Awaken

Welcome to Joysongs 2025: Made for More, our 22nd annual worship and media conference, happening from May 15–17 at Elevated Life Church!

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Welcome to Awaken — Joysongs 2026, a worship and media conference happening May 15–17 at Elevated Life Church in New Jersey.

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Awaken is designed for worship leaders, musicians, and creatives who want to grow in both their calling and their craft. Whether you’re leading from the platform, serving behind the scenes, or building a team, this weekend is built to equip you with practical tools and spiritual depth for today’s church.

This year, our focus is clear: helping you awaken what God has placed inside of you—and giving you the structure, insight, and support to lead with confidence.

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What to Expect

Friday Night – Live Worship Concert
The weekend begins with a powerful live concert featuring special guest Kim Walker-Smith. This night sets the tone as we come together in worship and prepare our hearts for what God will do throughout the weekend.

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Saturday – Worship & Media Conference
This is a full day of focused, practical sessions covering key areas of worship and media in today’s church, including:

• Tech in worship and media integration

• Building a sustainable pipeline of leadership and volunteers

• Worship MD leadership and team structure

• Choosing a multi-generational set list

• Strengthening collaboration between worship and media teams

• Youth-centered classes designed for ages 12–18

Each session is designed to give you real, practical strategies you can apply immediately at your church.

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Sunday – Corporate Worship Celebration
We close the weekend with a powerful time of corporate worship—celebrating all that God has done and stepping into what He’s calling us into next.

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Who is this for?

Awaken is for worship leaders, music directors, media teams, and creatives of all experience levels—from those just starting out to those leading established ministries.

If you’re looking to grow, build stronger teams, and lead with greater clarity and purpose, this weekend is for you.

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Special Guests Include:

• Kim Walker- Smith: Kim Walker-Smith is an internationally known worship leader whose voice and leadership have impacted millions worldwide. With over two decades in ministry, she is passionate about helping people experience the transforming power of God’s presence.

 

Join us for a weekend set apart to worship, create, and grow in your calling. It’s an opportunity to dive deeper into the things of God, refresh your spirit, and walk away equipped to lead with passion.

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CLASSES:

Hearts On Fire: Prayerfully Pursuing the Heart of God in Evangelism - Pastor Matt Jones & Dr. Ramez Samuel

Discover how worship and evangelism connect, and how a life of prayer fuels both. This session will help you carry the heart of God beyond the platform and into everyday impact.​

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Touching the World Through Worship - Don James

Worship was never meant to stay in the room. Learn how your worship can influence lives, communities, and even missions around the world.

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The 3-part Magic Bullet for Your Voice - Sheri Gould

Discover how to employ three of the most powerful vocal tools you'll ever use to get the most out of your voice. With these techniques, you can get the power, tone, and range you've always wanted.

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From Hum to Hazard: A Spiritual Lesson in Grounding - Doug Gould​

Power without grounding is dangerous. A connection without grounding is unstable. In the same way, a ministry without a deep, abiding relationship with Christ may still function, but it will lack life, stability, and truth. The strongest worship teams are not defined by talent, technology, or production quality. They are defined by this: They are deeply grounded in Christ. Because in the end, the goal is not just to carry a signal-It is to carry His presence, safely, clearly, and powerfully.

 

Worship MD: Leading a Live Worship Team - Filipe Mora

Learn how to lead musicians with clarity and confidence in a live setting. From transitions to communication, this session helps you build a stronger, more unified team.

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Building a Sustaining Pipeline of Volunteers and Leaders - James Orsini

Grow beyond filling positions—build a culture. Learn how to develop people, create ownership, and establish a team that lasts.

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It's Not About The Song: Creating A Pathway for Every Style in Worship - Jena FisherFisher

Worship isn’t one-size-fits-all. Learn how to create experiences that engage different ages, backgrounds, and expressions—without losing unity.

AI in Worship & Media: Protecting the Heart While Using the Tools - Ben John

AI is here—but how do we use it without losing what matters most? Explore practical uses, real concerns, and how to stay authentic in a tech-driven world.

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From Idea To Impact - Pastor Evan Chicon

This practical breakout will help you turn what God has put in your heart into real ministry. You’ll learn how to identify your calling, take your first steps, and build something that actually makes a difference

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Kids (13–18): Made to Worship - Juliana Cilento & Isaias Santibanez

Discover your identity as a worshipper and what it means to live a life of worship—on and off the stage.​

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Kids (13–18): Living What You Lead - Pastor Jordan Gray

Worship isn’t just what you sing—it’s how you live. Learn how to lead with integrity, influence others, and grow in your faith.​​​​​