“Bigger isn’t better. Taller isn’t braver. Stronger isn’t always wise.”
—Michael Stewart
I’ve served churches for over 30 years as a musician. I’ve performed masterworks for huge audiences and sung in cathedrals across the United States and Europe. I’ve been lucky to work with talented artists from around the world. And yet, none of these experiences stand out in my mind as the times I’ve most clearly felt God’s presence working in me. Turns out, bigger isn’t always better.
I direct a music team of five to seven people at my small church in Alabaster, Alabama each week. I work with a collaborative pianist, a guitarist and singer who can be there some weeks but not others, and anywhere from three to five choir members on any given Sunday. We’re not singing masterworks. We’re not performing for a large congregation. We’re showing up, faithfully offering what we have to help others encounter through music.
When have I felt God working in me?
I feel God working in me when I’ve helped someone find their voice, especially when they weren’t sure they were worthy to sing to God.
I feel God working when someone “pops in” to sing whenever they can instead of feeling guilty that they can’t commit to choir full-time.
I feel God working when a shy child has the option to shake a maraca instead of singing with the other children.
I feel God working when congregants tell us an anthem or hymn is one of their favorites—because something about the song connected and ministered to them.
I’m grateful to have had many ways to make music for God’s glory. But I’m even more thankful that God gave me a heart to help others make music, too. In my role, I choose music from all genres, times, and traditions—hoping it leads to transformative worship for everyone in the room. Because our church family is so diverse, I often serve as a kind of translator. My pianist and guitarist play mostly from lead sheets and chords, while my choir reads traditional notation. So, I write hybrid scores: sometimes using Nashville numbers, sometimes transcribing melodies into printed notation—whatever helps each musician feel at home.
These acts aren’t grand or flashy. They don’t happen in front of a large congregation in a grand cathedral. But even still, God is there. And maybe I’m more aware of it because there’s less to be distracted by or nervous about. I’m so thankful I’ve been placed in this church, with this team and congregation.
And I’m so excited to be back at Animate this summer, teaching music fundamentals to students from all over the country. I can’t wait to equip others with the same tools that have helped worship flourish in our little corner of the world. I look forward to meeting every Animate participant—and helping them build confidence and skills to lead faithfully wherever God calls them to serve.
Join us at Animate this summer and learn from toolbox instructors like Morgan Soja, who are dedicated to equipping the next generation of worship leaders and artists. —don’t miss the chance to grow your skills, gain practical experience, and learn how to serve and use your gifts in your own church community.
Morgan Soja is an Associate Professor and Director of Music Education at 色虎视频. She is also volunteer music director at Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit in Alabaster, AL. As a music teacher for many years, she has worked with musicians of all ages. She loves learning and incorporating many different styles of music into worship. She believes that everyone who wants to can make music for the glory of God.
For further reading on worship, the arts, and equipping the next generation of leaders, check out more insightful posts from our Animate toolbox instructors: