Bachelor of Arts, Music, 2003, Columbia International University

Worship Leaders, Perimeter Church

Atlanta, Ga.

Grammy Award winner Laura Story describes herself as an “unlikely candidate” to be accepted to Columbia International University. An average student who preferred to be behind the scenes, the singer and songwriter never imagined attending CIU or serving the Lord in public ministry. 

But since her graduation from the CIU Music program in 2003, it is clear that God has orchestrated her steps.

Now a well known name in the Christian music industry, Story won a Grammy in 2012, as well as three Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association. Though she is no stranger to success, Story says the spotlight pushes her to depend on the Lord at a deeper level.

“The greater honor than receiving any award is that God can use me,” Story said. “My motivation for ministry isn’t the awards.  I believe God has called me to this and enables me to do it.”

Story refers to her ministry a “wild ride.” She continues to write music that blends corporate and personal worship anthems as she believes both are essential for the Church.

“I like writing for both personal and corporate settings because I believe Sunday morning should be an extension of the other six days,” Story explains.

Story never dreamed of having such a unique platform for serving the Lord. She credits CIU with helping her understand and apply Scripture to her career, believing the context of ministry is ultimately less important than the motivation behind it.

“The ministry that God has called me to happens to involve microphones and being on stage,” Story said. “But the core of ministry is acknowledging that God has given each of us a story and being willing to share that story of how we’ve seen God’s faithfulness in our lives.”