Music minister sets the climate for worship
Brandon Thurston, music minister at Macedonia Baptist Church, Texarkana, Ark., holds a special place in his heart for traditional hymns.
He gives credit for his love for hymns to the church he attended as a youth. He said, “College Hill Baptist Church is critical in shaping my appreciation for hymns.”
As a child leading devotion on youth Sundays at College Hill Baptist, he often led the congregation in the hymn, “Pass Me Not, Oh Gentle Savior.” “This hymn remains one of my favorites today,” he said.
And he has found a way to pass on his love for hymns. Once a year, Macedonia Baptist sponsors a workshop choir made up of musicians and singers from various churches. Traditional gospel music is featured.
Throughout middle school and high school, Thurston was active in band and choir. He was honored by being in the All State Choir his junior and senior years at Arkansas High School. Thurston played trumpet, baritone and tuba in the band, and sang in the choir under band directors Robert Williams and Blake Henley, and choir directors Dr. James Works and Nancy Williams. He graduated in 2006. Thurston’s primary instrument today, though, is piano, which he plays at Macedonia Baptist.
After high school, Thurston was awarded academic and vocal music scholarships. He earned a degree from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Ark., in 2012. Although his first major was music, he changed his major to education.
He moved back to Texarkana after graduation and taught a few years in both the Texarkana and Liberty-Eylau Independent School Districts. During this time, he earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Texas at Arlington.
He lacks only the completion of his dissertation to earn a doctorate in education from Texas A&M University—Texarkana.
Today, while serving at Macedonia Baptist Church, he also serves as assistant principal with the Gilmer Independent School District.
Thurston said, “I am excited and humbled to be at this phase of my education, as I am a first-generation college graduate in my family. I have seen firsthand how education can change a life.”
Thurston has served as the minister of music at Macedonia Baptist Church for almost five years. As leader of the music department, he teaches music to the choir and congregation, prepares and provides all music for each service, and spearheads the production of the annual concert.
Thurston said the annual concert, featuring hymns and traditional gospel music, is one of the highlights of his year. This year the concert will take place at 4 p.m. April 9.
Thurston said, “I really enjoy teaching, training and directing choirs the most, of everything I do. The concert is so much work; a lot of time, effort and organization goes into it to make it a success.” He added, “I am grateful for the pastor, deacons, leaders, choir and all the members of Macedonia Baptist. We truly have become a family over the past five years. They are a great and giving people.”
Thurston believes music can set the climate for worship. He believes musical leaders, musicians and singers should seek guidance from God.
“Music leaders are charged with the responsibility to listen to God for direction,” he said. “They should carefully examine the lyrics and themes of each song to ensure they are scripturally sound and aligned with the teachings of the church. Macedonia’s culture is one that appreciates spirituals, hymns and other traditional gospel music. As a congregation, we realize the scripture, teachings and spiritual themes in these songs.”
Thurston said he is inspired by the life of Paul.
“Paul had such a rough beginning. He was persecuting Christians but he ended up being a mighty servant for God. It reminds me that how one ends can always be more glorious than the beginning.” Thurston said he has also been thinking a lot about the story in the Old Testament of Ruth and Naomi. “Ruth left what she knew to follow Naomi because Naomi had made such an impression on her. Are we making the kind of godly impression on people that is so compelling that they want to leave what they know to follow us to Christ?”
Thurston said he is continuously humbled that the members of Macedonia Baptist allow him to serve them, and he is grateful to God for giving him the gift of music. “I look forward to serving them as long as God sees fit,” he said.