When Daniel Bertrand leads worship for student events, he wants young people to do more than just enjoy the experience — he wants them to learn about the meaning of worship and embrace it as a lifestyle.
“My desire is that others would experience the joy of Christ through an authentic time of worship and that the gospel is proclaimed,” Bertrand said. “Music has a special way of drawing us near to the Lord, uniting us together in Christ and reminding us of His truths as we sing.
“My heart … is that we would know Christ and make Him known. If that’s all that is taken away from an event, then it’s all worth it.”
Starting early
When he was in seventh grade, Bertrand began leading worship for his youth group at Early First Baptist Church in Texas. At that time he had no idea what he thought was simply a “cool opportunity” would begin paving the way and shaping his heart to enter full-time ministry after graduating from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene.
“I was blessed to grow up in a strong Christian home,” Bertrand said. “My parents always served the church in various ways. I was the kid who was at church any time the doors were open, and the Lord saved me at any early age.
“In seventh grade my youth pastor Joe Baucom asked if I would lead worship for the youth group. I thought it was simply something I should do because that’s what ‘good kids’ do. Plus, I loved music and thought it was cool.
“Little did I know that in doing that throughout the next few years, the Lord was cultivating my heart for how He would use me for His glory.”
In junior high school, Bertrand surrendered his life to Christian ministry. By high school, he said, “It became clear what the Lord called me to do.”
“Since then, I have been blessed to have the opportunity to lead worship for various events. It really began by leading worship for a weekly service for college students at South Side Baptist Church Abilene. During that time I developed a band, and we were blessed to be a part of seeing God choose to grow that ministry exponentially.”
‘Encouragement, admonishment, joy’
Today, as he leads worship for events around the state, Bertrand desires to remind students and young adults about the purpose and priority of singing to God with reverence and adoration.
“Our songs of worship must always point us back to the truths of His word and the glory of who Jesus Christ is and what He has done,” Bertrand explained.
“There is nothing sweeter than worshipping the Lord together. I personally believe music is a gift that allows us to do so in a unique and beautiful way. It stirs our affections to the Lord, as His word dwells within us richly — bringing encouragement, admonishment and joy.”
In addition to serving as pastor of worship and discipleship at Redeemer Church of Denton, Bertrand travels around Texas leading worship for Disciple Now weekends, youth retreats and summer camps.
“God has been so good and gracious to provide opportunities, and it is a joy to partner with other churches and ministries as we serve the Lord together,” he said, “voices resounding together as one, ringing out and singing truths of who our God is and what He has done for us.
“It’s a great reminder for us every time we lead worship, and each opportunity is one I don’t want to miss. When we worship together, we are united in Christ. It’s a glorious picture and a taste of eternity.”
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EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Leann Callaway and originally published by Baptist Standard.
