A call to humility, surrender, and heartfelt worship set the tone for the Church of God of Prophecy’s (COGOP) International Music Conference, held October 15–18, 2026, in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Opening the gathering, International Music Director Chad Lambert invited singers, musicians, and ministry leaders to center their hearts on Jesus before turning their attention to the practical tools of music ministry. “Nothing can replace worshiping Jesus from our hearts,” Lambert said. He emphasized dependence on the Holy Spirit, encouraging attendees to approach the conference as an opportunity for spiritual renewal as well as musical development.
“Throughout this conference, we will learn practical ways to lead the music in our churches,” he said. “It’s good to learn. Improving our skills and giving our best is the right thing to do. But all these things are simply tools to complement the true worship of Jesus.”
That emphasis provided a foundation for four days of worship, instruction, and fellowship. With more than three decades having passed since the church’s last music conference, the gathering was frequently described as a pioneering effort in the rebirth of the International Music Department, which was established following the 103rd International Assembly in July.
“The International Music Conference was a remarkable first step in the rebirth of our International Music Department,” said Presiding Bishop Tim Coalter. “With participants gathered from across the United States and several nations, Chad Lambert led with both spirit and excellence, reminding us of the powerful role music and worship play in uniting our global church and advancing our mission of Reconciling the World to Christ Through the Power of the Holy Spirit.”
Attendees came from Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. International participation included the Bahamas, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Mexico, St. Thomas, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the United Kingdom, and the British Virgin Islands.
General sessions featured Lambert, Coalter, special guest Durell Comedy, COGOP Executive Director of Global Communications Bishop Dr. Shaun McKinley, and Pastor Charlie Scruggs of the All Nations Church in Newport News, Virginia. A Friday evening concert with recording artist Alvin Slaughter brought participants together for a shared expression of music and much-loved worship songs. Slaughter’s wife, Joy, a board certified Master Life Coach with the American Association of Christian Counselors, also provided encouragement and challenge to ministry leaders and couples as she shared the couple’s testimony.
Alongside these sessions, breakout addressed the practical needs of local church music ministries. Lambert taught on building worship teams and bands, conducting effective rehearsals, and arranging songs for a congregation’s singers and musicians. The sessions explored topics such as recruiting participants, organizing ministry, and preparing teams to serve effectively.
Instrumental workshops included guitar instruction with Will Zuniga, keyboard training with Jammal Graham and Jonathan Woodby, and bass instruction with Francisco Zendejas. Kaleb Carrasco led drumming sessions addressing timing, dynamics, musical transitions, and playing with a team.
Melanie Endecott offered sessions on vocal production, breathing, warmups, and harmonizing in worship. Jeff Davis addressed the identification and development of emerging and current worship leaders. Mayra Hernandez’s workshop on leading worship in a bilingual context explored ways to cultivate Christ-centered, Spirit-led environments that encourage belonging across languages and cultures.
Technology instruction included Carrasco’s sessions on Ableton Live and multitrack, covering playback fundamentals, click tracks, cues, and preparation. Rev. Mike Luithle introduced church audio and video systems and addressed common technical questions facing local congregations.
The program also recognized the importance of healthy relationships and spiritual encouragement. McKinley led workshops on navigating difficult ministry conversations and serving faithfully when one’s present assignment differs from a sense of calling. Bishop Dr. Brian Sutton, North America General Presbyter, addressed collaboration between pastors and music departments, while Valerie Tuttle facilitated a session for pastors’ wives centered on identity, encouragement, sharing, and prayer.
Question-and-answer panels provided opportunities to explore ministry concerns, while shared meals offered time for fellowship and connection. A late night “jam session” was a highlight of the conference as attendees participated in a spontaneous time of singing and music, celebrating the gifts and talents among attendees. Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in a choir rehearsal and serve in the conference choir, singing alongside guest artist Alvin Slaughter.
For Florida attendee Adrienne White, the conference’s impact extended beyond musical instruction. “I came expecting to receive something musically, but I left with so much more,” she wrote in a social media reflection. “I left encouraged, challenged, refreshed, reminded of my assignment, and with a deeper appreciation for the beautiful people God has connected to this ministry.”
Reflecting on the gathering, Lambert described a sense of God’s presence extending throughout the conference.
“I truly believe the Lord blessed us with a palpable sense of His presence throughout this conference,” he said. “He not only inhabited our praises, but also our testimonies, our times of practical learning, and our times of fellowship. May the impact of this gathering ripple through the church as we continue to lift up the name of Jesus in song.”
Plans are currently in development for the next international music conference coming in 2027. More information will be available at music.cogop.org when available.
