We asked Salvationists what type of worship inspires a “God connection.” As their answers attest, there’s more than one way to praise the Lord

My worship would be very different if it weren’t for vocal music. When I stand in front of a group, be it a songster brigade, divisional youth chorus, contemporary music team or children’s choir, the music changes me. I become more alive and sensitive to God’s Spirit moving through me. Worship isn’t limited to a Sunday service or even a concert. It even happens during rehearsals, and is all the more meaningful because we aren’t in “performance mode.”

As a former songster leader, I recall when people left their seats in the songsters to kneel at the altar. I was always struck that the music could move people to the point where they wanted to physically bow before God. Often I would see tears or smiles and realize how deeply we connect with God when we sing.

Now I am expressing my passion for music by conducting a divisional youth chorus. The music-making doesn’t happen without a lot of prayer, connecting with God and connecting with each other. Our desire is to sing rousing gospel music that makes people feel like dancing as well as to sing about God’s holiness in a way that leaves a room hushed.

At Mississauga Temple, I lead a small contemporary team that sings once a month for the Celebrate Recovery Program. Singing to a smaller group of people gives us a chance for more intimate worship. It’s rewarding when those who are seeking a relationship with Jesus Christ tell us that our singing moved them.

I also lead the children’s choir at Cornerstone Community Church. I am constantly amazed by one little girl who sings the songs to her friends at school. Although her immediate family doesn’t attend the corps, she faithfully tells her friends about Jesus. How incredible! A little child shall lead them.

I’m tired of the discussion of style of music in worship. What really matters is that when I sing and when I lead singing, the Spirit moves in a way that makes me come alive.

by Cathie Koehnen Cornerstone Community Church, Mississauga, Ont.