Laura Junkins, Worship Ministry Associate
Academy of Performing Arts Director
APA & Children's Music Ministry Office
(901) 853-2668 Ext. 129
Birthday: June 24
Originally from: East St. Louis, Illinois
Education background: Music Education studies at Southeastern University, Hammond, LA, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL and State Tech Memphis, TN
Ministry background: Baton Rouge Symphony Chorus, Baton Rouge, LA, 1981 • Calvary Baptist Church Children’s Choir Director, Memphis, TN • Memphis Symphony Chorus, Memphis, TN 1987-89 • CFBC Dinner Theatre Director, Newport News, VA, 1991-95 • Sara Beth Causey Chorale (Soloist), 1988-95 • Opera Memphis Chorus, Memphis, TN, 1989-2006 • Hickory Ridge Baptist Church Drama Director, 1993-95 • Harrell Theater Vocal Coach, Collierville, TN, 1996-99
I started working for CFBC: August 1999
My family: my children, Jessica and Rachel
My role at CFBC: Through our Academy of Performing Arts (APA) ministry, we provide our community with a Christian environment in which music students can enhance their musical gifts and abilities. My role in our children’s music ministry is to prepare our children for worship through music.
Personal story: I was saved as a child. The Lord began to speak to my heart at age eight. Soon after I was baptized, but I didn’t come to a true understanding until I was twelve years old. At that time, I repented of my sin and asked Jesus to fill my heart. It was many years later before I was re-baptized. God showed me through my own daughter that baptism needed to follow redemption. We were baptized together!
Most fulfilling part of my job: Experiencing the love and trust of our children is wonderful—my most fulfilling moments are when I see children or students communicate and worship God through their music
Places of service available in my ministry: In the APA, we’re always looking for qualified teachers. In the children’s music ministry, we’re in need of music leaders, teaching assistants and music camp workers (including Bible teachers, music concepts teachers, food service volunteers, youth workers and adult supervisors)
Spiritual gifts: Mercy and teaching
I hope heaven includes: All the children I’ve met throughout my life
The smartest thing I’ve ever done: Experiencing the blessing of having two beautiful girls
The best way to pray for me: Pray that God would give me wisdom to meet the needs of a growing children’s music ministry · Pray that God will provide physical endurance, as well as people, to fulfill this important ministry · Pray that God will help me build relationships with the teachers and the children who sing in our children’s choirs · Pray that all I do will be for His glory and praise.