The first time I stepped into Proskuneo Worship Institute, my heart was stirred. I had never experienced anything quite like it. The students ranged from sixteen to thirty-five years old. Josh Davis, director of Proskuneo Ministries, had asked me to come and speak about my experiences as a songwriter in Nashville. I was terrified. But as I prayed for direction, God began to show me what He wanted me to share and so I said yes.
I sat there waiting for my session to start, my mind was racing and my body was shaking. I had no idea what to expect and no concept of how this day would change my life.
The students who attend Proskuneo Worship Institute (PWI) are worshippers. They are musicians, dancers, visual artists, poets, singers, worship leaders, and songwriters. They COME because they want to improve their craft. They are provided one-on-one mentoring. They work on assignments to present at the end of each week for critique and encouragement. They receive teaching and training in the arts, in worship, and in God’s Word. But when they leave they GO FORWARD with new passion and changed lives.
Mere words cannot encapsulate the PWI experience. The staff prays, prepares, and invites. The students choose to set aside the time to come away and spend their summer in this place. The mentors and speakers seek God and pour themselves out. And God shows up to meet us all. Time in His presence changes us. Multiplied time in His presence makes us new.
Proskuneo Worship Institute started in 2009 with a handful of students. In 2014 we served thirty-five students. Many of these have been with us multiple years and we have been blessed to be a part of what God is doing in their lives and in their ministries. Some have transitioned into roles as interns and staff and mentors with PWI. What a privilege to have them work alongside us.
At PWI, we are all stretched. It is not a static place. It is a place to share your story. It is a place to find your “voice.” It is a place to use your wings. I think we all find strengths we didn’t know we possessed. This is what happened to me. In 2010, I taught a workshop on songwriting. In 2011, I mentored songwriters. In 2012, 2013, and 2014, I directed Proskuneo Worship Institute. I have loved each moment and I have grown each time I have said yes.
What’s next for Proskuneo Worship Institute?
Some of our students have come back to intern with Proskuneo Ministries in Clarkston. They teach at the Proskuneo School of the Arts. They lead worship in local churches. They minister in a variety of ways. We are grateful for the time that they come to serve here, but we want to offer them more than just a place to use their gifts. We would like to give them a training ground from which to launch.
PWI 180
Interns sign up for a six month commitment (180 days) with Proskuneo. Each week they will receive classroom training in working across cultures, in strengthening their leadership skills, and in Biblical studies of worship.
The Goal?
We want to equip leaders from all nations who will influence their churches, their communities, and their world.
While we will continue the original summer worship intensive, PWI 180 is an exciting next step for Proskuneo Ministries. I have been called to this ministry, I am passionate about this next step, and I am ready to put my hands to the task!
I sat there waiting for my session to start, my mind was racing and my body was shaking. I had no idea what to expect and no concept of how this day would change my life.
The students who attend Proskuneo Worship Institute (PWI) are worshippers. They are musicians, dancers, visual artists, poets, singers, worship leaders, and songwriters. They COME because they want to improve their craft. They are provided one-on-one mentoring. They work on assignments to present at the end of each week for critique and encouragement. They receive teaching and training in the arts, in worship, and in God’s Word. But when they leave they GO FORWARD with new passion and changed lives.
Mere words cannot encapsulate the PWI experience. The staff prays, prepares, and invites. The students choose to set aside the time to come away and spend their summer in this place. The mentors and speakers seek God and pour themselves out. And God shows up to meet us all. Time in His presence changes us. Multiplied time in His presence makes us new.
Proskuneo Worship Institute started in 2009 with a handful of students. In 2014 we served thirty-five students. Many of these have been with us multiple years and we have been blessed to be a part of what God is doing in their lives and in their ministries. Some have transitioned into roles as interns and staff and mentors with PWI. What a privilege to have them work alongside us.
At PWI, we are all stretched. It is not a static place. It is a place to share your story. It is a place to find your “voice.” It is a place to use your wings. I think we all find strengths we didn’t know we possessed. This is what happened to me. In 2010, I taught a workshop on songwriting. In 2011, I mentored songwriters. In 2012, 2013, and 2014, I directed Proskuneo Worship Institute. I have loved each moment and I have grown each time I have said yes.
What’s next for Proskuneo Worship Institute?
Some of our students have come back to intern with Proskuneo Ministries in Clarkston. They teach at the Proskuneo School of the Arts. They lead worship in local churches. They minister in a variety of ways. We are grateful for the time that they come to serve here, but we want to offer them more than just a place to use their gifts. We would like to give them a training ground from which to launch.
PWI 180
Interns sign up for a six month commitment (180 days) with Proskuneo. Each week they will receive classroom training in working across cultures, in strengthening their leadership skills, and in Biblical studies of worship.
The Goal?
We want to equip leaders from all nations who will influence their churches, their communities, and their world.
While we will continue the original summer worship intensive, PWI 180 is an exciting next step for Proskuneo Ministries. I have been called to this ministry, I am passionate about this next step, and I am ready to put my hands to the task!
