Speaker Bios
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Jim Byrne has worked with youth for over 30 years in Orlando, FL;
Hollywood, CA; and the Washington, DC area, where he lives now. Jim helped
start the first Great Escape conference in the early eighties and has spoken at
over ten Youth Conference Ministries events. He wants nothing more than for
young people to grasp the love and grace of Jesus Christ and begin to develop a
personal relationship with Him. He loves to surprise youth and is always
motivating with his personal stories and life experiences. He has a gift for
keeping people’s attention with outrageous stories that inspire and
challenge young people to follow Christ throughout their teenage years. Jim is an ordained minister and is now selling houses in the Washington DC area. He received his MDIV from Fuller Seminary and has built up many youth ministries to reach hundreds of youth. He is married to Jenny and has two grown children, Jacob and Joshua. Jim loves his motorcycle and has now crossed the country for the fifth time on it! His motorcycle trips have taken him to all corners of the US and even down into Mexico to the tip of the Mexician Baja. back to top |
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Jonathan Christian is the High School Coordinator at First Presbyterian Church of Orlando, Florida. Jonathan, or "JC" as he is more commonly known, is in his 10th year of youth ministry and has served on the TGE Lee team for four years now. JC loves hanging out with middle school and high school students and he loves being outdoors and playing sports. In fact, any free chance he gets you can find him playing basketball or ultimate frisbee, watching football (Go Noles-Go Jags), riding jet skis or trying to play golf. JC loves being around people and he has a deep appreciation for good humor (Will Ferrell is his favorite)! Although he loves all of these things, JC feels most alive when he has the opportunity to share his gift of making the good news of Jesus Christ come alive to teenagers.
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Dr. Chap Clark is Professor of Youth, Family, and Culture as well as Director of Youth Ministry Programs at Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, CA where he has served since 1997. As well as being a two-degree seminary graduate, Chap holds a Ph.D. from Denver University in Human Communication Studies specializing in organizational systems and family relationships. In addition, Dr. Clark created and directs Fuller's unique Doctor of Ministry program in Youth, Family, and Culture and oversees Ph.D. in Practical Theology students who study youth and family ministry, youth culture, and adolescent development in the School of Theology. Chap is the author of more than 15 books, including Next Time I Fall In Love, Let Me Ask You This...(co-authored with his wife, Dee), The Performance Illusion, Boys To Men (co-authored with Steve Lee), Faith on Fire: Creative Bible Lessons in Romans, The Youth Workers Handbook To Family Ministry, Daughters and Dads (co-authored with Dee), and From Father To Son.. He latest books are Hurt: Inside the World of Today’s Teenagers (Baker Academic, 2004) and the forthcoming Deep Ministry in a Shallow World (co-authored with Kara Powell). Chap has served in many diverse settings over his career, in the church,
parachurch and industry. He was on the Young Life staff as an Area and Regional
Director for 15 years, and for the past 15 as a seminary professor Chap has
also been a consistent speaker/trainer for Youth Specialties, an executive
pastor, a senior pastor, and a consulting producer for a New Line television
reality show. |
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Curt is a professional actor and writer who has been a
frequent speaker at PFR Youth Ministry events for years. He uses his comic and
dramatic skills to present theatrical entertainment which moves people to
see and feel the good news of God in fresh and creative ways. For more
than twenty years Curt has performed thousands of times on college campuses,
for churches, in theatres, and for conferences all over North America. He
has an intimate, startling quality, and wherever he performs, people are deeply
moved.
