Meet Jonah Brennan
Meet Jonah Brennan, the new Worship Director at Connections Church!
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your wife Ally.
Ally and I grew up in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Music brought us together – we met in high school choir, and we later got married in college! We graduated in 2023, Ally in music education and myself in biology with the plan to attend dental school after college. We ultimately decided to move to Colorado for school due to proximity to New Mexico and familiarity with the area! Ally currently teaches 6th-12th grade choir in Bennett while I’m in my second year of studies. We live in Aurora near Anschutz Medical Campus with our 2 dogs.
What or who led you to being involved with worship and music?
Music has been a pillar of my life for as long as I can remember. My parents put me in piano lessons when I was 13, and I loved it. A bit later, the drummer for the church that I grew up in asked if I wanted lessons so I could replace him eventually, to which I happily accepted. I drummed for a few years in the band, until one week, when my worship leader asked if I would feel comfortable subbing in as worship leader for a week since she was out of town. I nervously said yes, and the rest is history. I eventually became co-leader at my church and realized this ministry will always be part of my life!
How is it important to your faith?
Music is one of my greatest joys, and I can think of no better way to give back to its Creator than ministering through worship! Throughout my childhood, I’ve always felt called to use the skills God gave me to glorify Him. Honestly, I can’t imagine not being involved in worship; when Ally and I were searching for our church home here in Denver, one of our main factors was a need for musicians!
Tell us a little bit about what goes into your planning for a worship service song selection.
It’s my job to collaborate with Pastor John to structure the worship set around the sermon. Typically, Pastor John will send me the passage and throw out a couple song suggestions, then I’ll do a dive into the passage to figure out the overall themes and main points, which I’ll use to select the songs. Once I have a general idea of the songs for Sunday, I’ll review each song and make sure the order is appropriate for a fluid service. Then I’ll create chord sheets for the team if need be, and the team will rehearse sometime before Sunday service!
What are some goals you have for Connections worship?
I would love to recruit more members and grow the worship team as much as possible! I’ve been encouraged by the participation so far and am praying that it will continue. I would love to have a full band with several singers and instrumentalists on rotation. Another goal of mine is gradually expanding the song base to keep it fresh and diverse.
What is the current need for volunteers?
Anything and everything music related! Our greatest need right now is a drummer, but we need more of everything in general. If you or someone you know might be interested in singing, guitar, piano, drums, strings, media, or anything else please contact me! You don’t have to be a pro; it is an incredible experience and very laid back. If you’re feeling called to help us, please don’t let a lack of confidence keep you back. I’d be happy to work with you to find the best way to participate or get comfortable!
Interested? Learn more about the Connections Church Worship Team!
