Humility: The Pathway to Exaltation in Christ - Dalton Shaffer

Opening Session at the 2026 Candeo Music ConferenceWhat if the single greatest threat to your worship ministry isn't a lack of skill, production quality, or platform — but pride?In this opening session of the 2026 Candeo Music Conference, the message cuts straight to the heart of what it means to lead worship. Drawing from Philippians 2:5-11, we explore how Jesus himself modeled a kind of humility that didn't just influence his ministry — it was his ministry. He emptied himself of his rights and privileges, took on the form of a servant, and was obedient to the point of death. And it was because of that humility that God exalted him above every name.The challenge for worship leaders today is real: we live in an era of stages, social media, and platforms — and it's never been easier for the line between serving God and serving ourselves to blur. This message calls us back to the low place, the place of emptiness that God so faithfully fills.We also dig into John 3 and the story of Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness — and what that ancient moment reveals about the high stakes of what we do as worship leaders every single week.This session isn't just about behavior modification. It's about a life reoriented around Christ — where humility is expressed in service, obedience, a Christ-centered focus, and fervent prayer.Whether you're a worship leader, musician, tech volunteer, or simply someone who loves Jesus and his Church, this message is for you."You can be full of God or you can be full of yourself. But you cannot be full of both."