Curt Cloninger received a B.A. in theatre and communications from Abilene Christian University. He received further acting training at San Francisco State University and The Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts. He is a Staley Distinguished Scholar Lecturer/Performer. The published videos of his works have won numerous awards, including awards for Best Actor and Best Video. Curt and his wife, Tish, live in Duluth, Georgia and have two children, Kap and Lily. To learn more about Curt’s ministry, visit www.curtcloninger.com. back to top |
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| Catherine Craley |
Catherine Craley is enthusiastic about working with youth. She has engaged youth ministry from both a practical and theological perspective, and is interested in how theology can both critique and implement youth culture in the sharing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Along with theological studies, Catherine has had many years of experience leading youth in church congregations. She enjoys using ritual and narrative to engage youth in the excitement of the Gospel story. Catherine has been active in Youth Conference Ministries for almost a decade. She has a degree in Christian Thought from Grove City College and will receive a Master of Divinity degree this spring from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Catherine enjoys spending time with her family and her husband, Rocky, taking road trips, and burning dinner. |
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Abbi Walker is a young singer/songwriter/worship leader and speaker
based out of San Antonio, Texas. Having grown up as a pastor's daughter, she
deeply understands people and has a deep heart for true, honest ministry. Her
songs, her ministry, and her life are based on honesty and transparency. "
The greatest ministry is one that is seen lived out… not just dictated
through sermons or ideas," Abbi says. She has traveled the country since
she was 15 years old, working with large summer camps, and teaching girls
elective classes, and leading worship. Her demo CD, "Secure in Your
Hands" resonated largely within the church, as it has been described by
many as "pure worship" and "straight to the heart." Her
second album, "Hope of a Little Green" released in November of 2006,
and it is a peek into the personal walk and struggle of a young woman seeking
the Lover of her soul. Lyrically, and vocally Abbi expresses her heart through
honesty, soul, and worship.
Abbi has spent the last 3 years traveling, speaking, and singing at girls conferences, retreats, women's events, youth events, church revivals, and performing concerts. She has also spent the last 2 years serving full time on a church staff as a youth coordinator. She ministers to the church, not as an occasional visitor looking in, but one who comes with a full understanding of daily ministry, and one who knows that what people seek is Truth, honesty, and the hope that there is One who will truly meet them where they are… and who moves them where they could never go on their own. To listen to some of Abbi's music please visit her at http://www.myspace.com/abbiwalker. back to top |
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| Dave Edwards |
David Edwards travels the country full time, speaking to young adults in churches and a variety of other places. Regardless of the setting, whether in the pulpit, on stage at a summer camp, in a large arena, at a City Wide Young Adult Bible Study, or in a high school, David's message is simple: Helping students and young adults discover the importance of a Christ-centered lifestyle. A gifted communicator, David speaks from his heart about issues relevant to Gen X. He has been a featured speaker for City Wide Weekly Bible Study Groups in Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida. Dave's ministry has been featured in the current issue of Sermon Notes.
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Richard is an award-winning artist and teacher as well as a much
sought after motivational and inspirational speaker. He has worked with groups
and organizations around the world using his artistic skills to create large 6
ft. x 8 ft. works to visually communicate with, entertain, and inspire his
audiences. Richard has appeared on ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX television. Whether
before a crowd of 10 or 10,000 he holds them spellbound to the stunning
conclusion. back to top |
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| President of CMI, (Chalkguy Media Intl), and
originator of Chalk Media™, Ben Glenn's passion is to ignite his
audiences to live their lives with gusto and passion by making the best of
their 'disabilities' as well as their strengths and talents. Ben’s
personal story of overcoming his dyslexia to become a writer, and learning to
live with ADD, has touched thousands of lives. His humor and Chalk
Media™ presentations have left people talking for days after his
performances. Since 1994, Ben has shared nationally with thousands of people, drawing before many diverse groups, from middle school and college students, to church groups and businessmen. In 1996, Ben became the first person to use the medium of chalk-art performance to present drug and alcohol awareness programs to schools nationwide. An entertaining and passionate story teller, Ben infuses his presentations with humor and insight that transcends the barriers of age, race, gender and culture. He blends personal anecdotes and experiences to illustrate his views on leadership, goal setting, motivation, teamwork, self-esteem, spiritual growth and personal excellence. Ben, his wife and their three dogs reside in Indianapolis. To learn more or to book Ben, please visit www.chalkguy.com or e-mail info@chalkguy.com. back to top |
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| Kenn is one of the most sought after comedians
in the country, and one of the most creative and humorous speakers
anywhere. Kenn is also author of various books on relationships including Searching
for a Super Man Watching for a Wonder Woman, and his recently released Reconnecting
Super Husband and Super Wife. The books have been written up by
the Associated Press, and have been featured by NBC and Fox news, as well as
radio talk shows around the country.
