Published on January 12, 2021 by Ashley Smith  
Andrews Emily

Samford University’s Center for Worship and the Arts has appointed Dr. Emily Snider Andrews as its new director. The Center for Worship and the Arts was established in 2013 in the School of the Arts with grant funding to provide resources for engaging teenagers in worship leadership. Its flagship program, Animate, takes place each summer and works with teenage worship leaders and their mentors. The Center’s resources have grown to include a robust website featuring intergenerational and artistic worship practices along with online certificate programs.

Andrews is an assistant professor of music and worship at Samford and has worked with the Center as a faculty fellow for numerous years. “I am thrilled that Dr. Andrews has accepted the position as Director of the Center for Worship and the Arts at Samford. Emily was a student when the concept of this program was introduced, and along the way, she has participated as presenter, faculty, fellow, and writer. Dr. Andrews is already a respected voice in the national dialogue on worship and music, and we are grateful for the leadership she brings to this important work,” said Joe Hopkins, dean of the School of the Arts.

Andrews received the Bachelor of Music from Samford University, the Master of Music from Baylor University, and the Master of Divinity from George W. Truett Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. Before moving to the southeast, Emily taught church music and worship at Mercer University and Azusa Pacific University.

Her research interests include studies of evangelical worship, sacramental theology, and the interlacing of music and theology. In particular, her work explores the sacramental potential of modern worship music practices in renewalist evangelical contexts.

An ordained minister, Andrews is deeply committed to the corporate worship life of the church and has maintained an active role in various music ministries, serving congregations in Alabama, Texas, and California.

“I’m honored to be joining more deeply the work of the Center for Worship and the Arts at Samford. The Center will continue its mission of equipping congregations to engage intergenerational and artistic worship practices. We look forward to discovering ways in which we might further participate in the heart and mission of Samford, connect with our community and supporters, and partner with our faculty, staff, and students. It is our belief that worship lies at the heart of what it means to be a Christian disciple. During this season, we will continue to imagine ways in which we might enable disciples to worship faithfully through practices that glorify God, honor Christ, and join the transformative work of the Spirit in our world,” Andrews said.

Animate will take place this June via a virtual format due to COVID-19. Registration will open January 15.

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.