Seminars and Pre-Conference Intensives

Below are listed all the options available at WorshipGod09. You’ll make your choices when you register. If you change your mind on what you want to attend after signing up, you’ll be able to go back later and update your choice. To download a copy of this page right-click here.

PRE-CONFERENCE INTENSIVES
Wednesday, August 5, 1:00-4:30 p.m.

Three pre-conference intensives will also be offered before the conference starts. Each has a limited number of participants. Cost: $50

Songwriting (Limit: 30)
Keith & Kristyn Getty, Mark Altrogge, Steve Cook
Receive specific feedback on your songs from seasoned songwriters. After registering, you’ll receive an email with more details before the conference.

Worship Leaders/Planners (Limit: 60)
Bob Kauflin
Have your theological, musical, and leadership skills sharpened in a workshop designed to speak to your heart as well.

Vocalists (Limit: 60)
Todd Twining, Shelley Reinhart, Vikki Cook
Receive feedback for your team or for yourself. Topics to be covered include blending, technique, arranging, and more.

SEMINARS

There will be four seminar slots at WorshipGod09, each with nine choices. If you want to attend more than one seminar at a time, don’t worry. Most of the seminars will be recorded and available for free download after the conference. Please note that some seminars have limited capacity, so sign up early to reserve your spot.

Thursday, August 6, 12:30-1:45 p.m.

Do You Thirst for God?
Donald Whitney
The Psalmist said, “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God” (Ps. 42:2, ESV). A longing to know God better is the sign of a true worshiper. But we don’t always thirst for God in the same way or to the same degree. In this seminar Don Whitney will describe the differences between the empty soul, the dry soul, and the satisfied soul, and help you understand how God initiates a thirst for him so that he might fulfill it.

First Things First: Maintaining Priorities on and around the Worship Team
Julie Kauflin, Shelley Reinhart, Megan Russell
How does a mom of young children manage life at home while seeking to serve on the worship team? When is it time to take a sabbatical and when is it time to press through in faith? Back by request, this seminar will feature women from different seasons of life who have faced these questions and found ways to maintain God’s priorities on and around the worship team. Capacity: 175

Keyboardists: From Notes to Charts
Bryan Deitrich
The goal of this seminar is to help classically trained pianists interpret guitar charts effectively and find a part to play within the context of a contemporary band sound. Topics will include chord structure and voicings, harmonic and rhythmic options, different uses of the left and right hands, deciding when to play melody, and the use of the various sounds available on an modern synthesizer. Capacity: 115

Solo Instrument Workshop
Gary Bowers and others
Capacity: 49
Many solo instrumentalists freeze when asked to play spontaneously. Others are all too happy to oblige and end up muddying the sound through over playing. This seminar, led by seasoned soloists, will equip you in determining when, what, and what not to play with your worship team. You’re invited to bring your instrument to this seminar that will focus on how to make a meaningful contribution to a team as a solo instrumentalist. (also offered at 2:15 p.m.)

Sound Panel Q&A: Small Churches
Dave Wilcox, Darryl Wenger, John Yandell, Jim Cowan
Four experienced sound engineers will answer questions from the class on a variety of topics. This seminar will be geared toward church plants and churches with attendance under 500. Capacity: 150

Thoughts on Songwriting, Part 1
Keith & Kristyn Getty
Drawing on years of successful songwriting experience, Keith and Kristyn will share how they have drawn on the songs and songwriters of previous generations to provide direction, wisdom, and encouragement for writing songs today.

Training Children to Worship God
Mike Bradshaw, Ken Boer
What’s the difference between kids and adults praising God? Quite a bit. Mike and Ken, who serve at Covenant Life Church, will share thoughts on how parents and children’s ministries can think through this question. They’ll also suggest guidelines for choosing songs for children that involve their bodies, engage their hearts, teach biblical truth, and move them toward trust in Christ. Capacity: 49 (also offered at 2:15 p.m.)

What Are You Talking About? What to Say When You’re Not Singing
Bob Kauflin
Some worship leaders talk too much, some too little. Drawing from 30 years of experience, Bob will discuss how to determine when to say something that will serve those you’re leading, as well as what, how, and why to say it.

A Worship Leader’s Week
Matt Mason, Matthew Williams, and others
Whether you’re a full-time, part-time, or volunteer worship leader, life can be full. Planning, preparation, administration, finding songs, connecting with team members, practice, personal study, emails…how do you fit it all in? Come hear worship leaders from different size churches, full-time and volunteer, share how they’ve addressed some of the challenges every worship leader faces. Capacity: 200

Thursday, August 6, 2:15-3:30 p.m.

