Imagine being a freshman interested in worship, who applied for Samford’s Worship Collective, only to be unable to join due to a lack of space. Samford has been growing very rapidly, not only in the number of students accepted but also in the formation of new student-led groups.
This is a problem that Jonathan Rodgers foresaw and addressed by forming Women of Worship.
“We had 25 women, and we had no space for them … that’s another group,” he said.
Women of Worship is part of the Samford Worship Collective (SWC), which includes several bands that lead nights of worship on campus and throughout the community. Unlike bands such as Montague or Lakeshore, Women of Worship functions more like a choir — though many members can also play instruments. Rodgers described it as a “large group experience.”
One thing that sets Women of Worship apart is that it’s a space for women specifically to be prepared to lead worship outside of the Samford community and into the local church. The group meets once a week and takes the time to sing and worship without the pressure of rehearsing and practicing.
While the group was formed due to the growing size and interest, Rodgers also said that spiritual growth is a priority for him.
“If I could help be a […] clearer picture of Christ, to be a clearer picture of love and encouragement that maybe some women that might be in the room haven’t seen, I’m thankful for that opportunity,” Rodgers said.
Katherine Williams, the student director for Women of Worship, described their first gathering as emotional. She also said it was the moment that confirmed for her the need for women to have a place to worship and find encouragement and community.
“Our campus has a hunger and a desire to see women lead and see women worship together,” she said.
The Women of Worship will join the larger Samford Worship Collective for two nights of worship on Oct. 9 and Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. in the Wright Center. Williams says she hopes the group continues to grow and be a space where women can be equipped and encouraged.
