ÈÕº«AV

Twenty-first Annual Music & Worship Conference

On Feb. 22–24, 2024

(Photo by Darren Heslop)

ÈÕº«AV will host the 21st annual Music & Worship Conference from Feb. 22–24. The event, themed “Worship in Transition,” aims to explore how church musicians and leaders can address the issue of change in their communities. Presentations and performances will take place in a hybrid format, available both on the University campus and online. 

“We live in a world of rapid change,” says David Williams, director of the conference and associate professor of worship and sacred music. “The pandemic has dramatically altered how we do ministry … The regular course of life brings constant change as well.” He affirms, “Change is crucial for us to creatively communicate the gospel of Jesus Christ in a changing world.”

Plenary presentations will be given by Frank Thomas, director of the Compelling Preaching Initiative and Nettie Sweeney and Hugh Th. Miller Professor of Homiletics at Christian Theological Seminary, and Constance Cherry, professor emeritus of worship and pastoral ministry at Indiana Wesleyan University and author of “The Worship Architect.” Other presenters will include Robby Raney, Rodney Frometa, Alain Coralie, Richard Choi, Vesna Rica and Steve Yeagley.

The conference will feature several workshops on praise, worship and songwriting from established musicians and directors. Deah Love, a gospel recording artist and worship leader, serves as the conference’s featured artist. Other workshops will be held by Nicholas Zork, Charles Reid and Michael Owusu. 

According to its mission statement, the Music & Worship Conference “seeks to provide a forum for scholarly and professional dialogue, the advancement of knowledge, and the promotion of best practices in Christian worship and music.” In addition to presentations and workshops, the event will feature numerous worship experiences for professional growth and personal spirituality. 

The conference will conclude with the “Blackventist Praise” concert on Feb. 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the Howard Performing Arts Center. “This special concert explores the development of the regional conferences, the contributions of Black Adventists to the Adventist Church, as well as their integral role in civil rights, musical development, and building a fair, just and inclusive society,” notes Williams. “This worship experience will include praise and worship, drama, multimedia, and outstanding musical performances.”

More information about the conference can be found on the event website. Registration is . Prices are $135 for general registration and $45 for student registration. Some online rates are offered, as well as a discount for churches sending four or more persons. A schedule of events, including information about featured presenters and musicians, can be found here.

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