Acoustic Guitar Basics
Dave Campbell
Geared to the intermediate guitarist, this seminar will focus on becoming fluent in strumming, scales, groove, dynamics, styles, and playing with others. Dave will also share practical ways to grow in your skills. Bring your instrument. Capacity: 175

Advanced Piano Techniques
Jon Payne
This seminar will provide tools for playing effectively with a band, leading from solo piano, transitioning between keys, growing in improvisation, background playing, creating parts for other instruments from the piano, taking advantage of classical piano theory, and advanced practice techniques. Capacity: 115

Bass, Drums, and Loops
Don Nalle, Jordan Kauflin, Jacob Campbell
What needs to be considered when loops are added to the drum and bass mix? This workshop will discuss that topic, as well as offer playing tips for the intermediate to advanced bass player and drummer. Capacity: 200

Improving Your Blend
Shelley Reinhart, Vikki Cook, Todd Twining
Three seasoned vocalists will use volunteers from the class to discuss practical ways to achieve a balanced vocal sound on your team. Issues of range, tone, style, and more will be addressed.

Solo Instrument Workshop
Gary Bowers
Capacity: 49
Many solo instrumentalists freeze when asked to play spontaneously. Others are all too happy to oblige and end up muddying the sound through over playing. This seminar, led by seasoned soloists, will equip you in determining when, what, and what not to play with your worship team. You’re invited to bring your instrument to this seminar that will focus on how to make a meaningful contribution to a team as a solo instrumentalist. (also offered at 12:30 p.m.)

Sound Panel Q&A: Large Churches
Dave Wilcox, Darryl Wenger, John Yandell, Jim Cowan
Four experienced sound engineers will answer questions from the class on a variety of topics. This seminar will be geared toward more established churches with attendance of 500 or more. Capacity: 150

Thoughts on Songwriting, Part 2
Keith & Kristyn Getty
In this conclusion to the previous seminar, Keith and Kristyn will share specific guidelines for how dedication, collaboration, and inspiration combine to make you the best songwriter you can be.

Worship in the Valley
Matt Mason
Whatever role you play in the public worship ministry of your church, there are times when you don’t “feel” like standing up in front of a congregation and leading them in worship. Matt Mason knows what that’s like, as he was a worship pastor in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina hit. He’ll share from his own life, and more importantly from the Word of God, how we can find faith to praise God in the midst of adversity.

Friday, August 7, 12:30-1:45 p.m.

Advanced Electric Guitar, Part 1
Ben Gowell
This class will cover a variety of techniques, including different chord positions, triads, intervals, scales, and soloing concepts. Ben will also talk about the electric guitarist’s role in a band and how to blend well with the other musicians and singers on your team. Capacity: 175

Clean Hands and a Pure Heart
Pat Sczebel
How do we pursue purity in our thoughts as well as our actions? How do we keep from merely having a form of godliness but denying its power? In this seminar, Pat will share thoughts on how we can weaken the power of indwelling sins like envy, lust, anger, and pride by pursuing greater satisfaction in Christ.

Developing a Music Academy for God’s Glory
Ken & Rachael Boer
What responsibility does the church have in training the next generation of musicians? What should that training look like, and how do you do it? Ken and Rachael Boer are seeking to build a model at Covenant Life Church. They’ll share the challenges and joys of seeking to raise up skilled servant musicians from the next generation through a church-based music academy. Capacity: 49 (also offered at 2:15 PM)

Identifying, Training, and Deploying Next Generation Worship Leaders
Todd Twining, Jon Payne, Joseph Stigora
What’s most important for the next generation to learn about using music for God’s glory? What methods and structures are best suited for passing on what we’ve learned? In this seminar, three worship pastors will share from their experiences what they’ve learned about raising up future worship leaders. Capacity: 115

Let All the People Be Glad: Corporate Worship and Expressiveness
Bob Kauflin
What is the role of physical expression in congregational worship? How do you discern between natural response and drawing attention to yourself? How are we to understand the biblical examples and commands of physical expression? How do you lead a lifeless congregation in heartfelt engagement with God? Bob will address these questions and more in this workshop, designed for anyone who wants to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Recording Software: Three Options
Roger Hooper, Dave Campbell, John Yandell
Unsure about which recording program to use? Come hear from experienced users about the differences and advantages of three programs: Ableton Live, Apple Logic Pro, and ProTools. Capacity: 49 (also offered at 2:15 p.m.)

