workshops
Workshop Session 1
Worship Leading
Robbie Seay – singer/songwriter, worship leader, recording artist
Leading worship is one of those things; there isn’t a book that tells you how to do it. Be part of the conversation as Robbie Seay helps us explore the art of leading worship. Robbie Seay leads worship regularly at Ecclesia Church in Houston, Texas and at various events around the country.
The Writing Life
Shauna Niequist – author, blogger
In our time together, we’ll talk about creativity, the writing process, the myth of inspiration and the road to publication. Also on the list: blogging, social media, agents, proposals and books every writer should read.
You Can’t Make This Stuff Up: Insights From a Music Industry Insider
Troy Groves – manager of Christian artist, Sara Groves
Ever wonder what the music industry is really like? What does being a working musician actually entail? Join industry insider Troy Groves as he shares insights from a long career as manager for Sara Groves.
Storytelling through Film and Video
Nathan Clarke – Video Director for Christianity Today, director of Wrestling for Jesus
Feature-length and short films, promotion and interview videos all hinge on the ability to convey a well-crafted story. This workshop will provide a forum for discussing key concepts in shaping a story through the medium of film. Come and learn some steps you might take to improve whatever video or film project you’re working on next.
An Artist Reads Genesis 1-3
Cam Anderson – Executive Director of CIVA (Christians in the Visual Arts)
Artists of faith hoping to ground their vocation in the Scriptures should begin at the beginning and explore the opening chapters of Genesis. This seminar will be a kind of “nature study” as we consider the nature of God, the nature of the created world and our nature as men and women who are called to be its steward. Find more information about CIVA here.
Faith and Fine Arts
Andrew Sewell – Maestro for the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra
Christians permeate the contemporary arts scene, but they also have a large role to play in the world of fine art. As a Christ-follower in the fine arts, one is confronted with certain inherent challenges. Come join a conversation with Andrew Sewell as he shares his story and talks about the challenges and rewards of a life in the arts.
Using Ableton Live (Drum Looping Software) in Worship
Matt McCoy – certified trainer for Ableton Live software company
With today’s rise in digital audio workstations, there are lots of software options for your home or project studio. However when it comes to producing a live set, whether songs of worship on Sunday or a local band on a Friday night, few other software companies come close to the realm of Ableton Live. If the possibility of incorporating different effects, loops and more into your live performances compels you, come learn more.
**Also offered in Workshop Session 3
Live Audio: Best Practices
Andy Geipel – Associate Director of Technical Arts, Blackhawk Church
Few things can kill a service or performance quicker than bad sound. It is often the neglected art. Learn how to get the most from your mix. We’ll explore the theories behind microphone technique, eq, compression, effects and more.
Ministry is Messy: Dealing with Conflict in Ministry
Nancy Lindroth – Director of Team Development, Blackhawk Church
Doing ministry inevitably produces relational conflict. How do you keep ministry healthy when you know it’s going to get messy? Nancy Lindroth has led this workshop in various settings for many years. The material continues to evolve; it is always fresh and relevant, sure to challenge and inspire.
Workshop Session 2
Art and Faith
Robbie Seay – singer/songwriter, worship leader, recording artist
Artists in the church live in the tension between creating and serving. Am I a musician first or a worship leader? How do I write with freedom while still writing songs that other people can sing? This workshop will explore these and other ideas at the intersection of art and faith.
Just for Women
Sara Groves – singer/songwriter, recording artist
The world of music and evangelical Christianity can often be dominated by men. This workshop just for women is an opportunity to join Sara as she shares her heart. She’ll talk about the challenges of being called to ministry, work, marriage and motherhood.
Dealing with Perfectionism
Rory Noland – Director of Heart of the Artist Ministries, speaker, author
What is perfectionism? How does it affect artists? How do we keep it from holding us back and robbing us of our joy? This session will analyze the telltale signs of perfectionism and offer a healthier alternative: pursuing excellence for the glory of God.
Finding the Groove: Putting a Band Together
Robbie Seay’s band members – professional touring musicians, recording artists
This workshop for band members and band leaders will explore the art of making a band “tight.” Learn tricks and tools for getting musicians to listen and respond to one another in a worship setting. This is a chance to get a few tips on your instrument from professional musicians.
