Breakout Information

Taught by Charles Darus in room W208

Equipping Students to Minister and Evangelize Through Music

Ephesians 4:12 tells us to “equip the saints to do the work of ministry.” It is essential for our middle and high school students to learn music’s important role in worship, education, and missions.  To do this, we must take our student worshippers outside the walls of our church buildings! I’m excited to share ideas and techniques I’ve been able to put in place, pastoring student choirs for over two decades at First Baptist Dallas, First Baptist Jacksonville, and First Baptist Kissimmee.  Let’s talk about practical ways to mobilize our students for a lifetime of serving the Lord through music!

Taught by Matt Boswell in room W301

Taught by Carl Barnhill in room W209

Your Visuals Matter: How to Use Graphics, Video to Visually Communicate the Gospel

A hands-on breakout designed to help churches elevate their communication through powerful visuals that connect, clarify, and inspire. We’ll look at key statistics that show how people absorb information faster and retain messages longer when visuals are used effectively. You’ll learn how to use visual media that reflects your church’s unique message and mission. Whether you’re a pastor, church leader, creative, or volunteer, you’ll walk away with practical tools, proven principles, and real-world examples to help your ministry visually communicate the Gospel with clarity – so you can spend less time designing and more time discipling.

Taught by Chandi Plummer in room W205

Vocal Health

How can I best take care of my voice to avoid vocal fatigue? In this session, we will discuss the causes of voice fatigue and injury, and how to develop a plan for the best healthy voice practices, including creating a voice budget.

Taught by Laura Story in room W203 (Women Only)

Thriving as a Woman in Worship Ministry

In this encouraging and practical session, GRAMMY®-winning worship leader and author Laura Story invites women serving in worship ministry to discover what it truly means to thrive—not by striving harder, but by embracing God’s grace in every season. With honesty, humor, and biblical wisdom, Laura shares lessons from her own journey leading worship, raising a family, and navigating the realities of ministry life. Whether you’re a vocalist, musician, tech leader, songwriter, or a woman who simply loves to serve the Church, you’ll walk away refreshed, equipped, and reminded that God calls you not to perfection, but to faithful worship.

Taught by Matt Westerholm in room W206

The Problem with “Principles” of Biblical Worship

What’s the difference between “biblical worship” and “Bible verses that seem to support my worship preferences?” This fast-paced workshop will help you discern the distinctions and move forward with confidence.

Taught by Andrew McKinney in room W303

Building Mission/Vision for Your Worship Ministry: Starting with 6 non-negotiable convictions from Scripture

Building a compelling vision for worship ministry is both art & science. However establishing a healthy foundation with biblical convictions, Spirit-led leadership, and Christ-centered, faithful, community-driven worship is imperative for every church in every context. Come unpack 6 biblical non-negotiables for your worship ministry in this session.

Taught by Jordan Kauflin in room W304

Developing a Christ-Centered Liturgy

What has God most clearly called us to do when we gather? Join Jordan Kauflin as he teaches on how we can create Christ-centered liturgies for our churches.

Taught by JW Pepper in Adult Choir Room

Moderated by Dr. Andrew Lucius in room W202

Presenter: Dr. K. Arnold – In Quest of a Denominationally Unifying Hymnbook: Three Baptist Hymnbooks Published in America Prior to the Formation of the Southern Baptist Convention

Presenter: Dr. T. Broussard – The Name We Sing: Evaluating Biblical Interpretations of the Name of Jesus in Baptist Hymnody and Modern Worship

Taught by Teri Van Duyn in room E221

Let the Children Sing – Training Lifelong Musical Worshippers

In this session, we’ll explore foundational principles for children’s choir, learn how to create effective lesson plans within time limits, and discover fun, interactive methods for a productive and engaging choir night.

Taught by Kirk Kirkland in room W204

The Healthy Shepherd

We will look at the life of Christ as our example of how to lead from a healthy personal place in three dimensions: Physical, Emotional, Spiritual.

Taught by Jonathan Rogers in room W208

Worship Leadership and the Anxious Generation

How do we pastor, mentor, and lead students in worship? But not only in worship…also when they are also in our ministry groups? What are the implications for Haidt’s research for student leadership development and student worship ministry? These are questions I hope we will tackle in this session.

Taught by Cliff Duren in W206

Songwriting & Arranging

Cliff will walk through the essentials for both songwriting and arranging. There will also be margin for specific questions on each topic. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced songwriter or arranger, there will be takeaways for everyone!

Taught by Carl Barnhill in room W209

Using AI Tools for Ministry

Using AI in Ministry explores how artificial intelligence can help churches communicate the Gospel more clearly through powerful visuals and smarter workflows. In this practical session, you’ll discover how AI tools for image creation, video, and productivity can save time, reduce creative burnout, and expand what’s possible with limited staff and resources. We’ll discuss why visuals matter for discipleship, demonstrate real-world ministry applications, and offer wise guardrails for using AI ethically and faithfully—so technology serves the mission of the Church and frees leaders to focus less on designing and more on discipling.

