Tenth-grader MacKenzie Jordan is a powerhouse of positivity. Whether leading in worship, chatting with fellow Nativity disciples, or serving clients at Calvary Food Pantry, she visibly beams!
MacKenzie is active in many facets of worship ministry. Growing up at Nativity, MacKenzie realizes she doesn’t really remember the time before she was leading in worship. She recalls early experiences of singing in the children’s choir and playing chimes and piano as ways of sharing God’s love. Later on, MacKenzie accepted invitations to join her family in usher duties and altar guild, furthering her knowledge and leadership skills.
Then one day in the middle of the pandemic, Fred Park asked MacKenzie to consider becoming an assisting minister. Up to that point, MacKenzie had worked mostly in leadership teams, but she had read scripture, played piano solos, and been an acolyte.
Uncertain at first, MacKenzie agreed to give it a try and she began by sharing the assisting minister role with her mother Leigha Jordan. Recently, with the support and encouragement of Pastor Sean and her own family, MacKenzie began serving on her own. Following her first “solo” service MacKenzie received compliments and expressions of appreciation for her leadership from Pastor Sean and other parishioners.
Reflecting on her experience, MacKenzie shares, “Being a leader in worship allows me to more deeply grow my faith and learning. It helps me share my faith in Christ and impact others.” MacKenzie admitted, “(Serving as an) assisting minister is hard, but it gives me a chance to have a larger impact on the people around me.” MacKenzie intends to continue serving in this way. She has realized that, “I feel more connected through my faith journey,” when serving as a worship leader.
Nativity’s encouragement of active participation and leadership makes it possible for disciples of all ages to nurture their faith as they explore and grow in their spiritual gifts.
