Exemplary Leadership in Church Music

The Award for Exemplary Leadership in Church Music was instituted in 2005 and is given to a graduate of Baylor University who has contributed uniquely and significantly to some aspect of the broad scope of church music ministry. The award can be given for cumulative lifetime achievement or a singular contribution.

In 2026, we will present the Award for Exemplary Leadership in Church Music to:

Bruce Greer

Bruce Greer is widely recognized as one of the most respected and prolific composers and arrangers in church music today, with hundreds of published titles and projects released by many of the field’s leading publishers. His work has earned national acclaim, including a Dove Award—Christian music’s highest honor—for excellence in arranging and orchestration.

An accomplished pianist, Bruce’s expressive solo artistry and longtime collaboration with Grammy Award–winning vocalist Cynthia Clawson, have taken him to audiences around the world, including appearances throughout the United States, Canada, England, and Asia. Whether in churches, conferences, or major concert venues, his performances are marked by musical depth, elegance, and a heart for worship.

In addition to his work in church music, Bruce maintains an active presence in the world of musical theatre. He has served as music director and pianist for numerous productions across the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex and currently serves as Music Supervisor for Lyric Stage in Dallas. A passionate composer for the stage, Bruce frequently collaborates with lyricist Keith Ferguson. Their partnership has produced several successful works, including the widely performed musical adaptation of It’s a Wonderful Life (available through Broadway Licensing) and A Christmas Carol. Their newest projects include Hidden, a musical based on the story of Esther; a comedic adaptation of John Grisham’s Skipping Christmas; and Canceling Christmas, inspired by the remarkable true story of A.C. Gilbert, the inventor of the Erector Set, and his efforts to preserve the spirit of Christmas during World War I.

Bruce currently serves as Chief Accompanist at First Baptist Dallas, where he continues to invest in worship leadership and the life of the local church. He and his wife Kim, whom he has been married to for over forty years, share a rich family life with their four married sons and ten grandchildren.

Bruce will be recognized at the conference luncheon on Thursday, July 23rd. 

Past Recipients