Worship Pastors

Mark Maier (Classes)

Mark Maier has earned bachelor degrees in Music and History from Ouachita Baptist University. Mark has also earned a Masters in Music from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. As the Worship Pastor of First Baptist Church Rogers, Arkansas, Mark and his ministry team are focused on discipling the younger generation worship leader. Currently he is working on a new ministry format that will systematically train students in all facets of theological worship ministry. Mark is married to Mary Claire and they have three children, Hannah, Seth and Morgan.
Total Worship Makeover: Youth Edition
If you want a new approach for your student bands/singers or student choir, this class is for you. In many churches there is a lack of worship discipleship among this age group. Age specific worship resources/training material for this generation are scarce. What's the answer? What impact does this have on the future worship climate of the church? Is there training available that fits within the overall student ministry of your church? How can you get the student pastor onboard? No matter the size of your church, you will walk away from this class with practical tools and a renewed focus on worship discipleship. Follow me on Twitter and send me questions and thoughts for this week @markalanmaier or mmaier@fbcrogers.org.

Rick Stone (Classes)

Rick Stone resides in beautiful North Alabama with his wonderful wife, Rosemary. They have three children and four grandchildren. He is a graduate of Samford University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Rick has been blessed to serve in some of the finest churches in the convention. He is currently serving as Worship Leader at the First Baptist Church in Jasper, AL.
The Greatest Stage is in the Closet
You may be surprised to hear this from a Music Pastor, but music has nothing to do with worship! It is not the beginning or the end of worship and the experience of worship is not induced by music. True worship originates in the inner person - music or no music. Although God loves music, He loves us more! The best way to "lead" in worship is to "live" in worship. How does that happen, and where?

Justin Thomas (Classes)

Justin is the Worship Pastor at Church by the Glades in Coral Springs, FL, where he has served for the past 5 years. He is driven to develop young worship leaders and give them a platform to express their gifts for the amplification of the local church. Justin lives in Coral Springs with his wife Claire and their 10 month old son, Oliver. He is passionate about living each day and enjoys going to the beach! He studied music in college with a proficiency in vocal performance. Justin is currently reading: Axiom, by Bill Hybels; The Music Lesson, by Victor Wooten; and Talent Is Overrated by Geoff Colvin. Currently listening to: Aftermath by Hillsong United; Love God. Love People. By Israel Houghton, Come Away by Jesus Culture.
Developing Volunteer Worship Teams
As ministry leaders it is crucial that we are constantly casting vision to the teams we lead. There is so much more involved in developing our worship teams than reading notes and instrument proficiency. We must be modeling consistent spiritual growth and constantly be challenging them to stretch and grow in their faith, character, and confidence as a worship leader. Each of these is equally important to their musical expertise.

Dennis Worley (Classes)

Dennis Worley has lived in the Nashville, TN area for 31 years. During that time, he has been involved in the Christian Music Industry, serving as a music publisher, producer, road manager, artist manager, “live” audio engineer, and for the past 18 years as Music & Worship Minister at Brentwood Baptist Church - an 8,000-member regional-multi-campus church in a suburb of Nashville. He has worked for (3) major music companies - WORD Music, CBS Songs, and Star Song Records - working with songwriters whose songs have been recorded on numerous artists albums including, Michael W. Smith, Steve Green, Larnelle Harris, Twila Paris, Carman, Avalon, Bill Gaither Trio, and many others. He is the co-publisher of the 1991 Dove Award winning song, “Another Time, Another Place” recorded by Sandi Patty and Wayne Watson. He has developed numerous products for the local church Music Ministry, including musicals featuring the songs of Michael W. Smith. He is married to Karla Cox Worley (32 years), and they have (3) sons - Seth (27) who is married to Arley, and they have a 3-year old son, Elliott; Matt (21), and Ben (18).
The Seven Most Important Things I Am Learning as a Worship Minister

Having served in the same church for the past 18 years, I have learned (and am still learning) what is most important in order to serve and minister as effectively as possible. I believe these may not be quite as obvious as one would think. Here are just a few:

  The Word of God In The Worship Of God
Who’s Really In Charge of Your Worship Service
Why the Details Matter
Why the Local Church Needs The Worship Choir Ministry
What To Do With Tension & Conflict
……and more……

Kenneth Martin (Classes)

Kenneth Martin, a native of Charleston, South Carolina, has been the Minister of Music at First Baptist Church of Milton, Florida, since 2005. He has also served churches both in South Carolina and in Texas. Martin holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Church Music from Charleston Southern University and a Master of Music degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. In addition to his work at First Baptist, Milton, Kenneth serves as the Associational Music Ministry Leader for the Santa Rosa Baptist Association. Kenneth and his wife Kristi have three wonderful children: Molli, Beau and Jackson.
More Than A “Song Leader”
Small churches come in many sizes; but no matter the size, scope or style of music used in the ministry God has called you to lead, two things remain the same: God has called YOU to lead it, and He wants you to lead much more than just the songs. Come see what Scripture says about your role as worship leader and get practical tools to help you as you lead the ministry where God has placed you.
A Cooperative Program Ministry of the Florida Baptist Convention