In the timing and grace of our Lord, Michael and Rachel Roux are joining the MCA ministry team as the Worship and the Arts Director. The Roux’ family have been part of MCA for a couple of years and know our ministry style, philosophy, and practice. We are looking forward to God’s anointing upon the worship and art ministries of our assembly.
Following is an open letter to the MCA Worship community from Michael.
I came to know Jesus at the early age of 5. Hence, I grew up in a Christian family learning a lot about the value of a relationship with Jesus. Into my teenage years I rededicated my life in 8th grade during a missions trip. I remember telling Him that I would walk with him by His Grace and live for Him the rest of my life. At the age of 18 my mom and I were asked to lead worship at a Women’s Aglow meeting. It was there that I was baptized in the Holy Spirit. I love God’s sense of humor and timing. There were only 2 men at this meeting and the rest were women. The other man was a Pastor. After being baptized in the Holy Spirit by the woman preacher and the pastor, I felt God set me on a refining course that has challenged and strengthened me in new ways and continues to do so today. I am eternally grateful for the undying faithfulness of Jesus and His Kingdom without end.
I grew up in Minnesota surrounded by musicians on both sides of my family. My dad is a Band Director in Minnesota and my mom is a gifted singer. Music and instruments have been a part of my life ever since I can remember. I have played several instruments and have specialized in a few. My favorite instruments are the trumpet, drums, guitar, and singing. Over the years I’ve participated in All-State Band & Choir, high school musicals, Jazz band, Concert band, Pop singers, choir, worship teams and worship leading.
The whole idea of leading worship began before I new it. At age 17, I picked up the guitar and was invited to take lessons from my pastor. I couldn’t put my guitar down as I poured many hours into learning the instrument. It wasn’t long until I was invited to start leading worship at my church. Shortly after that my friends and I started a worship band and began writing our own songs and traveling around the Mid-Western States putting on concerts, leading worship, and sharing the Gospel with countless teens and college age kids. By the Grace of God we were also able to record a few albums. I now see how God used this time as a training ground for His purposes.
After traveling for 5 years with our band I felt God’s call to move to Alaska, finish my degree and marry Rachel, my beautiful bride. We now have 3 awesome kids: Mikayla (7), Jacob (4), and Isaac (2). Rachel is currently wrapping up her 11th year teaching 4th grade in the Anchorage School District. I am also finishing my 7th year teaching at Grace Christian School. Over those seven years, I have enjoyed teaching Spanish and Jr. High Science.
My wife and I count it a privilege to come on staff at MCA as the Worship and Arts Director. We desire to honor the foundation laid by those who’ve gone before us, lead with those who share a common dream to glorify Jesus with our lives in increasing measures through the arts, engage the culture with relevant communication and images, and elevate a vision of equipping leaders and the Body towards excellent worship.