Salem Dover, at the age of 21, remains true to herself as she moves toward the life she has always dreamed of having. Dover is living in Irvine, California while attending Hillsong College. As a singer, songwriter, and Praise and Worship leader, Dover focuses on her calling — worship ministry and pastoral care.
About Hillsong
Hillsong College, which has campuses in California and Australia, wants to prepare students to lead and impact the world. Hillsong Church is worldwide with campuses in Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East.
Hillsong Worship started making music at Hillsong Church in 1983. Fifteen of their songs have been on the Billboard magazine charts and in 2018, the group won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/song with “What a Beautiful Name”.
The opportunities for Dover with the Hillsong connections are endless.
“I don’t hold my plans too tightly in my hands because, ultimately, life happens and things change,” Dover reflected. “My goals are to either finish school or go straight into ministry and launch into my career within the church.”
It is what she loves, working in ministry and using her talents to grow in the music ministry field.
Dover’s routine
Her days are filled to the maximum with work and school. At Hillsong College, Dover spends Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday in class. The other days she works. Church is an important part of her life as well and she is very involved in serving.
“Throughout a school day, I go to classes, have Chapel Services which include worship and a sermon, listen to lectures and discuss ministry,” Dover talked about what her life is like at Hillsong. “We then go into a tutorial and get to ask questions and talk about what we’ve learned.”
Dover says she takes what she is learning and applies it in areas such as production, vocals, and the Worship Team.
A graduate of Habersham Central High School, Dover began her work in music at The Torch Worship Center on Cannon Bridge Road in Demorest.
“Music is an outlet for me. It’s something that really interests me to learn more about,” Salem talked about what inspires her. “It allows me to have a creative space to express emotions, and thoughts, and to expand what I think is possible.”
Dover believes it is the music that keeps her motivated to do all that she is doing. “Emotions can speak through so many songs better than me trying to express it otherwise. Music allows me to be honest before the Lord as well as give Him all the praise that I can.”
Future plans
She desires to stay in the Praise and Worship Ministry. “There is so much out there in the world of music that is so negative and so trashy. Worship music is simply praising the Lord but it’s also good for the soul,” Dover added.
Having the dream of being a part of Hillsong has been an incredible experience for Dover. “I have met so many amazing friends who now are like family to me. I have the most loving trainers and teachers who care deeply about me as a person before a student, and they desire for me to succeed,” she said about Hillsong College.
Family is very important to Salem. Her father, Casey, is a teacher at the Ninth Grade Academy in Habersham. “My Dad is so patient with students. He is also super smart and such a funny guy. He always makes me laugh,” Dover bragged.
Dover’s sister is a freshman at Habersham Central High School. “Allie is an incredible student and a competitive swimmer.”
Her grandmother, Brenda Williams, owns Farm & Lavish Marketplace in Cornelia. “Such a busy bee, but she loves people and would do anything in the world for anyone.”
Her mom, Alice, who she also describes as her role model, is a Real Estate Agent at Headwaters Realty in Clarkesville. “She cares for her clients and wants the best for them,” Salem described. “She is so strong and hard-working. My mom always knows what she stands for and loves the Lord. I strive to be just like her.”
Homesickness
Dealing with homesickness has been tough for her. “I have my good days and bad days. You do get used to it though.” Dover puts mechanisms into place such as hanging out with friends, exercising, praying, and talking to the Lord. “I find looking forward to the dates that I am going home helps and I count down when I will be with my family again.”
When asked what she has learned over the past two years at Hillsong College, she said, “I have learned many things! But one thing I will share is, don’t put God in a box.”
Dover expressed that God can do more than what anyone could ever imagine and He is willing and able to do it. She also advises, “Don’t allow fear to intervene and make you think you are stuck where you are. God is never done with your story or testimony. He always wants more for you and me.”
Is she “Livin’ the Dream”?
“I wouldn’t say ‘I’m not living it’; rather, I’m moving towards it!” Dover added enthusiastically. “I think the season I’m in currently is me living my dream life in the ways that I can live it.”
Dover loves what she is doing. She loves the life she has and she is enjoying the journey to get to the life she dreams of having.
“My dream life doesn’t even compare to what God has for me!”
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