NWLC 2021
An inspirational & informative gathering.
Bringing together musicians and songwriters, movers and shakers, theologians and scholars across the worldwide worship community.
Psalm 133 tells us, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” This years conference theme is rediscovering community.
Learn more about our amazing new community partner below!
Community Partner.
Recently our church purchased a beautiful property called Homestead Manor that was built in 1819. It has been used as a home, a hospital, a post office, a general store, and a restaurant. Now that it is being used as our church home, we are confident that it will remain a place where people can come to be healed, resourced, and fed!
Our hearts so quickly aligned with what Worship Leader Magazine is trying to do and we can’t wait to host you at the National Worship Leader Conference this summer!

The Conference Schedule.
7.12.2021 – 7.14.2021
Day One
- Optional Pre-Conference
- Community Night of Worship
Day Two
- Morning General Session with Guest Speaker.
- Workshops - Block 1
- Workshops - Block 2
- Workshops - Block 3
- Afternoon General Session with Guest Speaker.
- Community Dinner
Day Three
- Morning General Session with Guest Speaker.
- Workshops - Block 1
- Workshops - Block 2
- Workshops - Block 3
- Afternoon General Session with Guest Speaker.
Introducing the Pre-Conference.
Have you heard of masterclasses? That’s exactly what our pre-conference is all about. Check out the masterclasses being offered below:
- Writing Worship - Songwriter Masterclasses
- Denominational Cultures - Leadership Masterclasses
- Vocals Masterclasses
- New Technologies for Worship - Tech Masterclasses
Conference Leaders & Speakers.
Stay tuned for more additions to our line-up.

Dustin Smith
Dustin Smith is a teacher, song writer and worship leader, who has a desire to see the nations ignited with a passion for worship. He has an attitude that gives God all the glory, and that attitude transcends age, race, color and nationality.

Christy Nockels
As a worship leader for over 25 years, Christy Nockels would tell you that her heart is to simply lead others to connect and communicate with the living God. Christy began writing music and singing in the church at a young age, as the daughter of a pastor in Oklahoma.

C. Dennis Williams
C. Dennis Williams has served as a Seminary Professor and has been a Pastor for 33 years and Preaching for 42 years. He currently serves as The Senior Pastor of Smith Chapel A.M.E. Church, Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Dean of Chapel at Paul Quinn College Dallas Texas His recent book is entitled a Guide to a Man's Spiritual Health his next book is entitled Indispensable Women of Faith and will be released in the fall of 2018 both books are published by WestBow Press.

Rory Noland
Rory Noland is the director of Heart of the Artist Ministries, an organization dedicated to serving artists in the church. He mentors worship leaders, speaks at churches, workshops, and conferences, leads retreats for artists, and consults with churches in the areas of worship and the arts. Rory is also a published songwriter and has authored five books, including the best-selling book, The Heart of the Artist: A Character-Building Guide For You and Your Ministry Team. Spiritual formation is the key to the survival of our faith. Rory is a worship leader who has led in contexts ranging from megachurches to small retreat settings such as the Transforming Center. Combining discipleship and worship—what Noland calls "Transforming Worship"—he offers a vision for worship as spiritual formation. We need to reclaim our worship services as a formative space, and through that we will become the light of Christ in a dark world. Pre-order Transforming Worship today!

Chris Clayton
Chris Clayton is a producer, songwriter and worship pastor at Gateway Church in Franklin, TN. As a producer/songwriter he has worked on worship projects with a variety of worship leaders and churches across the country. Clayton’s heart is for the Church including serving artists he works with and shepherding the people he leads week in and week out.
2021 Workshops
Stay tuned for more workshops being announced.
Instrumental & Vocals Track
Mastering your instrument.
Leadership Track
Serving your Church as a leader.
- Everything but Sermon and Song | Teacher: TBD
- Cultivating an Enriching and Creative Relationship | Panelists: TBD
- The Way of Worship | Teacher: Dr. Vernon Whaley
- What's Love Got to do with it? : How the Heart of God Shapes Worship | Teacher: TBD
- Blueprint for Culturally Relevant and Biblically Faithful | Teacher: TBD
- Teaching Public Prayer to Your Congregation | Teacher: TBD
Worship Service Track
Creating & curating.
- Creating a Culture of Authenticity as a Leader | Teacher: TBD
- Women in Worship Ministry | Panelists: TBD
- Hymns of the Faith with Today’s Newest Music: Choirs, Praise Bands and Hymns | Teacher: TBD
- Music: Engaging Worshipers | Teacher: TBD
- What Does Your Monday - Friday Look Like? | Teacher: TBD
- Connecting God's Word to Our Setlist with Themes | Teacher: TBD
- The Glue that Holds it All Together: Worship Administration | Teacher: TBD
Conference Sponsors.
Our sponsors are here to resource you. Make sure you check them out before y’all meet this July in Nashville!
*Covid-19 Clause:
Due to the ongoing changing of events due to covid-19 we are introducing a covid-19 clause for this event. One month prior to event you may choose to move your registration to our 2022 event.