Here are some of the Onward Breakout session from previous ONWARD Worship Conferences that are available on SCBaptist Podcast at www.scbaptist.org/podcasts

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ONWARD 2024

Worship & Leadership

“Worship Framework: Redefining Success in Ministry”, by Robbie Seay, from The Worship Initiative
The Monday morning evaluation meeting can sometimes be exhausting. How did Sunday sound? How did it look? How were the transitions? These things matter, but is there anything more than performance-based evaluation in our worship ministry? We will explore eight areas of conviction for consideration, and discover the why behind our ministry and allow that to shape and form our idea of success in worship ministry.

“Worship Initiative: How Can It Help My Church?”, by Andrew McKinney, from The Worship Initiative
It’s easy for worship leaders to forget to invest in the goals they have for their team and how to effectively utilize Monday through Saturday while stewarding the reality that Sunday is always coming. Worship Initiative is a tool in your hands for personal growth, encouragement, and growth resources for your team.

“Adaptive Leadership: Embracing Change with Confidence”, by Steve Holt, From The Church at LifePark Church, Mt. Pleasant, SC
Change is inevitable in ministry—whether it’s a shift in leadership, a new vision, or unexpected challenges. The real question is: how do you lead through it with confidence and grace? In this breakout session designed for leaders at every level, we’ll explore practical strategies for navigating resistance, building trust, and keeping teams motivated during times of transition.

“Holy Sidekicks: Your Worship Pastor’s Secret Weapon!”, by Elizabeth Ekback, from Utica Baptist Church, Seneca, SC
Are you a volunteer or paid staff who is called to support your worship pastor? In this breakout, we’ll explore ways to radiate joy, extend grace, and foster a spirit of unity in your worship ministry family while also being a source of support for your worship pastor, offering grace and encouragement in every interaction.

“Emotionally Healthy Leadership in the Modern Church”, by Christopher Young, from Doorway Baptist Church, Summerville, SC
Emotional health is a critical but often overlooked aspect of being an effective church leader. As we face unique pressures, joys, and trials, prioritizing emotional health is essential for having a healthy ministry and sustainable leadership. This breakout is designed to create a culture of openness and support for those in ministry about emotionally healthy leadership.

“Communicating as a Biblical Leader in Worship”, by Megan Hollifield, from North Greenville University, Tigerville, SC
This breakout is for worship leaders who aim to love, guide, and produce good leaders through biblical truth and worship to Jesus.

“Help! I Need Somebody: Strategies for Growing Your Worship Ministry Team”, by Andrew Lucius, from Charleston Southern University, Charleston, SC
This breakout is designed for worship ministry leaders seeking to enhance their volunteer teams. Discover effective recruitment techniques, creative training methods, and essential pastoral care practices for your volunteers. Gain insights on handling challenging personalities and learn administrative strategies to streamline your week.

“Small Church, Big God: Leading Worship in the Context of Church Revitalization”, by JC Spearman from Woodfields Baptist Church, Greenwood, SC
If we want to see the Lord revitalize our churches we need to ask, “What does a healthy worship ministry look like?” In this breakout, we’ll consider what we ought to be aiming for in worship ministry and provide practical guidance to address the challenges of leading worship in the context of church revitalization.

“Weekly Worship Workout: Building Muscle Memory for Your Congregation’s Journey with Jesus”, by John Green from Riverland Hills Baptist Church, Irmo, SC
God’s Word calls us as worship pastors to equip the saints and to build up the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12). We are called to come alongside the Holy Spirit to help form the hearts and affections of the people we are leading. This breakout session will discuss how to use those tools to shepherd your congregation towards Christ’s likeness and equip them for their day-to-day living with Jesus.

“Songwriting”, by Candace Hughes from Church at The Mill, Moore, SC
God’s Word calls us as worship pastors to equip the saints and to build up the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12). We are called to come alongside the Holy Spirit to help form the hearts and affections of the people we are leading. This breakout session will discuss how to use those tools to shepherd your congregation towards Christ’s likeness and equip them for their day-to-day living with Jess.

“Nuts and Bolts of Worship Ministry”, by Steve Phillips from First Baptist Church, Columbia, SC
In this breakout, you’ll get practical information and ideas that are used in building your worship ministry. We’ll focus on topics like recruitment, motivation, administration, choir rehearsals, Sundays, special productions, and more.

“Ministry Legacy”, by Randy Kirby from Simpsonville/Upstate Church, Simpsonville, SC
Many lessons can be learned from years of service to the local church. How do you endure through difficult seasons of ministry? How do you set your life up to make it the long haul? Join this discussion for biblical principles and helpful tips for a ministry that will last a lifetime.

“Not Your Grandma’s Worship Ministry… But She’s There, Too”, by Travis Brian from Utica Baptist Church, Seneca, SC
In today’s world, we push so hard for our personal preference, and, sadly, selfishness has crept into our Sunday morning worship experience. In this breakout, we will discuss the beauty found in coming together across all generations.

“Bi-Vocational Music Ministry”, by Jon Michael Brock from Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church, Laurens, SC
This session’s goal is to encourage and provide insight into creating and maintaining a successful music ministry as a bi-vocational professional, providing you with practical advice and suggestions as you seek to lead your congregations in worship.

