From my first day at FBC, almost a year ago, I have been more than pleased with the music and worship portion of our church’s life. Credit for this flows in many directions. First Baptist has a history of musical excellence that goes back for generations. Dozens of people lend their voices and musical talents to lift our people to meaningful worship each Sunday. While there has a long line of gifted leaders, I have been blessed to work with the remarkable team of Chris Culpepper and Dawne Eubanks.
For some time, I have been in conversations with Dawne and Chris regarding the direction of our music ministry leadership. The arrangement we have had before and since I arrived has served us well, especially during the time of interim and the merging of the two services into one. The two of them have worked well together and each have obvious gifts and loyal followers. I would go so far as to say that that particular area of ministry is our strongest in terms of talent, participation, and its impact on the life of our church. However, there are seasons to every leadership scenario, and this is no exception.
Effective immediately, we are elevating Chris Culpepper to the role of Worship Pastor, giving him full responsibility for all aspects of music ministry including the choir. Dawne will continue to direct the choir during a transition period that will conclude on Easter Sunday, April 16th. We are planning a thank-you event on April 9th, marking the end of her fourth stint as interim director, this one lasting three years.
The timing of this move, which was in many ways inevitable, was affected by a number of factors. First, how Dawne has squeezed the demands of this ministry into her already full musical schedule, only she and God know. She has labored for years without the margin of time and energy that she and Chuck both deserve and need. Secondly, we have come to the time where we need to emerge from transition mode and give me one person to work with who provides leadership to the whole of the ministry. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, Chris is a gifted musician who understands worship and church life and is a hard-working team player. In short, he is my guy. He has a remarkable musical pedigree (Liberty University, New England Conservatory) and the ability to value and lead different styles of worship music. Moreover, he is a good guy who loves Christ and loves people.
We are beyond indebted to Dawne, and the good news is she is not going very far. She will simply move from the director’s stand to the soprano section and continue to grace and extend the ministry of the church she has loved and served for so long. In the near future, there will be other staff moves that will position us to step into the future that God has for us at FBC. I know you will join me in thanking Dawne and supporting Chris as we move there together. It has been, and will continue to be, a joy to love and serve with these folks. And it is more than a joy and privilege to love and lead as your pastor.
Blessings,
Glen