January 27 - Feb 1 is "Call Week" - a special time for our church to formally consider calling a new Worship Pastor and to give the congregation an opportunity to meet, hear from, and pray about the candidate before a vote.
Anyone is welcome to attend the Worship Team Rehearsals and the Churchwide Meeting on Saturday at 1pm.
Confidentiality Request
Out of respect for the integrity of this search process and for Warren and his family, we kindly ask that the information on this page not be shared online, forwarded, or posted on social media.
We are intentionally keeping this communication within our church family so that Warren has the opportunity to share personally with his current church first, should we decide to call him as our Worship Pastor. Thank you for your care, discretion, and prayerful support as we walk through this important step together.
Anyone is welcome to attend the Worship Team Rehearsals and the Churchwide Meeting on Saturday at 1pm.
Confidentiality Request
Out of respect for the integrity of this search process and for Warren and his family, we kindly ask that the information on this page not be shared online, forwarded, or posted on social media.
We are intentionally keeping this communication within our church family so that Warren has the opportunity to share personally with his current church first, should we decide to call him as our Worship Pastor. Thank you for your care, discretion, and prayerful support as we walk through this important step together.
SCHEDULE
Wednesday – January 28, 2026
5:45 pm – Worship Team Meeting – Introduction & Practice
6:45 pm – Worship Team Rehearsal*
8:00 pm – Dismiss
Thursday – January 29, 2026
6:00 pm – Worship Team Rehearsal*
8:00 pm – Dismiss
Saturday – January 31, 2026
11:30 am – Luncheon – Deacon/Yokefellow in D110/Graham Small Group Room
1:00 pm – Church-wide Meeting - Doors open at 1:00 with supplies available to allow written questions to be submitted.
2:30 pm – Worship Team Rehearsal*
4:30 pm – Dismiss
Sunday – February 1, 2026
10:30 am – Worship
3:00 pm – Special Called Church Conference
*Childcare available by request for these practices. Contact [email protected] to reserve your spot.
5:45 pm – Worship Team Meeting – Introduction & Practice
6:45 pm – Worship Team Rehearsal*
8:00 pm – Dismiss
Thursday – January 29, 2026
6:00 pm – Worship Team Rehearsal*
8:00 pm – Dismiss
Saturday – January 31, 2026
11:30 am – Luncheon – Deacon/Yokefellow in D110/Graham Small Group Room
1:00 pm – Church-wide Meeting - Doors open at 1:00 with supplies available to allow written questions to be submitted.
2:30 pm – Worship Team Rehearsal*
4:30 pm – Dismiss
Sunday – February 1, 2026
10:30 am – Worship
3:00 pm – Special Called Church Conference
*Childcare available by request for these practices. Contact [email protected] to reserve your spot.
Worship Set List
Here are the songs we’ll be singing together this Sunday. Listen, pray, and prepare your heart for worship.
• The Blessing - Michael W. Smith (Instrumental – Opener)
• Psalm 8 (Hallé) - Phil Wickham
• Because He Lives - StowTown Worship
• Jesus Saves - Chris Tomlin
• Revelation Song - Travis Cottrell & Brooke Voland
• He’s Been Faithful - The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
Exit Song
• Every Praise - StowTown Worship
Listen to all the songs in this playlist as you prepare for worship:
• The Blessing - Michael W. Smith (Instrumental – Opener)
• Psalm 8 (Hallé) - Phil Wickham
• Because He Lives - StowTown Worship
• Jesus Saves - Chris Tomlin
• Revelation Song - Travis Cottrell & Brooke Voland
• He’s Been Faithful - The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
Exit Song
• Every Praise - StowTown Worship
Listen to all the songs in this playlist as you prepare for worship:
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Letter from Cory
Dear Church Family,
Over the past several weeks, we’ve been intentionally praying, listening, and preparing for the next season of worship at St. Andrew Baptist Church. As we move closer to welcoming a new Worship Pastor, I want to share our heart and vision for worship so that we can move forward together with clarity, unity, and joy.
At the core of everything we do is a deep desire to honor Christ. Worship at St. Andrew is Christ-honoring, celebrative, engaging, participatory, and reflective of the reality of Heaven. When we gather, we are joining the chorus of Heaven, lifting our voices together in praise to the One who is worthy. Unity is at the core of worship. Scripture reminds us in Colossians 3:12–14 that unity does not happen by accident. We choose it. We clothe ourselves with compassion, humility, patience, forgiveness, and above all, love, which binds us together in perfect harmony.
