JoyWorks and PraiseWorks worship arts camps have become powerful equipping tools for the state as children and students are discipled as the next generation of worshipers and worship leaders.
Both camps focus on music and song, creative arts and disciple making and run July 14-18 on the campus of Ouachita Baptist University. JoyWorks is for students who have completed grades 3-6. PraiseWorks is for students who have completed grades 7-12.
The camps take students at their level and continue to increase their knowledge and ability through equipping to where they can continue to grow in their relationship with Christ and their ability to lead in their local churches.
“I went to PraiseWorks 2024 as a camper, and it was one of the best weeks of my life,” said Lindsey Scott of Central Baptist Church in North Little Rock.
Scott took guitar class and voice lessons and learned many songs that she still loves to play.
“My voice lesson group helped me to become more comfortable with singing in front of people and eventually helped me join my youth group praise team. My guitar class also helped me become more comfortable worshipping on stage in front of everyone,” Scott said. “Not only did PraiseWorks help me come out of my shell and grow closer to God while worshiping, but I grew closer to some of the girls in my church, too. A small group of us went last year, and we bonded a lot in our dorms and hung out during free time. PraiseWorks is one of my favorite memories, and I can’t wait to go back.”
Key Poindexter, students and worship associate at First Baptist Church in Searcy, said it was his experience at PraiseWorks that ignited his passion for worship ministry.
“It was there that I first sensed God’s call to serve. Through PraiseWorks, I not only gained invaluable skills but also found mentorship from worship leaders like Kasey Earl, Jim Daniel, Larry Grayson, and especially Taylor Keenen. Taylor has made it a mission to be intentional about pouring into me personally, showing me what it means to lead with both humility and passion. His guidance has been a huge part of my growth in ministry,” Poindexter said.
From being a student intern to volunteering to joining the staff in his current role, Poindexter has had the privilege of serving FBC Searcy. He helped the church take its first ever group to JoyWorks and helped launch its kids worship ministry – WorshipLife.
“None of this would have been possible without the prayer, intentionality, and investment I’ve received from PraiseWorks and pastors like Taylor. I’m deeply grateful for how PraiseWorks has shaped my life and ministry, and it’s a privilege to now pass on the same heart for worship to the next generation,” Poindexter said.
JoyWorks and PraiseWorks are ministries of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention made possible thanks to the generous giving of Arkansas Baptists to the Cooperative Program.
Registration opens March 1. For more information, click here.