Physical Expressiveness Part 3: How Can My Church Grow?

So you’re becoming more convinced that God has given us bodies to naturally respond to him in ways that point to his glory and our satisfaction in him. Even on Sunday mornings. But what if your church isn’t in the same place? How do you help you church grow in a natural, biblical expressiveness that […]

Physical Expressiveness Part 2: What the Bible Says

The way we think about physical expression in our Sunday gatherings is often shaped more by culture, tradition, preference, or temperament than the Word of God. In this episode, part 2 of 3, Bob and David look at what the Bible says about physical expressiveness in congregational worship and respond to each of the concerns […]

Physical Expressiveness Part 1: Ten Problems With It

What kinds of physical expressiveness are appropriate and God-honoring when the church gathers? How should we think through the issues of distraction, potential hypocrisy, tradition, and emotionalism? Does this issue even matter? In this episode of Sound Plus Doctrine, part 1 of 3, David and Bob talk about ten reasons people give for avoiding or […]

What Songs Should We Sing at Christmas?

Every year as Christmas rolls around, leaders face the challenge of determining what songs to sing. Do we stick with traditional carols? How do we introduce new songs? When should we start? Can we sing Christmas songs at other times? In this episode, David and Bob seek to provide some helpful answers to these questions […]

Open the Eyes of My Face, Lord

It’s common for members of a congregation, as well as those who lead from the front, to think that the best way to worship God in song is with your eyes closed. Is that a good idea? Does it really matter? In this episode, co-hosts Bob Kauflin and David Zimmer, joined by Bob’s son, Devon, […]

Arranging Your Band on Sunday Mornings with Ben Shive [Part 2]

In this episode, part 2 of 2, David and Bob dig deeper with Ben Shive via zoom into the topic of arranging your band on Sundays. He covers common mistakes bands often make, and offers wise counsel for specific instruments. This is a great episode to listen to with your team! Have a question about […]

Arranging Your Band on Sunday Mornings with Ben Shive [Part 1]

Ben Shive is gifted and widely loved producer, arranger, and songwriter. HIs musical credits are long and include Andrew Peterson, Keith and Kristyn Getty, Melanie Penn, and JJ Heller. We’ve had the opportunity to work with Ben on our Unchanging God, Vol. 1 & 2 albums, as well as 4 singles yet to be released. […]

The Seven Biggest Mistakes You Can Make as A Worship Leader [Part 2]

If you lead the singing in your church, you know the challenges. But some of the biggest challenges are those we create ourselves. In this episode, part 2 of 2, David, Bob, and Devon explore four more common mistakes to avoid, and God-honoring priorites to pursue. Scriptures referenced in this episode: “Keep your heart with […]

The Seven Biggest Mistakes You Can Make as A Worship Leader [Part 1]

In the first episode of Season 5, co-hosts David Zimmer and Bob Kauflin are joined by Bob’s son, Devon, to talk about seven mistakes congregational worship leaders often make. While these aren’t the ONLY mistakes you can make, they certainly rank among the most common. The conversation was so enjoyable that they only got to […]

Tech Gear Conversation

Have questions about your sound system, media, or gear? Want to know what’s available to serve your church better? This is the breakout for you. Rick Mead, technical Director for Highview Church, will be answering your questions about all things technical.

Enduring Faith for the Long Haul

Faithfulness, conviction, and resolve aren’t exactly popular words today. How do we stand strong against the growing chorus of voices urging us to give up on God’s Word and live however we please? The original recipients of the book of Hebrews needed that question answered, and in this breakout, you’ll hear Jared Mellinger explain how […]

Songwriting Panel

In this seminar, you’ll have the opportunity to listen to a panel of seasoned songwriters from Sovereign Grace Music, CityAlight, and Corner Room Music talk about the challenges and joys of writing songs for the church. There will be time for Q&A at the end.

Reading the Psalms through a Christ-Centered Lens

It can be tempting to think of the Psalms merely as a place to go for words of comfort in a trying season, words of praise in a fruitful season, or words of lament in a time of grief. But the psalms point in diverse ways to the divine and human King who would pray […]

20 Ways to Improve Your Congregational Singing

Matt Merker’s passion for churches singing with faith and understanding led him to write the excellent book, Corporate Worship: How the Church Gathers as God’s People. In this breakout, he’ll share twenty ways to stregnthen the singing of your church, including some you probably haven’t thought of!

Playing Big Songs with a Small Band

How often have you set out to teach a song to your church, only to realize that the recording used a full band and you only have a guitar or a piano? In this practical breakout, you’ll learn principles for making the most of your instrumentation and how to adapt any song for your musicians.

Arranging to Serve a Congregation

In this breakout, Ben Shive will draw from decades of experience in recording and the church to talk about what should matter most to instrumentalists that are seeking to serve their congregations well.

Three Marks of a Spirit-Empowered People

In Philippians 3:3, the apostle Paul says that we are those who “worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh.” In this brekaout, Jared Mellinger will discuss how to pray for and expect God’s Spirit to be actively working in our gatherings, without becoming dominated […]

Women in Music Ministry

In this breakout, you’ll hear a number of women who have served on and around music teams talk about ways God has helped them serve with faithfulness, joy, creativity, and zeal through seasons of singleness, marriage, motherhood, and grandparenthood.

Knowing Sin: Why Facing What We Want to Avoid Brings Hope

No one enjoys talking about their sinful motivations, words, or actions. But our silence and secrecy often only intensify our struggles. In this illuminating breakout, Mark Jones will help you realize that the first step towards overcoming sin is knowing what we’re up against, and that Jesus stands ready to deliver all those who put […]

Minding the Gaps: Making the Most of Transitions

Too often our Sunday gatherings feel like a playlist on shuffle. Elements are unconnected, changes are abrupt, and people are left confused. To address the situation, we often resort to a “musical glue” that makes things feel more connected but does little to help people understand any kind of progression. In this practical breakout, Bob […]

Writing Songs for Congregations

Drawing upon decades of experience in Christian music and his involvement with his local church, songwriter and producer Ben Shive will help you see more clearly what elements go in to writing songs that truly serve the church and bring glory to Christ.