The Chautauqua Experience
“It was such a wonderful experience to experience Chautauqua this past fall. My heart was filled with the blessings that came through bible study, sharing times, worship. I can hardly wait to meet new friends and enjoy the spiritual uplift in the coming Chautauqua’s. I will encourage my church and acquaintances to sign up for the next Chautauqua Experience.”
What is the Chautauqua Experience?
History of Chautauqua
The word “Chautauqua” was taken from old-time camp meetings which were times of adult education. The first meeting occurred around 1870
at a campground beside Lake Chautauqua in upstate New York. John Vincent, a Methodist minister and Sunday School superintendent, led
these first meetings. Chautauqua expanded in the early 1900’s to traveling shows with music, drama, oratory, and Bible study.
In past years Lifeway offered their version of Chautauqua.
As times changed Lifeway could no longer support ownership of Glorieta and
Ridgecrest, Music week and Chautauqua were lost in time until now. The Aspire International Foundation and supporters are bringing back
these two impactful weeks combined under one name The Chautauqua Experience.
The New Revived Chautauqua Experience is a national gathering of adults 55 plus engaging and connecting with other churches,
musicians, choirs, orchestras, faith leaders, gospel artist, and specialist of the day united together in worship expressing adoration, gratitude
and spiritual devotion, re-newel of one’s faith and strengthening disciples throughout the country.
“My experience at Chautauqua 2025 was amazing. I felt the Lord’s presence everywhere. As a recently retired pastor, I needed a time of refreshing and renewal. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the special speakers who challenged and inspired us. I am definitely coming back in 2026. Every pastor would be renewed by attending a Chautauqua. ”
The Chautauqua Music Experience
“Worship is the believer response of all that he is, mind, body and soul to all that God is, says, and does” (Warren Wiersbe)
The Chautauqua Music Experience What is it?
It’s about music with adults 55 + who serve or desiring to serve in their church’s choirs, or music ministry
(a great platform to recruit new choir members)
It’s about choirs joining other choirs for worship and praise
It’s about Worship pastors round table discussions with Dr. Randy Lind on choir’s ministry with the adult 55 + choir.
It’s bands, orchestras, gospel artist, soloists.
It’s about Aspires Nights of Inspiring Worship.
Aspires Nights of Worship
A community experience centered on God where participants can feel the Holy Spirit’s presence, grow in their relationship with Him, and
connect with one another. The nights foster a sense of spiritual renewal through elements like heart felt prayer, scripture, biblical preaching,
uplifting music that blends the familiar with the new by choirs, praise band, soloist, musicians and guest gospel groups with messages that
encourage honest reflection and challenge the status quo.
Being part of the worship and singing at Chautauqua is a highlight of the week. There’s something special about gathering with others
who share a lifetime of walking with the Lord— voices joined and hearts united! As we sing, each hymn or song feels like a testimony,
and every moment together reminds us of God’s faithfulness throughout our lives.
Worship led by seasoned Pastors and Ministers: Preachers and Worship Music Ministers who have led in worship around the
country and churches as well as known gospel artist. Bible Study led by those who have wisdom of the word relating the scriptures of
timely truths and the relatability to each one for such a time as this.
As we come from different churches and different seasons of life, but when we lift our voices in praise, it’s as if we’ve known each other
forever. Worship at Chautauqua isn’t just singing; it’s fellowship, encouragement, and a quiet reminder that God continues to use us, at
every age, for His glory!
“It’s hard to put into words what the Chautauqua Experience ment to me. The experience was the most spiritual filled God centered experience in my life. We were around the sincerest God committed people I’ve ever been around in one place at the same time. Thank you, Chautauqua team, for the most God centered week I’ve experienced.”
“Fifty years after I became a Christian, I realized something life-changing: I had never truly experienced God. I realized something life-changing: I had never truly experience God in the way of truly knowing him. My time at Chautauqua open my eyes to how much more I have to give, and how much more God longs to pour into my life. My walk is different now-and its richer, deeper, and filled with purpose and confidence. I am telling my friends at church this is an experience they will not want to miss. ”
“I felt such a closeness, openness, and honesty with the women’s group at Chautauqua. It was such a blessing to see and hear people desiring to learn more and become closer to God. I am looking forward to future Chautauqua’s Experiences.”