The Heart of Worship
At Grace Christian University, the sound of worship echoes through the campus three times a week, as students gather for chapel services every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. These services are more than just a break in the day’s routine – they’re an expression of faith, from a community of students passionate about worshiping their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
“Music is an important part of our worship here at Grace,” says Gabby Wright, who coordinates the worship teams. “It is a powerful opportunity for our staff, faculty and students to connect with God and express their hearts of gratitude, praise, or even pain and struggle. We see it as an opportunity to use our God-given talents to glorify Him and lead others into His presence.”
An Opportunity for Every Gift
The university offers a range of opportunities for musically inclined students to serve. From vocalists and instrumentalists to audio technicians and camera operators, there’s a place for every talent in the worship ministry.
DJ Sayumwe, a senior majoring in Human Services , plays drums for the worship team. “Using my musical abilities to lead others in worship is incredibly fulfilling,” he says. “It’s about creating a space for people to connect with God, not about performing.” Every time I step on that stage, I’m reminded of the privilege and responsibility we have as worship leaders.”
Behind the scenes, students with technical skills play an equally crucial role. Ben Bird, a senior, volunteers on the audio team. “I may not be on stage, but I know my work is just as important in facilitating worship,” He explains. “It’s amazing to use my passion for technology to serve God and my fellow students. Ensuring that every word and note is clear helps create a seamless worship experience where people can focus on God without distraction.”
Effect of Worship
The impact of this ministry extends far beyond the chapel walls. Many students report that the songs and scriptures from chapel services stay with them throughout the week, serving as constant reminders of God’s presence in their lives.
Rachel Tunon, a senior worship leader, shares her experience: “Being part of the worship team has deepened my faith and given me a stronger sense of purpose. It’s taught me that worship isn’t just about music – it’s a lifestyle of serving God with whatever gifts He’s given you. I’ve seen how a single song can touch someone’s heart and bring them closer to God. It’s humbling and inspiring.”
Community of Worship
Participating in the worship and tech teams does more than just enhance students’ musical or technical skills. It creates a tight-knit community of believers who support and encourage one another.
“The friendships I’ve formed through this ministry are unlike any others,” says Philip Kirabira, a multi-instrumentalist in the worship band. “We pray together, study the Word together, and encourage each other in our faith journeys. It’s like having a second family on campus.”
This sense of community extends to the broader student body as well. As team members serve their peers through leading worship, they form transformational relationships that last a lifetime.
For many students, involvement in the worship ministry becomes a catalyst for both spiritual and personal growth. They find themselves diving deeper into scripture to understand the lyrics they’re singing, improving their musical abilities, and developing leadership skills.
How to Get Involved
For those interested in joining this ministry, the university has made the process simple. Students can fill out the Chapel Participation Form 2024, detailing their skills and areas of interest.
“We’re always looking for students who are passionate about using their gifts to glorify God,” says Zach Rumley, Director of Worship and Sound Ministry, and instructor of WA184. “Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just starting out, there’s a place for you in this ministry. We provide training and mentorship to help everyone grow in their abilities and their faith.”
Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Worship Leaders: If you feel called to lead others in worship and have experience in leading musical worship, we need your leadership on our team.
- Musicians: Whether you play guitar, drums, piano, or another instrument, we’re looking for talented musicians who want to use their skills to glorify God.
- Front of House Audio Volunteers: Manage the live audio mix, ensuring clear and balanced sound for all.
- Lyrics Volunteers: Assist in displaying song lyrics and scripture on the screens, helping the congregation to follow along and engage in worship.
- Camera Volunteers: Capture the service on camera to help remote attendees feel connected.
- Live Stream Audio Volunteers: Manage the audio specifically for the live stream, ensuring that it’s high quality for those who are worshiping from a distance.
The Future of Worship at Grace
Grace Christian University continues to emphasize the importance of worship and service in student life. Through the worship and tech teams, students are finding meaningful ways to apply their talents, deepen their faith, and make a lasting impact on their campus community.
“We’re constantly exploring new ways to engage students in worship,” Gabby explains. “This year, we’re looking at incorporating more diverse musical styles. We want our worship to reflect the creativity and passion of our student body while always keeping the focus on glorifying God.”
A Call to Serve
“At the end of the day, it’s all about honoring God with our gifts,” Gabby concludes. “When we do that, everything else falls into place. We see students grow in their faith, develop lifelong friendships, and discover their calling. It’s amazing to see how God uses this ministry to shape lives.”
For more information on how to get involved, students are encouraged to fill out the chapel participation form or speak with current members of the worship and tech teams. As this vital ministry continues to grow, it offers a powerful reminder of the role music can play in faith, community, and purpose at Grace.
Whether you’re a gifted musician, a tech enthusiast, or simply someone with a heart for worship, Grace Christian University invites you to consider how you can use your unique talents to serve God and your fellow students. As the Apostle Peter writes, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10, NIV). At Grace, the worship and tech teams provide a perfect opportunity to put this scripture into practice.
