Williams Takes His Talent to the Front

Worship through music has long played a key role in the life of Living Hope Church, with numerous talented musicians sharing their gifts. Now, adding to that cadre, is Elvert Williams III. Williams has been a part of Living Hope since this fall, but has just recently taken on a more active role in helping to lead worship. 

As a student at Trinity Christian College this fall, Williams was searching for a church to call his own, away from home; he landed at Living Hope because, as he said, “the preaching is sound doctrine, like I get at my home church.” Williams, a general music major with a concentration in vocal performance, and theology minor, hails from Freeport, Illinois. There he is a member of True Vine Worship Center, serving as assistant praise and worship leader, head of the choir, and head musician. While in Palos Heights, however, he lends his musical talents to Living Hope, as well as New Birth International Outreach. Williams hopes to one day become a pastor of worship, but he is also interested in teaching; he is hoping to pursue a doctorate in music education so he can start a music school branching off of a church.

“I love anything that has to do with God when it comes to music,” said Williams. “I enjoy gospel, contemporary Christian, gospel jazz, and choral music. I love to listen to these styles as well as play them.” But, he said, the list is incomplete with a nod to jazz, which is his second love—from the jazz of 1920 to present. And, he has a great appreciation for live music. It seems fitting then, for him to participate in worship at Living Hope.

“Leading worship at Living Hope is a great honor and privilege that I do not take lightly,” Williams said. “Worship is such an important part of what makes the church thrive and because what it is and is becoming today. ... I hope to help Living Hope attain its goal of authentic community with all communities, and to bring even more diversity to Living Hope, reaching out to all cultures.”

“Elvert is a tremendous asset to our music team,” said Pastor Sam Hamstra. “He is multi-faceted—he can play drums and keyboard, but also sing, and he understands the gospel music style that is so important to our ministry.”

Williams said he hopes to grow more and more in the things of God for his life, and seeks to become a true man of God. “I don’t want to looked at as a musician who can play well,” he said, “but be looked at as minister of the Gospel and as someone who loves God through his gifts and talents and changes people’s lives.”

photo caption: Elvert Williams III directs a men's choir at Living Hope, Christmas 2011.