Photo courtesy of Ouachita Baptist University
A dedication of the new Worship Studies Lab at Ouachita Baptist (OBU) University was held Thursday, April 24.
Recognized at the dedication was Department of Worship Studies Chair Larry Grayson, for whom the new lab is named. Humble of the recognition, Grayson said he was “incredibly honored.”
Grayson joined the OBU faculty in the fall of 2020 after serving as adjunct instructor in worship studies for two years. Prior to coming to Ouachita, he served 10 years on the staff with the Arkansas Baptist State Convention as music and worship consultant.
The lab, completed mid-November 2024, is a state-of-the-art hands-on facility for all things worship: audio and video capabilities, IEM’s (in-ear monitoring), projection, lighting, and more.
“In a sense, it is a mini worship space. It is fully equipped so the students get opportunities to do the technical aspect of things but also, it’s a place we can worship together. It’s a place where students can practice, they can rehearse and prepare to lead here and even go out to churches and lead,” Grayson said. “It’s a beautiful place.”
OBU introduced its new Worship Studies degree in 2021. Grayson said the addition of the Worship Studies Lab “makes it full circle.”
“We have our whole foundation now in place to really prepare students and equip them completely so that they can leave here and get ready to go to any church. Our mantra is any church, any style, any size,” he said.
To learn more about Worship Studies at OBU, visit obu.edu/worshipstudies or contact Grayson or Assistant Professor David Tatum.