Despite her shy off-stage persona, to Marissa Brown, leading congregants through musical worship is a natural as breathing.
The phrase "born-again Christian" is redundant. One cannot be Christian unless born again, as Jesus explained and was quoted in the scripture of John. The "born again" in His reference is rebirth of a man's natural spirit to rebel against God. That is, to disobey God, to rely on self, to think of self first. These are the basic elements of life collectively tagged "sin" -- Jesus says this human spirit, the spirit of sin -- must be "reborn" to submit to God's will and guidance. This is done, first, by recognizing and acknowledging the life of Christ as revealed in Scriptures, then by living according to His teachings. In its simplest expression, this is what it means to be born again. To renew a spirit to follow God's lead. But what of those people who were born with such a spirit. The spirit to follow God and not sin that seems intrinsic from birth. Are there such people? Especially in our age?
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Michelle Perez-Campbell, in concert with Vikki J. Myers and Carla Brown -- Chos3n.
by Michael Edgar Myers, Founding Director
When speaking of worship leaders we often restrict the phrase to an individual who plays an instrument or two, organizes the music, runs the rehearsal, plans the Order of Service, perhaps conducts the congregational sing-a-along, and perhaps solos on numerous songs. We learned along ago that a leader of worship is more than this, may or may not have musical gifts, and recognizes that worshipping God is not confined to a timed-music presentation during a Service of Worship. Worship is a way of life. Michelle Perez-Campbell is a leader of worship. 
Reading, meditating and living scripture passages early in life can plant seeds for future comfort in difficult situations. -- Photo by Samantha Sophia on Unsplash
by Michael Edgar Myers, Founding Director
Cami Myers, an intern with Kingdom Impact Theater Ministries, has been compiling resources and recommendations for individuals managing mental health challenges and posting them in a series of online essays we call “A Collegian’s Guide to Mental Health.” We outlined Cami's background and how these essays came to be in an earlier post, "College, Ministry & Stress." Today, we provide access to the essays themselves and Biblical connections the KIT Ministries staff made while editing them. Although the essays are not “Christian” in nature, reading them revealed parallels between the practical concepts and Bible basics. There are seven scriptures related to the contents of the four essays themselves, and three other principles that provide perspective on Cami’s spiritual health journey summarized in the four essays. 
Research papers, media use, lack of sleep can all add to mental weariness. -- Photo by Victoria Heath on Unsplash
by Michael Edgar Myers, Founding Director
Cami Myers is part of Kingdom Impact Theater Ministries, the Next Generation, though she’s been with us awhile. Maybe you've seen her greeting people at shows at our hospitality table, or sitting in singing with the ladies’ worship ensemble, Chos3n. She’s also behind the scenes (or out front) photographing our performances, such as those she did for “Freedom Song” promotions. All of those activities she began as a high school intern. She’s now preparing for her senior year of college, studying psychology and creative writing, wondering how to use them in the "adulting" world to come. 
Hear "Free Indeed," based on John 8:36, on KIT's "Freedom Song" YouTube Playlist.
All music that tells the story of redemption through Jesus Christ is gospel music. Yet in some circles "gospel music" is confined to a niche -- a certain style of music; a style of music associated with African-Americans. In that sense, components of "gospel music" are symbolized by two easily identifiable symbols: a choir and robes. These symbols come from a powerful aesthetic in African-American heritage; yet there are dangers in defining gospel music and African-Americans by these two symbols alone. |
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