“Navigating Authentic Worship in a Tech-Driven World”, by Susan Burgess from North Augusta, SC
In today’s worship culture, the use of pre-recorded music has become increasingly common, shaping the atmosphere of corporate worship services. But how does this impact the authenticity of our worship experience? Join us as we examine the critical role of worship leaders in balancing technology with genuine, heart-driven worship and discover practical insights to create worship experiences that honor God and encourage congregational worship.

Technology & Production

“ProPresenter Bootcamp: Equipping You for Incredible Worship and Visual Excellence”, by Steve Dirks, from Church Visuals, Lexington, SC
A hands-on ProPresenter Bootcamp designed to equip you with techniques to create visually stunning worship experiences. This intensive workshop covers advanced topics such as alpha keying, custom shortcuts, and dynamic multi-screen presentations. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to take your ProPresenter skills to the next level, you’ll gain practical knowledge and insider tips to elevate your church’s multimedia worship services.

“The Power of Visual Media: How to Use Graphics and Video to Communicate the Gospel”, by Carl Barnhill from Church Visuals, Lexington, SC
When it comes to communicating the Gospel, your visuals matter. In this breakout, you will learn how important graphics and video are to reaching your community for Jesus.

“Sound”, by Justin Putnam from Audiart LLC, Spartanburg, SC
Most people know how to turn a sound board on, hook it up, and make the sound come out. The question this breakout is seeking to answer is: how do we understand running the board in such a way that we maximize its capabilities with expertise and can adequately train a group of volunteers?

“Worship Tracks 101: Getting Started and Creating Your Own”, by Michael Hofmann from Mount Moriah Baptist Church, Piedmont, SC
Discover how to elevate your worship experience with the power of tracks. In this breakout session, we’ll walk through the essentials of getting started with tracks for your worship team. Whether you’re new to using tracks or looking to improve your process, you’ll learn how to create, customize, and effectively implement them to enhance your services. From software and setup to building your own tracks, this session will provide practical tools and tips to make your worship team sound fuller and more dynamic.

“Church Livestream Mixing”, by Joe Wehunt & Cory Rutledge from Anderson University, Anderson, SC
If somebody’s first experience with your church was watching your livestream, what would they think? Are you afraid they might turn it off because it sounds so bad—never giving your church another chance? This breakout will help you learn how to enhance the sound quality of your church’s livestream.

“Discipleship in the Digital Age”, by Kevin Martin from SC Baptist Convention, Columbia, SC
The doors of the church are no longer physical. They are now digital. In the days before the internet or the early years of the internet age, people would drive to a church’s physical location to see what it was about. Now they will make up their mind about visiting based on your website, Facebook page, or Instagram. Come and explore ways to take back the fight in the digital space and learn more about discipleship in this new frontier.

“Video Production Workflow: Tips, Tricks, and Tools”, by Ronnie Richardson from SC Baptist Convention, Columbia, SC
The video production workflow starts well before you press record and continues after you turn off the camera. In this breakout, we will explore the essential steps from planning and production to post-production.

“Designing with Impact: Advanced Concepts for Intermediate Creators”, by Jenny Altman from Trevetts Creative+, Columbia, SC
You consider yourself a little dangerous with a mouse and Adobe Creative Suite/Canva. You can whip up a social media graphic, flyer, or brochure with ease, but would love for your projects to look more polished. Sound like you? In this breakout, we go over concepts like color theory, typography, and The Grid—elements that will give your projects the professional quality you’re looking for.

Groups & Instruments

“A Different Take on Kidz Choir”, by Lisa Sunderland from First Baptist Church, Camden, SC
Get inspired in this breakout session with engaging and fun music games, warm-ups, songs, and lessons to encourage children to become lifelong worshippers.

“10 Essentials for a Thriving Worship Choir”, by Josh Epton & Julie McNeely from Church at The Mill, Moore, SC
Ignite your worship choir’s passion and purpose! Discover the 10 essentials to building a vibrant, God-honoring worship choir culture. Learn how to start or revitalize a worship choir with fresh approaches, biblical foundations, and practical strategies.

“Vocal Stewardship and Technique”, by Addi Panter from The Worship Initiative
In this breakout session, vocalists will gain a comprehensive understanding on how to steward their God-given voice as leaders both musically and spiritually. 

“Worship Keys: An In-Depth Discussion of Your Role and How to Fill It”, by Sam Garner from The Worship Initiative
We’re going to dive into topics like how to voice chords, when and what to play in different areas of the keyboard, how to play with electric guitar players, how to set up in-ear mixes, and other topics.

“Arranging with Extra Instruments”, by Lucas Shrout from First Baptist Church, Boiling Springs, SC
Learn about maximizing the musicians you have through creative orchestration and arranging as you plan worship.

“Worship Band: Getting the Band Together”, by Jonathan Hazle from Shandon Baptist Church, Columbia, SC
It’s easy to look at a well-known church or worship team and think, “That’s what we need at our church.” Is it? Find out as we talk about what it looks like to have a worship band in the context of your church. 

“Acoustic Guitars”, by Greyson Johnston from Cross Community Church, Beaufort, SC
It’s easy to look at a well-known church or worship team and think, “That’s what we need at our church.” Is it? Find out as we talk about what it looks like to have a worship band in the context of your church.