Church of God Music Ministries Relaunches as Global Worship Initiative
Earlier this summer, an announcement of the relaunch of Church of God Music Ministries took place during the Church of God General Assembly in Indianapolis. Now known as ‘Global Worship Initiative,” the announcement marks the beginning of a new chapter in the deep and storied tradition of music in the Church of God.
“For generations, the Church of God has been a beacon of bold faith and Christ-centered community,” stated Dr. H.W. Dusty Wilson. “At the heart of our movement is a profound reverence for God that has long been expressed through the power of music. From the soulful hymns that carried our parents and grandparents through trials, to the contemporary melodies that inspire our children and grandchildren today, music is instrumental in the advancement of our great Pentecostal worship movement.”
Wilson has been named director of Global Worship Initiative and CEO of SpiritSound Music Group.
Wilson explained the mission of GWI as “discipling worshippers to inspire transformative creative worship. GWI is not just a program or a product; it’s a promise. A promise to direct our time, energy, and resources to empowering and equipping worship leaders and worship teams that faithfully serve on the frontlines of local churches every week.”
Wilson said this will be accomplished primarily through two primary sources: 1) the continued development of music, His Praise; Our Purpose and 2) to develop people through a community; a place to call home.
According to Wilson, historically, music ministry in the Church of God has been defined as SpiritSound Music Group accompanied by an expansive library of more than 16,000 songs it has produced.
GWI
To engage and develop people, GWI will provide essential resources to local churches, their staff, and volunteers, while coming alongside Church of God divisional ministries. For worship pastors, musicians, singers and songwriters GWI will offer much needed support in the form of:
• discipleship to ensure a healthy spiritual life
• theological education to promote doctrinally-sound song choices
• administrative training to enhance ministry operations in local churches
• leadership coaching to foster healthy cultures in communities
GWI will offer an engaging online platform for worshippers to connect and network with peers, mentors, counselors, and music professionals, fostering personal, spiritual, and professional growth. This will be accomplished through podcasts, newsletters, marketplace resources, technical advisory with professionals in their areas of expertise.
In the area of equipping / developing people through education and training, GWI will provide comprehensive training and education for worship leaders, addressing practical, administrative, doctrinal, and leadership challenges. This training is expected to launch in the Spring 2025 and culminate in a Worship Arts Certification, signifying the Church of God’s commitment to exemplary worship leadership in its churches.
“GWI is also proud to enhance the Minister of Music licensure and introduce the ministry of music to those who feel called to the ministry and not sure what their next steps are,” Wilson continued. “GWI will also partner with the Pentecostal Theological Seminary and Lee University to introduce new levels of higher education to those who choose to pursue degrees of higher education with concentration on music degrees and worship studies.”
Wilson concluded by declaring GWI is, “a catalyst for innovation, providing unparalleled opportunities for growth and creativity within our worship and arts communities. GWI will transform hearts, inspire our global church, and ultimately glorify God.”
The Global Worship Initiative Board includes Steven T. Allen, Chair; Kaci Coley Stewart, Co-Chair; Curtis Bridgeman; Jonathan De La Garza; Brandon Kizer; James Milligan, Jr.; Danny Murray; Jonathan M. Sawyer; Todd Sturgell; Javaris Wright.
“Nothing brings me, and the GWI Board, more joy than to share in our General Overseer’s vision, We Go,” Wilson stated. “In this powerful declaration – We Worship – the Church of God is united in passion, united in purpose, and with the Global Worship Initiative, we will once again be united in praise.”
To follow GWI, log on to the digital platforms listed below to find out how you can become more involved and to invest in this vital, growing ministry of the Church of God.
Web: www.globalworshipinitiative.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/globalworshipinitiative
Instagram: www.instagram.com/globalworshipinitiative
