Special Guests

Randy Alward (Classes)

Randy Alward has been part of the Christian community all of his life. He is a 3rd generation pastor’s son, youth, associate, and senior pastor. Graduating from both Bible College and seminary in the Pacific Northwest, (Portland Bible College), Randy went on to plant two churches and pastor for 13 years. Due to the meteoric rise of groups like Promise Keepers, Franklin Graham, and Harvest Crusades, Randy was asked to join the Maranatha team in 1994. Randy’s responsibilities included directing product development, and sales side of the company. In 1998 Randy became the COO. Randy has had the opportunity to be the program director and worship director for ministries such as Promise Keepers, Family Life, Night of Worship, and Worship Leader Workshops along with producing over 300 recordings. He served as a producer for such products as WOW worship, Songs 4 Worship, Top 25 and Top 40 brands. In 2004, after a corporate transition, Randy was asked to be the President/CEO where he is currently serving. Randy currently serves on the board of directors for The Corinthian Group, Maranatha Music, CCLI, and CMPA. Presently, Randy is the founder and executive producer of “The Invitation” with pastor Rick Warren, including series titles with Beth Moore, Kay Warren, John Baker and Tim Clinton, with over 1.4 million copies sold in the US.
The Presence of God is Praise and Worship
We will be discussing together the presence of God in worship. How can we prepare ourselves, songs, flow in worship, "space" in our music to help us lead our churches to an experience with God through the song of faith. Maranatha!Music will be supplying FREE CDs and books on the subject to better help and support your life and ministry.

Travis Doucette (Classes)

Travis Doucette was born and raised in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. An avid lover of popular music and music history from an early age, Travis grew up learning to play the drums, piano and percussion instruments in his high school concert band. Following the call to ministry, Travis earned his first degree in Theology at Emmanuel Bible College before entering full time ministry as Associate Worship Pastor and Music Director at Harvest Bible Chapels in Oakville, Markham and Barrie, Ontario, Canada. 
Feeling led to continue his education, Travis moved to his current home of Lynchburg, Virginia in January of 2006, where he began studying at Liberty University. Between 2006-2010, Travis travelled with the Liberty University ministry team, Exodus, and completed two degrees, a BS in Worship & Music Ministry and an MA in Worship Studies. He is now close to completing his fourth degree – a Master of Divinity.

In addition to studying, Travis teaches courses in worship studies, music theory and songwriting at the Center for Worship at Liberty University, and acts as a staff liaison to Liberty’s Department of Ministry Teams, where he assists in the training of teams and the annual audition process. And if that’s not all, on top of his busy schedule of teaching, studying, and songwriting, Travis works in song acquisition and media marketing for Red Tie Music, a new music publishing company that publishes songs being written at Thomas Road Baptist Church and Liberty University. Through his roles at both Red Tie and Liberty and through the songs he's written, Travis continues to serve the local church as a songwriting coach, consultant and speaker on worship and music ministry.
Crafting a Lyric and Melody for the Local Church
Get a grasp on the basic foundations of composing a lyric and melody that will serve the local church and invoke them to sing. This songwriting seminar will build from the ground up, starting with inspiration and how it can be cultivated and captured in the artists life. Characteristics of congregational lyrics and melody will be highlighted with plenty of examples followed by some practical exercises and starting points to jump start your creativity.  Attendants will leave this seminar inspired, fired up and equipped to write new songs of worship for their local church congregations.

Mike Harland (Classes)

Mike Harland came to LifeWay in May 2005 as director of the LifeWay Worship. Prior to joining LifeWay, Harland served as associate pastor for music at First Baptist Church, Carrollton, Texas, for three years. An accomplished writer, Harland has published more than 150 songs and produced numerous choral musical projects. Artists Steve Amerson, Chris Machen, Luke Garrett and The Imperials have recorded Harland’s songs. His best known songs include "Bow the Knee," "The Glory of God," and "Run to the Cross." He has produced several musicals for LifeWay including "America, We Must Not Forget," a tribute to the "9/11" tragedy, "Hearts of Worship, Songs of Praise" and the 2005 Christmas musical drama, "Jesus Our Treasure." He earned a Bachelor of Arts in music from Delta State Univeristy in Cleveland, MS and later graduated from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Church Music degree. Harland and his wife, Teresa, have three children: Lee, Elizabeth and John.
Spiritual Foundations for Worship Ministry
In this class, Mike explores Biblical models and principles for the worship ministry of a church, drawing on the experiences of the class and scriptural application.

