WORD IN SONG: GOD AMONG US
14 MARCH | 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 Rory Shiner as our guest Bible teacher and Key Note speaker. Rory studied Arts at UWA, theology at Moore College, and completed a PhD in Australian Church History at Macquarie University. He is the senior pastor of  Providence City Church in Perth, where he lives with his wife, Susan, and their four boys. His most recent book, Forgiven Forever, is out.

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.

 

Vocal Technique:
Many of us end up on stage without any formal vocal training, which can sometimes mean we fail to sing safely and strongly. This seminar put in place some foundations of safe, strong, clear singing.

Helpful for singers.

 

 

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.

 

 

 

Piano: From Classical to Contemporary: 

Unlock your piano skills for powerful congregational leading! 
The piano often carries the singing of the church, but making the leap from classical training to contemporary music can feel like a mystery. In this practical session, you’ll learn how to transform your years of lessons and exams into expressive, confident playing that truly serves your congregation. We’ll explore essential contemporary keyboard techniques, discover how and when to step away from the score, and unpack the key differences between playing solo and with a band.

Helpful for pianists and song leaders.

 

Caring for Your Team:

Caring for your team is a practical and pastoral seminar for anyone leading music ministry. Whether you're overseeing a team of musicians or serving within one, this session explores how to care well for those you lead—spiritually, relationally, and structurally. We’ll look at how to pastor your team in the midst of spiritual challenges, recruit with wisdom, build healthy systems of support, and navigate the often tricky pastoral issues. Full of real-world insight and biblical principles, this seminar will equip you to lead with both grace and clarity, helping your team thrive in service and faith.

Helpful for band leaders, pastors, service leaders.

 

Raising the Next Gen: How to Launch and Sustain a Thriving Youth Music Ministry:

Involving young people in music ministry isn’t just a smart way to grow your team — it’s one of the most powerful ways to disciple the next generation. But turning that vision into reality can be challenging!
This session will give you the tools and inspiration to build a vibrant, lasting youth band. We’ll explore the why behind youth involvement, the how of developing their skills and faith, and the what of creating a structure that actually works.
Come ready to be equipped and encouraged to invest in the future of your church’s music ministry.

Helpful for pastors, youth leaders and band leaders.

Rehearsing and Arranging a Band:

In this masterclass we will outline the essential principles for running an effective rehearsal and workshop a number songs in different styles. We will consider how to arrange a song to reflect its message, as well as shape its emotional flow. We’ll also explore options for different instrument combinations, effective transitions, and playing to the appropriate context.

Helpful for musicians, vocalists, song leaders, sound team.

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.

From Chaos to Clarity: Smart Monitoring for Church Bands
Take your stage sound to the next level! This hands-on session covers floor wedges vs. in-ear monitors, how to manage your own monitor mix, and when a dedicated monitor engineer can make all the difference. Learn practical tips for stage layout, volume balance, and communication so your band sounds tight, confident, and stress-free every time.
This seminar is perfect for band leaders, musicians, and volunteers who want to take control of their stage sound and make the most of whatever monitoring setup they have.

Helpful for sound technicians, music directors, musicians.

 

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!)

Services that Sing: 

How thoughtful song choices can bring your service to life.
Every church, whether traditional or informal, uses songs to tell the story of the gospel and draw people into the Word. But how we choose and place those songs can make all the difference. In this practical session, we’ll look at how songs can connect the different parts of a service, reinforce key themes, and help your congregation engage more deeply. You’ll come away with ideas and tools to plan services that are engaging, encouraging, and glorifying.

Perfect for anyone involved in choosing songs, leading services, or shaping the flow of your church gatherings.

Guitar: From Bedroom to Band: 

Whether you’re strumming alone or playing in a full band, the guitar can be one of the most versatile and expressive tools for leading God’s people in song. This session will help you move beyond playing at home to playing with purpose — supporting and enriching congregational singing. We’ll get practical with tips on using a capo creatively, developing effective strumming patterns, and adapting hymns and modern songs for guitar. Perfect for guitarists wanting to grow in confidence, skill, and musical sensitivity — whether you’re leading solo or as part of a team.

 Helpful for guitarists and song leaders.