Musik Kollektiv - Workshop f. Musiker in Kirchgemeinden

Empowering and supporting musicians with new ideas for music in their church congregations.

Workshops, plenary sessions, and a joint worship concert to conclude the event. 

For more information and to register: 

https://www.gjw.de/test-bayern/detail/title/befg-musik-kollektiv-jahrestreffen-2026

Instructors: Sabine Heilmann, Jan Primke, Oliver Seidel, Daniel Warschun, Robin Zabel, Emanuel Enders, and Frank Wedel

Various workshops will be offered throughout the day. To wrap things up, we’ll all come together to host a praise evening.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Morning panel discussion: 

Music in Worship—Unique and Challenging

Overview of afternoon workshops:

Workshop 1: The Future Sounds Different—Best Practices for Music in a Multigenerational Congregation (Jan Primke)

What kind of music moves people today? How can young people truly become part of a musical congregation or a music team? And what does a congregation sound like where all generations find their place?

Frequently mentioned topics in 2025/2026 include: Why doesn’t the congregation sing along? How can I motivate my team more? How can I encourage my musicians to pursue further training? How can we achieve consensus on the role of music in worship services? Why do some musicians only attend worship services when it’s their turn to perform?

We’ll share our experiences, discover inspiring best practices, and work together to develop ideas for the musical future of our congregations—openly, honestly, creatively, and with plenty of room for discussion.

A “Best Practice” talk-workshop with Jan Primke

Workshop 2:Playing Children’s Songs as a Worship Band(Daniel Warschun) 

Does music by, with, and for children actually belong in worship services, and if so, how can we, as a music team, make it work well? Is it “just” a children’s song? In this workshop, we want to talk together about children’s songs in worship services, the significance they can have for us as musicians, and how we can work together to present these songs well.

Workshop 3: Individual Vocal Coaching (Sabine Heilmann)

Do you sing in worship services, in a choir, or just for yourself—but sometimes wish you had more confidence? Bring a song of your choice to the vocal coaching crash course, and I’ll show you how to use your voice properly, breathe better, sing without strain, and enjoy singing more. You can choose a song that suits you well or one that you find challenging. Please bring a copy for me. We’ll work on your voice in an open one-on-one session. I look forward to seeing you!

Workshop 4: “Praise or Teaching—What Role Do Songs Play in Our Worship Services?” (Emanuel Enders)

Almost everyone who regularly attends church services is familiar with emotional discussions about the song selection. 
These discussions aren’t just about choosing the right musical genre; they also frequently revolve around the lyrics of the songs—too simplistic or too complicated, too spiritual or too secular, and so on. One reason for this disagreement may lie in the question of what is expected of the songs in worship. These expectations are just as diverse as the music itself. Together, we’ll explore them in this workshop and consider how we can navigate the different perspectives within the congregation.

Workshop 5: “Open Stage—The Congregation as a Creative Meeting Place for Local Musicians” Networking—Authentic and Inclusive. Worship services with guests take on a surprising new sound. (Frank Wedel)

Which neighbor plays the guitar? Who writes and sings their own songs? In this workshop, you’ll explore how an open stage can turn your congregation into a place for musical encounters. Practical & concrete: How do I discover musicians in my neighborhood or town, how do I build networks—and how can they become part of your worship services? Bring your questions and experiences!  

Here’sa video with impressions and background on the Open Stage in Hanover.

9:30–10:00 a.m.

Devotion & Worship

10:00–11:30 a.m.

Panel Discussion 

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Lunch Break

12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Workshop Sessions 1

2:00–2:30 p.m.

Coffee break

2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Workshop Sessions 2

4:00–4:15 p.m. 

Break

4:15–5:00 p.m.

Closing session with questions and discussion

5:00–6:00 p.m.

Closing Worship Evening

Note

The events are organized as part of the activities of the “Bundesverband Kulturarbeit in der evangelischen Jugend e.V.” (bka) and funded by the federal government’s Children and Youth Plan. 

*The participation fee consists of 60% for course-specific costs and 40% for the organizing body’s administrative and project management expenses.

Contact

Dagmar Brinkema | Tel.033234 74-179| Cell:0151 6273 2257|dbrinkema@befg.de

Participation Fee

Please transfer the participation fee of 35.00 € to the account listed below within two weeks. Your registration will not be valid until the participation fee has been received. 
You will receive an invoice only upon request and after providing the billing address todbrinkema@befg.de.
Federation of Evangelical Free Churches
IBAN: DE145009 2100 0000 033308 at Freikirchen.Bank eG Bad Homburg
Payment reference: Project: 73905, BEFG Music Annual Meeting, First Name Last Name

Register now