Alphacrucis University College presents
The Future of Worship
Research & Practice
25–26 September 2026 · Alphacrucis University College, Sydney
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
Bringing research and practice together
Supported by the Australasian Pentecostal Studies Centre, this two-day conference is built for scholars and practitioners alike: worship leaders, teams, researchers and students. Most conferences speak to only one of those groups. The Future of Worship is designed to put research and practice in the same room, in conversation.
What insights can worship studies and theological research contribute to a local church’s musical worship? What experiences of local church worship can shape research projects and agendas? And as worshippers, how do we respond to our present context and the time in which we live to create and foster worship that is transformative, inviting and compelling into the future?
FEATURING
Speakers
SPEAKER
Rev Prof Jacqui Grey
Alphacrucis University College
SPEAKER
Rev Dr Daniel Thornton
Alphacrucis University College
SPEAKER
Ps Luke Taylor
Hope UC
SPEAKER
Steve McPherson
Multitracks.com (prev. Hillsong Publishing)
SPEAKER
Ps Adam Dodson
Hillsong College
DRAFT PROGRAM
Two days of keynotes, workshops and worship
Keynotes, research panels and practical breakout workshops across both days, with a full worship night on the Friday. Program subject to change.
Day 1 — Friday 25 September
9:00–10:00am — Registration & light refreshments
10:00–10:15am — Opening & welcome (Daniel Thornton)
10:15–11:15am — Keynote 1: “Pentecostal Worship in a Changing World” (Jacqui Grey)
11:30am–12:30pm — Practical breakout workshops (Round 1)
- Tech and media in worship
- Engaging next-gen worshippers
- Worship leaders and worship leadership
- Research papers
12:30pm–1:30pm — Lunch
1:30–2:30pm — Research panel: “Recent Findings in Worship Studies — Implications for Church Practice” (Daniel Thornton, Q&A format)
2:45–3:45pm — Keynote 2: “Navigating Change — Leadership Skills for Worship Teams” (Luke Taylor)
3:45–4:00pm — Reflections & announcements
6:00–9:00pm — Worship Night (see below)
Day 2 — Saturday 26 September
9:30–10:00am — Coffee & worship
10:00–11:00am — Keynote 3: “The Future of Congregational Song — Where We’ve Been, Where We’re Going” (Steve McPherson)
11:15am–12:15pm — Practical breakout workshops (Round 2)
- Building multicultural worship teams
- Songwriting for worship
- Worship and spiritual formation
- Research papers
12:15pm–1:15pm — Lunch
1:15–2:15pm — Keynote 4: “From Research to Reality — Implementing Change in Local Churches” (Adam Dodson)
2:30–3:45pm — Roundtable discussions (choose your topics: technology, intergenerational worship and more)
3:45–4:00pm — Closing reflections
FRIDAY NIGHT
Worship Night
Friday 25 September · 6:00–9:00 PM
An evening of worship with multiple teams leading across the night, including youth, local church and college teams. Come and worship together to close out Day 1.
ATTEND
Register
$95 · all meals included
One ticket covers both days, all keynotes, workshops and panels, the Friday Worship Night, and all meals across the conference.
Single Day Registrations also available $55