The Asbury University Worship Arts Department is a central part of Asbury University’s spiritual life. Worship Arts students at Asbury participate in bands that steward times of worship during Asbury chapel services as well as off-campus church services and events.
Caleb Simmons, the Worship Arts Coordinator, oversees both on-campus chapel services and off-campus events. Simmons also handles the logistics of managing practices and sound checks along with student band leads.
Simmons started working in this role at the beginning of this academic year after having graduated at the end of the previous semester. “The experience of stepping into this role has been so life-giving! At first, it wasn’t easy to transition from being a student to being an instructor, especially with many students being only a few years younger than me. But God continues to bless this position and equip me with everything I need,” said Simmons about his experience in the position. “I love integrating music into acts of worship and helping others find their way of worship. The most significant aspect of working with the bands is seeing them develop and grow in their abilities and gifts, both spiritually and physically. I am so blessed to see how God is growing this community,” he continued.
One of the students who is a part of these bands is chapel intern Sam Haddow. “My four years in the worship arts department have produced some of my best memories from my whole time at Asbury: leading worship both on campus in chapel, but also off campus at churches and conferences with some of my favorite people. I’ve also grown tremendously in my confidence and in my ability to lead worship,” said Haddow.
One of the most recent worship arts was the Selah chapel, which took place on March 5. “The heart behind Selah Chapel is to create a space for students to freely worship and have a place to contemplate what the Lord is doing in their lives. They are more musically driven than traditional chapels, and the reason for that is to create a safe place for students to rest and press into Jesus with their thoughts and needs” stated Simmons. This year’s Selah chapel focused on the season of Lent.
In addition to events like Selah chapel, one of the most treasured events that is put on by this department is the yearly worship album. “One of my favorite things about the Worship Arts Department is that we get the chance to write and record an album of original worship songs each year. This year’s live album recording is this Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.,” stated Haddow.
“If you have an interest in music and a heart for the Lord, this is a really cool intersection between those two things,” Haddow said in reference to the Worship Arts Department.
With a focus on spiritual growth, musical excellence and community, the Worship Arts Department continues to be a vital part of the Asbury experience. Whether through leading chapel services, organizing worship nights or producing original music, students and leaders alike are committed to using their gifts to glorify God and serve others.
Photo courtesy of AU Strat Comm.
