The Importance of Worship

Vanguard University has a chapel requirement every fall and spring semester; students are given the option to attend chapel online or in person at the William J. Seymour building. Attending in person chapels has a steady outcome by students, but why is worship so important for students?

The worship pastor for Vanguard University has been Pastor Asenath Casarez since 2019. Her job mainly entails, “overseeing our [meaning Vanguard University] Spiritual formation worship teams who provide worship for our chapel services.” Pastor Casarez does many other things for the university as well as helping to make sure that the worship services get done smoothy. But she, “mainly manage[es] our student-led programs.” Her previous job was at her church where she served for seven years and has gotten the job of being Vanguard University’s worship pastor, “by the grace of God.” She also said that she, “has been in ministry for most of [her] life.” She continued to say, “I have developed and pastored worship teams in the past,” and that she loves getting to have that opportunity to do that here at Vanguard University.

Worshiping is certainly important to Pastor Casarez, and wrote that worship, “ is our response to his presence and our outward expression of our love for God.” She noted that, “there is a reason why churches all over the world have worship in their services.” One of the reasons being that it, “connects you with God and prepares your heart to hear his Word.” Worshiping at church not only gives us an opportunity for us to focus on God, but it also gives God the opportunity to do work within us during that time.

Worshiping together certainly has its benefits because we worship God together, but should worship be valued by students personally? Pastor Casarez noted that she did believe that students should value it in their personal lives because, “it’s an important part of their journey with the Lord.” Just like reading the Bible is important or so is worshiping God important, especially in ones personal life. Spending time with God, by worshiping Him and praying helps us to understand; and connect with Him even more. But, worshiping alone or with fewer people around can be much different than worshiping when a crowd of people are in the same room. Some advice that Pastor Casarez gives students who may struggle with worshiping among a crowd of people, whether it’s because of life’s responsibilities or because the person standing next to them is distracting them. Pastor Casarez suggests that they, “sit up front, focus on Him, lean into Him,” and that, “when you make God your priority, he encounters you.”

And for students that may not see worship as important or as a waste of time, Pastor Casarez encourages, “them to not take for granted the amazing opportunity and experience that is offered and is right in front of them right now.” Because their, “college years will be over before you know it, take full advantage.” The time spent at college is precious and is a time that can be put to worthwhile things, especially worship time. Vanguard University holds Excavate, which is a time specifically set aside for worship. It takes place at the William J. Seymour building on Monday night’s chapel. It’s a chance for students to encounter God during worship and it’s a place for students who have a desire to be a part of the worship team get practice by exercising their worship skills. For students who specifically want to be a part of a worship team or want to be a worship Pastor someday, Pastor Casarez suggests that they, “take every opportunity you are able to experience,” and to, “worship like it is your last.” And to, “be faithful to the call and remember that it is not a job but a privilege.”