Combining seven people from different backgrounds, different age groups, and different churches wouldn’t seem to be the best way to create a worship band, but it appears that’s exactly what God had in mind when He thought of Elevate.

In 2002, Elevate began simply as a desire to bring modern worship to First United Methodist Church in Clanton, Alabama. With Tommy Lenoir on lead vocals and Mike Graham on drums, along with a guitarist and bass player, the worship band at FUMC was born. Over the next 18 months, guitar and bass players came and went. In 2003, Mike “Stroke” Bailey, settled in on the bass, with Trent Tatum on acoustic guitar and Derrick Hopper on electric guitar. 2004 brought the addition of Elevate’s only female member, Whittley Rasberry, on keys, and in 2011, Whittley changed her last name to Hopper as she became the wife of guitarist Derrick Hopper.

As the band progressed, opportunities to share at other churches began to present themselves, and they soon found out “the worship band from First Methodist” wasn’t really a name they could keep, and the name Elevate stuck.

The vision of Elevate is simple. “We just want to take what God has allowed us to do on Sunday mornings and use it for His honor in as many venues as we can”, says Lenoir. Those venues include student rallies, camps, conferences, weekly student services, and general worship services for churches looking for contemporary or modern worship.

While they go out primarily as a seven piece band, being the worship band in an established church, Elevate is able to offer many options. Whether it’s a three piece acoustic set, a five to seven piece band geared to students, or the full worship team of 11 people, Elevate is a band that can fit most any church’s need.



“Elevate is one of the best bands I have had the privilege to work with. Musically they are as good as any worship band you’ll find, but what I believe sets them apart is their heart for ministry. They love Jesus and it shows in everything they do from the stage to behind the scenes. If you are looking for a praise and worship band, then you need to give Elevate a call. You’ll be glad you did.”
Chris Britton
Youth Pastor
Centerpoint Fellowship Church
Prattville, AL

“I am so excited about the ministry of Elevate. It has been an honor to see God use Elevate to reach lives for His kingdom. God has gifted this group with the ability and passion to lead in worship. There is not a performance, they minister to the congregation. I see God moving in this group and praise God for His ministry that He allows Elevate to spread. One of the best worship experiences we have had!”
Kenny Martin
Crossroads Student Ministries
Minister to Students
West End Baptist Church
Clanton Alabama

“I’ve been a Youth Pastor for over ten years now, and have had the privilege of working with a lot of worship bands. Many of them have done a great job, but I can honestly say that Elevate has been the biggest joy to serve with. Just give them a call and book them for your next event and you’ll see why I’m recommending them. Their talent, heart for ministry, great attitude and professionalism set them apart. We’ll definitely be calling them in the future!”
Gene DeVaughn
Youth Pastor
Shoal Creek Baptist Church
Prattville, AL

“I've never been more pleased with worship than that provided to my students and for other events by Elevate. Tommy's (Lenior) vocals are amazing and the band as good as it gets. Yet, as good as the music is, the reason worship goes so well with these guys is because they live it everyday. Their faith and their walks with Christ are rock solid. I've used them many times before and you can bet I'll be calling on them again.”
Jason Green
Student Minister
Cross Road Baptist Church
Hueytown, AL

Date • City/State • Venue • Time • Contact

1/6/13 • Clanton, AL • FUMC/Hydrate • 9:30 AM • 205.755.0490
1/13/13 • Clanton, AL • FUMC/Hydrate • 9:30 AM • 205.755.0490
1/20/13 • Clanton, AL • FUMC/Hydrate • 9:30 AM • 205.755.0490
1/26/13 • Thorsby, AL • Mineral Springs Baptist Church • 7:00 PM • 205.646.3480
1/27/13 • Clanton, AL • FUMC/Hydrate • 9:30 AM • 205.755.0490
2/3/13 • Clanton, AL • FUMC/Hydrate • 9:30 AM • 205.755.0490
2/8/13 • Clanton, AL • First Baptist Church • County Wide DNow • 
2/9/13 • Clanton, AL • First Baptist Church • County Wide DNow •
2/10/13 • Clanton, AL • FUMC/Hydrate • 9:30 AM • 205.755.0490
2/17/13 • Clanton, AL • FUMC/Hydrate • 9:30 AM • 205.755.0490
2/24/13 • Clanton, AL • FUMC/Hydrate • 9:30 AM • 205.755.0490
3/3/13 • Clanton, AL • FUMC/Hydrate • 9:30 AM • 205.755.0490
3/10/13 • Clanton, AL • FUMC/Hydrate • 9:30 AM • 205.755.0490
3/12/13 • Clanton, AL • West End Baptist Church • 6:00 PM • 205.755.0625
3/17/13 • Clanton, AL • FUMC/Hydrate • 9:30 AM • 205.755.0490
3/24/13 • Clanton, AL • FUMC/Hydrate • 9:30 AM • 205.755.0490