His ability to use comedy for outreach, encouragement and other situations is cutting edge and provides unparalleled success. Kenn Kington takes teaching and speaking to another level. He speaks to various organizations, corporations, conferences and conventions around the country and has been doing so for years. With a background and personality which blend well to comprise a sincere style of humor, Kenn reaches across age and cultural barriers to encourage and challenge those looking for real answers to life’s toughest questions. Kenn lives in Marrieta, GA with his bride, Heather, and their three kids. To find out more about Kenn, visit www.kennkington.com/. back to top |
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| A chance meeting in the summer of 1990 began a
partnership that we call Mad Dogs and Englishmen. Colin Hearn and
David Christman saw the need to present a positive program for all ages while
seeing the potential to impact the secular world for Christ. From that has
developed a desire to bring revival and refreshment to those who attend their
performances through comedy, music, improv and drama. Mad Dogs and Englishmen
began touring in 1995 and have been blessed with appearances all over the
United States and Canada. Salvation Army, Youth for Christ and Promise Keepers
are only a few of their many hosts.
This energetic duo brings to the stage a unique blend of artistry presenting the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Their improv skills are truly amazing and hilarious. Their abilities as actors stem from years of combined professional musical experience. Both trained singers, Mad Dogs and Englishmen use music to round out their most powerful dramatic scenes. Their wide range of sketches and music are aimed at challenging individuals in their daily lives. To learn more, visit www.maddogsenglishmen.com back to top |
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In 1979 Iran is embroiled in a bitter revolution. Untold numbers of people are being slaughtered everyday. Gas prices are skyrocketing across the world. Fear and panic grips the Mid East. Fortunately, in the midst of this horrible turmoil, God is moving. David Nasser, only nine at this time, is forced to escape his native homeland of Iran with his family. They leave everything behind but each other, escaping to the United States in hopes of beginning a new life in a vastly different culture. In the years that follow, a young David Nasser feels isolated. He seeks acceptance from his peers, turning to everything imaginable to fit in, but always feeling like an outsider. However, David only finds true acceptance, at the age of eighteen, when through the persistent witness of a body of believers, David receives salvation and purpose through a deep and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. As one of the nation's forefront speakers and visionaries, God has blessed David with the talent to reach the high tech, attention-lacking culture of Generation Next. Involved in revivals, citywide rallies, camps, and school assemblies, David speaks to over 700,000 people each year. The heart's cry of D. Nasser Outreach is to effectively present the same relevant message, the Gospel of Christ, using fresh, innovative methods and resources. Alongside his own full time ministry, DNO is also growing rapidly as a mentoring and consulting ministry. DNO has worked extensively with ministries such as BGA, Youth Specialties, Student Life, Acquire the Fire, and many others. David, his wife Jennifer and their children live in Alabama.
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Adam grew up attending PFR Youth Ministry
conferences. He is a graduate of Covenant College on Lookout Mountain, TN and
Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, NJ. After graduating from
Covenant, Adam worked with youth and their families at First Presbyterian
Church in Nashville, TN. Adam currently teaches theology at Whitworth College
in Spokane, WA. He is married and has two lovely daughters, Mary and Claire. back to top |
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Dr. Charles N. Neder has been involved with youth ministry for over 35 years. Throughout those years he served as Associate Pastor of Education, Youth and Family at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC; Dean of Students at Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL; holder of the Sherrill Chair of Bible at the McCallie School, Chattanooga, TN; and was founding pastor of Hilton Head Community Church, Hilton Head, SC. He is the founder of both Fun in the Son and The Great Escape youth conferences, which together have been ministering to thousands of middle and high school students each summer for over twenty-five years. He also started Youth Worker Equipping Conferences, which seek to assist youth workers in personal growth and professional competence. These conferences are all put on by Youth Conference Ministries (formally PFR Youth Ministry), where Dr. Neder serves as the Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Neder is in constant demand as a speaker at parenting seminars, family conferences, men’s retreats, youth worker equipping events and for guest preaching. He and his wife Susan conduct Family Life seminars across the country. He has written numerous articles on youth ministry and his understanding of youth culture and development have made him a pioneer in the shaping of youth ministry in the 21st century. Dr. Neder is one of those rare individuals who has given his entire life to youth ministry and the youth of the nation. He and Susan live in Chattanooga and are the proud parents of three sons, Luke, Adam and Josh, and the grandparents of two girls.
