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A true pastor’s kid, Samantha Calimbahin got looped into ministry early. At age 12, she began serving on the worship team at Caprock Church in Arlington, where she played piano and guitar while singing backup vocals. By age 20, she assumed the role of worship leader and continues to lead Caprock’s music ministry. Calimbahin has a degree in journalism with a music minor. In addition to leading worship at Caprock, she works in marketing for a large healthcare provider. She also releases and performs her own music.
What’s one victory in Caprock’s worship ministry you have experienced recently?
One thing I’d consider a success is the stability of our current team. Having been in this ministry since age 12, I’ve seen many musicians and worship leaders come and go for various reasons. Our current band, though, has been the same four people for several years now. It’s a stability we haven’t really experienced before, and it’s a blessing. In addition to me, our team consists of a pianist, a guitarist, and a drummer who’ve all been faithful, available, and understanding of the purpose behind our performance.
What’s one challenge you are facing?
Being a small church with a small praise team, we don’t have the same resources you may find at larger churches. We don’t have in-ear monitors, backing tracks, or fancy lights. We don’t even have a bass player. But we have a big heart for worshiping the Lord! And that’s what matters most.
What’s one thing you are praying will happen in your ministry over the coming year?
While I’m grateful for the stability of our team, I still hope we’ll be able to grow. I’d love to add some backup vocalists, especially people I can trust to take over if I get sick or go out of town. And, of course, we’d love a good bass player. I’d also like to see our team continue to build on our current talents and “play skillfully,” as Psalm 33 says. Even though I’ve been doing this since I was a kid, I still feel like I have a lot to learn.
What’s one lesson you’ve learned to this point of your life and ministry you know you’ll never forget?
You’re not that big of a deal [laughs]. It’s true. Church musicians are probably among the most susceptible to developing an ego. When you’re up there playing music on a stage, it’s easy to fall into that feeling like you’re some kind of rock star. Or even feeling like you’re so anointed and good at ushering the Holy Spirit. Trust me, it’s not cute. It’s a dangerous way of thinking that can lead to a person’s downfall very quickly. I have to constantly remind myself that I’m only up here by the grace of God—that I have an audience of one.
How can SBTC churches be praying for you and your ministry?
Please pray for the continued faithfulness of our current team, that we grow both musically and spiritually. If it’s God’s will, please pray we can add more members who are not just talented but also committed and understand what worship is all about. Please also pray for financial provision to improve our equipment, media, and other resources needed to enhance our ministry.
