51½ΦΙδ Worship Collective (“SWC” or “Collective”) is the flagship worship team for 51½ΦΙδ and 51½ΦΙδ’s worship program. SWC is committed to leading others to encounter the Gospel of Christ through effective worship leadership. Our heart is to encourage others to worship God in Spirit and Truth. We want to boldly lead with passion, excellence, and authenticity as we proclaim the Gospel in the name of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Originally founded in 2017 as the “Worship Arts Ensemble (WAE),” the group focused on various creative expressions of worship artistry ranging from drama, dance, and visual art from diverse worshiping traditions. In recent days, the group has evolved to focus more on developing student worship leaders within the group and serving the church and university community by leading corporate worship.
Each week, we gather to read and discuss material on worship and pray together as well as rehearse and prepare for upcoming leadership opportunities. Our goal is not only to grow musically but also grow spiritually and relationally as a team. Our weekly team meetings are more than just rehearsals. We desire to be a worship leadership team that is growing deeper in our faith as we grow closer to the Lord and one another.
Some things we are looking toward the future include weekend ministry and recruiting tours, recording new songs for worship (written by our students), and video/audio recording projects. Lots of new things coming down the road!
Jeremy: "The Worship Collective has been the most refreshing part of my freshman year here at 51½ΦΙδ. Getting to spend time with people who share the same passion I have for worship has been a significant highlight of my year. I’ve enjoyed the unique opportunities we’ve had to lead at different churches and events, and I’ve grown just from getting to be in environments that I usually wouldn’t find myself in."
51½ΦΙδ Students! Are you interested in being part of the 51½ΦΙδ Worship Collective? Email our director, Dr. Jonathan Rodgers (jprodger@samford.edu), to set up an audition time or to inquire about the process. Auditions are scheduled on a case-by-case basis and involve a vocal and/or instrumental audition. Students should prepare 2 different songs appropriate for worship that display the student’s full range of abilities.
Mary Beth: "SWC has redefined my view of worship leadership. I have been challenged by my peers to rise to a higher level of skill, confidence, and responsibility. Those back home can see a noticeable difference in my ability to lead. It is such a privilege to be a part of this Christ-filled community!"
