EVENT SUMMARY
Heart & Sound is a one-day, free regional gathering for worship leaders, teams, and songwriters to go deeper in God’s presence, sharpen their craft, and write songs for the Church together.
WHO IS THIS EVENT FOR?
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Worship leaders and pastors
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Worship team musicians and vocalists
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Songwriters (new or experienced) who want to write songs for their local church and region
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This event is ideal for churches across the Upper Midwest who are hungry for presence-centered worship and fresh songs for their congregations.
EVENT DETAILS
Join us Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Adoration Church for the Heart & Sound Workshop—an immersive day of teaching, worship, and collaborative creativity with worship pastor Adam Humburg and songwriter/pastor Jonathan Lee McElhenny. Designed for worship leaders, team members, and songwriters, this event will help you grow in both the heart and skill of worship and songwriting for your local church.
Sat, May 16
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REGISTRATION:
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM (60 minutes)
Front Entrance
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INTRODUCTION (Mel Wild)
10:00 AM - 10:05 AM (5 minutes)
Main Sanctuary
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SESSION #1:
The “WHY” of Songwriting & Exploring the Heart of the Psalmist (Jonathan McElhenny)
10:05 AM - 11:00 AM (55 minutes)
Main Sanctuary
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SHORT BREAK & STRETCH:
11:00 AM - 11:15 AM (15 minutes)
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SESSION #2:
Flowing in the Momentum of the Spirit During Worship (Adam Humburg)
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM (60 minutes)
Main Sanctuary
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LUNCH
Provided by Don Bushnell Ministries
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM (60 minutes)
Lower Level
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SESSION #3:
Cultivating Family and Community in Your Worship Team (Adam Humburg)
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM (60 minutes)
Main Sanctuary
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SHORT BREAK & STRETCH:
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM (15 minutes)
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SESSION #4:
Collaborative Songwriting - hands-on (Jonathan McElhenny)
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM (2 hours)
Main Sanctuary+ Breakout Rooms
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Participants will break into small groups and work together to write a song
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If one or two songs show particular promise, we may introduce them during the worship night
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SHORT BREAK & STRETCH:
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM (30 minutes)
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LIVE WORSHIP:
This event is open to the public
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM (60 minutes)
Main Sanctuary
Registration closes May 15, 2026, 5:00 PM CDT
SESSION LEADERS
Adam Humburg
Adam serves as Worship Pastor at NewDay Church in the Twin Cities area (New Prague, MN) and is the Director of River Valley School of Worship. He has provided both on-site and multi-session online training for worship leaders and teams and has led worship at several
major conferences throughout the Twin Cities region.
Jonathan Lee McElhenny
Jonathan is a highly acclaimed Christian songwriter, worship leader, and pastor associated with People & Songs. He has co-written well-known songs such as “Proof of Your Love” (for KING & COUNTRY), “When the Stars Burn Down,” and “All My Hope.” His songwriting centers believers on Jesus and has earned multiple SESAC and Dove Award nominations. After many years in Nashville, TN, Jonathan has served as Worship Pastor at Radiant Church in Cedar Rapids, IA for the past eight years.
KEEP IN MIND
What to bring:
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If you have an instrument, you are encouraged to bring it.
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​Keyboardists: At least two keyboards will be available, but you may bring a portable keyboard to the event.
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Songs you’re currently working on, if you’d like feedback and collaboration during the songwriting lab: Notepad, journal, or laptop/tablet for notes and lyric ideas​
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Evening worship gathering:
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The day wraps up with an evening worship set led by Adam and Jonathan, creating space to respond to Jesus together. If a song born during the workshop carries a clear sense of life, there may be an opportunity to share it during the service.
Registration closes May 15, 2026, 5:00 PM CDT
Questions?
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Is this really free?
Yes. Thanks to the generous donations from Don Bushnell Ministries, this event will be free. If you are willing to partner with us and your church has the means, we will be taking donations to help fund future events like this.
Who is this for?
Worship leaders, worship team members, and songwriters who desire to grow in their creative gifting and skill in writing songs for the Church.
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Will lunch be provided?
Yes, Chick-fil-A. Please sign up for meal choices and dietary restrictions during registration.
How can I register?
Registration and event times are now available by clicking on the "Sign Up Today!" link above.​​
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