Former Irving worship leader nominated

IRVING?Recording artist Todd Agnew is one of the most popular names in contemporary Christian music.But the acclaim he has gained from headlining his own tour and receiving four Dove award nominations from the Gospel Music Association hasn’t changed him one bit.

That’s because success isn’t what motivates Agnew, former youth worship leader at MacArthur Boulevard Baptist Church in Irving.

“Seeing people come into a relationship with the Lord is so special, it’s beyond words,” he said. “Our goal each night is to get out of the way and let God deal with people as much as possible. God is larger than any words we can use, and music is something beyond words. Music is a gift that God has given us, and it allows us to express beyond what we can actually say.”

While growing up in Irving, Agnew was involved in a variety of ministries.

“I was one of those fortunate kids that grew up in church,” he said. “I was a part of Bible drill, Sunday School and everything else that went on there. I had great experiences, and it really provided a foundation for the rest of my life.”

Agnew went on to study music composition at the University of North Texas, and during his summer break, he began leading worship for the youth ministry at MacArthur Boulevard when he was 19. The following year, he began leading worship at youth camps and other events.

He was an independent artist for 13 years before signing to a record label this year. With the release of his CD, “Grace Like Rain,” he has taken the Christian music industry by storm.

Despite a busy touring schedule, Agnew leads worship each Tuesday night at “The Loop,” a college Bible study in Memphis, Tenn.

“During the holidays, we encouraged students from this Bible study to get together and sponsor a family from a poor section of town so they would have something for Christmas,” he explained. “We have 300 college students attend this Bible study, and they sponsored 20 families. That was their worship of God during that time. They were showing the community that they loved Christ by loving other people.”

Agnew describes his role as a worship leader as a teacher.