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Tom is the pastor of Greentree Community Church in Kirkwood,
Missouri. He has been married to his wife Cindy for 22 years and they
have three children: Nathan, who is 20 and in his sophomore year at the
University of Indiana, Katie, who is 17 and completing her junior year of high
school and Jordan who is a 12 year old 6th grader. Before becoming a
pastor Tom spent 13 years in youth ministry. He is a gifted teacher who
has a heart to see teenagers hear of God’s grace through the gospel of
Jesus Christ! back to top |
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Duffy is the Chairman of the Department of Youth Ministry at Eastern
College, in St. David's, Pennsylvania. He is a twenty-four-year veteran of
youth ministry, having gained extensive experience as a youth minister in both
parachurch and local parish positions. Duffy is also a Youth
Specialties’ Resource Seminar team member is the author of The Ministry
of Nurture and coauthor of Everyday Object Lessons for Youth Groups.
Duffy is a popular speaker at youth conferences and youth ministry training
events worldwide. He has been a featured speaker at many Christian music
festivals such as Creation, Cornerstone, and Blackstump.
A graduate of the University of North Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, Robbins graduated magna cum laude with a Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts. Duffy lives in suburban Pennsylvania with his wife Maggie. They have two grown daughters, Erin and Maggie. back to top |
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Chris, a 1992 graduate of the University of North Carolina (Go
Heels!), has been co-directing YCM’s Fun in the Son Jekyll conference for
several years. He currently serves as the Director of Senior High and College
Ministries at Grace Community Church in Raleigh, NC, where he has been serving
for six years. He is married to Karin who is also in youth ministry and
works with middle school students at Grace. They have one son, C.J., who is as
cute as they get! back to top |
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One Time Blind leads the minds and hearts of today’s people to the Lord through creative arts like skits, music and percussion. What better way to deepen your faith than to see the love story of Jesus Christ in action, right before your eyes? What better way to really know God, to know His love, to see Him for who He is, than to experience Him for yourself? You’ll be amazed when you see your own life struggles acted out onstage. One Time Blind is passionate. Bold. Fresh. They’ll use any method of communication God gives them to make His love known, personally known, by everyone they meet. Their material will change your heart. It’ll change your world, making you laugh, cry, ache with longing to be everything God wants you to be. You’ll relate to them. Not because you know them. But because you are just like them. Like you, they struggle, fall, get up, and run to the Lord. They’ll be real with you, and you’ll see – you can be real, too.
Based in Detroit, Michigan, One Time Blind has traveled together
since 1995, presenting the love story of Jesus Christ to over a quarter of a
million people at one-night and multi-day events across the country. Drew
and Kathlene Smith, Ryan and Laura McCullough, and Tony Shaver are friends,
committed to loving God, loving each other, and showing love to people across
the country, around the world, wherever God may lead them. They are a
unique blend of personalities with a diverse blend of talent. As they
travel, you’ll find them living life. After all, it’s through
life experiences that God gives them original, profound material.
Material intended for people just like you. |
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Tom is not just another funny face. He is an inventive communicator.
Mime, juggling, balloon, parables, illusion, comedy and his energetic character
portray the gospel truth. He has been featured in major youth conferences
throughout the country and in 1996 toured with Rebecca St. James. Tom
specializes in drama revivals and youth rallies, and is an eloquent teacher to
both adults and adolescents. He has appeared before thousands for two
decades reaching audiences all over the country.
Tom began using his distinctive talents to convey the Gospel to others from the first year of his conversion in 1976. Nine years later, in 1985, he began his full-time ministry. He has served as a youth/children's minister, a missionary, and an Industrial Chaplain for Dollywood Theme Park in East Tennessee. Raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Tom completed his degree at Carson-Newman College with a degree in Communications and then entered Southern Baptist Seminary. He now resides in Maryville, Tennessee with his wife Paula where he is the Ministry Specialist at East Maryville Baptist Church. To contact Tom Toombs, email tom@little-tommy.net or visit www.little-tommy.net. back to top |
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Before they were "reading minds" and catching bullets in
their teeth, Jim Munroe and Tennyson McCarty were at the University of Texas.
