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As a Worship Director at Keystone North Church in Harleysville, PA, ESTEBAN NIEVES ‘14 is constantly searching for ways to improve upon what he knows about music and the corporate worship experience. “I continually strive to become better at music by constantly training.”
Putting in consistent hours of practice, rehearsal, research, and discernment is part of Esteban’s quest for lifelong learning in the worship experience. Just as important as the musicianship and technological know-how in effectively leading a congregation in musical praise comes the desire to continuously grow closer to the Lord. “I read several books a month on the subject of worship.” It is his commitment to lifelong learning that drives him to find the right sound, song, and message for any given worship service.
“My parents always challenged me to keep growing and to continue learning, and that philosophy and work ethic were confirmed, supported, and strengthened at Lancaster Mennonite.”
It was also at LM that Esteban was encouraged by choir director, Marcy Hostetler. “She challenged me to become better at everything, and that’s when I added guitar to my trumpet and clarinet lessons.”
Esteban credits former LM Bible teacher, J.W. Sprunger with fostering his desire to continue studying scripture.
When asked what advice he would give to a current student, without hesitation he stated, “Don’t be afraid to mess up – it happens. You don’t improve as much without those mess-ups. In my field, I had to audition plenty of times and I wasn’t always successful, but I used that failure to serve as a catalyst for growth.”
Among the highlights of his time as a student at LM, Esteban fondly remembers his choir trip to South Africa and his minicourse trip to Argentina. “Those were complete immersion experiences into two very different cultures where I learned and incorporated new musical elements into my style of music and where I was truly able to grasp the immenseness of God’s creation.”
Esteban’s lifelong learning journey has provided him with many unique opportunities and he is excited today that this empowering core value is still highly encouraged. “Lifelong learning happens naturally throughout our lives but I felt that LM prepared me to be receptive to those learning opportunities that happen in our lives and the importance of always learning even after graduation.”
