September 15, 2026 – September 17, 2026
Concordia Lutheran Church
WALi connects leaders of worship together for common support, empowered learning, and professional inspiration.
2026 WALi Summit
The Worship Arts Leader Initiative (WALi) Summit connects leaders of worship together for common support, empowered learning, and professional inspiration. WALi leaders share a commitment to Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, especially within the LCMS. WALi also welcomes all who are eager to engage with its mission.
What is WALi?
WALi is an initiative of Concordia University Irvine’s Center for Worship Leadership (CWL), which envisions a supportive and encouraging community of theologically faithful leaders engaged in contextual artistry throughout the LCMS.
Designed for Your Whole Worship Staff
The WALi Summit is designed so that churches can bring their entire worship staff, offering specialized training and shared experiences (group discounts available). Grow together through engaging plenaries, worship services, and ministry-specific breakout sessions, deepening your team’s unity and impact in ministry.
Church Musicians / Worship Leaders
Come experiences over 5 services with excellent music of both traditional and contemporary genres, breakouts on relevant topics of theology, leadership, and practical skills, and fellowship with other church musicians.
Pastors
Engage in our thoughtfully planned services, featuring dynamic preaching from outstanding preachers. Deepen your craft through in-depth preaching seminars led by seminary-level educators, then debrief with your whole team to process insights and apply them in your unique context.
Tech Arts Directors
Dive into practical training tailored for those who serve in audio, video, and lighting. Learn best practices for church technology and collaborate with other tech directors who share your passion for supporting worship with excellence.
Church Work Students
Gain valuable insight into the intersection of theology, worship, and leadership as you prepare for a future in church ministry. Network and learn from experienced servants in the church.
What to Expect at the 2026 WALi Summit
GUEST PLENARY SESSIONS WILL:
- deepen our understanding of worship theology
- sharpen us as ministry leaders
- inspire us to hone our artistic skill
- remind us that we are not alone
BREAKOUT SESSIONS WILL:
- provide networking opportunities
- target ministry-specific roles such as preaching, contemporary & traditional worship, technology & media, leadership, & more
- offering specialized training
2026 Breakout Speakers (more to come)
Sarah Bernhardt
Executive Director and Curator at the Intersect Arts Center
Dr. Lisa Clark
Senior Editor of Curriculum Resources at Concordia Publishing House
Steve Mueller
Vice President, Chief Mission Officer at Concordia University Irvine
Cara Berg
Director of Worship Arts & Music at Prince of Peace
Matt Preston
Director of Weave Worship at the Center for Worship Leadership
Chris Matthews
Technical Project Manager at the Center for Worship Leadership
Steve Zank
Director of the Center for Worship Leadership
Kip Fox
Director of the Songwriter Initiative at the Center for Worship Leadership
Carl Caspesen
Music Director of Contemporary Service at Faith Community
Blake Flattey
Director of Worship Arts at Concordia University Irvine
WALi Summit Memories