Jim had ridden the rollercoaster of faith after a disappointing end to his
hopeful career as a major-league baseball pitcher. Tennyson was pursuing a
master's degree in global leadership and working on campus as a parachurch
minister after playing four years as tight end for the University of Colorado
in Boulder. They became fast friends through their passion for Jesus Christ and
hunger to bring students into a meaningful relationship with the Truth. The two honed their skills, studied Scripture and challenged cultural norms with an emphasis on revealing Christ using their physiological deception. Many of the students they encountered at the University of Texas and elsewhere were placing their trust in illusions. Like a mirage, deception looks good from a distance but in reality is empty. MAZE's edgy, down to earth message appealed to students who were searching for truth but finding emptiness. |
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From The Branch LLC was founded in 2004 by Santiago Sosa, Michael
Cleveland, and Trisha Davis. The company resides in Birmingham, Alabama,
sending troupes across the country from Jacksonville, Florida to College
Station, Texas, and from Panama City, Florida to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
Michael and Santiago became friends in 2003 while touring with "All Things
2 All People" on the Student Life tour.
To find out more about each member of this diverse group, check out
their website at www.fromthebranch.com |
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Browning Wood is the Director of Student Ministries at First
Presbyterian Church of Orlando, Florida. Browning, along with his wife
Ronda and two children, moved to Orlando in July of 2005 after serving nine
years as the youth director at First Presbyterian Church in Rome, Georgia.
Browning has served in youth ministry for over seventeen years. Browning's
heart is for teenagers and college students; his gifts are in preaching,
leading worship and discipleship; and his current ministry is focused on sixth
through twelfth graders. Browning is currently getting his Master of Divinity
at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and looking forward to what God is
doing in and through First Pres of Orlando. He loves being with his family,
hunting with friends, and seeing kids lives changed through mission trips. back to top |
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Musician Bios |
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Jon Abel didn’t go looking for a music career — it found
him.
It began with a prayer. With their son ready to graduate from high school in Baton Rouge, Jon’s parents prayed about a gift and found themselves purchasing a guitar. It was an odd choice for their son who showed very little musical interest. Hoping for a car or some cash, this gift came as a huge surprise, but Jon began to learn simple chords and strumming from friends and soon taught himself to play. Jon spent the summer before college volunteering with a local youth ministry. He realized that, along with music, pouring into the lives of young people was something he’d like to explore in the future. It all came together at Montreat College in North Carolina. Jon began writing music and sharing his songs with friends over late-night coffee in the dorms. By his junior year, Jon was asked to be the worship leader for Montreat’s weekly chapel gathering where he gained experience in leading worship and playing for audiences — still experimenting with this new found ability. Full-time jobs in youth and college ministries followed, but the music was always there, getting bigger. First one album, then another. Gigs at coffee houses became concerts in theaters. Audiences got bigger, and promoters wanted return engagements. With thousands of albums sold and a consistent nationwide touring schedule, Jon was no longer a worship leader with a musical gift; he was an artist, and music was his career. “What still amazes me to this day,” Jon says, “Is that from receiving my first guitar years ago to just completing my third studio album, I’ve never pursued any of it. In fact, I’ve tried to pursue more ‘practical’ ways of making a living, but this music thing never seemed to go away. Now that I know this is what I was made to do, it’s been an easy transition. I can confidently walk in this direction knowing full well that my life and this talent was never given to make much of me, but to spread God’s fame.” With two releases under his belt, Jon’s third album takes things to the next level. Partnering with visionary artist/producer Cary Pierce (of Jackopierce fame) and backed by musicians from Matchbox 20 and Vertical Horizon, More Than This is an extraordinary showcase of a young artist coming into his own with rich melodies, heartfelt writing, and superb musicianship. It’s a record destined to make waves in and outside the church, as Jon’s smooth vocal style mixed with relevant, down-to-earth lyrics speak to the heart of just about anyone, wherever they may be on their spiritual journey. To learn more about Jon visit JonAbel.com back to top |
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Curt Dubose has been ministering around the country for over 13
years leading worship and speaking to students and the family of God. He
currently lives in Dallas, Texas with his wife, Christine, and two boys,
Brayden and Bryce.
