Celebrating 1 Year with Steve!!

One year ago Stephen Butts formally joined our ministry team at College Park as minister of music and worship, and boy are we glad he did!  Steve has been around longer than that, and many of us had gotten to know him somewhat, yet this new role has helped us appreciate his great gifts and unique perspectives.

Steve continues a long line of talented musicians and worship leaders here at CP, such as Benita, Monica, Don, Rydell, Christian, Mike, and Elizabeth.  The staff here works closely with one another, so it’s imperative we trust each other; it’s an extra bonus when we actually enjoy each other’s company.  Steve is a delight to work with: he is present with everyone, attentive to our input and needs.  He has a lovely quick laugh and is simpatico with his colleagues’ odd sense of humor.

Steve has the rare twin gifts of detailed careful planning, yet being able to shift quickly without drama when the need arises. He texts whomever is preaching several options for music usually two weeks in advance.  He considers and writes about the weekly worship theme to his choirs, and uses his own spiritual journey to reflect on the week ahead.  Clearly he has great skill in planning and leading music for two clearly different styles in worship.  Leading music is tricky because people have such deep emotions tied to music in worship, and he knows we cannot please everyone.  Yet, so often, he does just that.

He’s in our buildings most every day to make sure there are no surprises concerning our old building’s sound system, which he remarkably knows how to coax into cooperation.  I’ve never worked with a music minister that knew more about the technical aspect of a sound system than Steve.  He has saved us good money on this.

But it’s his pastoral gifts that I appreciate.  He and I have gone to visit congregants on several occasions, and he knows how to be a non-anxious presence. Steve cares for the wellbeing of his music-makers in each choir.  He listens, yet he’s not afraid to say no or tell someone enough. He’s recruited a vast array of diverse people to sing and play.  Steve is successful at this because people sense his genuineness and openness to others.  He fits in perfectly with the vibe of our church: unpretentious, hard-working, talented, caring with a great odd sense of humor.

So, Steve, happy one year anniversary with your tribe, College Park.  We hope there will be many more years ahead, and of course: Thank God you are here!