Career Profiles
Dan Wilt
Graduated: 1987
Major: Religion
Global Worship Resource Coordinator, Vineyard Worship Resources/Vineyard Music

Choosing a Major
In a world that can seem full of difficult, high-priority decisions, it is often easy to question oneself about the best means to achieve an end. Endless "what-ifs" are enough to send anyone spiraling into doubt about major life decisions. It is easy to get caught in this maze of uncertainty and hard to believe that in the midst of such questioning there can be conviction - that some can just know for sure that they are in the right place. With surprising certainty, Dan Wilt knew that his future career "would ultimately explore the interface between the Church and culture." Equipped with this conviction, Dan majored in religion and philosophy and left all doubts behind him.

The Messiah Experience
At Messiah, Dan seized the opportunity to pursue his dream and take steps towards his future vocation. His life on campus reflects how passionate he is about Church and culture: "It was a rich experience," he explains, adding, "My involvements were primarily with the Discipleship program and worship expressions (both formal and informal) on campus. Related to my major, I was involved in various pastoral leadership roles and in encouraging creative artists on campus."

Transferability
Above all else in his experience at Messiah College, Dan values the foundation of knowledge he was able to establish, which has richly contributed to his current career in the field of contemporary worship: "My studies greatly enhanced my capacity to think about the ancient, present, and emerging Church in culture."

REMEMBER... • "Each day, you are offered an act of faithfulness and obedience. Don't let how you feel get in the way of responding in that moment. Rise up to do what Jesus would invite you to in the situation."

What to Do Next
After graduation, Dan's idea of vocation took on a new shape.  While his double major had facilitated conceptual engagement of the relationship between the Church and culture, he desired to apply his skills in a more tangible way.  Without losing sight of his long-term goal of a career that coincided with his passion for the Church, he became a social worker.

Dynamic Process
Before settling into his current position as the director of Vineyard Worship Resources, Dan held several other jobs: counselor at Alternative Rehabilitation Communities, worship and music department head at the Academy of Performing Arts at Cambridge, worship pastor at Cambridge Vineyard, senior pastor at Cambridge Vineyard, and worship development coordinator for Vineyard Churches Canada.

A Typical Day
As director of Vineyard Worship Resources, Dan faces a full schedule every day. "I create media for training contemporary worship leaders and teams. On a daily basis, I edit Inside Worship Magazine and InsideWorship.com, create training DVDs, CDs, and write for books and publications." Dan has also been a featured artist on over 8 CDs, and his songs are used in worship all over the world. He is also the director of the recently established Institute of Contemporary and Emerging Worship Studies at St. Stephen's University in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada.

A "Why" Moment
Performing duties that explicitly help connect the Church and culture, Dan finds deep fulfillment and meaning in his vocation. "Every day I wake up thanking God that I get to serve in a place that bridges the Church and culture," he says with confidence. "I feel a deep sense of privilege in what I do."

Service
One of the many avenues of career exploration at Messiah College is how vocation

can connect to a life of service. The towels handed out at each graduation ceremony are a tangible symbol that students are being sent into a life of service unto God. It is the challenge to new graduates as they leave campus to look for ways to serve through their career.

Worship ministry provides Dan with a variety of opportunities to serve God and others. He is involved daily in a "celebration of community" as he actively "creates media vehicles that amplify other's voices."

Dreams Still Dreaming
While already experiencing a distinct sense of achievement in his professional life, Dan continues to strive toward future vocational goals. "I'm presently writing for Broadman Holman publishers and various others while finishing my Master of Ministry degree," he explains, "and I look to continue teaching, influencing and mentoring emerging creative leaders through books, events and other media."

 

Profile by Brianna Davidson, August 2005