Taught by Chandi Plummer in room W205

Voice Technique

Voice technique is rooted in the anatomy and physiology of the voice. In this session, discover a brief overview of the anatomy of the voice, how posture and breath impact your vocal function, and how to warm up, cool down, and sing with greater efficiency.

Taught by Laura Story in room W203 (Women Only)

Cultivating a Healthy and Humble Worship Team

Leading a worship ministry is about far more than preparing songs for Sunday — it’s about shepherding people. In this breakout, Laura Story shares practical insights on building a worship team that is spiritually healthy, relationally strong, and rooted in humility. You’ll explore proven best practices for developing volunteers not only as musicians, but as worshipers and leaders who serve with unity, excellence, and Christ-centered hearts. Together, we’ll focus on cultivating a team culture that honors God through both song and attitude — on and off the platform.

Taught by Matt Boswell in room W301

A God-Centered Gathering 

There are many wonderful reasons that the church gathers on the Lord’s Day but the greatest and highest purpose we gather is the worship of God.

Taught by Robbie Seay in room W303

Is Singing A Spiritual Discipline? How Daily Singing Strengthens Sunday Mornings

Colossians 3:16 urges us to “Let the word of Christ dwell richly in us, in all wisdom SINGING Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs..”
Singing has a purpose – to plant the word of God in our hearts, remind us of the Gospel and draw us closer to Christ our Saviour. God desires our singing and praise. Singing reminds us of the good news of Jesus. Singing plants the word in our hearts. But is singing as an act of worship considered a Spiritual Discipline? Let’s discuss together and consider how this changes our leadership in the local church as we call people to make singing an essential part of daily devotion to Christ.

Taught by Jordan Kauflin in room W304

Shared Values, Shared Purpose: Building a Worship Culture on Your Music Team

Every church music team has a culture, but not every culture is a good one. Jordan Kauflin will teach on principles for creating a God honoring team culture. Get ready to benefit from mistakes he has made and things he has learned over the years.

Taught by Semsen Music in Adult Choir Room

Moderated  by Dr. Chessa Williams in room W202

Presenter: Mr. J. Cheesman – Jesus is Lord: Christology Regained Through Creedal Modern Hymns

Presenter: Ms. F. Watt – The Intersection of Music and Theology in Undergraduate Worship Arts Programs

Taught by Kaitlin Mattox in room E221.

Let the Children Sing in Church

The Bible is clear—we are called to sing together as God’s people. But how do we intentionally invite children into that calling? This practical session unpacks three foundational principles for building children’s choir ministries that are drenched with joy, rooted in scripture, and invested in musical excellence. Let the worship begin!

Taught by Matt Westerholm in room W204

Bulk or Cut: Choosing Your Worship Ministry’s Next Season

Worship leaders can learn from strength training! Athletes alternate between seasons of bulking (adding muscle) and cutting (reducing fat). Worship ministries face the same sort of choice! The workshop clarifies these two strategic moves and provides practical steps to advance your ministry.

Taught by Chessa Williams in room W203 (Women Only)

Bearing Witness Through Worship: A Vision for Women in Worship Ministry

This session offers a theological vision for women in worship ministry grounded in Scripture’s portrayal of men and women as distinct yet interdependent members of Christ’s body. It explores how faithful worship leadership reflects the glory of Christ not through shared vocation, mutual service, and the ordered life of the church’s worship.

Taught by Logan Brown in room W208

Swimming Upstream: Turning Silent Students Into Passionate Worshippers

Our students aren’t singing… and that has to change, but in our shallow, entertainment-driven culture, it’s going to take some work.  Learn how we can build thriving student worship ministries in a culture that has given up on teaching teenagers to be Christ-honoring musicians.

Taught by Bob Kauflin in room W301

What Kinds of Songs Should the Church Sing?

Music ministers have access to more songs to introduce to their congregations than at any time in history. What makes a worship song or hymn “good?” How do we navigate the world of traditional hymns, contemporary songs, and modern hymns in a way that is biblical, engaging, and God-glorifying? In this practical session, Bob Kauflin will talk about musical, lyrical, and heart issues to consider as you determine what songs will best serve your church.

Taught by Caleb Woodside in room W209

How To Talk To Your Sound Guy

10 practical ways to build relationships with your tech team and pursue ministry together.

Taught by Chandi Plummer in room W205

How To Sing as an Ambassador for Christ

Explore how singers can tell stories compellingly in an evangelistic context while authentically worshipping God. Learn to apply practical techniques that are adaptable to different personalities – even quieter singers can communicate with nuance, conviction, and engagement.

