The Worship Ministry’s primary goal is to reach people for Jesus Christ through music and to assist all music participants in having a positive, growing, Christian experience as they learn to worship and lead others in worship. Our desire is to lead people to “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.” (Psalm 100:4)
The Worship Ministry is very instrumental in leading people to honor, praise and glorify a worthy Savior. The motto in this ministry is, “If it doesn’t reach people or draw believers closer to Christ, it simply isn’t worth our time or energy.” Our adults present patriotic celebrations, Christmas programs and other special musical celebrations throughout the year, giving people the opportunity for Christ to speak to them through the music.
Ephesians 4:12 says, “…to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” GABC’s Worship Ministry offers many opportunities for people to prepare themselves, and to serve a Holy God. We offer training in choral and instrumental music, Children’s Choir leadership, vocal training, and the direction of musical groups. We do everything we can to utilize the talents and abilities for our Lord.
WORSHIP STAFF
903-525-1114
MIKE PARKS
Worship Pastor
KELVIN REED
Assoc. Minister of Worship
CHANCE RIEHL
Resonate Worship Leader
BILLY BOB DEMPSEY
Minister of Instrumental Music
TIM NIPP
Principal Accompanist/Staff Arranger
ANGIE FULTON
Children’s Music Coordinator
Elevate Director
VICKIE JOHNSON
Worship Ministry Assistant
LAUREN FEHLIS
Instrumental/Student Assistant
COURTNEY CAIN
Children’s Music Assistant
RENEÉ BARTON
Worship Assistant/Librarian
Worship News
Enchoirer
New Member Handbook
Officer Directory
Choir Directory
Rehearsal Schedule
Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Choir Room
Rehearsal Childcare
Childcare available for elementary age children
Check-in located in the Lighthouse Atrium
Choir Membership
Guests are required to attend a minimum of 3 rehearsals before becoming choir members.
Membership open to those ages 18 and up.
This group provides several community concerts though out the year. They have performed with The East Texas Symphony, Charles Billingsley, Steve Green, Sandi Patti, Don Moen, Larnell Harris, Geron Davis, and others.
In 2008 the choir traveled to NYC and provided concerts in Marcus Garvey Park and Lincoln Center. They also conducted numerous mission projects in coordination with Mission NYC. To help fund the trip the choir recorded a CD, He Reigns, and produced the cookbook Celebration Cuisine. The cookbook is still available by contacting Worship. It is also available at the GABC Bookstore on campus. The choir’s latest CD, Lord of All, is also available from the Worship Ministry or Bookstore.
In 2013, the choir was selected to premier Phil Barfoot’s Christmas collection with Marcia Ware and Charles Billingsley at Carnegie Hall.
Rehearsal
Tuesdays, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Choir Room
Membership
Open to those ages 50 and above
This group tours the continental United States and Central America providing concerts. They bring fellowship and the love of Jesus wherever they travel. If you love Jesus, love to sing, laugh and eat. Come and give them a visit.
Wednesday Evenings 6:00-6:55 p.m.
Lighthouse & Preschool Buildings
For children ages 3 (as of September 1) through 5th Grade
Kidz Praise is a fun, exciting time for children to worship through music, instruments, drama, art, dance and more! Call Angie Fulton for more information 903-525-1146.
Praise Alive High School Choir meets on Sunday afternoons from 5:30-7:00 p.m. in the Choir Room inside the main Worship Center building.
Elevate Middle School Choir meets on Sunday nights from 5:30-7:00 p.m. in the Orchestra Room inside the main Worship Center building.
The Student Choir Ministry, under the dual direction of Kelvin Reed and Angie Fulton, exists to worship God through music. The theme of our ministry, found in the last part of Colossians 3:16 (The Message) is “to sing our hearts out to God. There are four choirs and ensembles within our ministry, including Praise Alive Choir and Alpha Chi Ensemble, for grades 9-12, and the Elevate Choir and Vertical Praise Ensemble for grades 6-8.
The membership of our choir includes students from 20 different schools all over East Texas, and includes athletes, artists, and musicians. It is an incredibly diverse group of students that all come together to sing in one voice to our God.
All of our groups are involved in local concerts and mission projects throughout the year, and each choir is involved in an annual concert/mission project tour. Our Praise Alive tour is held during the summer and has included locations such as Toronto, NYC, North Carolina, Orlando, Chicago and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We have participated in VBS, homeless ministry, construction projects, food banks, and prayer booths. Elevate tour is usually at the beginning of Spring Break and is typically over a long weekend. We usually stay within the state in locations like Houston, Austin, and San Antonio.
For more info or just to ask questions regarding this ministry, call Kelvin Reed, Angie Fulton or Lauren Fehlis at 903-525-1114.
Sunday Mornings
8:30 a.m. Warm-up in Orchestra Room
9:00 a.m. Worship Service
10:00 a.m. Warm-up in Orchestra Room for 2nd service
10:30 a.m. Worship Service
The GABC Celebration Orchestra is composed primarily of adult musicians who provide music for worship services and other special events. We are one part of the Instrumental Music Ministry at Green Acres, which also includes Exaltation Orchestra and other small ensembles. Rehearsal starts at 7:00 p.m. and is over around 8:30 p.m. every Wednesday night. Rehearsals are open to any adult musician who is interested in learning more about our group. For more information about the Celebration Orchestra, please contact Billy Bob Dempsey, Minister of Instrumental Music, at 903-525-1160 or Lauren Fehlis, Worship Ministry Assistant at 903-525-1114.
In order to play on Sunday mornings and during special programs, you will be required to schedule an interview and audition time with the Minister of Instrumental Music.