This post is from Becca Sillett about her experiences of attending the UK event “David’s Tent“, considering whether it practices gender equality,  She describes herself as “a daughter of God, student, worship leader, blogger, and songwriter (amongst other things)”. She is heading into her final year at Cambridge studying Biology, and is passionate to live an authentic life of worship, beckoning others to do the same. She says that, “Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life and he is worthy of our every breath”.  You can check out her blog HERE.

 

David’s Tent is 72-hour festival of non-stop worship in a big, blue tent in a field near Brighton. It takes place over the August bank holiday weekend (24^th-27^ththis year). People from all over the world and from different church expressions gather to join in one song of praise to our King. The vision of David’s Tent is to restore the tent or tabernacle of David depicted in 1 Chronicles 16. King David dared to establish a tabernacle where all people could come to worship God without being separated from his presence by a veil. He boldly invited everyone into the Holy of Holies and declared the King of Kings accessible to all. For the 33 years that King David’s tent was established, musicians played before the Lord day and night without ceasing. This is the heart of David’s Tent – to once more prepare a holy place where only he is exalted and to pour out the praises that he deserves.

 

2018 marks the 7^thyear that this family of extravagant worshippers has come together but is the first year that I was there to be part of it. I had heard a lot about the festival from various friends and had high expectations which were not disappointed. The sense of joy and excitement was tangible upon arrival as campers were pitching tents and unloading cars. The worship began at 2pm on Friday and continued without ceasing until 72 hours later. David’s Tent is fairly unique compared to other Christian festivals in that the main event is not teaching or sermons, but simply the presence of God in worship. A few large blue sheets and some metal scaffolding become a temple and God doesn’t hesitate to manifest his presence amongst his children.

 

The atmosphere of the whole festival truly is one of family. The team of volunteers (coordinated by the amazing Sarah Schrack) is just that, and from the moment each person enters the gates they are warmly welcomed as a brother or sister into the family party. ‘Family sustains revival’ #famsusrev is not just a catch phrase when it comes to the wonderful people working so hard behind the scenes; it’s the reality that they live out. This is what every single person is invited to come and be a part of at David’s Tent. Revival itself is not sought out, but it is expected out of the overflow as we seek God’s heart worship. He is a God of extravagance and abundance and as we pour ourselves out so does he – and revival rushes in.

 

There are many worshippers who have led sets at David’s Tent year after year and carry the vision in their hearts. Each brought something beautifully unique in their own expression of worship and many spontaneous songs were birthed. For me, the song of the weekend was Jason Upton’s ‘This Garden’s Gonna Grow’ which became somewhat of an anthem over the few days. Jason is a true father and worshipping heart and his authenticity radiates through his lyrics. Another new song that was shared was led first on guitar and then again on keys by the multitalented Molly Skaggs of the Cageless Birds. ‘There Ain’t No Grave’ is an old spiritual revamped by Molly with an original and powerful sound. There were also profound moments of breakthrough in the tent when the atmosphere tangibly changed as a refrain or song was sung out in the Spirit.

 

On the stage the equality between men and women was evident. It was a joy to see many women powerfully leading in their anointing and identity as a daughter of the King. Melissa Helser made it to the UK against the odds following a serious back injury and carried with her a spirit of perseverance and freedom. The way that she and Jonathan honour each other and mutually submit to the other’s anointing is beautiful to watch. In most sets there was a male and female vocal and the spirit of respect and equality was seen between them. Almost every male worship leader led with an instrument, whereas several women led solely with their voices. Those leading without an instrument have a greater physical freedom to move and dance, a freedom most definitely enjoyed by Steffany Gretzinger in particular.

 

As well as the main tent, there are other smaller tents dotted around the site. There is a breakout tent, where a few seminars are run, a community tent, a café, a market place and a prayer tent. There are also kids and youth tents where they get up to all kinds of exciting things including prophecy and their own exuberant worship. The atmosphere of the prayer tent was particularly peaceful as I frequented it at 7am each day. One morning prayer session I attended was led by a powerful daughter of God, Bobbi Kumari, around the topic of identity and sexual brokenness. Bobbi shared her story and declared the victory and blood of Jesus over all brokenness, shame and lies. The anointing over her life and ministry is evident. All through the day there are people on their knees before God praying and interceding for his world and his people. From peaceful soaking to passionate spiritual warfare, prayers of all kinds, of authority and of hope are lifted up in that small tent.

 

In every single tent, big and blue, medium and white, or the small multicoloured array down the hill, it is clear that David’s Tent is an event where Biblical gender equality is of the utmost priority. From those planning behind the scenes, to those volunteering on the doors and those leading on the stage, women and men are valued for their unique God-given identities. David’s Tent is a family that aims to release each individual into the fullness of their created potential and strives to see heavenly unity become our earthly reality. Equality isn’t an unobtainable ideal. It is a created reality which can and will be perfected once more. David’s Tent really seem to know this and live it out.