Sewell looking to enter music ministry
Editor’s Note: Franklin’s Future is a regular feature spotlighting a high school senior in Franklin County and what they have planned for life after graduation.
Russellville High School senior Michael Sewell, 18, has an outgoing personality and is an obvious people person.
And anyone who has talked to Sewell for even a short period of time will know that Sewell is also a very passionate person, especially when it comes to talking about the Lord.
Sewell said his faith in Christ affects everything he does, whether it’s related to school or just in his personal day-to-day life.
As a high school student, Sewell has been in the Russellville City School System since kindergarten and said he’s glad to go to a school where he’s had many opportunities.
“I’m very thankful for the Fine Arts department and for the music programs, both the band and the show choir,” Sewell said.
“I have been a member of the Marching Hundred for the past five years and I currently serve as chaplain of the band.
“I’ve made some great memories through my involvement in the band. One of the best was winning the Grand Champion Gold Division award at the Curry Marching Classic this year.
“You work so hard at something for five years and it was just very fulfilling to finally win a grand champion award my senior year.”
Sewell is also an active member of the RHS Show Choir where he serves as the librarian.
“I really enjoy show choir and I’ve enjoyed it this year especially because of Mr. Derr,” he said. “He is a great choral director and I have learned so much from him both musically and personally. He’s been a great mentor to me.”
Through his musical experiences, Sewell has had the honor of being named to the All-State Show Choir, the All-State Chorus, the Auburn Honor Marching Band and the UNA Marching Extravaganza.
And while music is a very important part of his life, Sewell said he receives no greater joy than when he is doing the Lord’s work.
Sewell currently serves as co-vice-president of Christian Students United at RHS and he is an active member of his youth group at Calvary Baptist Church in Russellville.
“As a follower of Christ, I don’t proclaim to be perfect or righteous,” Sewell said. “I know that without Jesus I am nothing. Because of that, everything about my life has to be about Him.”
He said even his college choice was based on what he believed was God’s will in his life.
“I’m planning to go to the University of Mobile and I’m excited about all the opportunities the college offers to serve because that’s what I’m interested in doing – serving the Lord,” he said.
“I also really like the campus and it just seems like a great school that will be a great fit for me.”
Sewell said he hoped to take advantage of opportunities to travel overseas for mission trips through the college as well as opportunities to reach out to the people of Mobile – all while studying for a degree in music ministry or intercultural studies.
“As of now, I plan on majoring in music ministry because it will be versatile enough to allow me to go wherever the Lord leads me,” he said.
“I can speak when I need to, I can lead songs when I need to, and I can do all of it here or overseas.”
But Sewell said he has also been considering a major in intercultural studies with a minor in music ministry so he can study to be a missionary.
“I felt God’s calling in my life to be in the ministry and I just want to serve the Lord, whether that’s through being a music minister or a missionary or even something else entirely,” he said. “I just want to leave it up to God’s will and do what I can to further the gospel.”
Sewell said once he has his degree, he is open to living and serving just about anywhere.
“It would be great if I could somehow be able to minister to younger guys and invest in their lives,” Sewell said.
“I know I could help them through things I struggled with as a younger guy and hopefully point them in the direction of the Lord. They need to know things like how important it is to have accountability and how important it is to read the Word and to pray.
“I just love people and want to serve people and be a light for Jesus.”
Sewell is the son of Mike and Karen Sewell. He has a twin brother, Matthew, and an older sister, Montana.
