Photos by Brookelyn Davis
Article by Mia Takahashi
NEWBERG, Ore. – Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, more than 30 students gather to worship the Lord through the George Fox University (GFU) Worship Ensemble. The group has grown since Aaron Barnhart was hired full-time at GFU, becoming its director.
The Worship Ensemble started with six people, then grew into two full modern worship bands. Even with the two bands, eventually there wasn’t enough space for everyone who wanted to participate; as a result, the Worship Choir was created.
By then, Olivia Pothoff had been an artist-in-residence since 2021, when she began teaching contemporary voice to Worship Ensemble vocalists. During her time as an artist-in-residence, she also wrote her own music and served as the Pastor of Worship and Care at Journey Church, a role she had until last year, when she became the Associate Pastor. Pothoff was asked to lead the Worship Choir about two weeks before the 2024-25 school year began.
The Choir spent much of the first year promoting their group, leading them to play more gigs. Ellise Newton, who hopes to be a worship arts pastor, was a part of the Worship Choir's beginning stages.
Since its founding, the choir has grown to include over 20 members. While Newton's involvement in the bands peaked over the past couple of years, she still loves to hear the sound of the Worship Choir and see it grow as more people join.
For many members of the Worship Ensemble, this class has become a favorite part of the week. What makes classes so memorable is the combination of singing worship songs as a group and discussions about leading worship. These are just a few moments in class that Pothoff sees as “a little slice of heaven.”
For those interested in singing, Worship Ensemble is a wonderful place to start as members receive input and mentorship from professionals.
Since its first year, Pothoff has greatly enjoyed seeing the choir grow. Barnhart also appreciates the growth as he loves to see young people grow in their unique gifts and faith.
One of the most meaningful parts of being a member of the Worship Ensemble, in any capacity, is the familial atmosphere amongst all the members. “Worship Ensemble is a wonderful place to be mentored and built up by friends that care about you and care about your story,” said Newton.
The Worship Ensemble is open to students of all majors and skill levels; Barnhart would love “to see as many people as possible lifting up the name of Jesus in many styles, ways [and] instruments.”
Whether you’re singing in the choir or leading a worship team, Worship Ensemble is a place where everyone belongs and is truly welcomed.
