NATCHEZ — As the son of a preacher, Trey Mitchell has had a first-pew view of the inner workings of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

That insight is what first fueled Mitchell’s dream of becoming a youth leader in the church — a dream that was realized in July when the 22-year-old Natchez High School graduate was elected as international worship director for the Young People’s Division of the worldwide A.M.E. church.

“Seeing how everything worked in the church and the work the church does, I wanted to be a part of it,” Mitchell said. “I want to use the gifts God gave me to make the church better … and build on what has been established.”

As international worship director, Mitchell will oversee the worship services for international meetings of the Young People’s Division and head the division’s music department, among other duties.

As a vocal music performance student at Alcorn State University and a professional musician, Mitchell said he understands how important music is to the worship experience.

“Music speaks to the senses, and it will be a way for us to build a bridge across the different cultures in the church,” he said.

Mitchell has big plans for the music department, which include creating a mass youth choir and building up the worship music department.

Mitchell’s father, the Rev. Birdon Mitchell of Zion Chapel A.M.E. Church, said he was surprised when his son first voiced interest in becoming a leader in the church.

“It’s a really big deal,” Birdon Mitchell said. “It is an international office. Our church covers 39 countries on 5 continents. I asked Trey if he understood that this was going to take a huge commitment and a lot of hard work, and he does. He is willing to take on that challenge.”

Trey Mitchell began campaigning for international worship director in March. After receiving the necessary approvals and speaking to church leaders, Mitchell said he established social media pages to help him connect with church members.

“That helped a lot,” he said. “I was able to connect with people all over.”

Mitchell also presented himself as a candidate to representatives from approximately 13 of the church’s 20 districts at the the Young People’s Division’s Quadrennial conference in Indianapolis, where he was elected.

“I am really, really grateful for this opportunity,” Mitchell said. “I know God wouldn’t give me this responsibility if he didn’t think I was capable.”

Mitchell said he has already felt a tremendous outpouring of support since being elected.

“I have ideas that a lot of other people are talking about, and I had many people come up to me (at the conference) and say, ‘If you need anything, please let me know. We want to help.’”

With support and hard work, Birdon Mitchell said he knows his son will make a great worship leader.

“He’s dedicated to what he is doing,” Birdon Mitchell said. “I think if he gets the support he needs, he’ll make an outstanding contribution to our church.”

Trey Mitchell said he is confident growing up in church and the influence of his parents and church leaders has prepared him for his new position.

“With the right support and God on my side, I hope to make a big impact on my church.”