Denomination
Non-denominational, Spirit filled Christian Church

How did you become a Worship Leader?
Before becoming a Christian, I was a musician. When I became a Christian and started attending church I was asked to help during the praise and worship. I was taken under the wing of a very wise man who gradually gave me more responsibility while making sure of two very important things: that I learn to submit to those in authority and that I not become "puffed up" or prideful because I was being used in the worship services. Eventually after a few years I was given a full time position as the worship leader at my church.

What is most gratifying to you as a worship leader?
The most gratifying thing for me is that I can help to lead people to a place where God can touch them and they can touch God.

What are your major challenges as a worship leader?
The major challenges for me as a worship leader aside from keeping my own heart and life right before God are always the technical aspects of worship. Sometimes the complexities of a song or the use of technology can take away from the simple act of worship.

How would you describe your church's worship?
I would describe our worship as contemporary.

What is your vision for worship at your church?
The greatest vision for worship at our church is to always usher in the presence of the Lord. To this end we endeavor to worship skillfully with excellence. The Lord is worthy of nothing less.

How is Yamaha helping you to achieve this vision? (Yamaha gear you use, seminars attended, resources etc)
Yamaha instruments play a tremendous part in what we do at Presence Of The Lord. When my praise team is not available, I lead worship on my Yamaha C-3 Conservatory Grand Piano. When the band is in, we use a combination of instruments including an original Yamaha DX-7, The Yamaha Motif E8, Yamaha MU-80 Module, and a Yamaha RBX375 5 String Bass. Our drummer has chosen a Yamaha Stage Custom drumset. At times I use a combination of live instruments along with midi tracks I have recorded. I can playback my midi tracks with either my Yamaha PSR550 portable keyboard or my trusty Yamaha MDF3 Midi Data Filer. One of the greatest things I can say about Yamaha insrtuments is that every piece of Yamaha gear I have ever owned is still workng!

Any contact information you would like to include.
Pastor Stephen Gonzales Presence Of The Lord Christian Church (951) 280-9333