March 28, 2025
DULUTH, Ga. – Rhon Carter knows the benefit of music and worship leaders getting together to discuss their successes and failures.
Carter, the worship and music catalyst for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, spent the past year leading a network of 18- to 28-year-old worship leaders from across the state who have gotten to know each other through monthly online get-togethers and one in-person gathering.
“It’s a diverse group of high school seniors, college students, as well as a group of men and women who are serving in churches in the area of worship and music,” Carter said. “We have celebrated successes, challenged each other in our thoughts and beliefs, as well as encouraged each other greatly.”
With the new year approaching, Carter is looking for young worship leaders who want to be part of a network in 2023. Those interested can sign up at https://forms.office.com/r/vwVWUpbvLc
“My desire to create this group comes from a passion I have to speak into the next generation of church worship and music leaders,” he said. “I want to come beside them to help them and encourage them as they lead in their local worship ministry.”
Carter teamed up with Natalie Beal of First Baptist Church in Soperton, John Blair of Southside Baptist Church in Savannah, and the late Michael King of Calvary Baptist Church in Columbus to guide the young leaders each month.
Together, they led a monthly session that delved into an assortment of issues, including:
“The Young Worship Leader Network has been a great opportunity for me to share what’s going on in my life and ministry at the moment,” said Chandler Wright, minister of worship and music at Cross Point Baptist Church in Perry. “I have learned so much from Rhon, my peers, and the different processes and situations we talk about all throughout the year.
Wright said the gatherings were a reminder that, “I’m not alone, and there are many people around me striving to do their best where the Lord has called them to serve.”
Ashton Jackson, minister of music and worship at Crossview Baptist Church in Fitzgerald, said the network allowed him to create friendships while being encouraged and challenged as a spiritual leader.
“We don’t just meet for an hour and take in information,” he said. “We sit down and talk with each other, discussing the very real joys and challenges of our lives and our walk as worship leaders. Having that group of like-minded people has been such an encouragement throughout this year. I am a better musician and leader today because of the investment others have taken in my life and all of our lives through the Young Worship Leaders Network.”
Timothy Stroud, minister of music and worship at Crossroads Baptist Church in Valdosta, said the network provides a safe place to talk about important issues, from how to evaluate a song theologically to how to deal with volunteers.
“Not only have I been able to learn from people who have years of experience, but I have also been able to talk to other men and women who are in similar stages of life,” Stroud said. “Together, we are a group of young adults who are striving for excellence in worship ministry. The Young Worship Leader Network has provided the means for me and my wife to get to know other young worship leaders in the state of Georgia that we might not have otherwise met.”
Stroud’s wife, Lauren, said the network allowed them to create a bond with other young ministry leaders.
“We are able to connect with these people in a special way, and we have loved doing just that this past year,” she said. “I have loved being able to bounce ideas off each other, celebrate victories with each other, walk through the challenges ministry brings with each other, and ultimately love on and encourage each other. I will forever cherish this group.”
Cordell Kingsley, minister of music and worship at Second Baptist Church in LaFayette, said the network has been a blessing to him.
“Each month, I’m encouraged to hear from other young worship leaders, to hear the struggles and victories that come with worship ministry,” he said. “We get to remind each other of the calling that God has placed on our lives, to lead people into a connection with the Father.”
Beal said the network has been a blessing to everyone involved, including the leaders.
“I have been so encouraged and inspired by their faithfulness and passion for worship,” she said. “I'm praying for them and cheering them on as they continue to pursue Christ and lead the church to exalt His name.”
