Azusa Pacific University Hosts Worship Arts Lab

Azusa Pacific University’s School of Music will host the 2022 Worship Arts Lab, a part of the Angeles Worship Initiative (AWI), from June 20-24 on campus for students and adult mentors to grow together in worship leadership, music, and the arts. Worship Arts Lab includes a variety of opportunities for students to express their creativity in reimagining worship. Throughout this dynamic week, participants will have the opportunity to experience many breakout sessions on musicianship and artistry, space for theological reflection, and creative collaboration with like minded musicians and artists.

"Music and the arts provide wonderful pathways for connection with God,” said Stephen Martin, DCM, director of worship studies and the AWI. “We have witnessed true transformation on the part of those who participate in these events. Adults and youth alike have worshiped, created, and grown together during their time in Worship Arts Lab and the Songwriting Academy.”

Worship Arts Lab will feature prominent Christian artist Melanie Tierce-Slay, known for songs like “Give Us Your Heart” and “Hallelujah, My Soul Sings” as the keynote speaker. Other guest artists and speakers include Sean Beck, Jenn Graffius, Dhyana Lau, Erik Lee, Jonte Moore, JMike O’Neal, Zach Rudolph, Amanda Santos, Sarah Sattler, Aretha Scruggs, Bryan Taylor, Astyn Turrentine, and Tudor Williams.

Breakout sessions include songwriting, vocals, worship rhythm section, cinematography, dance, ceramics, graphic design, painting, sharing your story, and an adult mentor track. See the entire Worship Arts Lab schedule.

Former participants in Worship Arts Lab have expressed the ways in which they were shaped by the experience: “Worship isn’t just about demonstrating talent or hard work - above everything else, it's about praising God and being in His presence as your authentic self,” said one participant. Another commented, “I've always felt nervous when I'm up in front of everybody worshiping, but I realized during Worship Arts Lab that it’s not something that is meant to be perfect. I'm worshiping because I want to use the gift God gave me to help others become close to Him.”

Registration

Register online for the Worship Arts Lab 2022. The cost is $295. Groups of three or more are welcome to use the code GROUP95 to receive a $95 discount. Registration closes on June 3.

APU’s Angeles Worship Initiative aims to equip the younger generation by collaborating with churches to create opportunities for innovative, intergenerational ministry through worship and the arts. Through educational events and mentoring experiences, youth gain guidance and inspiration to lead with confidence. These events include the Worship Arts Lab, Angeles Worship Summit, and Songwriting Academy.