It’s always awesome to get to know worship leaders from all over the world. Check out some previous stories here. Would you be interested in sharing your story? We’d love to hear it!
Church // Upward Church
Location // Pensacola Florida
I’ve been involved with music ministry in one form or another for 13 years. I got started with a youth band when I was a kid and there just always seemed to be opportunities for me to continue and develop. Something I now see as providential.
In the fall of 2013, I had the chance opportunity to meet and talk with Jon Acuff, who was attending a wedding I was photographing. I love his work and nerded out, and he gave me a copy of his book, Start. The deeper I got into the book, the more I realized how much time and life I’ve wasted not pursuing and doing the things I was built to do. In October of ’13, I began sending resumes to churches across the country where I had contacts, and began waiting for responses.
In early 2014, I was asked to fill in on guitar at Upward, where my wife and I have many friends, and after the service, I was asked if I’d be interested in coming on as the worship leader for Pensacola.
Since then, I’ve assumed that responsibility and am continuing to develop that team and ministry, as we approach moving from a mobile-chruch format to the building we are renovating.
The past year has taught me so much in the way of trusting God to be faithful in His time.
Do you have any advice for the new worship leader?
Develop your gift, and above all, guard your heart against sin. Anyone can learn to play an instrument, but few are called to lead God’s people in worship. Work hard so that not only will your skill level be worthy of that responsibility, but that your life will be also.
What do you do to stay close to God?
One thing I’m big on is spending time with guys who are smarter, better and wiser than myself. “Smarter” and “wiser” are not always the same. Apart from that, I make sure that to sit in the services I play for. A green room, while a rad luxury, can be a big, fat trap. Make a point to encourage your team to do the same.
http://instagram.com/theonlychrisj
