June 22, 2018: Q&A with Rev. Terrence Jennings (Part 1)

ChurchNews & Events

Rev. Terrence JenningsOur new Minister of Music is the Rev. Terrence Jennings!

We are proud and excited to introduce our new Minister of Music, Rev. Terrence Jennings, who will begin at The Park on July 1, 2018.

Get to know more about Rev. Jennings and welcome him to The Park!

What is your hometown?

Plainview, TX

How did being a PK (preacher’s kid) influence you?

Being a preacher’s kid taught me sacrifice more than anything. Many times during spring breaks, summer breaks, vacations, etc., my classmates came back telling stories about Disney World, the beach, or getting to fly in an airplane. However, revivals, youth lock-ins, church musicals, and Pastor and Wife Anniversaries, were always at the center of my stories. Through those experiences, I learned the importance of the church being the “community center.” While some people are able to take vacations and breaks from attending church, we as a family had the responsibility of ensuring that those who attend worship services experience an effective ministry through song, prayer, and preached word.

How did you get into music?

At the age of 4, while I was supposed to be taking a nap, my mother and grandmother noticed that I was tapping the rods on the brass bed trying to make up a song. When I was supposed to bring my parents the phone, they realized that I had started pressing the buttons attempting to write a melody. Soon after I began exhibiting these behaviors, my mother insisted that I take piano lessons. Furthermore, my mother served as the music director at my childhood church and the churches where my father pastored. She encouraged me to play along with her until I was 9 or 10. Then I began accompanying Sunday School. Later, I was given the responsibility of assisting with the children and youth choir. I thoroughly enjoyed playing during worship services and receiving the affirmation that came with being a blessing to others by playing the piano and organ.

What instruments do you play?

I play piano, organ, drums, and saxophone.

Tell us about your music anointing.

1 Samuel 16:23 says, “Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and  play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.”

While in college, I served as an accompanist for 2 different churches in Abilene, TX. It was during my junior year that I realized God’s calling on my life transcends playing for church, accompanying choirs, and playing classical piano offertories. While these were activities in which I was trained and skilled, I soon realized that when I play, sing, and teach songs that I have prayed about and been lead by the Holy Spirit to select, the effectiveness of the music shifted from performance to ministry.