Taught by Rob Plummer in room W206

“No, the Greek word for ‘worship’ does not mean that!”

How many times have you heard someone say, “The Greek word for worship actually means…” followed by a claim that doesn’t quite hold up? In this session, we’ll move beyond simplistic word studies and explore what the New Testament actually says about worship.

Taught by Robbie Seay in room W303

Where did the Psalms go? Reclaiming Psalms Singing

The Psalms are the hymnbook of the Christian faith and have been an essential part of God’s people singing together for thousands of years. Until now. Mostly missing from the canon of local churches, why is the modern church mostly disregarding the Psalter in Sunday worship? Let’s discuss how we can reclaim the singing of the Psalms in our churches, why it matters and what resources exist to help us sing Psalms this Sunday.

Taught by Terry Williams in room W304

Worship Leaders After God’s Own Heart

What does it mean to have a heart like God’s? How are we to pursue God on a daily basis while living in such a fast-paced culture? Discover the spiritual characteristics of King David; his challenges, his victories, and his deep devotion and love for God.

Taught by Prism Music in Adult Choir Room

Moderated by Dr. Will Bishop in room W202

Presenter: Mr. E. Park – Reviving the Altar Call: Revelation, Response, and “Just As I Am”

Presenter: Ms. R. Pursley – And Do Not Hinder Them: An Urgent Call to Intentionally Disciple Children as Singing Worshippers in a Culture of Playlists, Performance, and Pragmatism

Taught by Christy Semsen in room E221

Creative Ways to Re-imagine Children’s Choir

Finding ways to get outside the walls of your church and meet children wherever they are- teaching them about God through music. New tips to re-think choir for a new and increasingly overscheduled generation of kids and parents!

Taught by Tony Cooper in room W204

Conflict Resolution

Make no mistake about it. At some point in your ministry, you will come into conflict with someone. That could be with a congregation member (music too loud), a worship team member (didn’t get the solo), or leadership at your church (not crazy about what someone is wearing on the platform).

Use each conflict as an opportunity to disciple someone and/or to disciple yourself.

Taught by Chessa Williams in room W203 (for everyone)

Leading Together: Trust, Authority, and Collaboration in Worship Ministry

This joint session brings together Dr. Chessa Williams and seasoned pastor and worship scholar Dr. Matthew Westerholm for an honest, pastoral conversation about men and women serving together in worship ministry. Grounded in a complementarian vision of the church, the discussion explores trust, authority, collaboration, and the practical dynamics that shape healthy worship leadership teams. Drawing on academic reflection and lived ministry experience, the session offers wisdom for cultivating faithfulness, clarity, and mutual respect in the shared work of leading Christ’s church in worship.

Taught by Sarah Blackstone in room W208

Choir is back….but is it the same choir you remember?

Choir is back within our modern worship context and for artists around the globe, but does it look the same as you remember? Explore what it looks like to engage Gen Z and Gen Alpha in worshipful choral experience while releasing the idea that it has to fit within the confines of past church choir expectations. Let’s reach the next generation with the power of singing together, while also reaching them where they are.

Taught by Bradley Knight in room W206

Music Creation For The Church

Join us for a highly interactive Q&A session with Bradley to discuss his techniques and approaches to creating music for the church. Bring your questions about everything from arranging to orchestrating to music technology. Yes, you can even ask him why his tenor parts are so high.

Taught by Ryan Dahl in room W209

God + Worship Leader + AI: Navigating Obstacles and Opportunities in a Tech-Filled World

As AI and digital tools become more common in worship planning and leadership, worship leaders are faced with both practical opportunities and real tensions. This session explores how emerging technologies are already shaping preparation, creativity, and decision-making, and where they can begin to distort formation, presence, and theology. The focus is not on promoting tools, but on discernment: what can be responsibly automated, what should remain deeply human, and how worship leaders can lead faithfully in a tech-filled world without losing the heart of worship.

Taught by Chandi Plummer in room W205

Voice Master Class: Putting It Into Practice

In this session, 3 – 4 participants who are selected in advance will have the opportunity to sing. Dr. Plummer will provide helpful feedback based upon the previous sessions. A “master class” is like having a mini-voice lesson in front of an audience.

Taught by Jonathan Welch in room W304

Ten Biblical Functions of Congregational Singing

Congregations all over the globe choose to sing when they gather to worship, but to what extent have we considered what congregational singing actually does for the people of God? One answer to this question is praise—as many Christians think of singing as praise to God. Yet, an exegetical study of Scripture reveals that congregational singing accomplishes more than just praise. This presentation will explain ten biblical functions of congregational song and offer a number of relevant applications to enrich congregational singing in any context.

