Olivia “OJ” Jimenez ’25, is a member of the Vanguard Worship Collective, a dynamic community of musicians living out a Christ-centered, spirit-empowered life of artistic ministry. The senior from the Los Angeles neighborhood of Glassell Park discusses her journey as a Vanguard student, the Spirit’s movement on campus, and what her future plans include.
What is your major?
I am a Music (Concentration in Worship Leadership) major and Theology minor.
Are you receiving any scholarships?
I receive the Presidential Scholarship and a music scholarship. In addition, this year I was nominated for and received the Undergraduate Scholar Award from the Presser Foundation. It is awarded to a senior from a university who has “achieved a high level of musical and academic excellence, demonstrated leadership and service, and contributed to an inclusive community.”
Can you give an example of seeing the Spirit move on the VU campus and in the VU community?
During my time at Vanguard, I’ve been a part of many instances in which I have sensed the movement of the Holy Spirit. One instance comes to mind: During my sophomore year, I was a part of a Bible study called Beloved. It was a weekly gathering of women focusing on community and the Word. More than a powerful worship service, it was the life-on-life discipleship that took place in it that impacted me. To me, this is true evidence of the movement of the Spirit; life change, not just momentary experiences.
What is the Vanguard Worship Collective (VWC) and what role do you play in it?
Vanguard Worship Collective is a group which seeks to create and capture the new sound of worship coming out of Vanguard University. The daily implications of the vision mean that we are regularly writing and producing music as well as leading worship in chapels and for university events. One of the larger goals of VWC is to eventually travel globally with our music.
How has the VWC contributed to your journey as a Christ-follower and as a musician?
VWC has been formative in my songwriting, music directing, and overall leadership skills. When I stepped into VWC, I had never written a song, yet I had always had a strong desire to write songs. Bodie [Bodie Kuljian ’15, director of the Vanguard Worship Collective] identified me as a songwriter and leader and threw me headlong into song writing. In one of our first sessions, we wrote the chorus to “First Love”, which is one of our top charting songs (I have the privilege of singing on it!).
In addition, before joining the Collective, I had never directed music. Again, Bodie saw a need in our team and trusted me to grow into the role of music director. As I close my third year with VWC, I find myself a confident, equipped, and growing music director. It has been special to learn how this role is not only practical musical direction but also spirit support and encouragement for the team.
And last, through my time in VWC, I’ve grown in leadership as in my second year I was able to be hired as the Vanguard Worship Collective assistant. In this role, I’ve been a part of coordinating for off-campus events and lead the class anytime Bodie is out of town. It has also trained me to become a gentler leader.
What have you been listening to lately?
“No Famine” by Oceans Music
This song is really special to me because it is from the local church I’ve been attending since coming to Vanguard. It is an anthem of hope and a reminder of the care and provision of the Father.
“In You” by Kingdom Culture Worship
I love this song because of the theological richness in it. It articulates with melody the beautiful and mysterious interplay and dance of the Trinity. The bridge is entirely out of Colossians 1:15-24, and it is a powerful declaration.
“childlike” by John Mark Pantana and LOVKN
I’ve been listening to this album “religiously”and enjoying the light, easy going sound that reminds me of my childhood. A cool thing about this song and the whole album are the lyrics. They range from fairly deep to extremely silly.
What are your plans or aspirations after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to do a yearlong worship internship with Kingdom Culture Church in Brisbane, Australia. I did a three-month internship with Kingdom Culture Church in 2023. During this year abroad, I hope to discern a call Australia, which I have felt since I was 13.
OJ is just a one example of the exceptional Vanguard students receiving a transformational, Christ-centered education because of the generosity of people like you.
Keep Reading: Vanguard Worship Collective: Empowering Student Ministry