CHURCH MUSIC STUDENTS SUPPORT TRAINING AND WORSHIP LEADERSHIP IN SAN ANTONIO

On April 18, the Dunn Center presented a successful Worship Lab Workshop in San Antonio, TX, graciously hosted by Trinity Baptist Church. Students from churches across the region gathered with their youth leaders for a day centered on worship, learning not only how to lead, but why worship leadership matters in the life of the church.

The workshop offered hands-on sessions focused on singing, playing in a band, and exploring the role and responsibility of a worship leader. These sessions were intentionally designed to meet students where they are, equipping them with practical tools they can immediately apply within their own ministry contexts.

A highlight of the day was the leadership presence of The 40 Collective, whose members led both the opening and closing worship. Their leadership modeled musical excellence, spiritual maturity, and collaborative worship planning, giving participants a tangible example of what effective worship leadership looks like in practice.

In addition, Church Music undergraduate students served on a panel, where they shared their personal stories and reflected on why they chose to study Church Music. This mentoring moment provided younger students with meaningful insight into discerning a calling, preparing academically and spiritually, and envisioning a future of faithful ministry through music.

The leadership experience extended beyond the workshop itself. Following the event, The 40 Collective was invited to remain in San Antonio an additional day to lead worship on Sunday morning at Trinity Baptist’s Tripoint Campus. This opportunity allowed students to apply what they are learning in real congregational settings, planning, rehearsing, collaborating with church staff, and leading worship within the rhythms of a local church.

Experiences like the Worship Lab Workshop offer tremendous added value to our students. They cultivate confidence, adaptability, and servant leadership while reinforcing the connection between classroom learning and real-world ministry. These moments help students grow not only as musicians, but as thoughtful, theologically grounded worship leaders who are prepared to serve the Church with excellence and humility.

The weekend was a powerful demonstration of all that our Church Music students can do, and more importantly, of who they are becoming as leaders shaped by faith, skill, and calling.