Brad Halbersma
New Brighton
Summary
Strategic Worship Leader with 20 years of experience, both professional and volunteer, expertly managing the creative, technical, and administrative demands of a transitional ministry. Proven ability to support rapid church transition by seamlessly executing high-quality weekly services. Excels at developing strong, multigenerational worship teams, providing applicable training to A/V volunteers, and strategically aligning music and liturgy with pastoral vision. Seeking to leverage a track record of strong lead vocals, team leadership, and administrative excellence to cultivate an engaging worship experience at Renovation Church.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Worship Leader / Associate Pastor
Fridley Covenant Church
Fridley
02.2016 - 11.2024
- Directed all weekly worship services and musical programming, designing arrangements that fostered deep congregational engagement and created spiritually uplifting environments.
- Ensured thematic alignment by collaboratively planning with the Lead Pastor, integrating music, scripture, and service elements to reinforce sermon messages and enhance the overall worship experience.
- Provided pastoral leadership through preaching, teaching, and general ministry support, successfully introducing multigenerational perspectives to aid a transitioning church.
- Managed all AVL (Audio-Visual-Lighting) production, preparing music slides, videos, and sermon notes to deliver a seamless and professional presentation for weekly services.
- Empowered and trained A/V volunteers by providing clear vision, direction, and ongoing training, minimizing errors and ensuring seamless weekly service flow.
- Executed complex logistical planning and coordination for special services, including the end-to-end setup and teardown for outdoor summer services.
Worship Music Coordinator
Rice Creek Covenant Church
Shoreview
12.2012 - 07.2015
- Cultivated a diverse and engaging worship atmosphere by expertly utilizing and blending contemporary, traditional, and seasonal music styles.
- Enhanced service quality and congregational engagement by actively mentoring and fostering the individual growth of musicians across all instruments and vocal parts.
- Crafted custom music selections and creative elements for seasonal worship gatherings, kids' clubs, and other special events.
- Drove musical accessibility by implementing innovative techniques and diverse arrangements, enabling participation from musicians across all skill levels and ages.
- Organized and distributed materials for instrumentalists and vocalists, ensuring efficiency and creating a highly collaborative, team-based approach to weekly services.
Music Associate
First Covenant Church
St. Paul
01.2012 - 05.2013
- Coordinated and synchronized with the Lead Worship Leader to ensure high standards of musical excellence across a variety of traditional and modern musical ensembles.
- Directed weekly choir and monthly handbell choir rehearsals, preparing and conducting groups to achieve musical excellence and contribute significant depth to worship services.
- Transformed worship culture by assisting the Lead Worship Leader with a successful mentorship program for young musicians, building up their skills and providing opportunities for them to lead the congregation.
- Demonstrated versatility and reliability by covering absent instrumentalists (including piano, keys, guitar, bass, drums, and handbells) to maintain continuous service quality.
- Provided essential technical support by running the sound board for weekly rehearsals, ensuring a dynamic mix that amplified individual musician talents and enhanced performance quality.
Worship Leader
Crossway Community Church
Des Moines
05.2010 - 08.2010
- Functioned as a reliable self-starter by independently curating, arranging, and leading rehearsals and set lists aligned precisely with weekly worship themes.
- Maximized team cohesion and performance quality by organizing and facilitating efficient weekly rehearsals, essential for a low-turnout environment.
- Successfully adapted logistics to an off-site, non-traditional Worship Center stage (rented elementary school), resulting in organized and joyful service participation.
Education
Bachelor of Music - Vocal Performance
University of Northwestern, St. Paul
St. Paul, MN05-2012
Skills
- Worship service direction
- Musical arrangement
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- Adaptability in leadership
- Vocal expertise
- Piano and Acoustic Guitar proficiency
Affiliations
Board President, Two Rivers Chorale, 2021-2025
Timeline
Worship Leader / Associate Pastor
Fridley Covenant Church
02.2016 - 11.2024
Worship Music Coordinator
Rice Creek Covenant Church
12.2012 - 07.2015
Music Associate
First Covenant Church
01.2012 - 05.2013
Worship Leader
Crossway Community Church
05.2010 - 08.2010
Bachelor of Music - Vocal Performance
University of Northwestern, St. Paul