What is Worship Academy?

Why worship?

We believe that God is releasing in these days a new wave of radical and reinvigorated worship which will unite His people by bringing them closer to Him, break down barriers, and prepare the way for a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Why training?

There’s been no shortage of training in the area of worship. But the emphasis has often been placed on issues of style and technique. We don’t consider these issues to be unimportant – on the contrary; but if we want to draw closer to God to touch Him and be touched by Him, we must be prepared to examine our hearts – our attitudes, our motivations, our relationships….in short, our whole person. This is why we consider worship “in spirit and in truth” to be more than simply something we do at church on a Sunday. Worship Academy France doesn’t avoid addressing practical questions of technique, but we emphasise the lifestyle of a worshipper.

Where has all this come from?

Worship Academy was founded five years ago in the UK by Chris Bowater and Andy Bromley. Chris is known throughout the world for his songs and his ministry of teaching, exhorting and leading worship.

An outstanding singer-songwriter, Andy has been leading a worship team in England for more than 13 years and is increasingly sought after for his worship leading and teaching.

In the UK, Worship Academy is already on its sixth course. As well as France, plans are under development to launch Academies Portugal and in the Czech Republic since successful launches in  Romania and the US, with another shortly in Ireland.

What form does it take?

Worship Academy France is an eight-weekend training course, spread over a period of two years. The first course will begin in autumn 2007 in the historic city of Marseille – but of course, we’d like to welcome delegates from all over France. The weekends, which will start on Friday evening and end on Sunday afternoon, will be made up of teaching sessions, group discussion and sharing, and times of worship and practical application. The curriculum will cover such diverse areas as the theology of worship, worship skills, team-building and relationships, creativity and servant leadership.

As well as the formal teaching and application sessions, there’ll be plenty of opportunity for you to share and discuss with the tutors and the other delegates, whether around a meal or one-to-one. We feel this is really important, as it’s often through this relationship-based aspect that it’s possible to go beyond mere teaching, in order to really anchor and apply everything that’s been said.

Who are the tutors?

As well as Chris Bowater and Andy Bromley, who are the Worship Academy visionaries, there’ll be a wide range of other tutors. Some are part of the Worship Academy France team, made up of people (both French and English) who’ve been through the Academy in England and have committed themselves to seeing the vision birthed in France. Others are established and recognised ministries from France and England. If you’re looking for diversity, richness and a depth of teaching, you won’t be disappointed.

What are the practical arrangements?

The Academy sessions will take place in Marseille, on the premises of our partner church “Paix Aujourd’hui”. There will be four training weekends per year over two years (eight weekends in all). There will be a fixed price, which will cover the teaching, notes, and four meals (Friday evening, Saturday lunchtime and evening, and Sunday lunchtime).

We ask delegates to make their own accommodation arrangements; we feel that this is the most flexible and practical way to ensure that everyone’s needs and preferences are catered for. We’ll be happy to provide delegates with details of nearby accommodation (hotels, hostels, guest houses etc.).

We’re not yet in a position to confirm the price – this will be set at a later stage. Our goal is to make the Academy accessible and affordable to as many people as possible, while delivering to a high standard of quality.

It’s important to point out that all Academy teaching sessions will be in French (non French-speaking tutors will be translated).

I’m interested – how can I find out more?

If you’d like more information, please don’t hesitate to send us your questions or to join our mailing list. You can do this via our contact page.