Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Paris.
Hi Amber, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The Zephaniah Worship Song Study began as a spark God planted in my heart years before it ever had a name. I’ve always loved music—especially worship music—and as my faith deepened, I started noticing how richly Scripture is woven into the lyrics we sing every day. Worship songs weren’t just moving my heart; they were teaching theology, telling biblical stories, and echoing the very words of God.
With a background in teaching English, it felt like a natural next step to create a study that helps people slow down and really see those words—to trace the lyrics back to Scripture and experience them more deeply. The Zephaniah Worship Song Study brings together multiple ways of learning and engaging: journaling, annotating lyrics and Scripture, creative art, research, and meaningful discussion.
The study first came to life as a daily online experience through GroupMe with women from my church small group, and it’s been thriving there for years. Since then, it has grown beyond that original circle and has been shared through one-time and bi-weekly studies with local nonprofits and other groups. One of the things I love most about Zephaniah is that it’s never static—because worship music is always evolving. As new, Spirit-inspired songs are released, the study remains fresh, relevant, and deeply rooted in God’s Word.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a perfectly smooth road. As many Christians will attest, when you step out to do something that honors God, resistance often follows. God and I have been dreaming big for the Zephaniah Worship Song Study, but the growth process has been slower than I initially imagined.
I’ve created a companion workbook that’s available on Amazon and have spent time networking and exploring opportunities like conferences, but traction has come gradually. Along the way, I’ve also faced health challenges that required me to slow down and listen closely to my body—an ongoing lesson in surrender and trust. Through it all, I’ve been reminded that God’s timing is always intentional, even when it feels delayed.
One of my biggest personal challenges has been the world of social media. I’m not naturally drawn to self-promotion, and learning how to share the study online in an authentic way has stretched me far outside my comfort zone. Still, I recognize that this is the space where connection happens today. So recently, I took a leap of faith—launching a website and beginning to show up on Instagram. I’m learning as I go, trusting that obedience matters more than perfection, and believing that God will continue to open doors in His perfect timing.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At the heart of the Zephaniah Worship Song Study is a deep passion for bringing God’s Word into spaces where healing, restoration, and hope are needed most. One of the most meaningful ways I’ve been able to do that is through partnerships with nonprofits. The study has been used with sexually trafficked women at Refuge for Women in Denton, with young women who have aged out of the foster care system at Unfaulted in Keller, and I’m currently preparing to launch it within a new Dallas-based program called Our Community, which serves individuals experiencing homelessness.
What I specialize in—and what I believe sets the Zephaniah Worship Song Study apart—is the way it uses worship music as a bridge. Music has a unique ability to break down walls, soften hearts, and create a safe space where the Holy Spirit can move freely. Through Scripture-based lyric study, reflection, and discussion, participants are invited to encounter God’s Word in a way that feels accessible, personal, and deeply restorative.
One of the aspects I’m most proud of is the creative component of the study. Many women begin by saying, “I’m not creative,” often carrying years of insecurity or perfectionism. Yet creativity is woven into who we are—we are made in the image of the Great Creator. I’ve had the privilege of watching women rediscover that truth, releasing fear and self-doubt as they create freely. Those moments of breakthrough are powerful and holy.
While I’m just a small part of these incredible programs, it’s a profound blessing to help bring God’s words of encouragement, peace, and love into these spaces. My hope is to see the Zephaniah Worship Song Study continue to flourish within nonprofits—whether I’m facilitating it myself or equipping others to carry it forward.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I don’t naturally think of what I do as an “industry,” because I don’t view the spreading of God’s Word through worship as a business trend. That said, when I look at the future of the Zephaniah Worship Song Study, I see tremendous possibility and growth. This year, God gave me the word flourish, and I truly believe the coming season is one of blossoming—of deeper roots and wider reach.
In the next five to ten years, I envision the study expanding into conferences, retreats, and larger gatherings where worship, Scripture, and personal engagement intersect. I see spaces where participants don’t just listen, but actively experience the study together—pausing to reflect, create, journal, and then share what God is revealing through meaningful discussion. I love the idea of people leaving those gatherings equipped to take the study back to their churches, using it in small groups, retreats, or ongoing discipleship.
I’m also passionate about equipping others to carry the Zephaniah Worship Song Study into new spaces, particularly within nonprofits and outreach programs. Training and empowering facilitators allows the study to grow beyond me and reach wherever God is already at work.
Ultimately, I’m excited to follow where God leads. Worship music continues to evolve, and as new songs inspired by His love are written, new opportunities for connection and transformation emerge. My prayer is that the Zephaniah Worship Song Study continues to flourish, touching hearts and drawing people deeper into God’s Word through the songs we sing.
Pricing:
- You can get the companion workbook of the Zephaniah Worship Song Study via Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Zephaniah-Worship-Study-Amber-Paris/dp/B0DFM38H28 for $15.00 for the physical copy or $2.99 for digital copy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://amberjoparis.wixsite.com/worshipsongstudy
- Instagram: @zephaniah.worship.song.study
- Facebook: @zephaniah.worship.song.study
- Other: zephaniah.worship.song.study@gmail.com
