Building a Bridge with Music
Worship Arts Director Katie Howell sees music as a great pathway for connecting with God and
with others. Leading the choir and coordinating the music, she directs the musical path of
worship and praise each week, where all in the church body can connect.
“Special music gives people a chance to use their gifts for the Lord and creates a bridge for
listeners to connect with Christ too,” she said.
Katie joined the worship team at FPC Branson in November 2024, moving from North Little
Rock, Arkansas, where she had served as a church music director for over a decade. Her
background in church music goes back to her childhood. Her grandparents were pastors, and
her mother was a music teacher and church accompanist, so she grew up immersed in Christian
music and church fellowship. After majoring in music at the University of Arkansas and earning
a vocal music degree, she turned to the church where she knew she would have the
opportunity to work with all ages, share her skills and continue to grow in faith.
Coming up with the best Sunday worship approaches is a challenge she enjoys. Here at FPC
Branson, she set out to first get to know the members and the environment they preferred for
worship, and then she moved forward with incorporating musical styles for all preferences.
FPC Branson has a lot to offer, she said. Visitors – and new choir members – are always
welcome. “I am always open to ideas,” she said. “Come collaborate with us! This is a good place
to get connected, find support and build for the future along with us.”
Katie and her husband Drew have been married for 11 years. They share their home with an English
bulldog named Lucy.
