Gabe Buhler ’07, M.A. ’10 is the instructor for the Grove program in Bushnell University’s School of Music and Performing Arts. The Grove program is the primary worship leadership team and is highly active in Bushnell Chapel and traveling events, providing broad musical and technical opportunities for Bushnell students. Buhler brings over 15 years of ministry experience and a passion for mentoring students in worship leadership. His connection is deeply intertwined with Bushnell University, having earned both his Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries (Youth) and his Master of Arts in School Counseling from the institution. Beyond his role at Bushnell, Buhler serves as the Worship and Tech Pastor at Harrisburg Christian Church, where he lives out his commitment to guiding young people in faith and leadership.
After serving in ministry for many years, Buhler felt the call to return to Bushnell to share what he’s learned in ministry and help students develop their own leadership skills in worship. His teaching philosophy centers on learning “shoulder to shoulder” with students, rather than simply teaching to them. “The more you do something, the more comfortable you get with it,” he explains, particularly in the context of leading worship. He views worship as both theological and practical, and he finds joy in leading worship alongside his students as they grow in confidence and skill.
We sat down with Gabe to hear more about his journey, his teaching philosophy, and how he integrates faith into his work at Bushnell. You can watch the full interview on Bushnell’s Youtube channel. Below, he shares his insights on the power of worship, his hopes for students in the Grove Program, and his advice for making the most of your time at Bushnell.
What inspires your teaching style?
I love working alongside my students. There’s something powerful about learning together, especially in worship. Part of worship leadership is theological – understanding the “why” behind what we do. But the other part is practice. The more we lead worship, the more we grow. I enjoy every chance I get to lead worship with my students and help them get those reps.
How do you view the relationship between faith and learning?
For me, faith and learning go hand in hand. God has given me a hunger for experiencing new things, and I see that spark of curiosity in students too. My goal is to draw that out and help students integrate their faith into everything they do. Worship, especially, is a time when we feel most connected to God. Leading worship, whether it’s in a small church or a large one, is about helping others experience that connection.
What do you hope students take away from the Grove Program?
I want students to leave with a strong theology of worship—understanding what the Bible says about worship and knowing how to live that out in their own lives. Whether they end up leading worship in a small, rural church or a large, high-tech environment, I hope they’ll feel equipped to serve wherever God calls them. The goal is to be well-rounded and ready to serve God wherever they find themselves after Bushnell.
What advice do you have for students at Bushnell?
I’d say don’t be afraid to try new things, even if they make you nervous. When I was a freshman, I didn’t take advantage of all the opportunities Bushnell had to offer. But the truth is, you don’t know what you’re going to love until you try it. God has wired each of us uniquely, and sometimes it takes stepping out of your comfort zone to discover what that looks like.
How do you integrate service into your career?
Serving alongside others is one of the most powerful experiences. Whether it’s helping the tech team wrap cables after worship or just having a conversation with someone, those shoulder-to-shoulder moments are where ministry happens. I think faith is at the core of everything we do here at Bushnell, and that includes how we serve. Worship, after all, is an expression of our faith, and it’s faith that moves us to sing, to praise, and to serve others.
Buhler’s heart for worship and teaching is evident in his role at Bushnell, where he mentors students in both their theological understanding and practical skills in worship leadership as part of the university’s music program. To learn more about our worship leadership opportunities and music major, explore at Bushnell’s School of Music and Performing Arts.