What does Metro III mean to me and to my ministry?
I’ve been attending Metro III since 2021 and it’s the week I most look forward to all year. The brotherhood I have found in the guys at Metro is exactly what I needed. The guys all serve in churches just like I do and it’s extremely helpful to bounce ideas and music off of each other. I’ve been able to incorporate so many things that I’ve learned through the guys at Metro. The best part is that we have a strong connection to each other through prayer. These are the people who will stand with you in the trenches because they get it. From day 1, I felt like I had known these guys for 10 years (some of them I have.) You will be loved, encouraged and prayed for.
Blake WalkerFirst Baptist Church-Hazel Green, AL
I have been attending Metro III since 2015, and it is a priority on my calendar each year. I have always enjoyed connecting with other worship pastors at events and conferences, but Metro III is unique. The relationships, tools, resources, and ideas that I have gained from this conference are priceless. It is so much more than just a conference. We are family!
Andy NewsomeTrinity Baptist Church - Ocala, Florida
I’ve been coming to Metro III since 2012. Having only been in full-time worship ministry for 5 years, I cherish the opportunity to glean wisdom from guys that are not only sharing the same life stage as me, but also from men that have been doing this for as long as I’ve been alive! The best quality of this unique gathering of worship leaders is that we are able to get like-minded men together in on room, representing multiple generations with all levels of experience, each bringing something special to the table that benefits everyone in the room. All of this works together to serve the purpose of re-energizing our call in ministry and equipping us to better serve our local congregations with excellence. More than just tossing ideas around the room and discussing universal problems in ministry, we pray for one another and strive to “spur one another on towards love and good deeds.” Through Metro, I have developed some of my best friends in ministry. This isn’t a conference – it is the gather of a band of brothers. I protect our annual meeting with all that I have. If you’re able to join us, I know you will be equally blessed.
John BrewerFirst Baptist Church - Mustang, Oklahoma
In 1998, a group of Music Ministers from across the country gathered at FBC Woodstock for a time of of sharing ideas, fellowship and praying for each other. The group was named Metro III. What a great time that I experienced at that event. Since that event, I have had the joy of being a part of every Metro III that has taken place. Metro III has allowed me to make friendships that have been such an encouragement to Stacy and I through our church ministry and our journey with cancer. These men and women have uplifted us, prayed for us, encouraged us and became lifelong friends. Metro III has provided to me so many fresh ideas for my ministry, but I believe Metro is much more than just those things. It is a group of men and their wives, who serve in like ministries from around the country who come together to share, laugh, cry, renew, gain new vision for ministry and become lifelong brothers. I guard this special time on my calendar and if there is one event I can attend it will be Metro III. I would tell you that if you want something that will not only change your ministry but it will change your life forever, that is Metro III. After these last 17 years of Metro,it has made a huge difference in my life and my ministry.
WAYNE BRIDGESFirst Baptist Church - Arcadia, Louisana
I love Metro III for the fellowship, the wisdom shared at the conference, and the insight into music ministry for my sized church. These guys have the same challenges that I face, and they have answers and ideas that help. I love the fellowship that is shared when we get together at the annual conference and for the support throughout the year. This organization has done more to help move my ministry forward than any other single person or event.
Gary AnthonyFirst Baptist Church - Temple, Texas
I had been attending music reading conferences for years and I usually already had all the packets and knew most of the music. I kept going because I would sit around during the meals and pick the brains of my Music Minister friends for ideas. I would spend a lot of money and time to get a few minutes with them. Then someone invited me to Metro III. It was a paradise of information as well as networking. It was what I really wanted to get all along. Each session was filled with useful ideas and information on the latest software, music, or new trends. As we entered into the round-table discussions, I realized that I was not alone in many of the struggles that I face in music or in ministry. I sat amazed as each one of these guys shared their hearts. Some were new ministers and some were veterans of the craft. I have learned so much from our conference weeks together, but it does not stop there. All year long I now have a network of friends that share ideas, music, prayer, laughter, and grief. When we come back together it almost seems like a family reunion. What a great asset Metro III has been to my ministry and my life.
JEFF STITHCanaan Baptist Church - Bessemer, Alabama
