Keith Hibbs was in the eighth grade when he first felt the call to music ministry.

“Everything from there to graduation from seminary in 1978 was preparation for that work,” he said.

And part of that was learning what music ministry at the state level looked like.

GETTING STARTED

“I got to know a little bit about denominational work and the work of the church music office (at the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions),” Hibbs said.

As a high school student, he experienced Music Week at Shocco Springs Baptist Conference Center, and he introduced himself to Paul Stewart, then director of the church music office.

Later down the road, after Hibbs graduated from seminary, he and Stewart reconnected, and Stewart invited him to join the Alabama Singing Men and then be a part of the faculty. In 1983, Stewart asked Hibbs to come on staff at SBOM as a consultant.

The rest is history.

“I have loved every minute of my opportunity to serve Alabama Baptist churches through the 38 years I’ve been at the State Board,” said Hibbs, who is retiring April 9.

Over the years, he has served in a variety of roles, most recently as director of the office of worship leadership and church music.

“It’s been a really interesting journey,” he said.

“I am very proud of our worship leaders in our local churches.” (continued)

This article was originally published by the Alabama Baptist Newspaper. Click here to read the full article.