Attendees of CBA’s Unite 2016 in Cincinnati participated in a Worship Him! service packed with three hours of Spirit-filled praise, inspiring speakers and significant awards.

Chris Hill, senior pastor of The Potter’s House in Denver, Colorado, preached on the life of David before the shepherd became king, a message based on his new book, Walking to Jerusalem (David C Cook).

“Have you ever noticed God doesn’t always send the best people to help you?” Hill asked the audience who voiced their agreement. David got those who were “in debt, distressed and discontent.”

“God can take the least, the lost and the left behind,” Hill said.

That’s good news because, as Hill said, none of us are normal.

“All of us in some way are cracked pots--and most of them come to my church,” Hill said with amusement.

On a more serious note, CBA named several award winners although several of those named were not there personally to receive their awards. Bob Fryling, the recently retired publisher of InterVarsity Press, received the Industry Champion Award.

Retailer Jack Savage was on hand to present CBA’s Lifetime Achievement Award to Dorothy Alford of Parables of Omaha, whose daughter stood in her stead to receive the award. Paul and Susan Kuntz of Arrowhead Parable received the Ministry in Action Award for their ministry in New York state.

The Parable Group’s Steve Potratz read a letter on behalf of Mark Shoepke, who received the CBA Pinnacle Award for Dedicated Service and Leadership. Shoepke, who has Parkinson’s Disease, has closed or sold his Tree of Life outlet stores in the Pacific Northwest.

“My family and corporate staff should be receiving this award,” Shoepke said with humility while encouraging those in the industry to love one another.

The night also included an exclusive 20-minute preview of the upcoming feature film Ben-Hur brought to life for today’s audience by Mark Burnett and Roma Downey, as well as messages from church planter Alan Briggs, actor and author Torry Martin and author and anti-bullying advocate Bob Lenz.

Music for the service included the inspirational vocals of Stephanie James, the Southern gospel sound of Karen Peck & New River (Daywind/New Day) to the modern hymnody of Keith and Kristyn Getty (Getty Music) to the diverse styles of Seth & Nirva (Integrity Music).

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