Anyone who visits Fruitland Community Church on a Sunday morning can expect to be led in music by worship leader Jordan Cox. A Jackson native, Cox, 24, described his responsibilities as "continually praying and providing opportunities to encounter Christ."

Cox recently finished his first full year of leading worship at Fruitland Community Church. He said his role at the church is meant to help the congregation "learn more about God and prepare their hearts for worship."

Having a number of responsibilities in his position, Cox organizes the worship team on Sunday mornings, leads practice through the week, and works with media and sound. He also works closely with senior pastor Mike Parry to ensure the music fits with what the church is doing and focuses on the messages that are being preached.

Parry has been preaching in the Gospel of Matthew for the past year. With this in mind, Cox chooses songs that either allude to the resurrection of Christ on Easter or are reflective on what was preached the week before.

Cox described the church's style as more contemporary and eclectic. He said he leads a full band worship team that plays many well-known songs by familiar contemporary worship artists. But he said they also like to mix in favorite hymns and even some original songs. Cox said they like to focus on the lyrics and message of a song.

Jordan Cox inside the choir room Wednesday at Jackson High School. (Laura Simon)

Aside from leading music ministries, Cox also teaches vocal music in the Jackson School District. He described his situation as unique, as he team teaches with other faculty who taught him. He added that he is able to bounce ideas off his colleagues who are also church musicians.

"It's really nice to have two related jobs, people wonder how I do it," Cox said. "There's no such thing as a part-time minister or teacher. It is nice that they're related, with a lot of overlap of skills and train of thinking."

Cox has also had many opportunities to share his gifts with other churches in the area. He has led worship at revivals, conferences and other events and has been ministering to other churches since college.

Cox attended Missouri Baptist University because he could study music education and music ministry. There he received instruction from professors who could help him cultivate what he believed was God's calling for his life. Cox also led worship in Rockwood Baptist Church in Wildwood, Mo. He added that he got plugged into other ministry teams and was often called to lead in other functions.

It was while attending Missouri Baptist that Cox met his wife, Kasey. She was also a music major, and the two work together in music ministry. Together they lead worship, sing and go to special events, among other functions. The couple has a 2-month-old son, Noah.

After college, Cox returned to his home church in Jackson, Crossroads Baptist Church.

Cox described having a family and leading worship as "very nice."

"There are so many people we've known who treat us like family." Cox said. "There are always open arms to hold Noah when we're leading or doing something."

Cox grew up in a family of music ministers and church singers. Both his father and grandfather were bivocational music ministers. His family, along with his youth minister, always encouraged him, and Cox always believed music ministry was part of his calling.

Cox will finish his master's degree in religious arts in worship through Liberty University this summer. He will also be opening for contemporary Christian artists Todd Agnew and Johnny Diaz on April 14 at New McKendree Church in Jackson. On April 21 he will lead worship at the Women's Mission Union at First Baptist Church in Jackson.

Fruitland Community Church has Sunday morning services at 8 and 10:30 a.m. For more information on the church, go to www.fruitlandcommunity.com.