Three-time Grammy Award-winning producer Dwan Hill from The Choir Room kicked off the first Convocation of the semester in the Vines Center Aug. 26, leading worship alongside LU Praise.
The Choir Room is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing gospel music to communities and encouraging people to use their voices for worship. In keeping with the organization’s belief that everyone has a voice, Hill conducted the students in Convocation in song, turning the student body into one massive choir.
Hill began by reciting his life verse, Colossians 3:16: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
Students clapped and danced to the music as Hill led songs such as “Oh Happy Day,” “He Has Done Marvellous Things,” “Love Never Fails,” “Nothing but the Blood” and “God I’m Just Grateful.”
Hill shared that singing can help Christians memorize and meditate on Scripture.
“Sometimes the best way to get the Word in your heart is to sing the Word with people around you,” Hill said.
Hill also emphasized that good deeds alone cannot bring salvation. By using an analogy of a crumpled piece of paper, he explained that although human nature is imperfect and sinful, people can pursue holiness through the Lord.
“The only way to get back to what God has for you is to exchange his holiness for your brokenness,” Hill said. “And so, it’s very simple. You hand him what is broken; he gives you what is whole.”
Hill reminded students that walking with Christ is a journey.
“There is always an opportunity to make what is wrinkled and broken something beautiful in God’s presence,” Hill said.
Senior Arielle Hartzel expressed how worship can be engaging and enjoyable.
“I thought it was great and super fun,” Hartzel said. “It shows that you can have fun while worshipping the Lord.”
Graduate student Michael Hendricks also shared how he enjoyed seeing students involved and participating in the choir.
“It was so fun! I love how involved the crowd was in worship and how Dwan Hill brought the lyrics to life,” Hendricks said.
For more information about The Choir Room, visit choirisback.com.
Gathje is the assistant feature editor for the Liberty Champion.