In an effort to train congregational worship pastors and leaders more effectively Sovereign Grace Churches has been offering the Worship Matters Intensive, hosted by Bob Kauflin in Louisville, KY. This 5-day intensive, based on Bob's book, Worship Matters, is an intentional context where pastors and leaders of worship in song can cultivate strong and clear theological categories for worship, have the opportunity for hands-on practice and feedback, and benefit from interaction and relationships with other leaders from diverse contexts.

We are so pleased to announce that the Worship Matters Intensive will be running in Sydney, Australia from the 3rd - 6th May this year!

This intensive is limited to 15 men. The registration cost includes lunches, books, and additional resources. Attendees are responsible for their own transportation, lodging, and some meals.

The Worship Matters Intensive is a full immersion experience and is intended for men who play a primary role in leading congregational worship. Along with theological and musical areas, attendees take time to talk about their hearts, families, and the priorities of teaching and pastoring while leading.

We know there are an ever-increasing number of ways to invest in leaders of gathered worship, so we’ve tried to incorporate the most helpful aspects of these resources in the Worship Matters Intensive. Here’s what previous attendees had to say about it:

          “When I came to the Worship Matters Intensive I had 20 years of experience leading worship in song, had attended the Sovereign Grace Pastors College, worked firsthand with Bob Kauflin in the Pastors College, read his books, taught his books to my team, attended multiple WorshipGod conferences, etc. However, as helpful as all that was, none of it had as much of an impact on my worship leadership as the Intensive.
          By God’s grace, I trust my leadership is clearer, more focused, less burdensome to me and others, more integrated into “liturgy”, more in sync with pastoral burdens, and includes more Scripture and better gospel flow. The Intensive made me all the more thankful for Sovereign Grace and our partnership. There are so many benefits! To name a few: the personal, focused interactions with Bob and other worship leaders and being able to lead and be evaluated in that context, (and participating in that process for others) was always done in light of the gospel and the bigger picture.
          From the inexperienced worship leader to the most experienced worship leader, pastors need to send their worship leaders to a Worship Matters Intensive. Being equipped and refined in this context is a significant way worship leaders can make a pastor’s job a joy and not a burden and cause their efforts to become a greater advantage for their church.” – Allen, 20 years leading

"I've been benefiting from Bob's ministry and leadership for many years now. I've read his books and blog posts, and have attended most of the WorshipGod conferences. They have each had an effect on my life and worship ministry, but nothing comes close to what I received from the WMI classes and fellowship. The unhurried, personal interaction with Bob, the opportunity to observe others’ leading and review, the times of worshiping the Lord together through song, the feedback provided about my own leadership; each have been rich investments into my life and ministry. And I'm sure I don't even know just how greatly this week has impacted me." - Erik, 16 years leading

"The Worship Matters Intensive was pivotal in helping me understand not only the importance of corporate singing and the leader’s role but also in understanding how massively important the leader’s heart is in that role. Also, our time together taught me the importance of cultivating a ministry that is rooted in the Word and worship that is fueled by the Word. For anyone who has the opportunity to attend, it will be an investment into your soul!" - Frank, 12 years leading

"Getting to be apart of the Worship Matters Intensive is an experience that I believe will shape the way that I lead for the years to come. I was challenged not only to grow in my skills as a leader, but through bonding with other men who are seeking to pursue and serve Christ and his Church, I was able to examine my own heart and life in light of the gospel. I left the intensive refreshed and encouraged, eager to be used by God to bring him glory as I lead others in magnifying our great Savior." - Dave, 4 years leading

"Hearing and watching Bob Kauflin explain and demonstrate scenarios from the chapters of Worship Matters in a live setting will greatly impact the way you lead worship. Hearing and watching other gifted men lead worship and critique your own leadership will inspire and cause gratefulness to God who has entrusted you with the gifts necessary to edify the church. If you want to be refreshed and have a group of trusted brothers available to ask questions and get feedback the WMI is for you. If you want to sharpen your approach to worship and leading the church, you can't miss this. You will make great friends and leave with a higher view of our Savior, the Bible, and your calling!" - Juan, 2 months leading

"Not only is WMI incredibly helpful for focusing on what's most important in leading the singing on Sundays or whatever context you're in, but it was also wonderfully encouraging for my soul being reminded of how gracious God is to use weak men to lead His church, and the privilege it is to gather in the first place. A biblically rich, thoroughly motivating, and Christ-exalting weekend!" - Zach, 6 years leading

"I think any one who ever leads congregational singing in any capacity should make this a top priority. For leaders, I think this time is even more valuable than a WorshipGod conference. The smaller setting and the ability to interact with Bob on this content is so helpful. The times of Lead & Review were surprisingly the most encouraging times. Everyone has room to grow and this Intensive is the best way I've found to propel my growth as a leader in the area of corporate worship. Budget for this; make it a top priority.  There's no other conference you can go to, book you can read, or videos you can watch that will even come close to the personal and practical instruction, feedback, and encouragement you will receive from attending the Intensive." - Allen, 15 years leading

This Intensive is also available as a free video course for anyone who would like to benefit from the principles and material.

If you're looking for an event with theological and practical training on a wide variety of topics in music ministry, check out our bi-annual WorshipGod Conference, or listen to messages from past conferences.