Preparing Ministry Leaders: Formed to Inspire and Equip
March 18, 2024
Oklahoma worship leaders and ministry enthusiasts are invited to gather on Bison Hill this spring as OBU hosts the “Discover, Connect, Inspire” Worship Ministry Panel on April 25, 2024, at 4 p.m. inside OBU’s Recreation and Wellness Center (RAWC).
OBU organizers have said the event will offer students and worship ministry staff a platform to tackle the intricacies of ministry work by posing the hard questions and gleaning insights from seasoned panelists with a wealth of experience.
Central to the event is the desire to prepare students for the realities of ministry beyond the confines of traditional perspectives and to encourage lay pastors or volunteer music leaders in churches of various sizes.
The panelists, comprising OBU's three esteemed visiting professors in worship studies—Dr. Matt Boswell, Matt Roberson and Dr. Randy Lind—along with Josh Duncan, are set to provide invaluable guidance and perspectives to attendees. The discussion will be complemented by a time of worship and opportunities for audience members to engage in a stimulating question-and-answer session.
Boswell serves as the lead pastor of The Trails Church in North Texas. He is widely respected for writing hymns, known for songs including “His Mercy is More” and “Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery.” He is also an author, assistant professor at Southern Seminary and president of Doxology & Theology, which is a community of worship leaders committed to gospel-centered worship.
Roberson is the senior pastor of Marlow First. He previously served at The MET Church in Houston, Texas. Roberson served as a worship pastor and itinerant worship leader for the first 16 years of his ministry. He began at The MET in January 2011 as the worship pastor, served as a campus pastor in their multi-site strategy and became senior pastor in July 2016. Roberson is an authentic, transparent and passionate leader. He is creative, has the heart of a shepherd, a discerning spirit and a true love for people. Roberson has been married to his wife, Jennifer, since 2000 and they have two children, Chloe and Claire.
Lind conducts the Singing Churchmen and Singing ChurchWomen of Oklahoma and notably directed the 1,200-voice Festival Choir for Franklin Graham in 2015. Lind's leadership has taken musical groups to diverse global destinations like Hong Kong, Russia and more. He's showcased his groups' talents from coast to coast in the U.S. and premiered numerous musical works. With experience spanning Oklahoma, Missouri and Texas, he's been a guest conductor, clinician and associate pastor/minister of music. Lind's credentials include degrees from OBU, Pittsburg State University and Northern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Duncan was born and raised in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies and his Master of Arts in Worship Leadership at Dallas Baptist University. He has been leading worship for over a decade. He served through internships and various volunteer roles throughout high school and college. Immediately after college, he was hired as a worship minister at The Village Church (Dallas Campus), which multiplied from The Village Church in 2019 and became its own congregation, Northway Church. He leads and writes with a collective of artists and leaders from Northway under the name Northway Collective.
“Worship studies has always been one of the core programs in the Division of Music at OBU,” Dr. Matthew Emerson, dean of theology, arts and humanities, said. “Our entire institution exists to equip students to live all of life, all for Jesus and this includes equipping students who will lead others in the worship of our Triune God. These panelists are each equally excellent musicians, experienced worship leaders, and pastors.”
The panel also aims to encourage higher-education aspirations, specifically encouraging students and worship pastors to explore masters-level studies at OBU. Emerson said this aligns with the university's overarching commitment to workforce preparation and holistic development.
This spring, make plans to "Discover, Connect, Inspire" on April 25 during the Worship Ministry Panel event at the RAWC at OBU. Registration is not required but is encouraged. For more information, contact Rachelle Helmbacher, OBU executive administrative assistant to the dean of theology, arts and humanities, at rachelle.helmbacher@okbu.edu.