Curt has a passion for Christ that is contagious. He desires to see people from all generations begin the wonderful journey from a passive knowing of Christ to a raging passion to be near Him. He prays that as the depths of our hearts deepen, we will know the joy and fullness that Christ has given us. As Christ's joy fills our lives, reckless abandonment will bring us the celebration of Praise. This is Curt's heart. back to top |
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As a freshman at Florida State, Jonny was focusing his time and
talents as a member of the baseball team. However, God began a work in Jonny
that led him to put down his bat and glove - he took on the adventure of
pursuing a lost world through a ministry in music.
In the past couple of years, Jonny has begun to understand what worship is really all about. In his own words he says, "I've learned that worship is a VERB - it is a response to what God is doing in my life. I used to walk away from a service saying things like, 'I got something out of the worship,' or 'I didn't enjoy the worship.' But I have come to realize that worship is not something for me. It is a chance to put a smile on God's face." To learn more about Jonny Diaz visit JonnyDiaz.com back to top |
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Worshippers around the world have grown to embrace Steve Fee’s
fresh approach to worship through his leadership with Passion and OneDay.
Fee’s debut solo project Sacred Space captures the energy and
creativity of this emerging artist. He is currently in the studio recording a
second release. Steve’s songs are fresh and innovative -- inviting the
listener on a journey to the heart of God. Make room. Create space. Sacred
space. To learn more about Steve visit SteveFee.com back to top |
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Todd is worship leader at North Point Community Church in
Alpharetta, Georgia. Originally from Lilburn, Georgia, he leads worship for
metro-Atlanta’s popular 7:22 Bible Study in addition to working musically
with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Todd has played with PFR Youth
Ministry for years and these events are always a favorite. He is married to
Carrie, and has three sons - Carter, Connor, and Chandler. And just for a
fun fact...his favorite book is "A Severe Mercy" and his favorite
movie is "Glory." To learn more about Todd, visit
www.toddfields.com.
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Nathan Head blends a heart for God, a heart for students and a
life-long love of music into an exciting, deep worship experience. Born in
Lubbock, Texas, Nathan started singing in his first grade music class. He
continued to sing through high school and college. Nathan picked up the
guitar in 1995 while a camp counselor at Camp Oak Hill and his first song
followed within the year.
In 2001, Nathan began playing concerts and retreats with more frequency. Finding a unique experience and spirit while leading worship, Nathan notes “Everything melts away and it is feels like no one else is around…like it’s just me and Him, and at the end, you step out of it and look back on it. You see and feel and know that He was there and that His presence was working.” Stitches of Grace, Nathan’s first official recording project, was released in 2003. Recorded and produced by Wade Baynham of The Basics, it features many special guest appearances including The Basics, Dale Baker (former drummer for Sixpence None the Richer), Rob Seals, Brandon Carswell, Lee Davis, and Dave McKnight. The CD combines real life experiences with a heart that longs to worship. Nathan’s music and worship is a product of a God-given passion for music and being discipled in leadership. He has also helped to lead on the Bristol/Lee/Mars Hill recreation teams for YCM. Visit Nathan’s website at www.nathanhead.com or email him at hopeinyhwh@yahoo.com back to top |
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If there is one word that describes Trá Jones it’s “worshiper.” When this singer-songwriter / pianist hits the stage, it’s quite evident that he’s there for one reason and that’s to lead his audience into God’s presence. In the summer of 1993, Trá led worship for the first time at a youth retreat in Sanibel Island, FL. It was then that He felt God’s call on his life. He’s been leading worship ever since. As a member of the touring group, Living Word, Trá nurtured his skills as a musician and worship leader. Now with the completion of his first solo album, Words Fail, Trá has come into his own. With a sound that flawlessly blends the melodic sense of Michael W. Smith, and the freshness of newcomers like Keane and Gavin DeGraw, this Florida native has the potential to reach a demographic of all ages. In Trá’s own words, “I believe worship is vital in a believer's life to experience the full presence of God, and can be a great way to introduce people to Christ. I want to use my music to draw people into knowing this great Savior, this great Lover of our souls.” Trá doesn’t have to worry. With the release of Words Fail, many listeners will be led to heaven’s throne.
