Baptist and Reflector
Scott Shepherd, worship and music specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, left, presented the Paul B. Clark Church Music Ministry Award on Nov. 15 to Wayne Causey of Forest Hills Baptist Church, Nashville.
FRANKLIN — Wayne Causey, associate pastor of music and worship at Forest Hills Baptist Church, Nashville, has been chosen as the recipient of the annual Paul B. Clark Church Music Ministry Award.
The award is presented by the Tennessee Baptist Church Music Conference to recognize individuals who exemplify outstanding, courageous leadership through their commitment, influence and contributions to the ministry through music in the local church, said Scott Shepherd, worship and music specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board.
Clark served as the worship and music specialist for the TBMB from 2000-2015 prior to a massive stroke shortly after the 2015 Summit. Clark died Dec. 24, 2018.
“The purpose of this award is two-fold,” Shepherd said. “First, we want to keep alive the legacy of Dr. Paul Clark in the hearts and minds of Tennessee Baptists. Second, we want to provide motivation and inspiration for Tennessee Baptist worship musicians.”
Wayne Causey
Causey was presented the award during the annual meeting of the Tennessee Baptist Church Music Conference on Nov. 15 at Brentwood Baptist Church, Brentwood.
Causey joined the staff of Forest Hills in 1994. A native of Geneva, Ala., Causey has served churches in Tennessee and Kentucky. He is a graduate of Stetson University in DeLand, Fla., and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., where he earned his master of church music degree.
Shepherd noted that Causey “is a natural and fitting choice for this year’s Paul B. Clark Award. He is one of the most highly regarded worship musicians in Tennessee and beyond. He’s a devoted follower of Jesus, a consummate musician, a respected educator and a fervent worshiper. To top it off, his vibrant joy of life and witty humor make him excellent company! Wayne’s the crème de la crème.”
Scott Shepherd
Shepherd added that Causey was a close friend of the award’s namesake, Paul Clark. “Paul was a member of Wayne’s worship ministry at Forest Hills Baptist Church, participating on the rare occasion Paul wasn’t ‘on the road’ assisting other Tennessee Baptist churches.”
Joe Fitzpatrick, worship and music pastor at First Baptist Church, Nashville, and president of the TBCMC, described Causey as “an outstanding church music leader, a longtime Tennessee Baptist, who is highly committed to our state music/worship ministries.
“He has served faithfully as a part of our Tennessee Baptist Church Music Conference and Tennessee Baptist Men’s Chorale.”
Friend and fellow worship pastor Michael Brown of Grace Baptist Church, Tullahoma, noted that Causey exemplifies all that Paul Clark was “as a musician, leader and Christian.”
“He is a true servant leader and a great encourager. Wayne’s faithfulness to the Lord, the church and the Chorale is inspiring,” Brown added.
Causey and his wife, Carrie, have two children and 10 grandchildren. B&R
