First Baptist Greensboro joyfully welcomes Landry Duvall as our new Minister of Music & Worship. Landry was called with the affirmation of the Congregation on Sunday, April 6. Landry will begin his tenure at First Baptist Greensboro in June.
A note from Landry:
“This weekend truly felt like coming home. I’m so thankful for the kindness, grace, and genuine welcome you’ve shown to me—and to Robert—as we’ve begun stepping into this new chapter. From the moment we arrived, we felt embraced by a spirit of warmth and hospitality that was present in every conversation and interaction. One of the greatest joys for me was leading worship from the organ and hearing a congregation that truly SINGS—with heart, joy, and deep sincerity. It’s clear that this is a church with an extraordinary legacy of music and worship, and I feel deeply honored to be invited into that story. Thank you for your trust and for the generous way you’ve received us. I’m so looking forward to the road ahead and to all we’ll share in the seasons to come!”
Read below to learn more about Landry, and why we are so excited about the life and ministry we will share! And view our Call Sunday worship service here.
About Landry
Landry is currently the Director of Music Ministry and Organist at Idlewild Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) in Memphis, TN. Before his work at Idlewild, Landry served congregations in Virginia, Texas and Tennessee. Landry holds a Master of Music (Church Music: Choral Conducting) from Baylor University and a Bachelor of Music (Church Music: Organ Performance) from Carson-Newman University.
Baptist in background and education, part of Landry’s sense of call to First Baptist Greensboro is the opportunity to use a full range of his gifts as a minister and musician in a church and music ministry he has known and appreciated over the years. In his words, “This role feels like a homecoming for my own sense of calling — as a minister, a musician, and a worship leader.”
Professional Experience
Idlewild Presbyterian Church, Memphis, TN (2023-Present)
Director of Music Ministry and Organist
River Road Presbyterian Church, Richmond, VA (2017-2023)
Director of Music Ministry and Organist
University Baptist Church, Austin, TX (2015-17)
Minister of Music & Outreach and Organist
Calvary Baptist Church, Waco, TX (2013-2015)
Music Ministry Assistant and Organist
First Baptist Church, Kingsport, TN (2009-2013)
Organist
Education
Baylor University
Master of Music in Church Music: Choral Conducting
Carson-Newman University
Bachelor of Music in Church Music: Organ Performance
Additional Leadership and Experience
Vice President of the Mid-South Region of the Presbyterian Association of Musicians
Member of the American Guild of Organists and the American Choral Directors Association
Conductor of One Voice Chorus in Richmond, VA (2019-2021)
Graduate Assistant and Graduate Conductor at the Baylor University Center for Christian Music Studies (2013-2015)
Family and Personal Life
Landry and his partner, Robert Rios, have been together for nine years. Robert is a marketing professional who works remotely. He has also been known to play handbells and sing baritone in church choirs.
When not at church, Landry enjoys spending time at home with Robert and their two schnoodles, Ollie and Gus. He enjoys traveling (especially a good road trip), cooking, exploring new restaurants, and attending local performing arts events. He values time spent with friends around the table and finds joy in the ways creativity and community enrich daily life.
A Word from Landry
It is with joy, humility, and a heart full of gratitude that I accept your call to serve as Minister of Music and Worship at First Baptist Church Greensboro.
From the moment I first encountered this congregation, I sensed something sacred in the air — something deeply rooted, beautifully alive, and full of promise. First Baptist has a rich and faithful legacy of music and worship, and I am honored to step into a role that has been so lovingly and skillfully tended by those who came before me. This is an extraordinary place to do music ministry, and I am eager to build on the great work of the past as we move forward together.
This role feels like a homecoming for my own sense of calling — as a minister, a musician, and a worship leader. I am drawn to the sacred task of shaping worship experiences that draw us closer to the glory of God and more deeply into love for our neighbors. It is clear that worship is the beating heart of this congregation, and I am excited to listen, create, and grow with you in this shared calling.
One of the greatest gifts of this discernment process has been the connection I’ve already begun to feel with the staff team. Their warmth, wisdom, and joyful sense of purpose make me incredibly hopeful about the work we will do together. I believe with all my heart that it will be both fruitful and life-giving.
More than anything, I see this role as a partnership in ministry. The exciting future of music at First Baptist will not be crafted by one person alone, but through the faithful collaboration of a congregation listening together for God’s leading. I’m ready to walk that road with you — with open hands, open ears, and an open heart.
Thank you for your trust, your welcome, and your witness. I can’t wait to begin.
Special Thanks
Thanks to our Search Committee for their excellent representative leadership throughout this process: Matt Messick (Chair), Will Crawford, Sarah Frye, Elizabeth Holleman, Laura Lomax, Maggie Martin, Mark McCracken, Tommy Starnes and Levonne Tobin Scott.
