Since its founding in 1816, the American Bible Society (ABS) has consistently supported organizations that promote the life-changing message of the Bible through innovative and meaningful experiences.

Today, ABS carries on this tradition through creative collaborations.

This summer, the American Bible Society is an official sponsor of IMMERSE, the Gospel Music Association’s (GMA) music community event at Belmont University, in Nashville, Tenn., from July 29 through August 2, 2009.

IMMERSE provides professional training and a competitive venue for emerging Christian artists, songwriters, worship leaders and music business professionals to showcase their talent and develop meaningful industry networks. By submerging participants in the community of the contemporary Christian music industry, IMMERSE intends to empower Christians to utilize their creative musical talents in order to positively impact both religious and secular culture. This year, IMMERSE will feature dozens of top Christian performing artists, speakers and producers including Michael W. Smith, Natalie Grant, Phil Stacey, Tom Jackson, Dennis Disney, Brett Manning and many others.

Focus on Training, Networking and Inspiration

The four-day event seeks to develop creativity in five main areas: training, connecting, worshiping, competing and listening. Participants will train with the most influential Christian artists, songwriters and speakers through interactive training sessions that connect them with industry insiders. IMMERSE features several worship sessions and competitive showcases with live feedback from professionals, so participants can begin using new ministry tools immediately. Exclusive evening and artist teaching concerts also offer a collaborative environment in which participants can listen to music and gain inspiration from the stories behind the songs.

IMMERSE 2009 includes tracks for Artistry, Songwriting and Music Business with topics for worship leaders throughout. In the Artistry track, sessions focus on developing specific aspects of a musician’s craft including performance skills, vocal expression, artist marketing and album production. The Songwriting track focuses on developing skills in writing melodies, building lyrics, co-writing and songwriting for TV, film and advertising. Within these two tracks, worship leaders learn how to adapt these skills to engage a dynamic, multi-generational Church in meaningful worship experiences. Through the Music Business track, participants are exposed to the various roles of the artist’s support team. Sessions cover marketing, promotion, radio, management, publishing, public relations and legal topics.

Scripture Song Award Competition and Music City Field Trips

During IMMERSE, ABS is also hosting its second annual Scripture Song Award competition in which songwriters use Scripture in songs across different genres of Christian music. One award will be given in each of three categories: amateur, semi-pro and professional. The competition is designed to support the use of the Bible in contemporary Christian music, while encouraging artists to incorporate the message of God’s Word in songwriting.

IMMERSE also utilizes its prime location in the heart of Music City (Nashville) by offering two Music Row field trips; one at a record label and the other at a performance rights company. Each visit is led by an industry professional and allows attendees to meet company representatives for networking opportunities.

As both developing and established Christian artists converge for training and collaboration, IMMERSE is innovatively empowering a new generation of singers, songwriters, musicians and producers to carry the message of the Gospel through music.