True Worship Press Release

True Worship

Worship CD by Highland Park United Methodist Church Worship Leader, Karla Nivens

Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.  God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth. John 4:23-24 NIV


About the Artist, Karla Nivens:
Karla is an accomplished worship leader, independent artist, entrepreneur, contemporary choir director, and worship consultant, helping churches to develop vibrant contemporary music departments.  Karla, along with her husband Roosevelt Nivens, formed NaRo Records in 2013 and released Karla’s first single and music video in September of 2013.   The single is a worship song entitled “Falling in Love”.  Karla, a former Texas public school elementary music teacher, is the full-time, staff worship leader for Cornerstone, the contemporary worship service at Highland Park United Methodist Church.  Karla has regularly lead worship in Cornerstone for the past 12 years.  She leads a group of over 20 musicians and vocalists comprised of degreed, professional musicians as well as very accomplished volunteers.  Karla is also the Director of Contemporary Choirs for Highland Park.   While serving in this role, she formed the contemporary choir for Cornerstone and the choir at Munger Place UMC.   Karla was featured in The Dallas Observer for her leadership role at Highland Park UMC.  Karla is widely known for being full of passion for the Lord, as well as compassion for those she leads in worship.  She is determined to glorify God in all she does.


Karla has toured and recorded background vocals for gospel artist Kirk Franklin.  While on tour with him, she made television appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Soul Train, and The Stellar Awards to support the album “The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin”.  Mr. Franklin praised Karla as “such an anointed and talented voice coming from a sweet and Holy Spirit-filled lady”.  Karla sang on the soundtrack for the movie “Breaking the Press” as well as made an appearance in the movie.  She has also performed back-up vocals for a wide range of artists such as Yolanda Adams, Michael Buble, Shirley Caesar, Fred Hammond, John P. Kee, Richard Smallwood, Alvin Slaughter, Trin-I-Tee 5:7, and Crystal Lewis.

Karla is the founder and director of a professional organization called Every Heart Every Woman.  Every Heart Every Woman partners with non-profit organizations to educate disadvantaged women on the subjects of employment, finances, and health.  The organization seeks to inspire, elevate, and connect women to their desired future by offering classes and conferences at a reduced rate.  It also uses the medium of social media to remain in contact with women and provide them with updated information as well as inspiration.  Karla is a board member for Love Ministries, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  Love Ministries exists to build young leaders with integrity who will become productive citizens equipped to reach back and help others.  Through Love Ministries, Karla participates in weekly programming geared toward mentoring children.  Of course, Karla takes the opportunity to write music for the children and to teach them to write.


True Worship Music Synopsis:
The CD is comprised of 12 original worship songs.  Eleven songs were written, arranged, and vocally performed by executive producer, Karla Nivens.  The music for each song was written, arranged and performed by producer, Arlington Jones.  Additionally, one song was solely written and arranged by Arlington Jones.

Many of the songs speak of an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.  The music encourages listeners to grow closer to and become deeply devoted followers of Jesus Christ.  True Worship is stylistically diverse.  All of the songs are contemporary, with influences of both gospel and rock music.  The CD begins with a beautiful solo ballad about times when life is overwhelming.  This song entitled, “Sustained by Grace”, travels through many ups and downs before landing on the promise in Lamentations 3:22-23.  “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”  The title song of the CD, “True Worship”, is a sweet, slower worship tune driven by an acoustic guitar.  It encourages listeners to worship in spirit and in truth.  “Mighty God” is a tune written by Arlington Jones.  It is an upbeat, contemporary rock praise song that draws listeners into declaring how great God truly is.  The final song on the CD, “Free”, will leave listeners feeling encouraged to stand on the powerful words of Galatians 5:1.  It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.  “Free” is an upbeat, gospel anthem full of passion and life.

Karla is now working on a worship music project entitled “Unify”.  Karla and the worship band from Highland Park United Methodist Church are writing, recording, and producing the worship project.  Karla and Dan Rixon have released two worship videos.  One of a live performance of John Wesley’s hymn, “Love Divine All Love’s Excelling” and Karla’s original song “Falling in Love” and the second is called "He Lives".  "He Lives" is a musical narration of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.