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The Aaron Pelsue Band is a high-energy praise and worship band that
ministers to both the body of Christ and the unsaved of the world, bringing a
guitar-driven, vocally-pleasing mix of originals and cover songs that cry out
praise to God and honor to Jesus Christ. The goal of the band is to build a relationship with the audience and come together as one body raising praises to God. The band plays to an audience of One and believes that He will be glorified in all they do. Those who may not know Christ will be inspired and energized by the presence of God’s Spirit in their music. Followers of Christ will be drawn into the worship and adoration of the Lord. Whether your audience is 15 or 55 years of age, the Aaron Pelsue Band will appeal and touch all who have a heart for Christ and a love for music.
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Cole NeSmith was born in Orlando, FL in 1980. He has been singing for as long as he can remember and started playing guitar when he was 16. Cole has a passion to see people personally engage with God no matter the setting. Today, he serves as a lead worshipper for the ACTS242 ministry at First Baptist Church Orlando.
The Cole NeSmith band has been playing together for the past two
years seeking to lead people of all ages into intimate encounters with God in
the midst of the corporate worship. "It is our desire to worship
personally, and we pray that God will continually show us how to allow people
to look beyond us to connect with Him one on one," says Cole.
To learn more about Cole NeSmith visit
ColeNeSmithBand.com
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With the emergence of Jason Johnson and his vivid worship music, it
is apparent that Johnson is not only a great musician, but an individual whose
authenticity of faith shines through every performance. He draws from an abyss
of inspiration, which he states is, an “authentic connection and
expression of Christian faith.” Over the years,
Jason has been recognized in multiple songwriting and performance contests.
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SIX DAYS FROM SUNDAY formed in 1997 as a worship band at the
University of Florida in Gainesville. Between 1997 and 2002, they
recorded 2 EPs, the You Are Here worship album, and the full original album
Just Like Oatmeal. They have toured across the country, as well as Canada
and Great Britain. In November 2003, the band released a 3-song EP called
Releases to keep fans and industry folk up on where the music is going. The band has a loyal fan base -- the result of their energy and sincerity in concert and their efforts to connect with fans offstage. They stay in steady contact with fans through their website and the humorous email newsletter Inside Oatmeal. 'cool deep rock' is how the band describes their music. With musical influences like The Smashing Pumpkins, Paul Simon, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and U2, the result is alternative pop rock that's tricky to pin down, but very accessible. The full-length album Just Like Oatmeal utilizes the experience of producer Ronny Cates (Creed, Sister Hazel, Less Than Jake). The album is diverse and distinctive as it surges between energy, desperation, and worship. The sincere, powerful lyrics deal with the struggles and hope of real-life Christianity and declare to hold on to Jesus through it all. It seems like the music is right how the band would like it: it's cool, it's deep, and it rocks. To learn more about Six Days From Sunday visit 6dfs.com. back to top
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Two years after the release of Starfield’s eponymous debut, brothers TimJon Neufeld, bassist Shaun Huberts and drummer Gordie Cochran waste no time getting to the point on Beauty in the Broken. On “My Generation,” the lead track, they cut through the noise, the media clutter, the surface images, the shallow posturing. “My generation is aching for real.” Taking a title that resonates through the decades of popular music, the four members of Starfield find the defining characteristic of their generation. That audible ache for honesty and relevance resonates throughout the entire album – all the way to “Shipwreck,” where the yearning becomes more intimate in the album’s final, whispered line, “Your life in me, changing who I am to who I need to be.” The band is best known for the well loved songs “Filled With Your Glory” and “Revolution” from their 2004 self titled release produced by MattBronleewe. When it came time for recording the follow up to the critically acclaimed record, Starfield teamed up with Bronleewe (Michael W. Smith, dc Talk, Plumb) for a second time while also enlisting the talents of GMA Award-winning producer Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, David Crowder Band, Steven Curtis Chapman). The end result is a record that firmly establishes Starfield as a