Breakout Sessions
We are excited to invite some amazing clinicians to Heartland 2025! We are also providing a session specifically dedicated to high school students who are looking to be a part of worship ministry as a calling/career!
Our goal is to provide some practical resources, access to new relationships/networks, as well as help those who serve Jesus’ church as worship leaders and pastors to develop their philosophy of ministry through what they experience.
(Note: session topics are subject to change.)
“Leading From Behind The Kit”
Practical and simple ways to rightly prepare so we may best serve and lead from behind the kit. In this breakout we will discuss simple practices that will ensure preparedness, confidence, flexibility, and a right understanding of our place in leading worship from behind the drum kit.
“Audio Contextualized for the Local Church”
A Conversation on pastorally sensitive production and the purposeful role of the church audio engineer.
“Mastering Acoustic Guitar Techniques”
Too often, the acoustic guitar is relegated to a shaker, or percussion instrument, in a live mix. However, when used properly, the acoustic guitar is a versatile instrument that can be played in a variety of ways. Whether you are leading with a full band, or solo with just the guitar, learning to master several shapes, tunings, and styles, will allow you to add more to the band and lead more confidently from the guitar.
“Worship Keys/Music Directing”
An in-depth discussion of your role as a keys player and MD.
“More Than Music”
Discover what it means to live as a worship leader—beyond the songs and into the posture of the heart. In this breakout, we’ll explore the role of the worship leader both on stage and off, and how your life can echo the worship you lead.
“Breakout Beyond the Root”
As bass players, we can find ourselves in the tension of wanting to write parts that go beyond playing just the root note of the chord without getting in the way of the songs we’re leading in our services. Or maybe you feel like you’ve got the root notes locked down, and now you’re looking for tools to help you begin creating bass lines for the first time. In this breakout we’ll discuss key elements that can help us craft parts that serve the music without sacrificing our own participation in the service.
“Playing Like A Producer”
We spend lots of time and money on guitars, gear, and technique. Learning how to use them to their fullest potential is vital. In this breakout session, you will learn to dissect a song, understand why specific parts and tones work, and how to best fit in your particular band with the tools you have. When you learn to think like a producer, your creativity will expand and you can serve your team more effectively.
“Musician, Minister and Multiplier”
Discovering the role of “Worship Leader.”
“Vocal Engagement: How to Connect with The People You Lead”
The distance between the edge of the stage and the front row can be the most difficult chasm to bridge. In this breakout, you’ll be equipped with practical concepts and tools that will help you communicate with your voice and connect with depth.
“The Enhanced Experience”
Using Lighting, Audio and Video to create an exciting worship experience in your space. Learn how these AVL tools can and should work together to engage your congregation in new ways while drawing them into a focused worship environment. We'll talk budgets, gear and application.
“Follow The…Leader?”
Building a team isn't easy. Leading a team isn't easy. Keeping a team isn't easy. If you've ever felt like the lost leader, this session is for you. We'll dive in and talk about all things team building as it relates to the Worship Arts team in your ministry.
“Called Up: Exploring Worship Ministry”
Specifically for High School Students
Have you ever thought about leading worship but not totally sure what that means—or if it’s even for you? This breakout is for anyone who’s curious about worship ministry, whether you sing, play, run tech, or just feel something stirring when music and faith come together. We’ll talk about what worship leadership really looks like, how to know if God might be calling you into it, and what it takes to lead people without making it all about you
