While driving on a recent afternoon, I was listening to the soundtrack from the movie “Walk the Line”. As the song “Going’ to Jackson” began, my immediate thought was “I’m going to Nashville”. I turned off the CD and began to think of all the reasons I am excited about the 2006 Baptist Church Music Conference, June 4-6.

I am excited that the Forest Hills Baptist Church in Brentwood, TN, has extended a gracious invitation to host this year’s conference. This decision was made in mid-year after Katrina changed our original plan to visit New Orleans.  Wayne Causey, the Minister of Music at Forest Hills, and his wonderful staff are busily preparing for our arrival. 

I am excited about celebrating our 50^th anniversary as a conference.  As church musicians, we are deeply indebted to those who have gone before us. The wisdom and integrity of our leaders have shaped the course of church music and helped establish a vision for excellence. This year’s theme, Heritage and Hope….Passing the Baton, will allow us to celebrate our heritage while charting our course for the future. Our 50^th birthday will be celebrated in a variety of ways with special reunions, video tributes, recognition of former presidents, and a special concert featuring music from the Broadman Hymnal. 

I am excited about the times of worship that we will experience together. As worship leaders, we often do not have the opportunity to be participants while someone else leads. Great congregational singing, a foundational stone for Baptist church music, is planned for each session. 

I am excited about the opportunities for learning and inspiration that we will experience. Great choirs, orchestras, composers, solo artists, keyboard ministers, speakers, and breakout session leaders will help to provide us with new resources and new ideas, and cause us to rethink our vision for excellence in our own lives and ministries.

I am excited about seeing you, fellow BCMC members, in Nashville. I urge you to strongly consider attending this years’ annual meeting. Why? First, we need one another. That which God has called us to do is bigger that any one of us. We need to be reminded of our calling, and that we are not called to do this alone. Coming together reminds us that we are not alone, and that there are men and women who share our calling, and face the joys and challenges that we face day to day. We need the encouragement and support that this type of fellowship brings. 

Finally, I am excited that the BCMC has the feeling of being a family. My mother died on December 29. One of the last conversations I had with her focused on our times together around the table when I was growing up. Not only did we share a meal, but we shared life. We shared experiences of the day, and we planned for the days ahead, each sharing hopes and dreams, as well as disappointments. “Table talk” is vitally important in my life, and perhaps it is to you as well. As we gather for our annual meeting, there will be a place for you at the table with a placemat which reads “Welcome to the family!” Don’t miss it!

Please pray for the various plans which will be finalized in the coming days.  Pray for the staff and church family of Forest Hills Baptist Church, Brentwood, as they prepare to host our conference. Pray for our program guests as they prepare to lead us. Most importantly, pray that this conference will be all that God intends it to be, and that He will receive the glory through it all.

I’m going to Nashville! Will you join me?

Tom Willoughby

President, Baptist Church Music Conference

Tom Willoughby
First Baptist Church
P.O. Box 1409
Lawton, OK 73502
580-353-1770 (office)
tomw@fbclawton.org