we carry to steward His presence every day”

A Refreshing and Anointed Gathering

Harrison Leslie, a graduating senior enrolled in LPU MA in Theology 4+1 program and a student worship leader, described the gathering as deeply formative.

“The Empower21 Conference was an inspiring and refreshing time that was full of intentional worship,” Harrison shared. “I loved spending time in worship with others from across denominations and cultures, learning from them and seeing how many unique expressions of worship there can be. I learned practical skills from experienced and gifted leaders, got to enjoy times of receiving and being refreshed, and got to be inspired by the creativity that was there. I was affirmed in my role as a worship leader and I cannot wait to share what I learned with the team at LPU-East.”

Harrison’s experience reflects the heart of the gathering: leaders returning not to platforms, but to presence.

Confirming the Call

For Nellie Kerns, a first-semester senior and student worship leader, the event became a moment of spiritual confirmation.

“It was amazing to be able to hear from people like Darlene Zschech, Dustin Smith, Mitch Wong, and more,” Nellie said. “During this time of fellowship and discipleship, I had many moments with the Lord that confirmed my calling for worship and gave me tools to keep pursuing that calling.”

Speakers and leaders at the gathering included Darlene Zschech, Russell Evans, Dustin Smith, Mitch Wong, and worship voices from Australia, Brazil, Singapore, Sweden, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and beyond, each emphasizing humility, unity, and the sacred responsibility of shepherding worship in the local church.

Darlene Zschech challenged leaders with a call to relational integrity and inclusivity:

“We have to fight against exclusivity. Worship is inclusive. Every man, woman, and child. Every tribe, every tongue.”

Russell Evans emphasized the unifying power of exalting Christ, while voices from across the globe testified to a renewed purity and humility emerging in worship movements worldwide.

A Defining Moment for Spirit-Empowered Worship

According to Empowered21’s press release, the gathering marked “a defining moment in the history of Spirit-empowered worship,” focusing on authentic health, collaborative creativity, and the restoration of sacred calling.

Students from Life Pacific University joined peers from Oral Roberts University, Evangel University, and Southwestern Christian University, leaving equipped to disciple emerging leaders and carry the sound of revival back to their campuses.

For LPU East, that sound is already taking root.

Gratitude for Partnership

Life Pacific University is especially thankful for friend and partner Edwin M. Valladares, MS, Administrative Coordinator for Empowered21 and adjunct faculty member at LPU and ORU, whose leadership helped make this opportunity possible for our students.

As LPU continues to form worship leaders grounded in theological depth, Spirit-empowered vitality, and global awareness, experiences like the Empowered21 Worship Collective serve as catalytic moments, reminding students that they are part of something far larger than themselves.

From Tulsa to LPU East and West, the call remains clear: steward His presence, serve His Church, and carry the sound of revival to the nations