2008 Woodie Awards
Musicians find a way to minister away from campus
Nicole Heitmann
Issue date: 2/1/08 Section: In the Spotlight
Higher Ground is not a well known title among students on campus, but for a small group of committed musicians, it is a group that lets them share the love of Jesus.
Higher Ground has been around for years and has often been used by admissions to acquire students' interests in Southwest Baptist University.
Not many students know about Higher Ground because "our ministry is outreach," said Associate Professor of Music Dr. Martha Hicks.
Hicks has been an advisor to the group for the last ten years.
The group is made up of collection of people with different qualities and talents.
The vocal part of the group is made up of sophomores Kim Smith, Mindy Johnson and Christina Gorchos, juniors Cassie Carney and Justin Goodwin and freshman Brad Barlett.
The band includes freshmen George Newman on bass, Evan Johnson on guitar, Tori Blankenship on keyboard and senior Steven Cowden on guitar. Junior Chris Maples helps the group with technical support.
Dierra Blakenship, a student in the Bolivar community, plays drums.
The purpose of Higher Ground is "to minister to each other as we minister to others," said Johnson.
Another purpose is "to give back the talents God has given," Smith.
There are many different reasons that the students enjoy being a part of Higher Ground.
"I like being the youngest," said Dierra.
She currently lives in Bolivar and helps the group out. She plans to attend SBU in the fall.
"I like getting to spend so much time with these awesome people," said Barlett.
"Playing guitar is fun," said Johnson.
"I like the DNows and getting to work with the youth," said Goodwin.
What makes this group different from other groups on campus is their closeness to each other.
"We're like a big family," said Gorchos. "If I wanted to hang out with someone, I could call anyone in the group, and they would be there."
Each member has a prayer partner within the group. They are able to share with each other and hold each other accountable throughout the year.
"We have a support group," said Carney.
"[The group] has strengthened relationships and brought about new ones," said Tori.
The group rehearses twice a week for two hours, and they minister all over the state.
"We have been to several states since I have been a part," added Hicks.
The group plays at churches, DNow weekends, banquets and a variety of other events. They travel at least one weekend a month.
"We have learned to trust each other and depend on each other," said Smith.
"I've learned that God can use anybody in a position as long as you're willing," said Hicks.
Higher Ground has been around for years and has often been used by admissions to acquire students' interests in Southwest Baptist University.
Not many students know about Higher Ground because "our ministry is outreach," said Associate Professor of Music Dr. Martha Hicks.
Hicks has been an advisor to the group for the last ten years.
The group is made up of collection of people with different qualities and talents.
The vocal part of the group is made up of sophomores Kim Smith, Mindy Johnson and Christina Gorchos, juniors Cassie Carney and Justin Goodwin and freshman Brad Barlett.
The band includes freshmen George Newman on bass, Evan Johnson on guitar, Tori Blankenship on keyboard and senior Steven Cowden on guitar. Junior Chris Maples helps the group with technical support.
Dierra Blakenship, a student in the Bolivar community, plays drums.
The purpose of Higher Ground is "to minister to each other as we minister to others," said Johnson.
Another purpose is "to give back the talents God has given," Smith.
There are many different reasons that the students enjoy being a part of Higher Ground.
"I like being the youngest," said Dierra.
She currently lives in Bolivar and helps the group out. She plans to attend SBU in the fall.
"I like getting to spend so much time with these awesome people," said Barlett.
"Playing guitar is fun," said Johnson.
"I like the DNows and getting to work with the youth," said Goodwin.
What makes this group different from other groups on campus is their closeness to each other.
"We're like a big family," said Gorchos. "If I wanted to hang out with someone, I could call anyone in the group, and they would be there."
Each member has a prayer partner within the group. They are able to share with each other and hold each other accountable throughout the year.
"We have a support group," said Carney.
"[The group] has strengthened relationships and brought about new ones," said Tori.
The group rehearses twice a week for two hours, and they minister all over the state.
"We have been to several states since I have been a part," added Hicks.
The group plays at churches, DNow weekends, banquets and a variety of other events. They travel at least one weekend a month.
"We have learned to trust each other and depend on each other," said Smith.
"I've learned that God can use anybody in a position as long as you're willing," said Hicks.
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