WORD IN SONG
18 APRIL | 9:30AM - 3:30PM

Are you passionate about singing that is deeply rooted in Scripture? The Word in Song Conference is a place where worship leaders, musicians, and church members come together to be equipped, inspired, and encouraged—helping you and your church grow in a gospel-centered approach to music and ministry.

This year we are excited to have Tim Chester as our guest Bible teacher and Keynote speaker. Tim Chester is a theological lecturer for Crosslands Training and has written over 40 books. He has a PhD in theology and PgDip in history along with 25 years' experience of pastoral ministry. He is a keen songwriter and musician, having co-written a number of songs with Emu Music. He is married with two grown-up daughters and lives in rural Derbyshire, where he is part of a church plant.

What to Expect:

• Engaging Sessions: Learn from experienced speakers and musicians who will share biblical insights and practical skills for leading worship that truly magnifies Christ.

• Practical Seminars: Whether you’re a musician, vocalist, or pastor, our interactive seminars are designed to refine your skills and deepen your understanding of music through a biblical lens.

• Heart-felt Singing: Experience passionate, gospel-centered singing led by talented musicians who love to proclaim the truth of God's Word through song.

• Enriching Fellowship: Connect with other worship leaders, musicians, and church members who share your heart for Christ-centered music.

Why Attend? The Emu Word in Song Conference is more than just an event—it's an opportunity to rediscover the beauty and power of Christian singing that is grounded in God’s Word. Gain valuable tools for your ministry, enjoy fellowship with like-minded believers, and leave inspired to serve your church with renewed zeal. Hear more about how others have been equipped and encouraged by the conference:

Keen to bring your team along? Download our event advertising pack here:

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Don’t miss out! Register now and be part of a transformative experience that will help shape the way you sing, lead, and live out the gospel. Group discounts available (click here to find out more).

Seminar Descriptions

Church Music Masterclass:

In this session we'll aim to cover everything you’ll ever need to know about leading excellent singing in your church – whatever your church size or preferred style of music! We’ll look at how (as a music team) we give priority to the congregation’s voice, and how we can use any instrument and vocal combination to provide a creative and confident lead for the singing in your church. 

Helpful for everyone – musicians, vocalists, song leaders, sound team, pastors.

What Songs Should We Sing?:

Choosing songs thoughtfully and intentionally is key to an effective word-based music ministry. However, there are so many songs to consider – and it can be hard to keep our focus on what is important! In this seminar we’ll think about how to create a well-rounded repertoire of songs for our church and talk through all the factors to consider when shaping this list. 
Helpful for pastors, singers, song leaders, songwriters.

Song Leading:

In many ways, the song leader is the single most important person in leading great congregational singing. We will look at the biblical basis for having a song leader, but will aim to spend most of our time on the practicalities of how to lead singing well – including mic technique, what to say, and how to teach new material. 

Helpful for singers, song leaders, service leaders, pastors.

Leading from Piano and Guitar:

Many of our churches have just these two instruments, so how do we make the most of them, and how do we lead in a dynamic, engaged, and complementary way? In this seminar, we'll explore the harmonic and rhythmic elements needed to lead great congregational singing, and provide the tools to understand each other better and play together well.

Helpful for guitarists, pianists.

 

Shaping a Healthy Culture of Singing: 

What makes a church sing — really sing? And how can we grow music teams that serve with joy and unity rather than burnout or performance? This seminar is for pastors and anyone leading a music team who wants to see their church family singing with heart and conviction. Together, we’ll explore how to foster genuine congregational singing and how to shape a healthy, gospel-centered culture among those who serve in music teams. We’ll unpack the different roles — from song leaders and band leaders to those overseeing the ministry as a whole — and share practical ideas for developing both your team and your church’s love for singing together.

Helpful for song leaders, music team leaders, music directors, and those aspiring to these roles!

Drums & Bass:

The bass and drums are the ‘engine room’ of any church band. So what does it take to create a solid foundation for a rhythm section? We will look at our roles, finding a part, locking in together, time, technical skills, playing the song, groove vocabulary, and more. 
Helpful for drummers, bassists (and anyone hoping to communicate well with their rhythm section!)

Single Note Instruments: 

What is the role of a melody instrument in a church band, and how do I use my classical technique to play in a contemporary context? We will look at how to create colour and contrast in an arrangement; as well as fills, riffs, register, transposition and improvisation.
Helpful for melody instrumentalists, pianist, guitarists and band leaders.

Sound Essentials - Building a Mix:

This session is all about helping the church to hear God’s word: spoken and sung. We will consider the essential elements of setting up a ‘good mix’, blending sounds, and training our ears; as well as how to work well with a music team.
Helpful for sound technicians, aspiring sound technicians, music directors, musicians.