Name:  Gina Bryan
Gender:  Female
Location: Pensacola FL
Age: 44

Worship Leader for Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church Community Life Center, leading three adult contemporary services each weekend.  Currently awaiting the release of her latest CD, "Inhabit My Praise," recorded with Big Daddy Weave and produced by Jeff Quimby (Lincoln Brewster).

Married to right arm and guitar player, Robert Bryan, partner in life and in ministry. Mother of three (Taylor, Christina & David) & MeMe of two (Mariah & Taylee).

"My heart is watching God work and His light turn on in the lives of others.  One of my favorite things to do, beside leading our congregation into worship, is to mentor and shepherd the youth in worship.  When I heard the call to start a youth praise band, I was so excited I didn't hesitate to grab a handful of 6th & 7th graders and teach them; not only to play instruments but also to teach them the difference between worship and performance.  After the first rehearsal, I asked God to please confirm that call; It sounded horrible!  What did I get myself into? I knew, without a doubt, God wanted me to continue.  He gave me the strength to persevere. 

I wept like a baby the first time they led our congregation into worship.  Since that day, these young children have grown up and turned into our High School Praise Team (Altar Image) and are writing their own worship songs.  Watching God take over in their lives and just blossom in their talent and, most of all, their worship, warms my heart all over.  I now have another youth praise team comprised of elementary and middle school children (Rock Solid); I cried when they led the congregation into worship for the first time, too!   Raising up generations of worshipers has to be one of the greatest blessings and privileges God has given me." 

 1. What does worship mean to you?

Breathing in and out gratitude.  A grateful heart, living out each moment in submission to our loving Father.  For me, worship means a whole lot more than just singing praises.  It's a daily walk, knowing that what I put my heart and hands to is an act of worship - an offering back to God for the life He's given me and the sacrifice He made for me.

2. What do you think happens when you worship?

A special touch, an empowerment, strength, and peace beyond the natural.  As praises pour out and we empty ourselves, God pours His Holy Spirit in and saturates, inhabits, dwells, heals, comforts, and refreshes.  God inhabits the praises of His people.  The more you worship, your desire increases to worship more. The hungrier you get.  Once you taste and feel the presence of your Creator, the more you want to dwell in that place of worship.  The stronger your desire is to help lead others there, also.
 
3. What causes you to worship?

Several reasons.  The extreme need for God to manifest His presence during the most difficult challenges and trials causes me to cry out from the inside out.  Other times, out of a heart's desire to see others released from their burdens.  Many times, it's just a genuine need to thank God, not only for what He's done in my life, but just to have some intimacy in my secret place with Him in prayer and praise, taking the time to respond to all the love He's given me and to adore who He is.

4. How is worship displayed in your life?
 
I become more outward focused.  A bigger picture becomes evident.  The Fruit of the Spirit is manifested through a consistant heart of worship.  I become more passionate about wanting the world to know and experience the amazing freedom found in Jesus through a lifestyle of intimate worship.

5. What is your favorite song and why?

I have many favorites from traditional to contemporary.  In this particular season of my life, I would have to say it would be a toss between "Everlasting God" & "Inhabit My Praise."  The lyrics are a great reminder for me that God is bigger than any circumstance we are facing.

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Simply the Best
written by Damaris's Man, November 21, 2008

what a great and passionate worship leader...thank you for sharing your talent with all of us!!!

...
written by Katy, October 26, 2008

Your love for the Lord, passion, and gratitude is so apparent... and challenging, and encouraging.

Grateful
written by Nicole W., October 24, 2008

Gina Bryan is truly an inspiration to all and I thank God for a season in life in which to have shared in her ministry. My time in worship with Gina (and Robert) though short, was a time filled with warmth, love, and instruction that I've been able to carry with me. I knew from the moment I met Gina that it was a God ordained moment and I look forward to continually seeing the fruit that comes forth from Gina's ministry and life. Gina's touched hundreds of lives and I know I carry her in my heart. Worshippers have something unique to learn from her life and experiences. May God bless Gina for her heart. Praise the Lord!

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written by Molly Worthington, October 16, 2008

I have had the awesome opportunity to worship with Gina Bryan. Although my season spent on the worship team at the Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church's Community Life Center was short, I count it as one of the most profound seasons of my life. In many ways, Gina saved my life; she was instrumental and tenacious in leading me out of the spiritual desert. Gina's heart for God and His people is passionate and genuine; she exudes the love and peace of the Lord. Those of us who have had the opportunity to worship with Gina have truly been blessed by the experience. And most importantly to me, she has greatly touched the life of my daughter, Taylor. Taylor wants to grow up and be a worship leader just like Gina.

Thank You!!
written by Tammy V., October 09, 2008

Thanks for your heart of worship Gina! Your passion for worship and leading others is inspirational...
especially your heart for mentoring our youth!!! Generations will be blessed.

...
written by carlton vaughn, October 07, 2008

Very uplifting!!!It's great to know there are worshippers out there.

Thanks so much!
written by Diane C, October 04, 2008

So grateful to be able to watch you and learn from you. You inspire me.

Great interview.
written by Matt, October 03, 2008

What great words of encouragement and a blessing to have a great worship leader like you in the Lord's service..

In Christ,
Matt

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written by Sparkie Folkers, October 03, 2008

Gina is truly "inhabited by His praise" and shares her gifts and talents freely and lovingly.
We are blessed to know her and Robert.

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