For those of you who read our blog or keep up with the band on a regular basis, you know that we recently posted our band statement. We made the statement about a year and a half ago as a foundation on which we were going to build our career and ministry as a band. We love to be loud and create intricate melodies, guitar riffs, and drum rolls. We love creating a sound that’s new and exciting. But the one thing that drives what we do is our relationship with Jesus Christ. Our guitarist Matt tweeted something today that really describes why we do what we do. He writes, “Jesus is my obsession. Music is my expression. Expressing my obsession is my favorite thing to do.”
One thing that we’re very excited for as a band is the opportunity we have to support churches, ministries, and events that reflect Christ and are reaching out to the lost, broken, hopeless, and dying communities around them. We’re all worship leaders, serving in churches in our area. During this next month, however, we’re taking time to sow into a church plant launching in Portland, TN. Most of you have seen that we do events with Pastor Brandon Petty, and we are stoked to be a part of the launch and ministry of Generation Church! Our lead vocalist Danya Powell is leading the worship ministry for the church, and we hope to be able to take much of what we learn at Generation and apply it when we go to other churches and events. Learning how to reach a culture for Christ in a relevant way, and how to bless leaders and help wake up passion inside of the church is something that we strive to do in every Christian-based environment where we perform. Jesus founded the church, He prayed for the church to be unified (John 17), and said that others would know we are Christians by our love for one another (John 13:35). We want to love the church.
We’ve also recognized more than ever the importance of being examples of Christ in every venue where we perform shows. You see, Jesus came to seek and save the lost. He came not to call those who think they are righteous but those who know they are sinners (Matthew 9:12-13). Part of our statement says that “We will not be intimidated into ever hiding or limiting the amount of light that we let shine through us.” When we play at venues and clubs, we don’t just go to put on a show. We go intentionally. We go with a passion to see the love and power of Christ break into the atmosphere in a way no one was expecting. God moves through music, He moves through our testimonies, and we never want to hide the love of Christ in us. When people experience the love of Christ, it changes their life. Why would we ever hide the hope that we have?
In our song, “The Fire” we sing, “We’re on the frontlines and the world needs rescuing.” This is not just music for us. We go out to call the church to arms, and to take up our swords and fight to wake up a dying generation. Another way we’re doing this is by supporting an organization called Rescue 1 that has recently launched with a vision to be a force in stopping human trafficking and rescuing those trapped in the sex-trade industry. There really is a dying world out there that needs all of us. There are starving children, people dying from illnesses caused by unclean water, young girls being kidnapped and forced into prostitution so a pimp can get rich… how can we not do something? We challenge you to step up and help us be a part of changing the world with the love of Christ.
Start a fire. Change the world. 2012.
We love you guys.
Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.
However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ.
…we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
Ephesians 4:1-7, 15-16 (NLT)
