Hebrews 12:28 “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe.”
The CCS Ignite Band is more than just a group of student musicians, it’s a passionate worship team dedicated to leading their high school in meaningful praise. Rooted in a desire to honor God, the band uses music as a way to bring students together and create an atmosphere of genuine worship. They reflect the message of Hebrews 12:28; “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” The Ignite Band represents this verse by applying their talents with humility and gratitude, reminding their peers that worship is not just about singing songs, it is about glorifying God with hearts grounded in reverence and joy.
Charlie King, who is the leader of the Ignite Band, started leading worship in churches as a teenager and served through music in different communities from ages 15 to 30. He then led worship for his youth group and his college campus ministry at the University of Chapel Hill, as well as at a couple of other Charlotte-area churches after graduation. He eventually started working full-time as the Worship Director for a church that his family helped plant here in Charlotte. King served for about 6 years, and, in 2021, his family was sent out from that church to plant a slow-paced and simple church in Matthews, North Carolina, called Hallelujah House, where he began working at Carmel alongside that ministry. When asked what made him want to lead the Ignite band and worship, King mentioned that he loves worshiping God through song and is devoted to helping make a space for people to meet with God. Years ago, he started focusing his time both on leading worship and developing worship leaders, and he loves both.
There are currently 11 members in the Ignite Bandwho serve the high school. Each one plays a very important role within the worship group. “Being part of Ignite means taking part in the training of a new generation of worshipers, an assignment that I cherish,” King says. When asked what he thought the most important trait in a band is, Mr King replied, “Courage and selflessness. It takes courage to try something creative, to send it. And it takes selflessness to focus your ears and your heart on the collective.”
Natalia Guillen, a 9th grader, is currently in her first year participating in the Ignite Band. When asked what inspired her to join, she explains that worship has always been her favorite part of church since she was little. Coming to CCS, she had never experienced a Christian school before and thought it was exciting to see students leading worship. Since she had been singing for a long time, she decided to audition, and it worked out. Natalia shares that being in Ignite means serving the school and other students through worship and following what the Lord calls her to do. Her favorite part of Ignite is her classmates, and she describes them as an amazing group of people. To prepare for chapels and leading worship, Natalia practices a little every day on the piano, whether working on harmonies or difficult parts of songs, and she also prays that each chapel would glorify God. She believes the most important trait in a band is the ability to work together and adjust to one another. She would love to see more all-school and elementary chapels. For Natalia, worship is a way for everyone to praise God, and she describes leading and being involved in worship as a true blessing that has brought her closer to Him.
Aaron Asvestas is a 12th grader who has been participating in the Ignite band for two years. When asked what made him want to join, he shares that he enjoys playing music and leading his peers spiritually. His favorite thing about Ignite is the “incredible community,” noting that each member of the band is very talented and that it is meaningful and fun to make music together. If he could change one thing about Ignite, he jokes that he would add more drum solos. In preparation for chapels and leading worship, Aaron explains that he focuses more inward, making sure his heart and mind are in the right place because he recognizes the responsibility of leading. He believes the most important trait in a band is unity, explaining that the hardest part of being in a band is achieving persistence between members and that it is rarely about the music itself.
Erin Padget, a 12th grader, has been participating in the Ignite Band since 8th grade, giving her five years of experience. When asked what inspired her to join, Erin shares that she loves singing and wants to use her gifts to glorify God. Her favorite thing about Ignite is how close the entire band is, highlighting the strong sense of community they share. To prepare for chapels and leading worship, Erin explains that she plans the setlist, practices the songs, and prays over each chapel. She believes the most important attribute in a band is having a heart for worship.
This year, the Ignite Band has led several worship nights throughout the school year. Come join at the next one on Friday, May 8th in the Student Auditorium!
