Over the past month, we have experienced significant changes in our worship arts team. I would personally like to thank you for your patience and continued support as we have been working to bring new engaging leaders to this ministry.
We are excited to announce that Russ Parrish has been hired as Director of Worship Arts at Prince of Peace. Russ, and his wife Katie, will be relocating from Nashville, Tennessee to make Minnesota and Prince of Peace their home once again.
You may be familiar with Russ as he previously served on the worship arts team at Prince of Peace from 2016 – 2019. More recently, Russ lead our congregation in worship during the first Artist in Residence weekend in January, as well as the community-wide prayer vigil held at Prince of Peace for Burnsville’s fallen heroes.
Russ will begin leading worship the weekend of June 1-2, which coincides with the start of outdoor worship. We are excited for him to bring his musical skills, knowledge, and passion to our congregation, and look forward to him joining forces with the new Director of Choral and Traditional Music to continue elevating the worship experience at Prince of Peace.
Please join us in welcoming Russ Parrish to Prince of Peace. You can learn more about his background and family below.
Peace,
Paul Dean
Lead Pastor
About Russ Parrish
In his recent role as the Director of Music and Worship at Resurrection Lutheran Church from June 2019 to August 2023, Russ brought his expertise to the forefront by integrating modern technology to elevate the worship experience. He showcased his talent in music production by recording, editing, and arranging tracks, which proved invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic as he spearheaded the transition to online services. His flair for creativity was also evident in his graphic design work, enhancing both the stage and online presence of worship services.
Before his tenure at Resurrection Lutheran Church, Russ served as the Assistant Worship Leader at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church from May 2016 to June 2019. There, he significantly grew the music team in the student ministry, introduced original worship songs, and developed backing tracks that enriched the worship experience.
Russ is an award-winning Christian singer-songwriter, with notable achievements including the Grand Prize in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest in the Gospel Category (2018) and the SongDoor International Songwriting Competition (2021). His discography reflects his journey and commitment to his faith with albums and singles like “You’re Here” (2023), “Skin & Bone” (2021), and “Together” (2020), among others.
A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Russ’s educational background complements his vast experience in church production and presentation, showcasing his proficiency with software such as Ableton, ProPresenter, and Logic. His skills extend beyond music to sermon writing, student leadership, and stage design, underscored by his exceptional leadership and team management abilities.
For Russ, music is not just an art form but a means to connect, inspire, and lead others closer to God. His passion for living out the Bible and becoming more like Jesus every day is the cornerstone of his ministry. To explore more about Russ and his music, visit www.russparrishmusic.com.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Russ’s personal life is equally enriching and grounded. Married to his beloved wife Katie, their partnership is a testament to shared values and love, enhancing his journey in faith and music. Together, they nurture a vibrant household with two cherished pets: a spirited dog named Scooter and a cat named Marie. This blend of personal and professional life highlights Russ’s commitment to fostering a warm, loving environment that extends beyond his music and ministry.
