I’m Tracie, and I’m so excited to be back in Wilmington! My husband, Nick, and I moved here as newlyweds in 2010. Our sons, Charlie (11) and Sam (9), were born at NHRMC, so returning to our church family at FBCW feels like coming home. I’m a Texas born-and-raised gal and attended Baylor University for a Bachelor in Church Music in Organ and a Master of Music in Church Music. I also earned a Master of Divinity at Baylor’s Truett Seminary. I recently continued my education – at another school with a bear mascot – by completing a Doctor of Ministry in Theology and Worship from McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University. I’ve served in worship ministry for 28 years, most recently at The Summit Church in Sylva, NC.

I’m also inspired by FBCW’s involvement in the Wilmington community. I hope to build bridges between faith, music, the arts, and our community partners and ministries. My recent doctoral studies include studying how worship music connects to the worshiper’s understanding of God and deepest spiritual needs through both the cognitive and affective nature of music. This work continues to inform my theology of worship.

Now, one last note for those wondering what a “Minister of Worship Arts” does. In the church, we tend to focus on music as the primary art we bring to God in worship, but there are so many art forms that can glorify God – visual art, theater, liturgical dance, community art projects, and more. A Minister of Worship Arts curates weekly worship, seasonal programs, spiritual practices, and other opportunities for the church to experience God and respond through artistic expression.