Dwayne Moore (Classes)

Dwayne Moore is the author of numerous Bible studies, including the award-winning Pure Praise: A Heart-focused Bible Study on Worship. Other books include Pure Praise for Youth and Heaven's Praise: Hearing God Say "Well Done". Dwayne is the founder of Next Level Worship, a ministry providing discipleship resources to worshipers and leaders. He has taught and led worship for more than 30 years and has spoken at more than 1,000 churches and conferences.
Developing Your Team to Be Ministers Through Music
Tired of lack of commitment and complaining from certain members of your worship team? Wonder if your group will ever really "get it" when it comes to their role and responsibilities? In this fun and interactive session, Dwayne Moore, author of the award-winning book, Pure Praise: A Heart-focused Bible Study on Worship, will teach you how to develop the hearts of your team to be "Level 4" worship leaders and servants.

Vernon Whaley (Classes)

Dr. Vernon Whaley came to Liberty in 2005 as part of Dr. Falwell’s vision to have the most dynamic worship program in the world. In less than 5 years, the Center for Worship has grown from 89 students to over 550 undergraduate and 300 graduate students. Dr. Whaley serves as the Director for the Center for Worship and is Chairman of the Department of Music and Worship studies, housed in the School of Religion. Dr. Whaley is one of the most prolific voices in modern worship. He is uniquely gifted as a musician, a minister and an academic. A practitioner for more than 30 years, he has served churches in GA, FL, OH, OK, TN and VA. He holds the BA in Bible and Music from the Free Will Baptist Bible College; the Master of Arts from Middle Tennessee State University; Master of Church Music and Doctor of Ministry from Luther Rice Seminary; and a PhD in Music Education from the University of Oklahoma. He has published 3 books, multiple musicals, compositions and orchestrations – many of which are sung in churches across the world each week.
The Great Commission to Worship: God's Plan and Model for Worship Evangelism
We live in an incredible moment of church history. Thousands of churches today seek qualified worship leaders. What should be their model for ministry. Dr. Whaley suggests that 21st century worship needs to be formational, transformational, relational, missional, and reproducible.

Steve Bowersox (Classes)

Dr. Steve Bowersox is the Founder and President of the Bowersox Institute of Music, and Worship 1st, two non-profit organizations dedicated to the development of the musician in worship. He is the founding Executive Director of Integrity Music’s Worship International, and Worship Leader at Christ the Redeemer Church in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of Mobile, teaching Worship Leadership and technology. He is an instructor and musician with the Seminars 4 Worship Conferences, Integrity's Institute of Worship Studies, Maranatha! Worship Leaders Workshops and Lillenas Music Conferences. Steve holds degrees in music, education, business and ministry, and has authored the Worship Musician’s Theory Course, Vocal Aerobics: A Fitness Program for Your Voice, ‘MIDI’anites Redeemed and the Worship Leaders Survival Kit. His diverse musical abilities and expertise have afforded him valuable experience as a producer, arranger, worship leader, and studio musician. Steve has toured with several prominent musicians and is proficient in wind instruments, guitar, bass, electronic keyboards and MIDI. Steve is recognized as one of the pioneers and leaders for technology and training in the church. His humor, mixed with excellent inspirational teaching will minister to your spirit, refresh your mind and motivate you to stir up your gifts. Steve travels around the world teaching on worship as a life-style, leadership and musical excellence. He resides in Jacksonville FL, with his three wonderful children, Rachel, and twins, Benjamin & Brooke.
Vocal Aerobics: A Fitness Program for Your Voice
In this class, you'll improve your vocal performance and learn more about your voice than most first year vocal majors. Full of practical instruction that encourages the beginner as well as fine tunes the professional! An excellent class for all the singers. "Vocal Aerobics" will get your voice into shape!
A Cooperative Program Ministry of the Florida Baptist Convention