What Makes a Good Story? (For All Communicators)
Nathan Clarke – Video Director for Christianity Today, director of Wrestling for Jesus
Whether you’re a pastor, a teacher or an artist, good storytelling is key to effective communication. What are the elements that improve or spoil how a story is conveyed? How might you spot which areas you are lacking in? Come dialogue about what it is that makes a truly good story and learn how this could help you in your role.
Deep Calls to Deep, Part I: Painting from the Poets’ Prompts
Betsy Delzer – visual artist and art instructor
In this painting and mixed-media workshop we will be focusing on the rich imagery and succulent word choice found in the voices of the Psalms. Experienced painters and beginners alike are encouraged to dive into the themes found in these songs, poetry, laments and prayers. Materials will be provided; space limited to 20 people. *Optional: If you’d like to spend extended time in this experiential workshop setting, you may register for Deep Calls to Deep Part II in Workshop Session 3.
Leading Up: Issues of Leadership, Authority and Conflict
Nancy Lindroth - Director of Team Development, Blackhawk Church
Joel Hassenzahl – Pastor of Worship Arts, Blackhawk Church
Wherever you might work or volunteer, in whatever position you hold, you report to someone. And your working relationships with those in authority are often the most difficult, yet arguably the most important, to cultivate. We will spend time discussing key concepts of leading well in these relationships with the goal of helping you flourish wherever you are.
Workshop Session 3
Songwriting
Sara Groves – singer/songwriter, recording artist
Songwriting can be frustrating and time-consuming. Inspiration strikes, but then you’ve got a lot of hard work to do. Are there methods and steps you haven’t yet tried that might take your songs to the next level? Here is your chance to converse with one of Christian music’s most celebrated and respected songwriters.
Protecting the Heart of the Artist
Rory Noland – Director of Heart of the Artist Ministries, speaker, author
Proverbs 4:23 says, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” Your art is an expression of your heart, your innermost being, your soul. Find out how to protect your heart and nurture your soul and be the artist God calls you to be.
Sharing Your Passion Through Proper Vocal Technique
Scott Foss – Director of Music at First United Methodist, freelance choral director
Singing is a way many of us communicate the deep truths of our faith, so it’s important that we learn how to use our voices well. Come gain insight into the voice and the proper ways to use its full range of dynamics and emotions. Whether you are a soloist, a back-up singer or a member of a choir, these techniques will help you find the “passion within and ways to express that passion.”
Prayer through Movement
Mariah Meyer LeFeber – Dance Lecturer at UW Madison, Dance/Movement Therapist
As worshippers and humans, we experience an inherent connection between our minds, bodies and spirits. But what does it really look like to explore and deepen our faith within our physical selves? In this workshop, you will be introduced to the concept of prayer dance and have the opportunity to experience this embodied form of prayer for yourself.
Learning the Light in Photography
Barry Sherbeck – photographer, designer, gallery owner
Great photographs always have great light. Anyone can improve their photography by learning how light behaves and what makes it more interesting. With experience, we can notice and make the most of great light and modify it to improve the setting. This workshop is a study of how light works and how to make great photographs.
Using Ableton Live (Drum Looping Software) in Worship
Matt McCoy – certified trainer for Ableton Live software company
With today’s rise in digital audio workstations, there are lots of software options for your home or project studio. However when it comes to producing a live set, whether songs of worship on Sunday or a local band on a Friday night, few other software companies come close to the realm of Ableton Live. If the possibility of incorporating different effects, loops and more into your live performances compels you, come learn more.
**Also offered in Workshop Session 1
Deep Calls to Deep, Part II: Open Studio
Betsy Delzer – visual artist and art instructor
Designed as a continuation of the first session for those who selected Deep Calls to Deep Part I, who desire more time to continue or finish what was started. An open studio setting for a painting and mixed-media workshop exploring themes from the Psalms.
Us Versus Them: Managing the Tension Between Technicians & Musicians
Mark Wyse – Director of Technical Arts, Blackhawk Church
Technicians and musicians often find themselves at odds when it comes to getting their respective jobs done on Sunday. This roundtable discussion will look at some of the reasons behind this and equip you to help ease the tension.
