Christian Programs
"Flying Lessons" ~ There are stages of spiritual maturity, just as there are stages in learning to fly. Kyle has isolated seven lessons, each illustrated musically, that are profound biblical insights on our spiritual development and terrific tools for examining those perspectives that hold us down and those that set us free. Needless to say, FAA flight certification is not included, but break-out sessions are. This series can be broken into four sessions with music and congregational singing. This theme lends itself to a parallel curriculum for children as well.
"The Family Retreat" ~ As our culture tries to divide us into marketing demographics and over-schedules our lives, families are crying out for time together. They are also crying out for a context in which to talk about spiritual values together. Kyle has done more family retreats than any other kind. As a father and husband, he knows all too well the real-world obstacles for Christian families and longs to see more churches embrace inter-generational experiences. Nothing does more to build church fellowship than spending time playing and worshiping together. And the presence of kids gives Kyle a welcome chance to get really, really silly.
"Soul Music" ~ Music is composed of some fundamental elements: melody, harmony, rhythm, timbre, dynamic, and style. These are also, ironically, the components of a balanced life, as they each tie us to a biblical principle of authentic spirituality. For music lovers who are looking for a deeper understanding of discipleship and spiritual health, or for anyone wanting to explore their often-neglected interior lives, this presentation provides an unforgettable tool. (Can be configured as one presentation, or up to six sessions.)
“Why Worship?” ~ Many who have experienced worship only as spectators are surprised to learn how essential worship is to finding meaning and direction. This four-part musical sermon series helps explain what worship is by examining its Biblical origins, by better understanding how the practice of worship molds character, and how worship gives us direction for meaningful lives. A strong “renewal” series for your church, and a great way to get back in touch with why we do what we do!
"Ending the Worship Wars" ~ No internal struggle has done more to divide and damage local churches than the debate over style preferences in worship. While it is a tragedy that Christians would let something as ephemeral as style have that much power, it's not enough to simply condemn the problem. The fellowship of the body is often at stake. After years of study and consulting with local churches, Kyle has developed a process that can lead churches toward healing by gently raising the level of discourse from that of mere style preference to the level of those biblical concepts that matter to us all the most. This seminar comes complete with methods for worship planning that will ensure that the style-level debate doesn't come back to haunt the church after the seminar is over. (Two sessions.)
"Finding Ourselves in the Story" ~ All churches say that people are important. Yet, sadly, most churches Kyle visits make no opportunities for people to tell their stories. How can we say that people are important, he asks, if we don't think their stories are important? And what could be more important than helping Christians see that their own stories are spiritual narratives in which God is present and active and deeply concerned? What better way is there for church members to learn to love and appreciate one another than to share the experiences that have shaped them? Songwriting is storytelling, too. That's why Kyle is an ideal person to inspire us to see the immeasurable value of our own stories. (Can be done in one session or several, and can be combined with "Soul Music.")
“Your True Name: Finding Your Vocation” ~ The economy will settle for “more jobs” of just about any kind, but the Biblical understanding of “vocation” is specific to each person: the voice of God calling to the image of God within us. Christianity can be a mere list of beliefs if we never connect those beliefs with our unique talents, spiritual gifts, and purpose. But once that connection is made, our beliefs become inseparable from our lives: our convictions are lived out in real-world ways. Choose one session or four, but consider that helping your members find their true vocations is the best investment in nurturing faith that lasts.
"If You Want to Lead Me to Jesus - Rethinking Evangelism" ~ George Barna, the leading statistician for analyzing religious life in America, says that despite the trillions of dollars spent on evangelism in the last generation, there has been zero growth in the group called "Christian." This and other indicators tell us that something is wrong with our paradigms for reaching people with the message of Christ. Our evangelical campaigns--whether across the campus, across the street, or across the world – often have very little to do with the kind of ministry Jesus modeled for us. The seminar begins with the Dove award nominated hit "If You Want to Lead Me to Jesus," takes a quick detour through Mayberry, de-programs some of our failed evangelical paradigms, and a ends in a musical rediscovery of Jesus' way of making disciples.
Other series synopses available upon request!
Educational Settings
There are at least three educational seminars that showcase Kyle at his best:
1) The Interrelated Arts ~ Kyle was in graduate school studying with Prix d' Rome winner Richard Willis before the light came on. All the arts, all compositions, are comprised of elements that are themselves related to one another! Once he saw that, and learned some terminology for it, he had a foundation for better understanding all the arts, even art forms that had disinterested him before. In a lifetime of music lessons, theatrical productions, English classes, and art classes, he had never seen the connection before, and now it made all the difference. Let Kyle demonstrate this insight to your students, so that they don't have to be adults before the light comes on for them! {Appropriate for English classes, Music classes, and Art classes}
2) Songwriting 101 ~ Just glance over the list of awards and recognitions gleaned from Kyle's tenure in the highly competitive music industry and couple it with his sincere desire to see other people set free to express themselves artistically, and you'll understand what makes Kyle an ideal teacher of songwriting. A regular clinician for the Gospel Music Association, public schools and conferences, it's one of his favorite things to do and his enthusiasm is contagious. Not only will you learn about the craft of songwriting, where to find inspiration, and how to develop creative habits, you'll learn a lot about the commercial music industry, too. {Appropriate for Music classes, English classes}
3) Creative writing ~ As one of the most prolific songwriters in his industry, Kyle can teach your class the principles, habits, and insights that have helped him become a more effective and more productive writer. From the great composers and authors all the way down to the Music Row tunesmith and commercial ad copy writer, writers who rely on creativity for their survival have discovered principles that can get them out of virtually any corner and keep them productive even when the pressure is on and the passions start to wane. In short, genius may be a gift, but creativity, like craftsmanship, can be learned. {Appropriate for English classes}
They were awarded the grant! They sent Kyle four outstanding poems that had been secretly selected out of the 400+ poems written by the students and he set them to music. Then he got on a plane to Virginia and did an opening assembly showing how the songwriting process works. Utilizing the students' own material, he taught and entertained, answering questions and inspiring the students in new ways to be creative. He also attended English classes and music classes throughout the week, teaching and engaging the students. The grant-winning teachers were invited to regional and national conferences to make a presentation that would tell the story.