As we prepare for our next Worship Pastor, it’s important to understand that this role is first and foremost a pastoral one. The Worship Pastor serves as a shepherd who helps lead the entire congregation in worship. He is called to develop people, disciple those who serve, and cultivate a healthy culture rooted in Christ-like character, healthy team chemistry, musical competency, and coachability. Just as importantly, the Worship Pastor and Senior Pastor work in close partnership. Unity at that level produces unity throughout the church.
Our worship teams function as servant-leaders. They are lead worshippers who help the congregation sing, reflect on biblical truth, and respond to God with reverence and joy.
Our vision for worship is to fully utilize every gift God has given for His glory. This includes orchestra, choir, praise team, band, and tech. Every role matters. Every contribution counts. Worship is always richer when the body serves together.
Finally, we believe a healthy worship culture must be protected intentionally. Humility over ego. Unity over preference. Honor over criticism. Grace over grumbling. Each of us has a choice in who we will be as we step into a new season: encouragers or discouragers, unifiers or dividers, servants or critics. My prayer is that we will choose the way of trust in our leaders, love for one another, and unity for the sake of Christ and His church.
I am grateful for this church family, for your faithfulness, and for your willingness to grow together. Please continue praying for our church, our worship teams, and the Worship Pastor God is preparing to bring to us. I am excited about what the Lord is shaping in and through us.
Grateful to serve alongside you,
Dr. Cory Pitts
Senior Pastor
Over the past several weeks, we’ve been intentionally praying, listening, and preparing for the next season of worship at St. Andrew Baptist Church. As we move closer to welcoming a new Worship Pastor, I want to share our heart and vision for worship so that we can move forward together with clarity, unity, and joy.
At the core of everything we do is a deep desire to honor Christ. Worship at St. Andrew is Christ-honoring, celebrative, engaging, participatory, and reflective of the reality of Heaven. When we gather, we are joining the chorus of Heaven, lifting our voices together in praise to the One who is worthy. Unity is at the core of worship. Scripture reminds us in Colossians 3:12–14 that unity does not happen by accident. We choose it. We clothe ourselves with compassion, humility, patience, forgiveness, and above all, love, which binds us together in perfect harmony.
As we prepare for our next Worship Pastor, it’s important to understand that this role is first and foremost a pastoral one. The Worship Pastor serves as a shepherd who helps lead the entire congregation in worship. He is called to develop people, disciple those who serve, and cultivate a healthy culture rooted in Christ-like character, healthy team chemistry, musical competency, and coachability. Just as importantly, the Worship Pastor and Senior Pastor work in close partnership. Unity at that level produces unity throughout the church.
Our worship teams function as servant-leaders. They are lead worshippers who help the congregation sing, reflect on biblical truth, and respond to God with reverence and joy.
Our vision for worship is to fully utilize every gift God has given for His glory. This includes orchestra, choir, praise team, band, and tech. Every role matters. Every contribution counts. Worship is always richer when the body serves together.
Finally, we believe a healthy worship culture must be protected intentionally. Humility over ego. Unity over preference. Honor over criticism. Grace over grumbling. Each of us has a choice in who we will be as we step into a new season: encouragers or discouragers, unifiers or dividers, servants or critics. My prayer is that we will choose the way of trust in our leaders, love for one another, and unity for the sake of Christ and His church.
I am grateful for this church family, for your faithfulness, and for your willingness to grow together. Please continue praying for our church, our worship teams, and the Worship Pastor God is preparing to bring to us. I am excited about what the Lord is shaping in and through us.
Grateful to serve alongside you,
Dr. Cory Pitts
Senior Pastor
FAQ
A Word to Our Church Family
As we prepare for our Worship Pastor candidate to come in view of a call, we know that thoughtful questions naturally arise. These questions reflect care for our church, our worship ministry, and our shared future. The following responses are offered in a spirit of transparency, prayerful discernment, and trust in the Lord’s guidance. Our desire is to provide clarity, strengthen unity, and help our church family walk through this season together with confidence and peace, remembering that Christ is the head of His church and that He remains faithful to lead us forward.
Top Ten Questions
As we prepare for our Worship Pastor candidate to come in view of a call, we know that thoughtful questions naturally arise. These questions reflect care for our church, our worship ministry, and our shared future. The following responses are offered in a spirit of transparency, prayerful discernment, and trust in the Lord’s guidance. Our desire is to provide clarity, strengthen unity, and help our church family walk through this season together with confidence and peace, remembering that Christ is the head of His church and that He remains faithful to lead us forward.
