It is the goal of the worship team to create a Spirit filled environment where God is glorified and where people experience the presence of God every time we gather to worship. We do not feel that we are meant to deliver excellent music to the congregation every week for the sake of performance, but to be instruments that God uses to minister to His people. Likewise we use our gifts to encourage His people to glorify Him through music and the expression of Spiritual gifts. (2 Chron 5:11-14)
We are ...
The music team is led by Sam Duis who has been a key member of this music team for over 10 years. Self-taught from an early age, Sam has a passion to use his musical expertise to further the kingdom through leading worship and being a part of an up-and-coming band. After high school he attended a Youth With A Mission Discipleship Training School and a School of Worship, giving him opportunity to lead worship for thousands of believers throughout 7 countries.
Andrew Keener is a graduate from James Madison University with a degree in Mathematics. His plan to be an upper level math teacher has been put on hold for a time as he is using the passion God has given him to serve as an intern with Shepherd Gate's youth ministry. Andrew is a talented singer and has a natural ability to lead God's people into worship.
Guitar player extraordinaire Matt Duis has studied music for 15 years. Whether on acoustic, electric, or classical guitar, Matt adds many levels of quality and experience to the music team. He spent two years at Wheaton conservatory on a classical guitar scholarship, during which time he studied with the world renowned Christopher Parkening. Matt is the proud father of twin daughters.
Next to older brother, Sam, Tyler Duis is currently the most veteran member of Shepherd Gate's music team. He began drumming at age 11 and progressed very quickly. With a year of college under his belt, he is pursuing a career in music, primarily as the drummer for Bradley James and the Roadies. Practicing nearly 20 hours a week, Tyler's dedication and love for music adds depth, skill, and style to the music team, and is irrefutably the "backbone" of the band.
Our sound
We have a contemporary music style that is guitar/keyboard driven accompanied by bass guitar, drums and occasionally other instruments. Our sound is powered by the state of the art, on-stage, Bose tower system. We strive for a professional sound that is on par with today's musical standard. While very rehearsed, we make it a point to leave room for the Spirit of God to come in for spontaneous times of worship.
We lead the congregation in worship in a Sunday morning service, plus a mid-week family evening on Wednesdays. To prepare for the Sunday morning services, we have team rehearsals on Thursdays at 7 pm and Sunday mornings at 9 am. In addition to the regular weekly service, we may provide special music for retreats or special outreach events.
How you can get involved:
If you play a musical instrument or sing and would like to be considered for the music team, please call Sam Duis at 703.554.4403 or send him an email at samduis@gmail.com.
Musicians and vocalists from the jr. high - college age are also eligible to try out for our youth worship team that provides musical support for our Saturday night youth group.
There is also opportunity to be apart of the audio/video team, which handles recording our services onto CD's, running digital song projection, the soundboard, lights, cameras and other technical support. Extra support is needed now!
Other ways of serving the music ministry:
Music ministry is an expensive ministry. Instruments, stage equipment, team meals, and routine string/stick replacements can be very costly. If you would like to make a contribution to the worship ministry please write a check made out to Shepherd Gate Church and write "Music ministry gift" on the memo line.
If you would like to be on the committee that weekly provides a refreshment basket and breakfast between the Sunday services for the worship team please contact Anne Thomas at servingyou@shepherdgate.org.
Special Recognition:
The worship team would also like to thank:
Audio/Visual Team
Mike Kelly
Tim Nestor
Tony Nestor
Mike Kelly
Jeremy Bradney
Hunter Brigman
Guest Muscians
Debbie Flynn
Joash Chung
Joseph Parvin
Keli Rhodes
Lydia Carten
Norman and Jenn Voss
Phillip Kohrmann
Rob Andrews
Tiffany Schick
William Cook
Will Godwin
