About WLI

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!

Instructors & Coaches

Jules Cseszko Melbourne, Australia

Choral and Orchestral Director


Chris Turner Burlington, NJ

Minister/National Lectureship Devotional Leader


Mike Rogers Abilene, TX

Director of Jazz Studies/Coordinator of Music Theory at Abilene Christian University


Keith Lancaster Nashville, TN

Musicianary and founder of Acappella Ministries


Shane Coffman Tulsa, OK

Worship Minister and a cappella worship music arranger


Gary Moyers Lubbock, TX

Worship Minister and Acappella vocalist


Robin Brannon Memphis, TN

Worship Minister and Acappella vocalist


Juan Meza Memphis, TN

Bilingual Preaching Minister


John Mark Hicks Nashville, TN

Professor at Lipscomb University


Melissa Kirby Nashville, TN

Speech-Language Pathologist


Anthony Lancaster Nashville, TN

Worship Minister and Acappella Vocalist


Remel Derrick Abilene, TX

Worship Leader and Choral Director


Kyle Orr Ft. Worth, TX

Worship Minister with a passion for cross-cultural worship


Josh Wheeler Lubbock, TX

Worship Minister and Professor at Lubbock Christian University


Melissa Lancaster Nashville, TN

Vice President of Acappella Ministries and Worship Coordinator


Dave Berry Jacksonville, FL

Worship Minister and Certified Counselor


Matt Suggs Cookeville, TN

Worship Minister and WLI Director


Tim Jacobson Ft. Myers, FL

Worship Leader


Luke Barnett Amarillo, TX

Worship Leader and Praise & Harmony TV Personality


John Nichols Cookeville, TN

Preaching Minister and WLI 2024 Host


Russ Corley Nashville, TN

Encouragement Ministries


Kevin Stewart Cincinatti, OH

Senior Minister


John Lim Singapore

Minister


Robert King Nashville, TN

Fine Arts Director at Lipscomb Academy


Important Information

  • 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 1, 2024.

Cost

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.

Group Discount
Three (3) students from the same church can receive a $150 discount off each tuition. Four (4) or more students from the same church will receive a $250 discount each. Discount will be automatically applied when registering multiple students at one time. Please contact [email protected] prior to registering if students will register separately.

Deposit

You may reserve your space at WLI by applying to attend and paying a $695 deposit at any time prior to May 1, 2024. The balance of the tuition is then due by May 1, 2024.

Tuition

Full tuition is $3,295. Early Bird discounts are available for those who pay in full before January 1, 2024.

Refund Policy

  • The $695 deposit 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 1, 2024, 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 1, and April 1, 2024, will be given the option to apply their tuition payment to the following year or to receive a refund of:
    Super Early Bird Applicants: $1260
    Early Bird Applicants: $1380
    Full Tuition Applicants: $1560
  • After April 1, 2024, no refunds will be given. Students will be given the option to apply their tuition payment to WLI 2025 but will still be required to pay the deposit amount (currently $695) when registering for WLI 2025. Required deposit amount is subject to change.

  • All cancellations must be in writing (including through email)

  • If an applicant is not accepted into WLI, a full refund will be provided.

Applicant Information

Please note: Applications will not be accepted after May 1, 2024.

  • Please explain

Please open and read the attached Faith Statement.

Faith Statement.pdf

Supporting Documents

Please attach a statement explaining why you want to attend WLI 2024.

Please attach a document describing your musical background and knowledge, such as:

  • Knowledge of shaped notes
  • Self-taught ability to read music
  • Play a musical instrument
  • Participated in music programs in grade school, middle school, and/or high school
  • Advanced music study in college
  • Have attended singing schools (Highly Recommended)
  • Compose and/or arrange music
  • Have had professional voice coaching
  • Have sung in a choir

Please attach two (2) recommendation letters from an elder, minister, or church leader.


Application Options and Payments

Please note: Applications will not be accepted after May 1, 2024.

  • Full tuition fee. You may reserve your space by paying a deposit of $695 prior to May 1, 2024. The balance will be due by May 1, 2024. All applicable discounts will be applied at checkout.


T-shirt

  • Official (Optional) WLI T-Shirt

    Official (Optional) WLI T-Shirt

    The official WLI 2024 T-shirt. T-shirts must be picked up AT WLI. No shirts will be shipped.


I understand that I am applying for Worship Leader Institute 2024 and that acceptance is not guaranteed.
I have read and understood the refund and cancellation policy and agree to be bound by the terms of that policy.
I acknowledge that all WLI materials are the intellectual property of WLI, Acappella Ministries, and their partners, and I commit to maintaining their confidentiality.
$0.00
$0.00


Purchase ProtectionRECOMMENDED

Add Purchase Protection for a small fee and get a 100% refund of your registration purchase should you be prevented from attending due to a qualifying unforeseen circumstance. (Full Terms)

Why protect your registration purchase? Purchase Protection covers:

Severe Illness and InjurySevere Illness and Injury
COVID-19COVID-19
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Death in FamilyDeath in Family
Transportation FailureTransportation Failure
Crime and Home EmergencyCrime and Home Emergency
Employment ObligationsEmployment Obligations
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Legal ObligationsLegal Obligations

Purchase Protection covers many common unforeseen circumances, but exclusions apply. View full List of qualifying circumstances and exclusions.

* Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Not available for or applicable to events, attendees, or travel outside of the USA. Purchase Protection is a service offered by Purchase Protection LLC. Purchase Protection is not an insurance policy. It is a service that will refund you 100% of your event fees, taxes and dues should you be prevented by unforeseen circumstances from attending the event. Purchase Protection does not apply to, and will not reimburse, merchandise purchases and charitable donations. Purchase Protection fees will be charged as a separate transaction. Any changes made to your purchase will not change the amount covered in this agreement.

Read Full Terms and Conditions


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