Candace Coker was born and raised in Trinidad, where music filled her childhood. Her father enjoyed playing the guitar, and her grandmother worked as a music teacher. From a young age, she learned about the beauty of music. Today, she serves as the director of worship ministries at JBU, with a passion for cultivating a campus environment of worship guided by the Holy Spirit.
Drawing on her musical childhood, Coker began using songwriting in high school as a tool to connect with God. As her relationship with the Lord blossomed, she drew inspiration from different Christian songwriters, individuals she describes as “people who gave language to my heart.” She explored the language of songwriting throughout her college years, leading worship in church and participating in student ministries.
Coker worked in marketing and communications from 2019 to 2026 as her love for music remained strong, and she continued serving on the worship team at her local church. Coker released her album “Bare and Bones” in 2023 while maintaining her songwriting practice. Recognition soon followed: The Gospel Coalition named her one of “16 Artists to Watch,” which prompted JBU Chaplain Keith Jagger to invite her to speak in chapel.
Now in her new role at JBU, Coker supports student leaders and fosters deeper worship. Her responsibilities include overseeing more than 30 students involved in JBU’s multiple chapel bands. She does this through mentoring the chapel leaders one-on-one and attending chapel worship rehearsals to provide direction. She is also responsible for training the worship teams and aiding the music department in building excellent musicians.
Coker deeply believes in the power and importance of worship in community and in the need for the church to come together to lift praise to the Lord.
“Hunger for him is not an isolated experience,” she said.
Encouraging students to grasp the true heart of a worshiper is central to Coker. She strives to help them be centered in God and allow the Holy Spirit to catalyze a desire to pursue him more. As director of worship ministries, her hope is to lead by example and turn worship into musical excellence, all driven by a thirst to give God adoration.
This article is from the summer 2026 edition of the Brown Bulletin. Access the full issue.