Learning Weekend: Songwriting
Now that the tour is over, many people are wondering how to start manifesting the change within communities and cities, the Church and the world. I happen to be a songwriter. I care about the songs we sing. I am interested in the songs of peace movements. In my highest imagination, our expression and the songs we sing, can be the fruit of and catalyst for God’s work and justice in the world.
Maybe you desire to see songs calling people into the fullness of God’s purpose and heart, especially in a time such as this. Did you ever consider that your own community could be a starting place, and maybe a catalyst for deeper change? if you desire to grow and deepen your own theology of worship among your community…whether you have never imagined yourself ever writing a song, or you are a seasoned writer…whether you like hymns or poetry or classic rock…Do you desire to connect the things going on in the world, your concerns and hopes, with the songs you sing?
Consider hosting a learning weekend. Over the course of several gatherings and a few days, maybe we can deepen our faith as it concerns worship. Maybe we can invite the Holy Spirit to inspire songs that will call us to be agents of change, and remind us of the fullness of God’s heart for all people around the world. Maybe we can explore in joy and humility and learn new practices that help us deepen our own faith.
As Brian, Linnea and I debriefed a bit, one idea was to add a songwriting workshop to the EMC gathering. Many people were encouraged by the song and worship experience at the gatherings, but the next step is for communities to rise up and create themselves! I have been teaching songwriting workshops for nearly 10 years. I would love to come and introduce some tools to begin, and facilitate some collaboration among you. I desire greatly to see new expression that helps the Church move forward in the purposes of God.
If you are interested in exploring this possibility for your community, please email tracy @ restorationvillage.com.
June 6, 2008 at 7:00 am
I saw you perform at my church – Missiongathering in San Diego, CA and bought several of your CDs. I love your music as does the Missiongathering Church in general. I’m sure our church would LOVE for you to have you come teach songwriting workshops there! We have lots of talent in our church and I myself am a singer and songwriter, although I haven’t written anything in years. Thanks!
Mindy Torgl
June 6, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Hey Mindy,
Thanks for the note. I’m really excited to spend some time with you guys at the end of September. If there is interest in a songwriting workshop, tell Rick and Jay…I’d love to do that with you guys!