Music Seminar in Montreuil (Paris suburb), fall 2015

The seminar “Richer Worship” was made up of three workshops: two practical workshops for pianists (and one harpist) taught by Kristi Colas and one theological workshop open to anyone taught by Emmanuel Corda. Kristi did an overview of the basics of hymn playing and involved the participants in trying each new technique in a “master class” style. Emmanuel provided a theological foundation for worship that is rich in sound doctrine, according to Colossians 3:16: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in songs and hymns and spiritual songs.”

Emmanuel gave the following illustration during his workshop: “Let’s imagine that I have two friends. One is named Bob and he’s really a terrific guy,” he said without further explanation. “The other is named Pierre and he has devoted his life to managing an orphanage and helping abandoned children. He also knows every child who lives there, takes time to talk with each of them, and helps them grow into mature adults.” Then Emmanuel asked, “Which of my two friends would you like most to meet?” The answer was obviously the one that we knew more about and therefore admired. Emmanuel explained that it is important to sing spiritual songs that not only declare God’s greatness, but which also recount His wonderful works. It is important to know why He is such a great God.