Taught by Robbie Seay in room W303

Psalms, Hymns, Spiritual Songs: A Healthy Diet of Songs for Sunday Morning Liturgy

Scholars have debated for centuries regarding the meanings of these three terms used twice in Paul’s epistles. Some believe they are mostly synonymous while others believe Paul was giving some categories songs to be used in corporate worship. Either way, how does Pauls encouragement change how we look at our own setlists today?
Let’s talk through the three categories, debate their meaning and take a long look at the depth and variety of songs we are leading in our own local churches.
Preview of where we are headed in this breakout:
Do we sing the Psalms on Sunday morning?
Do we sing “God songs”, hymns that reveal the character and nature of God?
Do we sing to God with “Spirit given songs” in response to his greatness and goodness?

Taught by Bob Kauflin in room W301

Minding the Gap: Making the Most of Transitions

Too often, our Sunday gatherings feel like a playlist on shuffle. Elements are unconnected, changes are abrupt, and people are left confused. To address the situation, we often resort to a “musical glue” that makes things feel more connected but does little to help people understand any kind of progression. In this practical breakout, Bob will suggest questions to consider when thinking about transitions and help you serve your congregation with greater clarity and purpose, for the glory of Christ and the good of his people.

Taught by Brentwood Benson in Adult Choir Room

Moderated by Dr. Michael Sharp in room W202

Presenter: Dr. J. McMillan – The Concept of Holiness as Taught Through Christian Worship Music

Presenter: Mr. S. Ferrand – Maverick City and Snarky Puppy: How Schenkerian Analysis Holds the Key to the Modern Worship Orchestra

Panel Discussion in room E221

Experience an inspiring conversation with renowned choir directors who bring over 100 years of combined expertise to the table. Discover proven, real‑world strategies for recruiting and retaining volunteers and keeping children joyfully singing, no matter how culture or schedules shift.

Guided by Teri Van Duyn, this dynamic panel features insights from industry leaders Tamre Bennett, Angela Irby, Christy Sepeda, Kaitlin Mattox, and Christy Semsen—each bringing a unique and valuable perspective you won’t want to miss.

Taught by Kenny Lamm in room W204

Nine Reasons People Aren’t Singing In Worship And What To Do About It

Congregations are increasingly turning into masses of spectators rather than active participants. What can we do to reverse this trend in our churches and help our congregations really participate and sing?

Taught by Dr. Bruce Leafblad in West Hall

Thoughts About Worship

Reflecting on a lifetime of teaching about worship from one of the most influential voices in the church over the last 50 years.

Taught by Cliff Duren in room W304

Worship Planning & Leadership

In this session, Cliff will talk through his weekly rhythm of worship planning and also leading staff and volunteers towards Sunday. These principles apply to both small and large congregations, so there will be takeaways for everyone!

Taught by Andrew McKinney in room W303

What is SBC Worship?

No matter your age and stage in ministry we will always be in need of equipping and encouragement. Come see how you can receive training, resources, and encouragement from trusted voices, around the Southern Baptist Convention to enrich your life and ministry. As well as use your gifts and experiences to be a blessing to others. We will also answer questions about leadership, the day to day activities, and the dreams for this organization for the days ahead.

Taught by Roger O’Neel in room W204

Training the Next Generation of Worship Leaders 

This seminar is designed to help equip you to share the talents and calling that you have with the next generation.  We will be looking at the characteristics of the younger generations, challenges along the way, and the great rewards of multiplying your ministry.

Taught by Keith Getty in First Auditorium

Keith teaches that songwriting for worship should focus on combining rich, biblical theology with singable, memorable melodies that the entire congregation, across generations and cultures, can use to express their faith. What we sing becomes the grammar of what we believe. He is the leading voice in the modern hymn movement.

Taught by Joe Bolin in room W205

The Craft of Rehearsing: Tools to Maximize Command & Effectiveness in Any Rehearsal

Whether you are working with a band, vocalists, a choir, or an orchestra, there are several fundamental strategies that, when applied, lay the foundation for every effective rehearsal. This session will focus on equipping participants with practical strategies related to rehearsal preparation, active listening, addressing musical and technical issues, managing rehearsal flow, and making the most of limited time through smart triaging and sequencing. We will also cover key insights into the differences between working with professionals and amateurs, and how to appropriately and inspirationally challenge your teams both artistically and spiritually.

Moderated by Dr. Andrew Lucius in room W202

Presenter: Mr. B. Chism – To Click or Not to Click: Navigating the Tides of Digital Technology in Corporate Worship

Presenter: Dr. R. Pendergraft – And Then IT Said Sing: Considerations for Worship Planning Using Artificial Intelligence

Taught by Kristyn Getty in room W301

Let the Children Sing at Home!

Taught by Daywind in Adult Choir Room