Music graduate Lenna Harlow paves a new path in worship leadership.
For Lenna Harlow, worship has always been more than just music; it’s been a calling.
Now, as the first student to graduate from Palm Beach Atlantic University’s (PBA) newly revised Bachelor of Music in Worship Leadership program, Harlow is marking a milestone not only in her own journey, but in the future of worship leadership at PBA.
The Bachelor of Music in Worship Leadership program was approved by the National Association of Schools of Music in 2023. The need for this program is reflected in churches’ growing need for leaders who are both musically trained and have ministry experience.
“It is an honor to be paving a new path in the worship leadership degree as worship has changed continually over time,” Harlow said. “It is very important to have a program where we are learning the new aspects in worship leadership which are used in churches today.”
A Calling Rooted in Worship
Harlow’s passion for worship began early. Growing up in a musical family, she spent years singing and writing songs on the piano, slowly nurturing this call.
“I have felt called to worship from a very young age,” Harlow said. “I grew up singing with my family and sitting at the piano for countless hours just writing music and singing to God.”
Over time, that passion grew into a desire to help lead others to worship.
“The thing that interests me most is just being able to join with others in worship and laying all differences aside to join in with heaven, praising God,” Harlow said.
Exercising both Ministry and Music
The worship leadership program at PBA combines music training with theology and ministry preparation. Students are given the opportunity to study music theory, improvisation, songwriting, and production while also learning about church leadership and biblical foundations.
Unlike traditional music degrees, the program emphasizes ministry over performance.
“We are less focused on performing and building a name for ourselves, and more on edifying the church and enhancing our gifts to lead others in pure worship,” Harlow said.
As part of the newly revised program, Harlow experienced its growth firsthand. Harlow believes the program has shifted significantly during her time at PBA, becoming more aligned with contemporary worship practices.
Training with tools such as Planning Center, Nashville Numbers, and Ableton also positions her and future students to gain a deeper understanding of the technical and behind-the-scenes aspects of worship leadership.
Paving the Way Forward
After graduation, Harlow plans to continue leading worship at churches, camps, and conferences, using her theological training to communicate the meaning of worship with others.
“I plan on being in a more pastoral role of worship,” Harlow said. “I plan to be a mentor within the church as well as a worship director.”
Looking ahead, she also hopes to invest in future worship leaders, encouraging students to gain experience beyond the classroom.
“Serve your community and get experience,” Harlow said. “Get to know other worship leaders and ministers in the area, cultivate relationships with them, and learn from them.”
As the first to graduate in the newly revised program, Harlow is leaving a foundation for those who follow. She has not only discovered her calling in worship but has also inspired other students to discover their own.
To learn more about PBA, visit https://www.pba.edu/.