Top Ten Questions
1) What has been involved in the decision-making process up to this point?
This has been a thorough, prayerful, and collaborative process. The search has involved the Senior Pastor, SlingShot Group, a Worship Pastor Advisory Group, and the Personnel Team. Each group has provided input, perspective, and prayer as we have sought the Lord’s leadership together. No single person or group has made this decision in isolation, and everyone involved has expressed their excitement about the Worship Pastor candidate.
It is important to understand that partnering with SlingShot Group, a Christian ministry that assists churches in identifying viable candidates, did not replace or take over our search process. SlingShot served as an addition to the same process we use when hiring ministerial team members other than the Senior Pastor. Candidates were identified through SlingShot Group as well as through our own independent search efforts.
The Senior Pastor reviewed candidates, conducted initial interviews, and then presented candidates to the advisory group for further consideration and interviews. Once the Senior Pastor, in cooperation with the advisory group, discerned a clear focus on one candidate, the Personnel Team then had the opportunity to interview that candidate.
Through those interviews, prayer, and conversations, the Personnel Team unanimously agreed to invite the candidate to come in view of a call. If the process continues to move forward as anticipated, the Personnel Team will formally recommend the candidate to the church at a special called church conference on Sunday, February 1, at which time the church will vote on the recommendation.
It is important to understand that partnering with SlingShot Group, a Christian ministry that assists churches in identifying viable candidates, did not replace or take over our search process. SlingShot served as an addition to the same process we use when hiring ministerial team members other than the Senior Pastor. Candidates were identified through SlingShot Group as well as through our own independent search efforts.
The Senior Pastor reviewed candidates, conducted initial interviews, and then presented candidates to the advisory group for further consideration and interviews. Once the Senior Pastor, in cooperation with the advisory group, discerned a clear focus on one candidate, the Personnel Team then had the opportunity to interview that candidate.
Through those interviews, prayer, and conversations, the Personnel Team unanimously agreed to invite the candidate to come in view of a call. If the process continues to move forward as anticipated, the Personnel Team will formally recommend the candidate to the church at a special called church conference on Sunday, February 1, at which time the church will vote on the recommendation.
2) Was there a search team used for this hire?
The Constitution and By-Laws of the church state that the Senior Pastor position is the only role that utilizes a search team. For other ministerial team positions, the Senior Pastor conducts the initial search and recommends a candidate to the Personnel Team, who then brings a recommendation to the church for a vote.
In the search for a Worship Pastor, the Senior Pastor chose to include a Worship Pastor Advisory Group to assist in the process. This provided additional perspective, wisdom, and prayerful discernment beyond what is required by our governing documents.
In the search for a Worship Pastor, the Senior Pastor chose to include a Worship Pastor Advisory Group to assist in the process. This provided additional perspective, wisdom, and prayerful discernment beyond what is required by our governing documents.
3) Are we making any major changes with choir, orchestra, praise team, or praise band?
No. First and foremost, we are not eliminating any of these groups, nor do we have plans to do so. Our desire is to grow and strengthen our entire worship ministry, which includes choir, orchestra, praise team, praise band, and tech. Each plays a meaningful role in leading the church in worship, and we are excited about developing and enhancing the full scope of our worship team moving forward.
4) Will there be special music and solos in worship moving forward?
Yes. While we will not return to a weekly offertory structure centered around a choir special or solo, there will be Sundays that include special music and solo moments. These moments can be powerful expressions of worship and testimony.
Our goal is for worship services to remain congregational at their core, while also creating intentional and meaningful opportunities to highlight and utilize the gifts God has given across our worship team. These moments will be developed thoughtfully and purposefully as acts of worship that serve the whole body.
Our goal is for worship services to remain congregational at their core, while also creating intentional and meaningful opportunities to highlight and utilize the gifts God has given across our worship team. These moments will be developed thoughtfully and purposefully as acts of worship that serve the whole body.
5) Will our worship style change significantly?
Our goal is not a dramatic shift in worship style, but healthy development over time. Worship at St. Andrew Baptist Church will remain Christ-centered, biblically grounded, and congregational in nature. While every worship pastor brings unique gifts and leadership strengths, this is not about chasing trends or personal preferences. It is about faithfully leading the church in worship that honors God and serves His people.
6) What is the Worship Pastor candidate’s theology and philosophy of worship?
