February 10, 2021 | Andrew Hurst

Waxahachie, TX

Year: Junior

Major: Worship Arts

Hometown: Pine Bluff, Arkansas

Q: What led you to SAGU?

Before coming to SAGU, I was on staff at my home church, leading the worship ministry. I started in the summer of 2018; I had just graduated high school and felt that the Lord was calling me to stay home and pastor at my home church. During this season of pastoring and leading the worship ministry, I also was enrolled in college at SAGU pursuing a degree in Accounting. While leading the worship ministry, the Lord humbled me and allowed me to see my strengths and weaknesses as a leader. I remember feeling inadequate and feeling like something was missing; I knew that God was calling me to do things for his kingdom, but I couldn’t see myself being prepared for what he was calling me to do. Therefore, I began to pray and seek direction from the Lord on what I should do, whether it was continuing leading the worship ministry at my home church or going to college and pursuing a degree in Worship Arts. After weeks of praying and seeking answers, the Lord made it clear and released me to come to SAGU and pursue a degree in Worship Arts.

Q: What have you been involved in on campus?

While studying worship at SAGU, I’ve been involved in several things. These things include SAGU Worship, Chorale, Gospel Fusion, and Chapel Worship. During the summer of 2020, I had my first opportunity to lead a worship team at the North Texas District Youth Camp. This experience was life-changing. I’ve also had the opportunity of singing with the Chorale ensemble here on campus for commencements and music showcases. While being a part of Gospel Fusion, I’ve led worship for campus events. Last but not least, while being a part of Chapel Worship, I’ve had the opportunity to lead the students of this campus into the presence of God.

Q: What aspects of campus life have you enjoyed the most?

“What I’ve enjoyed the most about campus life is the friendly and loving environment. I’ve never been to a school where people have been more loving and encouraging than SAGU. It’s an amazing place to be. The people here genuinely love me and are intentional with building relationships.”

Q: How has your experience been in the Music Department?

So far, my experience has been absolutely amazing. I never saw myself performing classical music, but now it’s something that I do on a day-to-day basis. Not only do I enjoy it, but I respect and see the value in that musical style along with a couple of other musical styles that I didn’t specialize in before. I would definitely recommend SAGU’s Music Program. It prepares you musically in every aspect, and our professors are amazing. They genuinely love and care about you; they want to see you succeed and become the best musician that you can be.

Q: Have you had any professors who have positively influenced you during your time here?

Where do I begin? Several of my professors have influenced me positively, and to name a few, I would say, Dr. Woo, Ms. Barnett, and Dr. Hayes. Not only are they all wonderful professors, but they are great people in general. While taking music theory with Dr. Woo, I’ve learned the importance of practicing and remaining consistent. If I want to learn something or master a skill, I must be dedicated to practicing consistently. While taking voice lessons with Ms. Barnett, I’ve learned the importance of prioritizing, or as she would say, “Closing your circle.”. Not only has this helped me academically, but it’s something practical that I can do to ensure that I’m taking care of all of my responsibilities. Last but not least, Dr. Hayes has helped me realize the importance of celebrating and loving people. This is important because, as a worship pastor, loving and empowering people is just as important as leading the congregation in worship.

Q: What drew you to music? What musical aspirations and goals do you have for the future?

I’ve been loving music for as long as I can remember. It all started with a love and passion for playing drums that later sparked an interest in singing, leading to my desire to pursue playing the piano. From there, my musical interest began to expand tremendously. I feel like the Lord has given me a natural gift to play, sing, and write music. I’ve always loved music; whether it was singing at a church or playing an instrument in a band, I’ve always found myself around music. Throughout my life, music has been what I would run to when I needed to relieve stress or even express myself. As my interest in music grew, the Lord’s call on my life grew as well, which eventually led me to lead worship and want to pursue a career in leading worship. After graduating, I plan on being on staff at a church for worship while traveling around the country teaching and leading people into the presence of God.

Q: How do you feel that your time at SAGU has prepared you for life after college?

SAGU is definitely preparing me for life after college. Because I desire to be a worship pastor, being prepared musically is extremely important to me, and I feel that SAGU is preparing me in that way. I’m learning theory and understanding the depth of music and where it comes from. It’s also preparing me spiritually. My bible courses help me understand the bible, and it’s refining my theology on what I believe about my faith. Also, while being at SAGU, I’ve had opportunities to travel and lead worship. This is extremely important to me, especially since I plan to travel and lead worship when I graduate. Last but not least, it’s preparing me practically. I’m learning the importance of prioritizing, being disciplined, and having fun.

Q: How has your faith impacted the way you view your education and in the personal goals you set for yourself?

“My faith has given me motivation when I’ve felt like giving up or when I’ve felt like what I was trying to accomplish was impossible. I have to continually remind myself of what God has promised me and that I don’t live this life for me. I live for Christ. Therefore, I can receive and achieve all that God has for me.”

Q: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?

Be patient. The opportunities will come, and the jobs will come. Therefore, enjoy college while you can. Be intentional about growing, developing, and learning about yourself and your craft. You’ll have plenty of time to work and do what you feel God is calling you to do, but you’ll never get your college years back. Have fun, stay focused on God, and learn about yourself.

Kendrick is receiving the training and support he needs to step into his God-given calling as a worship pastor. At SAGU, we believe that God has a specific calling for each and every one of us. Through our learning community, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and real-world experience to foster your talents and pursue your purpose, just like Kendrick! Click here to apply today!

As a leading Christian university, SAGU educates and prepares individuals who want to serve Christ and others. SAGU helps students discover and develop their callings in a Spirit-empowered, learning community.

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