You've been on the worship team for a few years now. Is there a memory of an experience over the years that really stands out to you?
There are a lot of stories I could tell here. One that comes to mind isn't terribly exciting, but is one where I really felt the Lord's presence. It was this year at Fall Retreat. Travis and I were practicing for the Saturday afternoon service in the empty chapel. I remember being hit with this feeling of peace and joy in the midst of a crazy semester that had me dead tired. We had a couple guitars, a drum, and our voices, nothing big or emotion-wrenching, but it was one of those moments where I felt as if the Lord was enjoying it as much as I was. Sometimes I get caught up in so much about leading worship that I forget how fantastic and honestly fun it is to make music to the Lord in both heart and voice.
How have you grown musically over the years? How have you grown in worshiping God with your musical gifts since you've been on the team?
As a music major in college, it was cool to find so many transfers between what seemed like my two worlds of music—the formal, classical study and rock worship band. The most helpful, I think, was simply learning to listen better. Getting to experience both sides of music helped develop me as a whole musician. As for how I've grown in worship...that part was even cooler. Co-leading at LT two summers helped me begin to let go of my perfectionism, which took some tough lessons. The Lord doesn't require perfect music; he desires the heart—worship. Leading music and worshiping simultaneously definitely took time to learn better with the help of the Lord. Fortunately He gave me a stellar co-leader here at the Rock who, through modeling it and working to learn it better himself, helped me understand worship so much better as a leader. There's so much less stress and more rest and joy now.
What do you enjoy about being a worship leader? What is difficult about it?
There's a lot I enjoy about it. One thing I've really enjoyed is the collaboration, both with Travis and the rest of the band. It's cool to plan out the setlist together, think about musical ideas, how to get certain effects. Bouncing ideas back and forth, learning how to listen and compromise, bring new ideas to the table...it takes a little more time than if only one person were planning, but I think he's agree it's been worth it. Then working with the whole band...Sometimes even after all that planning, members in the band will either want to shoot down an idea or have some other awesome thing in mind that we could use. I think that's the atmosphere we try to create though, in which everyone gets to contribute more than just playing an instrument. Coincidentally, collaboration is probably also what is difficult. It's definitely been frustrating at times and takes plenty of time and patience on both ends. We don't always agree and it's sometimes challenging to understand each other...although I must admit, I've taken strides in figuring out how to read Travis's mind:) hah! Anyway, but really, it's all been totally worth it. I've learned so much from working with him and the band, and would do it all over again.
There's a lot I enjoy about it. One thing I've really enjoyed is the collaboration, both with Travis and the rest of the band. It's cool to plan out the setlist together, think about musical ideas, how to get certain effects. Bouncing ideas back and forth, learning how to listen and compromise, bring new ideas to the table...it takes a little more time than if only one person were planning, but I think he's agree it's been worth it. Then working with the whole band...Sometimes even after all that planning, members in the band will either want to shoot down an idea or have some other awesome thing in mind that we could use. I think that's the atmosphere we try to create though, in which everyone gets to contribute more than just playing an instrument. Coincidentally, collaboration is probably also what is difficult. It's definitely been frustrating at times and takes plenty of time and patience on both ends. We don't always agree and it's sometimes challenging to understand each other...although I must admit, I've taken strides in figuring out how to read Travis's mind:) hah! Anyway, but really, it's all been totally worth it. I've learned so much from working with him and the band, and would do it all over again.
What have you enjoyed the most about being on the team?
Again, there are many...the fellowship, practicing, music-making, but really one of my favorites is the view from up front...and the opportunity to help facilitate what I see. What I mean is I love watching the body of the believers raise their hands and voices in worship to the Lord. It's such a beautiful sight that I wish more people could just walk up front, turn around, and see what I'm seeing. You guys on the team know what I'm talking about. No matter what role we play in the band, we get to watch this. What an honor and a blessing from the Lord that he gave us these musical gifts so that we get to be the ones to lead the church body in worship of Him! Love it.
Again, there are many...the fellowship, practicing, music-making, but really one of my favorites is the view from up front...and the opportunity to help facilitate what I see. What I mean is I love watching the body of the believers raise their hands and voices in worship to the Lord. It's such a beautiful sight that I wish more people could just walk up front, turn around, and see what I'm seeing. You guys on the team know what I'm talking about. No matter what role we play in the band, we get to watch this. What an honor and a blessing from the Lord that he gave us these musical gifts so that we get to be the ones to lead the church body in worship of Him! Love it.
You're going to staff training in March. Can you share with us what your plans are from there?
After staff training, I'll head to Memphis to begin the support-raising process. From there, I'll split my time between my old hometown, Jackson MO, and my parents’ current home in Springfield, IL. When I'm finished, I'll join the team in Pittsburgh and see where the Lord takes me from there!
Any final thoughts for the team?
What can I say? I've loved being here, working with you guys. It's been sweet to watch the worship team grow and develop. Andrew, Chris, Matt, Tyler, Travis, I really appreciate all the specific opportunities you gave me over the years to grow and learn to worship. To everyone else in the bands and production, thanks for supporting the team and the leaders. I hope I've been half as awesome as you have been to me. Rock worship team has been such a blessing and I'll miss it a lot.
“Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea and all that is in them, singing: To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!”
Revelation 5:13
