Orrville Baptist Church recognizes music minister’s 47 years

Orrville Baptist Church recognized Andy Brunson for 47 years of volunteer music ministry to the church. The sermon, “Serving God in Your Generation,” was delivered by Pastor Michael Liles based on Acts 13:36. A video celebrated some of Brunson’s milestones over the years and included a personal video recorded message from a former pastor and longtime friend Robert Pemberton, who served with Brunson for nearly a decade at Orrville in the late 1970s and 1980s.

Liles presented Brunson with a plaque and gift card, and pianist Lallie Pruitt gifted him a new music stand. Brunson, who studied business at the University of Montevallo, is married to Annette and has three children; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He credits a youth minister, James Castlen, at his church with getting him started leading music. As a teenager, Brunson was asked to lead songs while Castlen was away. He was first music director for New Hope Baptist, Orrville, which was a product of a church split from Orrville Baptist. Those churches later reunited, and Brunson continued to lead music. Over the years, Brunson has worked in the auto parts industry as well as in cattle farming. At age 71, he plans to continue to serve until the Lord tells him to stop.

“God called me to something that I could do, and I intend to do that to the best of my ability,” said Brunson, who shared his favorite song is “In Christ Alone” by Keith and Kristyn Getty.

Liles shared his appreciation of Brunson: “He serves not only as music and choir director but as a deacon, and his love for the church is unquestioned. Andy demonstrates a faith that doesn’t just give the Lord his leftovers or what is considered ‘convenient,’ but gives all of himself for the One who gave all of Himself for our salvation.”