Innovation and creativity describe the worship services at Ecclesia Church in Houston, Texas. The church has a modern worship style, and the services are designed for people to explore questions about faith..
Their worship leader, Robbie Seay, started the church with his brother Chris, who is the pastor. Before founding Ecclesia Church, Chris Seay established another innovative congregation, University Baptist Church in Waco, Texas, with worship leader David Crowder..
Chris and Robbie grew up as “preacher’s kids.” Their father, Dr. Ed Seay, is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Magnolia, Texas. Dr. Seay serves as the chairman of the Baptist General Convention of Texas’ Mission Commission, and he also serves on the board of trustees at Houston Baptist University.
“Although the styles of our churches are extremely different, authenticity is at the core of Ecclesia and the church my father pastors,” Robbie said.
IIn addition to leading worship at Ecclesia Church, the Robbie Seay Band performs at concerts, conferences, camps, and other events around the country.
As a worship leader, Robbie believes “the church should be a center for songwriting and creativity, where music and expression are vital to our faith.”
“I knew even as a teenager that music was my passion, and somewhere along the way, music became a big part of my faith. My responses to the love and grace of God began to show up in the lyrics of songs.”
While the songwriting process is different for each song, he says, the goal remains the same — to create songs that will connect people to Christ.
“Worship is something that is bigger than any of us. It’s about who God is, what He is doing in our lives, His forgiveness and sovereignty,” Robbie said. “We share the story of Christ with our songs and hope that people not only connect with the music, but they find common ground with us — that we are all sinners in need of the God who created us and pursues us daily.”
Leann Callaway is a Dallas-based freelance writer.
