Through Road Trip Radio (and beyond), we want to hear and learn more from our worship leaders. We were excited to catch up with Eli Moore, Huntley’s Worship Pastor, and hear some of his heart behind leading worship at Willow.

Q: Eli, how did you initially get involved in worship?

A: My dad was a worship pastor. Growing up, I played the drums, so I played with my dad at church, but I never had any plans of being a worship leader; I wanted to play professional football. That all changed when I was brought to–more so dragged to–a Hillsong concert at age 12. It was a life-changing moment for me. During the concert, I felt God call me–a true calling on my life. From then on, I knew He wanted me to help lead people to the feet of Jesus, no matter the size of the congregation. It was quite a thing to hear at such a young age.

Q: What keeps you coming back to lead worship at Willow week after week?

A: Across Willow, and especially at Huntley, God is doing a new thing. There’s a hunger and thirst from the congregation to go deeper, and sometimes I just get overwhelmed by everything God is doing. Often, during worship, I’ll take out my in-ears and listen to the congregation singing to God, going after His heart. It brings tears to my eyes.

Q: What was a life song for you growing up?

A: “How Great Thou Art.” It was a family song we’d all join together and sing. The song has so much depth and meaning. Over time, it’s even become a staple at Huntley. Just a couple weeks ago, we spontaneously broke into “How Great Thou Art” during worship; it wasn’t planned, but I felt the Spirit calling us to sing it. Hearing the congregation singing out and believing those words just showed me how great our God is.