University of Mobile

Welcome to the Center for Performing Arts Worship Leadership Department. In training the next generation of musicians and worship leaders, our goal is to provide a diversified and balanced music program where students can benefit from a solid classical foundation while learning each facet of worship leadership. The Worship Leadership Department works in partnership with Integrity Music Institute™ which provides the opportunity to study under worship leaders such as: Pete Sanchez, Paul Baloche, Marty Nystrom, Don Moen, and many others.

Directing the Worship Leadership Department is Dr. Pete Sanchez. As author of the internationally recognized praise and worship song I Exalt Thee and worship leader for Integrity Music’s Hosanna! music project, Pete Sanchez has been privileged to be among those who are at the forefront of the contemporary praise and worship movement.

But he’s discovered that biblical worship is more than a particular style of music – at its heart, worship is “love expressed,” a response to God’s grace that renews or brings people to a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. Sanchez wants his students to understand the difference between music and worship. Music is that wonderful tool that gives voice to the worship of the church. But true worship has only one object throughout Scripture - the triune God - a revelation that results in a transformed life. This means that music ministry is not about primarily about being on a stage, he says. Music ultimately serves the local church best by facilitating a worship experience for local congregations with the Lord of the Church himself.

His background as a youth minister, music director, worship leader, associate and senior pastor and years with recording industry giant Integrity Music give Sanchez the real-world experience to bridge traditional and contemporary music and prepare students for tomorrow’s emerging forms of worship. And as his students carry what they’ve learned into the nation’s churches, a new generation can learn the true meaning of worship.

To influence the few who influence the many – that is his personal mission statement.