William Jeffrey Jones:
Our Next Minister of Music / Organist
First Presbyterian Church
Session Approval:
On Tuesday, September 6, 2022, the Session of First Presbyterian Church of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, voted unanimously to engage William Jeffrey Jones as our next Minister of Music / Organist starting in mid-October.
Education:
Doctor of Musical Arts | 2001 | The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY
Doctor of Musical Arts | 2001 | The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY
- Major: Organ and Church Music (Hymnology)
- Major: Organ and Sacred Music
- Major: Piano and Religious Studies
What Members of the Search Committee are Saying:
Jeff Ruff:
Jeff Jones is a deeply spiritual Christian leader, and a highly-talented musician. His musical direction is engaging and filled with creative and knowledgeable approaches to teaching and shaping choral performances. His training and experience enables him to bring a wealth of versatility to a wide range of musical literature and styles. Worshippers should expect organ performances and choral anthems from a variety of musical periods and spiritual traditions.
Jaci Runco:
During [our] process, one candidate in-particular, Jeff Jones, stood out as having not only the proper experience, talent, and skills, but also the character and disposition that would fit in well at FPC Greensburg. More recently, we were given the opportunity to meet with him in person. During that experience, it became clear to me that he was not only called to us, but also us to him. I believe that he could easily step in and not only manage the program as-is, but also be up to the task of developing and growing the program going forward. FPC has a long history of serving not only our congregation but also our local community by providing a high-quality music program. I believe Jeff Jones would continue, and also upgrade and refresh those traditions.
Dr. Jerry Lowry:
The search process for our new Minister of Music has been a rewarding experience for me. I wondered as we moved through this process, “How were we going to be able to choose the right person, from a group of such capable and gifted candidates?” After meeting Jeffrey Jones and spending the better part of a day in his presence, it became clear to me (through the Spirit’s guidance) that God had led Jeff, to us. Our first impression of Jeff via a phone interview was very positive. His education, Music Minister experience and references are all exemplary, as well as online recitals and performances the search committee reviewed. However, when I had the pleasure of meeting our candidate in person and to see him in action, my enthusiasm was multiplied! I enjoyed his artistic, interpretive capability at the organ and his exuberant piano playing. More importantly to me, as a choir member, his ability to teach and encourage singers and ringers and to lead the congregation in purposeful, musical praise to God is nothing short of inspirational.
Scott Sucke:
As a part of the committee to call a new Minister of Music, it quickly became apparent that one must consider all aspects of the individual applicants, not just their musical ability or proficiency. Jeff immediately stood out to me in his first interview not by something which was rooted in his musical proficiency but instead, was rooted in his character. Jeff brings to the congregation a deep humility and a mature understanding of the faith. He also exhibits a sincere compassion and an appreciation for mission. All of these attributes lend themselves to the definition of ‘minister’. For these reasons, and in addition to many others, I feel hiring Jeff as our new Minister of Music will be beneficial to the entire ministry of our church.
Jeff Ruff:
Jeff Jones is a deeply spiritual Christian leader, and a highly-talented musician. His musical direction is engaging and filled with creative and knowledgeable approaches to teaching and shaping choral performances. His training and experience enables him to bring a wealth of versatility to a wide range of musical literature and styles. Worshippers should expect organ performances and choral anthems from a variety of musical periods and spiritual traditions.
Jaci Runco:
During [our] process, one candidate in-particular, Jeff Jones, stood out as having not only the proper experience, talent, and skills, but also the character and disposition that would fit in well at FPC Greensburg. More recently, we were given the opportunity to meet with him in person. During that experience, it became clear to me that he was not only called to us, but also us to him. I believe that he could easily step in and not only manage the program as-is, but also be up to the task of developing and growing the program going forward. FPC has a long history of serving not only our congregation but also our local community by providing a high-quality music program. I believe Jeff Jones would continue, and also upgrade and refresh those traditions.
