Woodlawn Baptist Church

MUSIC MINISTER SEARCH PAGE

The Minister of Music Search Process

Woodlawn Baptist Church voted to begin a new search committee to obtain a Minister of Music during the summer of 2008. The committee consists of five members who elected according to the bylaws of our church. The committee members began meeting August 5^th and plan to meet weekly. Regular updates regarding this search process will be provided here. This page is intended to do two things: (1) Provide up-to-date information for our congregation regarding the search process, (2) To give further information to candidates who may be looking at our church. Information can be forwarded to: search@woodlawnbc.org.

THE MUSIC BLOG

Periodically, the Music Minister Search Committee will use this forum to provide brief updates on the search progress. We believe it is crucial to keep everyone informed as we seek His direction in this important task. Please contact any committee member for additional information.

Blog Entry #5 (November 11, 2008)

Minister of Music Search Committee update – After reviewing almost 100 resumes and conducting in-person interviews with several candidates, the consensus of the committee is that God has not yet revealed His person to us. We will continue to accept and review resumes for candidates that fit the profile revealed in the congregational survey. We seek your continued prayers for God’s clear direction in this important process. Resumes can be sent to musicsearch@woodlawnbc.org.

Blog Entry #4 (October 16, 2008)

Music Minister Congregational Survey Results

Key results of the recent Music Minister Search Committee congregational survey (234 responses received):

Survey participants were 61%/39% female/male and 45%/55% single/married with 21% of the respondents indicated participation in the WBC music ministries.

30% of respondents have attended Woodlawn five years or less.

Attendance at Sunday morning worship services averages over three times per month

67% of Sunday 8:30 am worshippers like the music as it is with the other 33% split evenly between desiring more traditional or more contemporary.

44% of Sunday 11:00 worshippers like the music as it is with 34% desiring more traditional and 22% desiring more contemporary.

42% expressed no preference as to age of music minister with 45% preferring age 30 – 49.

72% expressed no preference as to marital status of music minister.

79% preferred a minimum education of college graduate or seminary graduate.

The top three qualities desired in our next music minister were (i) displays integrity in their personal and family life (ii) is approachable and caring and (iii) has strong interpersonal and communication skills.

The top three attributes desired in our next music minister were (i) works well with staff (ii) views his role as music worship leader, not a performer and (iii) works well with all congregational age groups. Survey participants provided 14 pages of written comments.

These results and comments are being reviewed closely and will be utilized as the Search Committee identifies and interviews prospective Music Minister candidates. Thank you for your participation.

Blog Entry #3 (October 8, 2008)

The search committee has reviewed over 90 resumes received to date. We are continuing to accept resumes at search@woodlawnbc.org.

Based on our needs (as validated in the congregational survey), we selected five candidates for initial phone interviews. These interviews were conducted this week. The next step will be to evaluate the phone interview results and determine candidates to pursue further with an in-person interview over the next 2 to 3 weeks. We are excited about the short list and look forward to continuing to seek God’s direction for us in this search for our Minister of Music.

Blog Entry #2 (September 15, 2008)

We are continuing our weekly committee meetings. Recent events include: completing congregational surveys in all departments (will be done by Sept 21^st) This input will provide information to match candidates against and provide candidates insight into our congregation reviewed about 40 resumes received to date contacting other sources of leads for potential candidates If you have questions, feel free to contact any committee member.

Blog Entry #1 (August 15, 2008)

The Search Committee began its weekly meetings in early August. After establishing how the committee will function administratively, we have: discussed key issues that will guide the search process (candidate, profile, resume resources, our church’s expectations, denominational politics, etc.) submitted brief ad to Baptist Standard for two-month advertising cycle developed list of other referral resources for resumes begun developing a congregational survey to seek input about the WBC music program and profile considerations for the Music Minister established preliminary timeline for the search process created website link (musicsearch@woodlawnbc.org) for resume submission by potential candidates. We covet your prayers for His continuing guidance in directing us.