Worship Staff
The worship staff in the area of Spiritual Life is available to serve Baylor students, faculty and staff in a variety of ways. They are involved in helping students discern their calling as worshipers and oftentimes as leaders of worship. They also help plan, facilitate and lead in worship experiences across the Baylor campus.
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to contact the worship staff in the Spiritual Life Center for any needs that may arise in the area of worship.
Burt Burleson, University Chaplain
Dr. Burleson earned his bachelor's degree in sociology and business from Baylor in 1980, a master of divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1985 and his doctor of ministry degree with a concentration in Christian nurture from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 1992. He also received training in pastoral counseling at Samaritan Counseling Center of the Bay Area from 1987-89.
Burleson served as pastor of DaySpring Baptist Church in Waco from 1995 until earlier this year. He has also served as a part-time therapist at the Samaritan Counseling Center of Central Texas from 1995-96 and 1998-2000. He has extensive experience ministering to students, youth and adults, serving as minister of university students and single adults at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church in Abilene from 1993-95, minister of counseling and family life at Willow Meadows Baptist Church in Houston from 1991-93 and minister to students (youth and college) from 1983-90, minister of youth at Garden Oaks Baptist Church in Houston in 1982-83, and minister of youth at Lake Highlands Baptist Church in Dallas from 1980-82.
Burleson and his wife, Julie, have two children, Abby and Brandt.
Ryan Richardson,
Associate Chaplain,
Director of Worship
Ryan Richardson received a bachelor's degree in Business Marketing with a minor in music from Mississippi State University in 1997. After serving as a missionary in Northwest Montana, Richardson attended George W. Truett Theological Seminary, receiving his Master's of Divinity in 2004.
Ryan began as the worship leader for Baylor chapel services in 2001, joining the staff permanently in 2004. He is heavily involved in training Baylor students for worship ministry and currently directs the worship team for chapel services. Over the past 14 years, he has led worship, and spoken at camps, retreats, and seminars around the world.
Ryan also leads a group of Baylor students each summer to various parts of Africa. He most recently returned from Ghana. He has served as youth minister of Adaton Baptist Church in Starkville, Mississippi (1996-1998), worship/youth/mission pastor at Easthaven Baptist Church in Kalispell, Montana (1998-1999) and continues to provide worship leadership on an interim basis at churches around the Waco community.
Ryan and his wife, Kristen, have two children, Syler and Alden.