Dr. Jerry Lowry:
The search process for our new Minister of Music has been a rewarding experience for me. I wondered as we moved through this process, “How were we going to be able to choose the right person, from a group of such capable and gifted candidates?” After meeting Jeffrey Jones and spending the better part of a day in his presence, it became clear to me (through the Spirit’s guidance) that God had led Jeff, to us. Our first impression of Jeff via a phone interview was very positive. His education, Music Minister experience and references are all exemplary, as well as online recitals and performances the search committee reviewed. However, when I had the pleasure of meeting our candidate in person and to see him in action, my enthusiasm was multiplied! I enjoyed his artistic, interpretive capability at the organ and his exuberant piano playing. More importantly to me, as a choir member, his ability to teach and encourage singers and ringers and to lead the congregation in purposeful, musical praise to God is nothing short of inspirational.
Scott Sucke:
As a part of the committee to call a new Minister of Music, it quickly became apparent that one must consider all aspects of the individual applicants, not just their musical ability or proficiency. Jeff immediately stood out to me in his first interview not by something which was rooted in his musical proficiency but instead, was rooted in his character. Jeff brings to the congregation a deep humility and a mature understanding of the faith. He also exhibits a sincere compassion and an appreciation for mission. All of these attributes lend themselves to the definition of ‘minister’. For these reasons, and in addition to many others, I feel hiring Jeff as our new Minister of Music will be beneficial to the entire ministry of our church.
What Others Have Said About Jeff Jones:
Jeff is an easy collaborator, respectful, passionate, an obvious nurturer of people. Gentle, kind and thoughtful, yet no shrinking violet. He expresses his thoughts and opinions and adapts easily when needed. Organized and prepared, he is very good at surrounding himself with people who are committed to a goal and setting a direction, then letting people do their work.
-Marlon Hurst, Former President of Presbyterian Association of Musicians
Jeff is as talented as he was gracious, a pleasure to work with. He was at a program where he had a children’s choir he saw at least 3 times a week. It is hard to find a person who is simultaneously a good fit and will work at making things better each day.
-Jason Brown, Minister of Music and Art, First Presbyterian, Richmond, VA
I have found Jeff to be authentic, humble, and gifted as a musician and as a person. Jeff related incredibly well to the choir at Grace Covenant. He showed sensitivity towards those who needed help or encouragement. I would hire him in a minute if I had the chance again.
-Rev. Dr. Mark Ramsey, former Pastor / Head of Staff GCPC, Asheville, NC
Jeff Jones is a wonderful soul and a team player who knows how to teach music. He is also a trustworthy person who is good at scooping up a project a running with it.
-Dr. Emily Williams Burch, Visiting Professor of Music and
Coordinator of Music Education at University of South Carolina
Jeff is an easy collaborator, respectful, passionate, an obvious nurturer of people. Gentle, kind and thoughtful, yet no shrinking violet. He expresses his thoughts and opinions and adapts easily when needed. Organized and prepared, he is very good at surrounding himself with people who are committed to a goal and setting a direction, then letting people do their work.
-Marlon Hurst, Former President of Presbyterian Association of Musicians
Jeff is as talented as he was gracious, a pleasure to work with. He was at a program where he had a children’s choir he saw at least 3 times a week. It is hard to find a person who is simultaneously a good fit and will work at making things better each day.
-Jason Brown, Minister of Music and Art, First Presbyterian, Richmond, VA
I have found Jeff to be authentic, humble, and gifted as a musician and as a person. Jeff related incredibly well to the choir at Grace Covenant. He showed sensitivity towards those who needed help or encouragement. I would hire him in a minute if I had the chance again.
-Rev. Dr. Mark Ramsey, former Pastor / Head of Staff GCPC, Asheville, NC
Jeff Jones is a wonderful soul and a team player who knows how to teach music. He is also a trustworthy person who is good at scooping up a project a running with it.
-Dr. Emily Williams Burch, Visiting Professor of Music and
Coordinator of Music Education at University of South Carolina
The Minister of Music / Organist Search Committee
Robin Jennings, Ruling Elder, Chair
Scott Sucke, Ruling Elder
Dr. Jerry Lowry, At-Large
Jeff Ruff, At-Large
Jaci Runco, At-Large
Rev. Dr. Martin R. Ankrum, ex officio
Robin Jennings, Ruling Elder, Chair
Scott Sucke, Ruling Elder
Dr. Jerry Lowry, At-Large
Jeff Ruff, At-Large
Jaci Runco, At-Large
Rev. Dr. Martin R. Ankrum, ex officio
We are a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA), and members of the Presbytery of Redstone.
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