Everyone has different interests that they enjoy and feel passionate about, especially as they grow and learn more about themselves. For some people performance and singing are activities that allow them to express who they are and build confidence. While it can be hard to figure out what your true passion is, once you find something you love, it can be exciting and make you feel more connected to what you do.

Mackenzie MacKinney is a fifteen year old girl who loves to sing. She enjoys singing on her worship team. She also recently discovered an interest in musical theater, and really enjoys singing and dancing. While she does have other interests she feels most passionate about singing on her worship team and performing in musical theater.

“I didn’t join the worship team because I had to, I joined because I love leading people in worship and leading them to God and praising Him altogether,” said Mackenzie MacKinney. “To lead on the worship team is a very big commitment to have.” 

Mackenzie has been leading on the worship team for about a year and has been attending the church for four years. Over time she has learned how everything works and has grown more confident as a part of the worship team.

“I have just joined not too long ago, but I think i have gotten the hang of it,” said Mackenzie MacKinney. “It really helps when so many people all want me to do the best that I can to lead everyone in worship”

Makenzie plans on singing for a while at her church on the worship team. She also plans on auditioning for shows and performing as her schedule allows her to. She had tried out for a musical this past week and has gotten the lead and is very excited to perform for her first time in a musical. She can’t wait to hangout with her friends that got a role in the musical as well.

“When singing on the worship team there is usually a track you can listen to and about four people up there with you,” said Mackenzie MacKinney.”  “So that is very different in theater because you are responsible for your memorization and practicing.” 

Mackenzie started her theater and singing journeys not very long ago but one of her favorite parts so far is learning all the new skills and hanging out with friends. That’s what makes rehearsals fun for her.

“I make sure that I have time to sing on the worship team but I will always try out for a show if there is a good one,” said Makenzie MacKinney 

Mackenzie’s favorite part about her church service is singing and of course the sermon, that is why she tries her best to sing every Sunday and also why she enjoys theater so much.

“I feel like when doing theater and singing on the worship team I can show everyone the gifts that God gave me,”  said Mackenzie MacKinney. “ I do have to remember though that it’s for God not to show off your skills.

The best thing about singing on the worship team is seeing everyone worshiping God and how to work on a team when singing.“ We always work together on the worship team, whether to learn words we can’t get or a certain pace we can’t do and it’s just really comforting”  

Mackenzie McKinney said theater is like worship because of singing and encouragement but it is just a bit different. You’re in charge of your attitude when trying out for a role and how you handle it if you don’t get the part that you want. You’re also in charge of your dedication that you show, in how you practice and rehearse.

”When trying out in theater you have to remember not to think too hard about it and prepare ahead of time,” said Makenzie MacKinney.” When you don’t get a callback that doesn’t mean that you didn’t get a part.”

The worship team and theater both have positive aspects, such as building confidence, learning new skills, and making friendships through rehearsals and performances. Everyone wants you to do your best. In theater there is more responsibility put on you to get everything memorized.You also have a director that you have to take instructions on where to go and how to move. You have to bring your own energy and deliver your role in each performance.

“When people are giving you instructions it might not always be something that the director wants or it’s just not what you’re actually supposed to do,” said Mackenzie Mackinney. “You can bring people up by doing other things. It’s not always exactly telling them how they should do something or act. Other than that both of them are really positive and uplifting. That’s why I love doing both and letting my gift that God gave me show to the world.”