Published on December 3, 2025  
Dwan Hill
Dwan Hill shares his vision for inclusive choir culture during Worship Exchange at Samford.

The day began in Reid Chapel, where the Samford Worship Collective led a powerful time of worship.  Their music set the tone for what was to come – a celebration of artistry and unity in worship.  Afterward, we gathered in the Rotunda Room for an intimate Q&A with Dwan, diving deeper into his ministry and practical ways to renew choir culture.

Dwan reminded us that choirs can be places of belonging—where everyone has a part and joy leads the way. Through stories from his work in churches and community spaces, he challenged us to imagine choirs that prioritize participation over performance. His message was clear: choirs aren’t relics of the past – they’re vital expressions of community and worship.

Watch this brief video of the Worship Exchange

Play the video

Highlights from Dwan Hill’s Worship Exchange at Samford.

Four Practices to Renew Choir Culture

Here are some key takeaways from the event:

Start with invitation, not audition. 

Let “come sing with us” be the first word, not “prove you belong.” When we lead with invitation, we communicate that the choir is a place of welcome, not judgment. Hospitality is the first note in the song of belonging. Imagine the difference: instead of creating barriers, we open doors wide for people who may never have considered themselves “good enough” to join. This simple shift can transform the culture of a choir from exclusive to inclusive.

Arrange for participation. 

Music can be complex and beautiful, but if it leaves people behind, it misses the point. Use melodic lines and call-and-response moments that are easy to learn and joyful to repeat. When singers can join quickly and confidently, rehearsals become celebrations and worship becomes communal. Think of the choir as a conversation, not a performance – where everyone has a voice and feels empowered to contribute.

Tell the bigger story. 

Choirs can embody a theology of belonging: many voices, one song; community over celebrity. Choir reminds us that worship is a shared act.  Dwan challenged us to remember that every voice matters, and together we create something no one could achieve alone. In a culture that often elevates individual talent, choirs stand as a living parable of unity and grace.

Lead with joy. 

Excellence matters, but joy is what people remember—and what brings them back. Joy doesn’t mean lowering standards – it means creating an atmosphere where laughter and encouragement are as present as precision. And when leaders model joy, choirs become magnets for community.

pastor with crowd

Attendees connect over conversation during the post-event luncheon.

Why This Matters

In a time when many churches have scaled back choirs – or replaced them with smaller teams – Dwan’s message felt like a breath of fresh air.  Choirs aren’t just about music; they’re about ministry. They give us a way to practice what we preach: that the body of Christ is diverse, interdependent, and called to sing together.  This Worship Exchange reminded us that choirs can be catalysts for community, creativity, and joy.

Together, we’re creating spaces where artistry and worship unite across generations. Thanks for being part of the journey!

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