The candidate is aligned with the theological convictions of St. Andrew Baptist Church and affirms our commitment to Scripture, the Gospel, and the mission of the local church. His philosophy of worship emphasizes Christ above all else, the centrality of the Word of God, and the active participation of the gathered church. Worship is not a performance, but a response to who God is and what He has done.
7) Will we be able to grow our choir and include younger singers and musicians?
Absolutely. This candidate not only has a desire to develop worship team members across all ages, but also has a strong track record of doing so. He is passionate about mentoring, inviting younger singers and musicians into meaningful participation, and building intergenerational worship teams that reflect the whole church.
8) How will the church body vote at the special called church conference on Sunday, February 1?
As with other ministerial team hires, the church will vote by voice vote. The Senior Pastor position is the only role voted on by secret ballot.
Every ministerial position hired since the last Senior Pastor has followed this same process, including the Kids Ministry Director, Missions Minister, Student Pastor, Interim Worship Pastor (Clay Owens), and Interim Worship Pastor (Terry Williams).
We encourage everyone to vote according to how they sense the Lord leading them. The church conference is a safe place to do so. We enter that time as family, and we leave as family, regardless of how individuals may vote.
Every ministerial position hired since the last Senior Pastor has followed this same process, including the Kids Ministry Director, Missions Minister, Student Pastor, Interim Worship Pastor (Clay Owens), and Interim Worship Pastor (Terry Williams).
We encourage everyone to vote according to how they sense the Lord leading them. The church conference is a safe place to do so. We enter that time as family, and we leave as family, regardless of how individuals may vote.
9) What happens if the church does not affirm the call?
If the church does not affirm the call, we will continue to trust the Lord’s leadership and move forward together. If available, our interim worship leadership will remain in place, and the Senior Pastor, Personnel Team, and search partners will prayerfully determine next steps. This process is not about pressure or outcomes, but discernment. We remain united as a church family regardless of the result.
10) What did the church vote on in 2017 regarding worship?
In September of 2017, the church unanimously approved a recommendation stating that our worship services would use a style of presentation that maximizes engagement in worship for all generations, with special attention given to engaging Millennials and Gen Z.
The recommendation also affirmed that guitars would be added to the regular instrumentation and that choir, ensembles, and soloists would continue to minister, primarily for the purpose of leading people to personally engage in worship. This would be accomplished by supporting congregational singing, teaching new songs, and singing in ways that help lead the congregation into worship through song.
Over time, several narratives have developed around this vote. One narrative suggests the church voted to move from “traditional” to “contemporary” worship. Another suggests the church voted to move away from choir and orchestra in favor of being led only by a praise team and band. Neither of these narratives is accurate.
While our ability to fully pursue every aspect of that recommendation has been impacted by years of storm recovery from October 2018 through October 2024, a global pandemic, staff transitions, and the simple passage of time, the core commitment remains unchanged. We are committed to reaching people with the Gospel through Christ-centered, engaging, congregational worship that reflects the reality of Heaven. And for what it is worth, Millennials are now in their 40s, which reminds us just how much time has passed.
We are not committed to a specific worship style because we are not trying to be another church. We are St. Andrew Baptist Church. God has uniquely positioned us, and we have both the opportunity and the tools to fill a distinct and meaningful space in worship. Our desire is to be who we are and to faithfully use everything the Lord has provided as a joyful, unified, Spirit-led expression of worship.
The recommendation also affirmed that guitars would be added to the regular instrumentation and that choir, ensembles, and soloists would continue to minister, primarily for the purpose of leading people to personally engage in worship. This would be accomplished by supporting congregational singing, teaching new songs, and singing in ways that help lead the congregation into worship through song.
Over time, several narratives have developed around this vote. One narrative suggests the church voted to move from “traditional” to “contemporary” worship. Another suggests the church voted to move away from choir and orchestra in favor of being led only by a praise team and band. Neither of these narratives is accurate.
While our ability to fully pursue every aspect of that recommendation has been impacted by years of storm recovery from October 2018 through October 2024, a global pandemic, staff transitions, and the simple passage of time, the core commitment remains unchanged. We are committed to reaching people with the Gospel through Christ-centered, engaging, congregational worship that reflects the reality of Heaven. And for what it is worth, Millennials are now in their 40s, which reminds us just how much time has passed.
We are not committed to a specific worship style because we are not trying to be another church. We are St. Andrew Baptist Church. God has uniquely positioned us, and we have both the opportunity and the tools to fill a distinct and meaningful space in worship. Our desire is to be who we are and to faithfully use everything the Lord has provided as a joyful, unified, Spirit-led expression of worship.
