Four women stood at the front of the church holding only a microphone. These a cappella singers welcomed churchgoers with their upbeat vibrant voices. Churchgoers clapped their hands and snapped their fingers to the rhythm of the hymn, as they walked to their seats.
Traditional music ministries are comprised of various choral and instrumental ensembles that magnify the name of God through its music. What makes the music ministry unique at Liberty View Church, located at 1719 Burleson, is their non-instrumental rhythmic sounds. Two young men sit off to the side of the choir and beat box the rhythm of the songs.
The church member responsible for planning and leading the music in church services, by both the congregation and the choir, is known as a minister of music. Karen Land is the minister of music and singer at Liberty View Church. Land has always had a passion for gospel singing.
“I grew up in a town where there was a church in every corner,” Land said. “Singing comes second nature to me. I have always loved to sing.”
In the sixth grade Land joined her first school choir, but once she got to high school she had to choose between sports and singing.
That did not stop her from enjoying music. In college she decided to get back into singing and auditioned for the Lamar College Psalms 150 gospel choir. She sang with this group throughout her college years.
Unfortunately after college, she needed to take another break from singing after joining the military.
As a U.S. Army Captain, Land was unable to sing as frequently as she had done in college. Her military duties and frequent travels made it difficult for her to join a choir. However, Land would indulge in singing at church functions and ceremonies.
After retiring from the military, Land and eight church members founded a gospel group called the Anointed. When their church closed, the gospel group decided to take the show on the road. They sang songs of praise and worship throughout the ‘90s all over the Dallas/Ft. Worth area.
When Land relocated to San Antonio she heard of a church that was looking for gospel singers. Land attended a few church services and later became a member of the church and joined the church choir.
When the minister of music abruptly stopped attending the church, Land felt it was a sign from God. If music ministry is a calling, at that moment Land heard her calling and decided to take on the role of music minister.
It has since been three years since Land heard her calling. She has continued to praise and sing at Liberty View Church because of the joy it brings others.
“We are a praise team,” Land said. “The same way cheerleaders and bands enhance football games, music ministries enhance sermons.”
A church service at Liberty View Church begins with the opening prayer and once the minister has blessed everyone in attendance, the air is taken over by the vibrant voices of the choir. The small size of the choir goes unnoticed with the sound of their celestial voices. Combined with the beatboxing rhythms, the music begins to take over. Churchgoers begin to softly tap their feet to the tempo of the song. It doesn’t take long before they can be seen swaying side-to side with their hands raised high in the air.
Minister Barron Jones has been with Liberty View Church for more than six years and has worked with Land for the past three years.
“Karen has spear-headed a lot of our community events,” Jones said. “She is a true blessing to this church.”
Music is used in all types of gatherings, presentations and congregations. It is designed to inspire and elevate the soul, which is why it has become a vital part of Liberty View Church.