Seasons of a Sound Team
Dave Wilcox, Jim Cowan
Dave and Jim will draw on 40 years of combined experience to talk about the different seasons a sound team might experience. From the first days of figuring out what kinds of microphones you need, to temporary locations, to enlisting more help, to leading a team of over 100 volunteers, you’ll learn the joys and challenges of a growing sound team and how to lead them with grace.

Song Evaluation, Part 1
Mark Altrogge, Steve & Vikki Cook
This workshop will provide hands-on songwriting experience as we review and edit selected songs. If you would like to have your worship song considered for evaluation at the conference, send an MP3 of your song and a word document with the lyrics to Chelsea Kauflin at ckauflin@sovgracemin.org. You can also send a CD and lyrics to: “WorshipGOD09 Song Evaluation,” c/o Chelsea Kauflin, 7505 Muncaster Mill Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20877. These must be sent no later than Wednesday, July 15, to be considered. No more than two submissions per writer. All songwriters will receive a written evaluation of their song(s), whether or not they’re reviewed in the class. Capacity: 200

Young Worship Leader Panel
Devon Kauflin, Erik Schmaltz, and others
Four twenty-something worship leaders will share from their experience how to benefit from the leadership and wisdom of past generations while adapting to the changes in culture. They’ll also address serving with other generations and how to be creative without neglecting what matters most. Capacity: 150

Friday, August 7, 2:15-3:30 p.m.

Advanced Electric Guitar, Part 2
Ben Gowell
In this class, Ben will thoroughly walk through his effects pedal set-up, as well as some different options for getting great guitar tones. He will also discuss how to control your volume in a church setting so that the best tone can be achieved without overpowering the rest of your band. Capacity: 175

Conference Choir
Todd Twining, Shelley Reinhart
The conference choir is always a highlight at WorshipGod conferences. This class is restricted to those who have signed up to sing in the choir for the Friday night general session (limited to 130). Other rehearsal times are Thursday and Friday, 4:00-5:15 p.m. Capacity: 130

Leading Your Family in Worship
Donald Whitney
Thousands of families are rediscovering the importance of worshiping God as a family. In this seminar, Don surveys the biblical teaching on family worship, demonstrates how our heroes throughout church history have practiced it, and then shares some simple, specific, and practical how-tos of family worship. He’ll address different situations and also make application for single men and women.

Overcoming the Fear of Man
Craig Cabaniss
Have you ever been paralyzed by the thought of leading out in front of others? Ever find yourself repeatedly playing your mistakes or successes over in your mind? Are you sometimes more concerned about what people think than about what God thinks? If so, you’re not alone. The Bible defines these symptoms as the “fear of man.” And Jesus Christ came to set us free from it. In this biblically insightful seminar, Craig Cabaniss will talk about the danger, deception, and delusion of the fear of man and how you can experience deliverance through the gospel.

Reviving the Hymns
David Ward
Thousands of hymns have been written and forgotten. Some of them are filled with life-transforming truths that we should still be singing. Which hymns need reviving and where do you find them? How do you decide when to update a hymn’s music or lyrics and when to leave a hymn as it stands? David Ward, who has been writing new tunes for hymns for ten years through ReformedPraise.org, will share how he’s been learning about reviving hymns while still appreciating what previous generations have passed on to us. Capacity: 115

Song Evaluation, Part 2
Mark Altrogge, Steve & Vikki Cook
This workshop will provide hands-on songwriting experience as we review and edit selected songs. If you would like to have your worship song considered for evaluation at the conference, send an MP3 of your song and a word document with the lyrics to Chelsea Kauflin at ckauflin@sovgracemin.org. You can also send a CD and lyrics to: “WorshipGOD09 Song Evaluation,” c/o Chelsea Kauflin, 7505 Muncaster Mill Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20877. These must be sent no later than Wednesday, July 15, to be considered. No more than two submissions per writer. All songwriters will receive a written evaluation of their song(s), whether or not they’re reviewed in the class. Capacity: 200

Worship Team Evaluation
Bob Kauflin
Want to have your team receive some on-the-spot feedback in areas like musicianship, ensemble, expressiveness, and arranging? Now’s your chance. In this hands-on workshop, you and your team will lead a song for five minutes, then receive input from Bob Kauflin. To be considered for this session, send an email to Chelsea Kauflin at ckauflin@sovgracemin.org with your name, the name of your church, and the players/vocalists you’ll have (limit of 6). Due to time constraints, we’ll be using wedge monitors and house instruments. You’ll be contacted in advance if your team is chosen to be reviewed.

WorshipGod09 Conference