significant voice for this generation. As Starfield’s songs continue to speak to today’s world in an honest and relevant way, the band’s own story shines through. Like shards of glass that catch the light and refract it in eleven brilliant, different directions, Beauty in the Broken reveals a band that strives for transparency and vulnerability in its music. “My Generation,” along with songs like “Everything Is Beautiful” and “The Hand That Holds the World,” examine the many facets of these ideas — from the cultural to the individual, from the universal to the personal, from the generational to the eternal — at the same time illuminating the spirit of a band in the process of becoming who it needs to be. “When we began writing songs for Beauty In The Broken, our goal was to make a corporate worship record… An album for the church,” explains TimNeufeld, the group’s primary lyricist. “However, as we got deeper into the process of music and lyric, we couldn’t get away from our need to first address the often nagging disconnect between us and God… it’s tough to march right into a song like ‘Great is the Lord’ without first acknowledging the distance that exists between us and God. At the end of the day we felt like Beauty In The Broken was an incomplete worship record without songs like ‘My Generation’, ‘Captivate’, and ‘Shipwreck’ that fess up to the pain, condemnation, and doubt that often get in the way of true intimacy with Jesus.” “The result is a collection of songs that outline a journey”, he continues. “There are days where I feel close to God and a song like “Glorious One” is an honest response to Him. There are other days when a lyric like ‘I’m so messy and distracted / undisciplined and tactless / here on the inside,’ makes a lot more sense to where I am at.” Beauty in the Broken takes Starfield’s mission a step further. With songs that grapple with touchstone issues like alienation, identity and the quest for fulfillment, Starfield begins to speak for a generation that is “dying for love, crying for truth.” Beauty in the Broken points Starfield’s listeners to God during their most public times and their most private ones, offering songs for the service as well as songs for the self. “One of the first truths we had to face was that the generation we sing about is not defined by age”, Jon says. “The literal generation that I’m a part of is in their mid-20’s – leaving college, beginning careers, and getting married. We’re dealing with rejection issues, carrying the weight of big decisions, and finding ourselves struggling to include God in our daily lives. But these issues are not unique to 20-somethings – they’re shared by teenagers, by people in their 30’s, 40’s, and beyond.” With that in mind, Starfield’s Generation is not their peer group – rather, it is a generation of people who recognize there is an ache in their lives that can no longer be filled with just ‘going through the motions’ of relationship. It is a generation surrendered to the process of allowing God to draw beauty from their brokenness. And it’s a generation that understands a lifestyle of worship requires action outside of the church walls. At some point in their spiritual journey, believers have to live just as passionately as they believe. As a practical way of extending their hand as an act of worship, the members of Starfield have become involved with relief organization World Vision in El Salvador, traveling to the Latin American nation in early 2006. Here in the US, Starfield also supports the teen-evangelism organization Dare 2 Share Ministries. Both ministries focus not only on the spiritual life but on services that make real, practical improvements within communities. Whether through those organizations or other efforts, the members of Starfield encourage their fellow worshippers to not only “know real” but to “live real.” That kind of tangible proof of spiritual truth may be the only kind that matters to an aching generation that will otherwise try to build its own reality from the splintered pieces of the world around them. The truth is that while those pieces may reflect the reality they’re seeking, they can’t reveal the complete picture and true beauty that God has reserved for those that will earnestly seek after him. “We all ache for God, but if we don’t know God we use “created things” as substitutes for God – material things, knowledge, relationships, sex - all of these things are good and if we’re looking – we can see God in them. But if we don’t know how to piece them together we will inevitably try to take these broken pieces and substitute them for the Creator. And the created will never fulfill us.” “‘My Generation’ deals with that in a corporate sense,” Jon says, “as an anthem that speaks for more than just the individual. These are the things my generation can’t come to grips with. The rest of the album attempts to pose an answer.” |
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