Rev. Stuart Condra
New Worship Pastor, Bon Air Baptist Church
The members of the Bon Air Baptist Church Worship Pastor Search Team are pleased to introduce Rev. Stuart Condra. Stuart, the new Worship Pastor at the Buford Road Campus
Update:
At the Special Called Business Meeting on January 23, the Worship Pastor Search Team unanimously recommended Stuart for the church's call, and the church voted resoundingly yes.
Stuart's first day at Bon Air Baptist Church will be Monday, February 18. Welcome, Stuart!
About Stuart
Rev. Stuart Condra is a minister of worship with 30 years of extensive leadership experience in worship ministry.
A gifted worship leader, he has also served the body of Christ as a conductor, worship teacher, producer, choir director, and singer. He has conducted large choirs and distinguished orchestras, has taught worship leaders both nationally and internationally, and has led 15 overseas tours.
Philosophy of Ministry
"I believe that the music ministry, along with the other ministries of the church, should seek to fulfill the biblical threefold purpose of the church: to glorify God, to uplift and edify the body of believers, and to share God's saving love with the world."
"I believe church music should be biblically based and theologically sound, committed to faithfully, creatively, and dynamically lifting high our Lord - that all would be drawn to Him. Excellence is always the goal."
Areas of Leadership
- Worship
- Choir Direction (Adult, Sr. Adult, Singles, Ensembles, College, Sr. High, Middle School, Children)
- Orchestras
- Drama
- Handbells
- Praise Bands
- Bible Studies
- Prayer Ministry
Professional Career
Stuart comes to Bon Air from Irmo, SC, where he served as Minister of Worship for 10 years at Riverland Hills Baptist Church until just after the senior pastor retired in 2017.
“Stuart is the most inspiring leader in worship I’ve ever experienced. The four worship services and multiple programs required a staff of musicians, and Stuart attracted the absolute best talent. It was evident that he wanted to honor God. His abilities to bring the Spirit of the Living God into worship are unsurpassed." - Dr. Edward M. Carney, Senior Pastor, Riverland Hills Baptist Church
“Almost immediately upon his arrival, the choir and orchestra began a period of growth, both in numbers and musical excellence. He began a thriving youth choir program, supervised the children's choir program and the music studios, developed adult vocal ensembles, and was credited with huge increases in participation throughout the music ministry. There is no doubt he was gifted and called by God to this work and has dedicated his entire life to this mission. My prayer is that he will continue to influence the kingdom of God through his exceptional gifts and talent.” - Cindy Hix, Riverland Hills Baptist Church
Prior to serving in Irmo, SC, Stuart was the Minister of Music & Worship at Deermeadows Baptist Church in Jacksonville, FL (2002-2007), Minister of Music & Worship at St. Andrew Baptist Church in Panama City, FL (1995-2002), and Minister of Music at First Baptist Church, Gadsden, AL (1990-1995).
Education
Stuart earned a Master of Music in 1988 from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, TX.
He earned his Bachelor of Music in 1984 from Samford University in Birmingham, AL where he received the Harry R. Wilson Award from the faculty for outstanding graduating music major and where he was the President of the Phi Mu Alpha Professional Music Fraternity.
Stuart’s additional worship teaching, conducting, and performance experience is extensive and spans his career.
Search Team & Search Process
The Team
Carolyn Marrs (chair), Leslie Ellis, Blaine Dunnavant, Katy Miller, Bryan Myers, Roland Pittman, Kimberly Rabb, Raynell Reid, Cody Wilson
The Process
The Worship Pastor Search Team following a detailed process to accomplish the important task of finding the next Worship Pastor:
- Worship Pastor, Jim Ailor, announced his retirement
- Search Team selection began
- A job description and website were developed
- The job was posted nationally. Networking and active recruiting extending for several months
- A Worship Pastor Survey was conducted
- The Search Team began an analysis of top resumes
- Skype interviews were held with top candidates
- The list of candidates was narrowed to three
- In a unanimous decision, Stuart Condra was chosen as the top candidate
- The Search Team met with Stuart several times both virtually and face-to-face, and Stuart attended services
- The Search Team was in unanimous agreement to call Stuart
- The Personnel Team was engaged, and an offer was extended
The Conclusion
After evaluating Stuart’s experience and meeting with Stuart in person, the Search Team was overwhelmingly and unanimously impressed with his qualifications.
In addition, they found Stuart to be confident, caring, and kind, and found his emphasis on forming relationships with congregants of all ages to be compelling. They were also impressed by his passion to find the right place for the right person as well as his resourcefulness.
When they considered the areas Bon Air Baptist Church would like to grow, they were excited to imagine how his skills, gifts, and breadth of experience would help our worship ministry thrive under his strong leadership.
Welcome Stuart!
At the Special Called Business Meeting on Wednesday, January 23, the Worship Pastor Search Team unanimously recommended Stuart for the church's call, and the church voted resoundingly yes. Stuart's first day at Bon Air Baptist Church will be Monday, February 18.
About Stuart
Originally from Atlanta, GA,, Stuart and his wife, Robyn, have two, grown daughters, Elizabeth and Emily.
Stuart has been a member of The Centurymen, a chorus of church music leaders from across the United States, since 1989 and has toured with them, among other places, to Cuba, Brazil, Russia, Germany, and Poland.
“Any one of the more than 100 men who have been a part of the Centurymen through Stuart’s years as a member would vouch for Stuart’s character, devotion, and passion for ministry." - Charlie Fuller, Exec. Pastor, First Baptist D.C.
Additional personal interests include hiking, woodworking, WWII history, sports, travel, and golf.