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Why Study Music at NOBTS
Why come to New Orleans to study music and worship? First, the Division of Church Music Ministries prides itself on the relationship between its faculty and students and its various ensembles which afford students the opportunity to perform on a consistent basis. The ratio of music students to faculty enables individual student attention. Second, music students also have ample performance opportunities on campus with various ensembles and throughout New Orleans area churches and other venues. Students are exposed to a wide variety of music and worship styles, from traditional to contemporary. Students are encouraged, even beyond graduation, to be active and involved in church music organizations, such as the Southern Baptist Church Music Conference, of which the music faculty are members and have been officers of its executive council from time to time. Such organizations provide spiritual renewal, fellowship, connections, and continuing educational and professional development opportunities. Third, but not least, New Orleans is a city known for its unique blend of music, food, and culture and provides a marvelous setting in which to study music and ministry. The campus and the city provide a rich learning environment for both the theoretical and the practical. Read what some of our noted alumni have to say about the seminary and New Orleans below . . . Noted Alumni"I graduated in December of 1987 with a Masters of Church Music Degree. One of my graduating classmates was current faculty member, Dr. Becky Lombard. My evangelism professor was current president, Dr. Chuck Kelly. It is a joy to see how God is using them now at NOBTS! "I am grateful for the experiences and opportunities that I had while I was a student there. I served Istrouma Baptist Church in Baton Rouge while I was a student and so I had the great opportunity of taking what I was studying in the classroom right into the “laboratory” of experience. It was a wonderful time in our lives. "I was just starting to write songs then with no idea that it would lead to the opportunities I enjoy as Director, LifeWay Worship Music Group. Many of the choral and conducting experiences at NOBTS still impact what I did even as my most recent church postion as Associate Pastor of Music for First Baptist Church , Carrollton , Texas . Very few weeks go by that I don't have contact with a classmate or former professor. The friends made there have proved to be friends for life. "Most of all, while I was there I was challenged as a Christian, as a musician, and as a minister. I have no doubt that the pattern of growth in my life to this very day started during my time at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. I thank the Lord for the investment Southern Baptists made in my life through NOBTS. "And every Friday was “red beans and rice” day in the cafeteria! How can you beat that!" -Mike Harland, '87, Director, LifeWay Worship Music Group , Nashville, Tennessee.~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~"My time in New Orleans was life changing from every point of view. The Lord used our experience at First Baptist Church in Kenner to launch our concert ministry. Diane and I came to New Orleans expecting to study for a local church music ministry. Well, we are doing that ministry, but not in a way that we expected. God used the church to focus our calling to an itinerant ministry and we’ve enjoyed supporting local churches all over the nation through our concerts and our songwriting. "My time in the music division at NOBTS did so many things to prepare me for this ministry. First, my education was top flight. The professors I was blessed to take classes under were very qualified in their areas of study. The classes were small enough to get a sense of personal interaction with the professors and the students. Second, my time of voice study under Dr. Clint Nichols helped me vocally to do what I do now-sing night after night. He was mentor and is still a great friend. Third, speaking of friends, I made life long friends during my days at NOBTS and have been privileged to sing in their churches over the years. I believe the fellowship enjoyed and friendships shared might have been the best part of my seminary experience. "I thank the Lord for my time in New Orleans both at seminary and in my local church. They combined to put me on the path I’ve been on for 25 years now. Man, am I that old? "May the Lord bless. And remember . . . God Still Moves." - Chris Machen, The Master's Music Company, Chris Machen Concerts -- 972-491-1091 (office) / 972-491-1109 (fax) -- chris@mastersmusic.com / http://www.mastersmusic.com |
Do everything in love.
Psalm 51:1-2 (NIV)
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