By Rick Vacek
GCU News Bureau
Dr. Randall Downs was surprised he hadn’t heard of the Canyon Worship albums before he became the Worship Arts Coordinator for the College of Theology.
“I started listening through them and I thought, ‘Well, I should’ve heard of them because these are phenomenal CDs,’” he said.
Determined to make sure other people outside Grand Canyon University don’t miss out on the music written and performed by Center for Worship Arts students, Downs had an idea: Take the musicians to the community.
So his first major initiative in his new job is Canyon Worship West, a 90-minute presentation of all 10 songs on Canyon Worship 2018. It’s scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, at Harvest Bible Chapel West Valley, 9700 N. 91st Ave., Suite 120, in Peoria.
It’s an idea similar to what Downs witnessed during his time at the University of Mobile (Ala.), where he double majored in music and worship.
“It generates a lot of buzz about the University, the program, what God’s doing there,” he said. “Even people who aren’t even going to go to school there get excited because they see what God’s doing. It just seems like a no-brainer.
“I’m hoping this will generate interest among high school students who know the Lord is leading them into ministry and adults who are already done with college – maybe they can hear it and get excited about what God’s doing here.”
He’s certainly excited about it. The Canyon Worship albums have become the most high-profile Worship Arts project – the students also perform at a Showcase event near the end of each semester, but the album is what the public hears.
This year’s album is available on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and Shazam, and the CD version is being sold in the Lope Shop on campus. CDs will be available at Canyon Worship West as well.
“The hope of connecting Canyon Worship music more directly with local churches has been part of the vision for the album since we produced the first EP,” said Dr. Jason Hiles, dean of the College of Theology. “We’ve always intended to bless local churches with music that is artistically excellent and theologically sound, which is what people have come to expect from Canyon Worship albums.
“But the idea of connecting with churches by hosting an evening of live worship at a church in the West Valley was all Randall’s idea. One day in the middle of the summer while we were discussing ways that we could get the music out to the churches, Randall brought up the possibility of bringing all the artists together for a live performance. I don’t always have great ideas myself, but I recognize a great idea when I hear one. The rest is history.”
It has been a whirlwind few months for Downs. In fact, he had a hurricane-like month last spring.
On May 11, he earned his doctoral degree.
On May 26, he got married.
On June 11, he started at GCU.
Amid all that, he was involved with planting a church and is a co-founder, singer, songwriter and guitarist for Loser’s Way Home, a folk group based in Anthem.
Now he’s busy in his new role, and he has inherited a program that is thriving.
“The Worship Arts program has grown and developed over the past four years in ways that have exceeded my expectations in many ways,” Hiles said, “especially when I see the level of talent among our students and the passion for Christ-honoring worship that our graduates take with them into local churches.
“But in many ways we’ve only begun to scratch the surface, considering all the potential at stake for a program like this. When I met Randall and began talking with him about who he is, what he brings to the table and what he thinks is possible for a Worship Arts program like ours, I was convinced that God had provided the leadership we need to move to the next level.
“Randall works hard, knows how to lead worship within the context of a local church and happens to hold a Ph.D. His musical ability is exceptional, and he just happens to be very enjoyable to hang out with and talk to. There’s no doubt that he brings the right combination of skill, ability and knowledge to the Center for Worship Arts.
“He has already begun to connect well with students and to lead well as the program’s coordinator. I could not be more pleased with what he’s done already, and I look forward to seeing all that God will do through his ministry at GCU.”
And he’s already implementing his first big idea: Canyon Worship West.
“With all the talent these students have, we love seeing that displayed,” Downs said. “It should be just a great time of worship and focusing on The Word. It’s also a good showing of what the Center for Worship Arts is all about.”
Contact Rick Vacek at (602) 639-8203 or [email protected].
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GCU Today: Upbeat 'Rhythm' sets tone for Canyon Worship
GCU Today: Inspirational stories behind Canyon Worship songs
GCU Today: The path leads to Canyon Worship ... and a career
