As a song leader, you know you've been charged with a sacred task.  You want to take this job seriously, giving your best for God's glory.  But how?

Worship Leader Institute was created to help you answer just that question!

Holistic Worship Leading
As the premier training resource for comprehensive a cappella worship education, WLI's curriculum centers on what we call holistic worship leading.  Core competencies include:

• Bible Study - Scripture Memorization -  Expressive Scripture Quotation
• Facial Expressions - Microphone Technique - Eye Contact
• Stage Presence - Body Language - Directing - Public Prayer
• Transitions - Breath Control - Tempo Management - Dynamics/Contrasts
• Extended Rests, Holds, and Cut-offs
• And more!

These abilities represent what we consider to be a non-negotiable skill set for effective worship leaders.  Holistic worship classes serve as the foundation for the institute, but you can expect a lot more after you apply to take part.  

Advanced Topics

Some sessions of WLI will also detail practical conventions for advanced topics like:

• Music Theory/Ear Training
• Voice Care and Management
• Directing/Interpretation
• Spiritual Growth and Communion
• Relationships
• Worship Planning
• Worship Technology
• Vocal Tuning
• and Conflict Resolution.

Students come from all over the world to be a part of this intense, weeklong boot camp of practical skill training and spiritual growth. Through Worship Leader Institute, you can equip yourself with the tools that fit your calling while cultivating a skill set and relationships that will last through eternity!

Matt Suggs - Worship Minister and WLI Director
Jake Jones - Worship Leader and WLI Assistance Director
Mike Rogers - Director of Jazz Studies at Abilene Christian University
Gary Moyers - Worship Minister and Acappella Vocalist
Rob Brannon - Worship Minister and Acappella Vocalist
John Mark Hicks - Professer at Lipscomb University
Robert King - Fine Arts Director at Lipscomb Academy
Kevin Stewart - Senior Minister
Anthony Lancaster - Worship Minister and Acappella Vocalist
John Burch -Elder and Worship Leader
Kyle Orr - Worship Leader with a passion for cross-cultural worship
Kevin Schaffer - Worship Minister and Acappella Vocalist
Andrew Whitehouse - Worship Minister
Melissa Lancaster - Worship Coordinator and Vice President of Acappella Ministries

                    Please note: Instructor and coach lineup is subject to change without notice

• Applicants will be pre-screened prior to acceptance into this exclusive, world-class worship leading instructional program
• Applicants must submit two (2) letters of recommendation from an elder, minister, or church leader.
• Applicants should be prepared to explain why they want to participate in Worship Leader Institute.
• Applicants will be notified by email if they are accepted into Worship Leader Institute.
• Applications will not be accepted after May 7, 2025.

Cost of Registration Includes:
Tuition, refreshment breaks, digital materials, professional coaching, several lunches and dinners, admission to the WLI Facebook group, and a Commission Banquet.

Cost of Registration Does NOT Include:
Hotel, travel, any meals not provided by WLI, rental car, computer or tablet for accessing digital WLI class materials, or any unexpected expenses.

Scholarship Recipients
Early bird discounts, payment bonuses, and/or group discounts will not apply to scholarship recipients.

Deposit
You may reserve your space at WLI by applying to attend and paying a $695 deposit at any time prior to April 7, 2025. The balance of the tuition is then due by April 7, 2025.

Tuition

Full tuition is $3,295. Early Bird discounts are available for those who pay in full before January 7, 2025.

Refund Policy

• The deposit ($695) is non-refundable at any time after application, regardless of Early-Bird status. Exceptions will be made for those whose applications are not accepted. 
• Any student who has paid in full and wishes to withdraw from WLI before January 7, 2025, may receive a refund minus the $695 deposit and a $150 withdrawal fee. 
• Any student who has paid in full and wishes to withdraw from WLI between January 7 and April 7, 2025, will be given the option to apply their tuition payment to WLI 2026 or to receive a refund of: 
  
  • Super Early Bird Applicants: $1260 minus any discounts applied to tuition 
  • Early Bird Applicants: $1380 minus any discounts applied to tuition 
  • Full Tuition Applicants: $1560 minus any discounts applied to tuition 
  • Scholarship recipients are not eligible for a refund 
    
    
• After April 7, 2025, no refunds will be given. Students will be given the option to apply their tuition payment to WLI 2026 but will still be required to pay the deposit amount (currently $695) when registering for WLI 2026. Required deposit amount is subject to change. Additionally, if a student who has chosen to apply their tuition payment to WLI 2026 chooses not to, or is unable to attend WLI 2026, they will forfeit their 2025 tuition payment. 
• All cancellations must be in writing (including through email) 
• If an applicant is not accepted into WLI, a full refund will be provided. 
• Scholarship recipients are not eligible for a refund.