When chapel worship at Oklahoma Bible Academy changed during the COVID era, many students missed the music that once kicked off each gathering. Karson Jenkins wasn’t content to leave it behind.
“This year, my senior year, I approached Dr. Wilkins and asked if I could get a team together and start up a worship team to lead the school in song before every chapel,” Jenkins said.
For Karson, music is more than just melody—it’s the language of her faith.
“I learn through music,” she said. “When I hear a song, it is easier for me to understand God’s goodness and His Word through the song rather than through someone’s teaching.”
Though she doesn’t necessarily feel called to a life of worship leadership, she recognizes God has given her the tools to glorify Him in a meaningful way.
“I wouldn’t say I feel called to lead worship, it is just something I enjoy,” she explained. “God has blessed me with the ability to sing, play the piano, and just have a love for music, so I take that blessing and use it to praise Him in all his glory.”
That love for worship is contagious among the team Karson helps organize and lead.
“Everyone on the worship team shares the love for God, leading, and music,” she said. “We pray for each other in confidence and that our leadership would allow others to see Christ through us.”
Her favorite moments aren’t about spotlight or performance—but what happens when she steps away from the mic.
“It is my favorite thing to step away from the mic and stop playing the piano to hear the voices of God’s people singing His praise.”
As she prepares for her next chapter, Karson holds onto songs that have carried her through important moments of faith, like “Living Hope” and “Trust in God.”
“‘Trust in God’ has been helpful as a reminder that when I go off to college soon, God will always be there for me and will listen to all my prayers in the good and bad and help me through whatever I need.”
For Karson, worship leadership is about humility, joy, and letting God take center stage.