Encounter worship service expresses

Published: March 08, 2022

The dictionary defines an “encounter” as “an unexpected experience or meeting with someone or something.”

But when it comes to Greenville University’s weekly worship service by that name, Paul Sunderland (pictured above) has a different definition.

Sunderland, chair of the University’s music department and director of the worship arts program, describes the Monday morning gathering as “an encounter with Jesus in a relational way.” That focus, he says, makes Encounter distinct from the all-campus chapel service on Wednesday.

“I spent time last summer thinking about what would meet the students where they are, and yet encourage them to cultivate an authentic relationship with God,” says Sunderland. “Our hope is that our focus on music, prayer, and reflecting together leads them toward that relationship.

GU Gospel Choir member Devin Oregon

Sung worship is a critical part of the Encounter experience

“We have come to understand that students don’t necessarily read the Bible on a regular basis and may not be involved in small groups or other venues for spiritual growth,” says Sunderland. “This puts a significant weight of influence on musical worship to tell the story of God, His attributes, and His works. When you sing things over and over, they begin to impact your perspective and form your beliefs. We can literally sing our way to our beliefs.”

Song choices are important because the words stick with us

“The significance of songs puts a lot of responsibility on the song leaders,” Sunderland continues. “Every song sung in worship should serve a spiritual purpose. As worship leaders, we’re always asking how the songs we choose are accomplishing that goal. If we believe that Jesus is with us in our worship, shouldn’t that change the way we worship?”

(pictured above Pursuit band member Isabella (Bella) Johnson)

Worship leadership for the Encounter services comes from Pursuit (a group of worship bands on campus), the Gospel Choir, and smaller groups of musicians.

The worship atmosphere created during the Encounter services has a twofold purpose, according to Sunderland.

“Worship expresses our faith,” he says, “but it also forms our faith. When you worship Jesus, you are becoming something new and different. That transformation into deeper faith is what we seek through encounter.”

The message and the medium

While musical worship is an integral part of Encounter, Sunderland has introduced other elements– to encourage small-group discussion during the Encounter gathering. Current videos include brief clips from the television series “Chosen,” author Brene Brown, spoken word and others. Participants watch the video and then engage in discussion over questions with a small group comprised of people sitting near them. Together, they share life and spiritual insights. Encounter is held at 9:30 am Mondays in Whitlock Music Center.

“I spend a lot of time trying to find the right questions for people to wrestle with and talk about,” Sunderland says. “We’ve designed Encounter to welcome all people, regardless of where they are in their relationship with Jesus.”

GU Gospel Choir member Camila Jaime

So, what’s the goal of Encounter?

“At GU, our deep desire is to see our students’ lives’ changed because they encountered God here,” says President Suzanne Davis. “We welcome students, wherever they are spiritually, and invite them into an environment where they can engage, experience, and encounter this God who will forever transform their lives.”