Posted on Friday, May 24, 2024
After walking away from his faith freshman year, Jacob Broome ’24 leaned on music to light his path and reignite his desire to become a worship leader.
“Music helped point me back to God,” he said. “To me, worship through music is a privilege and an opportunity to continually thank God for what He’s done and to share the light of the Gospel with others.”
Broome’s love for music started at church in his hometown of Dallas, Georgia.
“I grew up as a pastor’s kid, so we were always in church on the weekends, which fostered a foundation for my faith and a gravitation toward music,” he said. “My dad was hired by a church with a contemporary worship service, and I just saw that and always wanted to be the guy singing and playing music, leading folks into this intimate place of communion with God.”
He was sold on LaGrange College after finding out its Music program had a major in Composition and Music Technologies.
“I knew LC was the best place for me to grow my skills as a performer and songwriter,” he said.
Finding community
During his time at LaGrange, Broome performed as a member of the LC Singers and the Chapel worship team.
“It was important to me to get involved, especially with Spiritual Life on campus,” he said. “Last year, I joined the
leadership team for Baptist Collegiate Ministries after attending for a couple years. I have done worship on campus in various capacities since freshman year, for memorial services, Wesley Fellowship and BCM gatherings and other events.”
In his senior year, he was given the opportunity to present a sermon during one of the Sunday evening worship services at the Chapel.
“I would be lying if I didn’t say I was a bit nervous,” Broome said. “I’ve preached and given my testimony before at church, but it’s a little different when it’s in front of all your friends and peers. By the time I started speaking, I was able to relax knowing that it wasn’t about my humanly wisdom but about God’s ability to speak directly into the hearts of anyone who would come.”
Outside of worship, Broome has lent his musical and vocal talents to Theatre productions.
“In the fall of freshman year, Dr. Mitch Turner asked me to play bass for the musical review in the spring,” he said. “I wasn’t sure about it at first, but I said yes. Ever since the first time, it has been a joyful experience.”
He also did some behind-the-scenes work as part of the college’s Film crew.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jacob in several film classes as well as extracurricular productions,” said Film and Media Arts Assistant Professor Yson DeBlois. “He is adept both behind and in front of the camera, from sound mixing on a narrative short film to performing his original tracks for music video productions. Jacob consistently shows professionalism and positivity, and above all else, is an extremely kind-hearted and gracious person.”
Inspiring others
Music Lecturer Kelton Hunt said he admires Broome’s dedication to his craft and career.
“He is one of the most hard-working individuals we’ve had come through our music program,” Hunt said. “This past semester, Jacob set a goal of writing and producing a studio album along with an additional live experience of that. Every day of the semester he dedicated time toward achieving that goal and completed a senior capstone performance that is the first of its kind.”
Broome wanted to close out his time at LC with an event bringing people together for worship. He hopped back and forth between playing on the guitar and piano and singing original and cover songs with his band.
“It was amazing just to see the audience engaged and giving praise,” he said.
His songs and albums can be found on his YouTube channel and other streaming platforms.
After graduating earlier this month, Broome is investing full-time in his ministry role as a worship leader.
“I hope to touch people through the songs I write and produce,” he said.
Why should prospective students come to LC?
“It is a place where you can belong,” Broome said. “Professors know you by name and are interested in learning about your gifts and flaws and passions. You can become the most confident, skilled, mature and aware person you’re meant to be.”
Mr. LaGrange College baseball: Joe Ruth bids a heartfelt goodbye to the Panthers, LaGrange Daily News, May 22
LaGrange College set to start women’s golf program in the fall, LaGrange Daily News, May 22
Exit Interview: Caroline Langston '24
When Caroline Langston was searching for a college, she got wind of the Wilkinson Family Servant Scholars Program at LaGrange College, a service-oriented course of study that offers hands-on assistance to the surrounding Troup County community. After investigating the program and speaking with its director, political science professor Jeff Lukken, Caroline left her native Valdosta and never looked back.
Category: Academics, College, Arts and Culture
Keywords: Music, Worship
