Singing for Jesus

We asked Athena Sorensen from Paso Robles, California, about her journey into music and how God is using it to bless others.

Editor —Athena, thank you for letting me introduce you to our community of creatives. Undoubtedly, some already know you, but I’m sure there are many who don’t. Tell us about your background and when you first realized God was calling you into sharing your songs as a form of ministry.

Athena —Thank you for this opportunity to share about my ministry. First of all, I grew up in the Adventist Church and began singing in church when I was 10 years old. Even though I was terrified to do it, my mother kept putting me on the stage. She said the Lord told her I was going to sing for Him. When I was 15, I had a real conversion experience with Christ. However, I didn’t really know what a music ministry was at that time.

Years later, after I married, tragedy struck me and I lost all of my hair to an auto-immune disease called Alopecia Areata. I prayed for healing and a miracle from God every day. I claimed Scripture and read all of the miracle stories in the Bible. The Lord did heal me and my hair returned. That’s when I decided I was going to only sing Christian music, and I dedicated my voice completely to Jesus. I wrote many songs during my hair loss, and was blessed to record them. I released my first album, and started sharing the songs wherever I could. After my first concert, people came to my CD table crying, and telling me their stories and how much I blessed them. That’s when I realized what I was doing was more than singing, and that I was truly engaged in ministry. I began to realize why God had allowed me to lose my hair. He had a plan for me to minister to other people. That was about 20 years ago, and I am still recording and singing for Jesus today!

Editor —Wow! That is a moving testimony! God’s ways are much bigger than ours. Thank you for sharing it. Tell us about your songwriting process. Do you begin with writing the lyrics, or do you start with a melody in your head that you eventually record? Do you play an instrument?

Athena —My songwriting process is varied. Sometimes I write the lyrics and melody as one. I sing it out loud to myself and record it on my phone so I don’t forget it. Melodies and lyrics will pop into my head while I’m driving or cleaning my house! Then I have to write it down quickly! Another way I write: my producer will send me a track, and then I will write the lyrics and melody to it. That is actually easier than writing with no music. I can play piano a little bit, so that helps me when I’m searching for a new melody. The inspiration for my songs comes from studying God’s word, a life experience that I’ve been through, or if I have a topic I want to sing to the Lord about. Overall, I just feel very blessed that God has given me the gift of songwriting, and I pray my songs will bless people.

Editor —It’s always interesting to hear how each songwriter pursues his or her craft. So, I’m picking up that most of the music you sing and record is your own? Is that true? If so, how intentional are you about writing a collection of songs for a new album (that may be tied to a particular theme)? Do you just wait until you’ve written 10 or 11 songs (over a period of months or years), then record an album? I’ve noticed lately that more artists are releasing singles, and not holding songs back until they’re ready to record an album. Do you have any thoughts about this?

Athena —Yes, I do write all of my own music. Unless I record hymns. But, for the most part, all of my songs are original. I am very intentional about writing a collection of songs for an album. For me, my album is a story of what I’ve gone through. So, it can take years for me to experience something, write the songs, do all the production, etc. When I release an album, I want to take the listener on a journey of how Christ brought me through a season in my life. Yes, singles are good, too. I see a lot of artists releasing more singles and EP’s these days. I have released a few singles in the past and a few EP’s. But, for me personally, I prefer the album. It gives me the opportunity to express more than what I can say in just one song.

Editor —Very nice. Do you make yourself available to concerts in churches, schools, etc? If so, how can people contact you?

Athena —Yes, I am available to do concerts. I just released my new album this year, and I’m excited to be able to share the songs with people. If they want to get in touch with me, they can go to my website: athenasorensen.com. They can hear my songs, watch music videos, and there are links to all of my social media pages.

Editor —Thank you so much for sharing your story and music with us. We wish you the very best as God continues to use your music to bless many hearts.

Listen to Athena’s song, Right There With Me.

Rich DuBose, Director of Pacific Union Creative Ministries, interviewed Athena Sorensen for inSpire and to be used on this website.

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