Hi Tiff, it’s great to have you chatting with us here at the Women In Worship Network!
Tell us about yourself – where are you from and how did you get involved in worship ministry?
Aloha! My name is Tiffany Kananimae’oleonalaniki’eki’eloa Thurston, but my friends call me “Spiff!” I was born and raised in Hawaii on the island of O’ahu and am native Hawaiian mixed with Portugese, Chinese, English, Irish, German, Tahitian and French!
Growing up in Hawaii, I wasn’t raised in the church. I always believed in God and never doubted that He exsisted, however, when I was exposed to what it meant to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ at the age of 18, it forever changed me and the path I thought I was destined for.
I always wanted to be a singer and marveled in amazement at Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and Christina Aguilera to name a few, but in 1999, I got exposed to my first “Christian” singer by the name of Natalie Grant and I remember sneaking into her soundcheck in curiousity only to find my jaw dropping as I heard her sing.
I thought to myself, “Lord, if someone with those kind of pipes sings for YOU, this is legit, and I want to do the same!” I had no clue that 8 years later I would be singing with Natalie Grant and touring with her! =) But back to my earlier days, I started singing on the worship team at my church, New Hope Christian Fellowship, right out of high school and just felt a different connection when I would sing for the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.
I served in every possible way and in every possible ministry. I later became the Vocal Director and then Creative Director of that same church of 10,000, led by Senior Pastor Wayne Cordeiro. I look back and am so grateful for leaders that believed in me and gave me opportunities to serve even when I may not have been the most equipped. I believe that every great leader/singer had to “bloom where they were planted” before they “rise” above!
That’s a cool story…you have an amazing background! Now you are involved with Revolve and Women Of Faith – tell us about those organisations..what they do and how you serve there.
In 2007, I got hired (while still living in Hawaii) to be the worship leader for the Revolve Tour for that upcoming season!
For those that have never heard of the Revolve Tour, it is a 2-day event for girls between the ages of 12-18 that involve dynamic & challenging speakers, entertaining yet impacting artists as well as a worship team & drama team with the purpose of encouraging, equipping and educating this next generation. It’s an evangelistic event held in arenas that draws thousands of teenage girls per event!
It was birthed out of Women of Faith after a number of the moms requested an event for their teenage daughter! Since then, it’s had 5 seasons and about to embark on it’s 6th season in January of 2011 which will include a tour of 12 cities across the Continental U.S.! I keep on telling them we need a “Revolve” in Hawaii! They agree however we haven’t been able to make that happen just yet! One day.
On a personal note, one of my favorite moments at Revolve have been getting to hear 10,000 teenage girls sing “How Great Is Our God” at the top of their lungs! I believe there’s power in numbers and when one girl sees another girl worshipping the Lord with her heart, soul, mind and strength it leaves a mark that encouragers her to do the same, to not feel alone, and in return pursue the life that was intended for her!
What advice would you give to women involved in local church ministry? How can they grow in their gift, skill and heart for worship?
Whew. I believe this can be lived out in many different ways. First, I would ask them what do they feel called to do and/or passionate about. Then I’d say, start there and “bloom where you are planted.” My pastor in Hawaii taught us to “Start small, but start now.”
If you say you want to heal the sick but you are waiting for an opportunity to come to you I think you’ve missed the boat. I would say, how are you pursing that passion and using that gift now? Are you going into nursing homes or hospitals or even simply praying for friends and family to be healed?
Sometimes we think we need to have everything in place or all the papers to say we are “qualitified” before we can be used by God but that’s not true. Sometimes we disqualify ourselves by not stepping out on the field at all. “Make a careful exploration of who you are the work you have been given, then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of us must take responsibility for doing the creative best we can with our own lives.” That’s out of Galatians 6:4-5 (The Message) and when I first heard that translation it forever pierced my heart and challenged me. I think Paul gave us a great place to start.
Lastly, if you are in music ministry…here are a few helpful hints and areas to get started:
1. Hone your craft and develop what you have already been given. Be a good steward. Take voice lessons and/or music classes. Attend conferences or anything you can!
2. Don’t compare yourself with others but “RUN YOUR OWN RACE!” In the arts, it can be easy to feel discouraged and not “good enough.” But that’s a lie from the enemy. 1 Corinthians 12 reminds us that we each have a part in this “body” therefore know that, believe it, and walk in it. The body needs YOU!!!
3. Serve. Not just on stage but in an area that nobody will see or in a way you won’t get praise for. It’s been those times that have probably shaped me the most and have prepared me to be on stage. I still find ways to do this today because I know I am human and it’s as if when I do those jobs that aren’t noticed by others that God uses it to scrub my heart and any residue that may have built up unexpectedly or unintentionally. Jesus even tells us in Matthew 20:26 “But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant…”
3. Develop community. We need each other. Start a Bible Study or support group for your worship team and/or of people that love to worship. I believe that God uses community to help encourage and equip us as well.
4. What do you do to have fun? Depends where I am…I live in Nashville now…so I don’t get to surf as much as I’d like but I do love to golf, hang with friends when I’m not on the road as well as unplug by spoiling myself with a massage or pedicure! I’m very much a home-body these days since most of the time I’m travelling. So if I get to spend time with family and close friends, I consider it a GREAT DAY!
Where can we find out more about you and what you’re doing?
You can check out www.tiffanythurston.com (personal website), www.revolvetour.com – (teenage girls conference), www.thebloompage.wordpress.com – (resource blog for girls that want to “BLOOM!”)
Thanks Tiff! Enjoy your day!
