The Institute of Worship was established in 2004 as a joint initiative of The South Pacific Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and Avondale University. It has served the South Pacific Region since then, offering support for both local churches, and regional clusters of churches throughout Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. Dr Lyell Heise was its founding director.
Our vision is for uplifting, Spirit-filled worship in all South Pacific Adventist congregations, reflecting the joy of our hope in Jesus Christ.
Our mission is to:
Develop plans for worship activities which contribute to the fulfilment of our vision in congregations and larger celebrations/gatherings of the South Pacific Division.
Implement strategies for the education and mentoring of worship leaders, and regional worship consultants across the South Pacific Division.
Provide relevant resources for the enrichment of Adventist worship.
Advise on philosophical and theological issues emerging in the process of worship education among congregations, worship leaders, and students.
Contribute to the development of worship leadership skills in both undergraduate and graduate theology and ministry students.
Facilitate the emergence of a culture of excellence and interdependence among Adventist Worship leaders.
Support the development of mutual affirmation and respect across generational and cultural divides.
After 11 years, during which Lyell directed the activities of the institute and its staff, Lyell retired at the end of 2015. However, he continues as a volunteer director, along with Mrs Valmai Hill, who serves as volunteer associate director.
In recent years, the institute has served in hosting and leading worship for large scale meeting of Adventist leaders across Australia and New Zealand, often including the services of other volunteers in music making, including orchestras and choirs. It has also hosted hymn festivals at Avondale University and at Avondale Memorial Church. September 2023 event
In 2024 Lyell will be assisting in leading the worship at the Northern Australia Conference annual convention in Townsville.
In January 2025, Lyell and the Institute of Worship will be taking a team of experienced musicians and worship leaders to the South New Zealand Conference convention in Christchurch to host worship and offer seminars on worship leading in Adventist congregations.
The office of the Institute of Worship is now located on the campus of Avondale University in Greer Hall, part of the Avondale University Conservatorium.
Contact: [email protected]
