Catalyst — How to Produce a Worshipful Experience

Creating a two-day worshipful experience that flows with a healthy rhythm of challenging and inspirational content, practical calls to action, and spaces for play and rest is an undertaking that calls for many focused hands. But nobody has their hand in the production flow of Catalyst events more than Executive Producer Duran Willis.

I recently sat down with Duran to discuss his process for producing Catalyst Atlanta, our flagship event, and here’s what he had to say:

What aspects of Catalyst Atlanta does the production team oversee?

In the early stages of our event, we oversee set design and related creative elements, build the production teams, manage the venue, and set timelines to hit as we approach the event.

Throughout the process, we will do more of that, but as we get closer to the event, we are focused on making sure all the little things are being taken care of and managed. Your event thrives or dies on the ability to make sure the little things are done well.

How do you go about choosing who you would like to lead worship and do special performances?

There are multiple levels to this, but we have a consistent musical presence, which is our house band, and I work with the music director to build the band, as well as the worship sets for the event. When it comes to performers, we believe that we have a platform to steward well, so we bring worship bands to Catalyst that we feel can really create an environment for people to meet with their Heavenly Father, as well as a place to rest.

When it comes to other acts or bands, we try to introduce people to music they may have never heard before or would be really excited to see. For instance, at last year’s event, we had Hillsong Worship and Mosaic MSC lead worship, and Johnnyswim did a special performance.

Why even have worship as a part of a leadership conference?

Having worship at Catalyst (or any leadership conference) allows us to re-center and refocus on what true leadership looks like. We have the best example of leadership in Jesus, and we need to be reminded of that and have space to meet with Him. Some people are hurting or burned out, or they need to be ignited to what they have been called to do, and we need to create as many spaces as possible for that to happen.

Who and what can we expect at Catalyst Atlanta this year?

You can expect to hear incredible content, experience moving worship and music from a few other acts, and see some things that will leave you “wowed.” If you aren’t currently planning on coming to Catalyst, then you will want to make sure you get there. We’ll have The Belonging Co. with us from Nashville, TN leading worship in Thursday night’s session, and much more that you’ll have to come and experience for yourself.

As our team continues to intentionally craft a life-giving event, we couldn’t be more expectant of what God is going to do in the lives of leaders over these two days. Duran and the rest of the Catalyst team have you in mind as we plan and work to the best of our ability, but we know your Heavenly Father has something far greater in store than anything we could ever imagine.

If you haven’t already made plans to join us for the event in October, then now is the best time to grab your ticket. You can save $60 on your ticket by purchasing before June 15th. You can view event details or purchase your ticket at https://catalystleader.com/atlanta.