Frequently Asked Questions:

What exactly do you do in a service, do you lead the songs? Do you usually do it in the morning or afternoon service? What would be the cost?

What I do in a service varies from setting to setting. Sometimes I just lead the congregational singing and share a few original songs. Often times I have the privilege of taking the “sermon” portion of the service to share my testimony, scripture, stories, and more songs. Other times, I do both! I like to be used as much as possible! My heart is to serve and bless, so however I can do that most effectively in each setting is what I’m after. I’m used to being flexible, fitting into each church’s different style, service flow, and order. I am booked in morning services mostly (since there’s more of them around), but love the chance to minister in the evening, as well, usually trying to fill both times especially when I’m away from home. We have no minimum honorarium requirements or set fees. Just “as the Lord leads” is great! See the “Schedule” page on this site for the full story…

Would you call yourself a “worship leader”?

I do often get the chance to lead others in corporate singing, and I love it! My greatest passion, though, is sharing my original songs and stories in a teaching format. I weave stories, spiritual thoughts, and a challenging message within and around the music. My presentation is very worshipful, centered around declaring God’s goodness in a unique way. The songs hopefully draw people toward God, where they can respond personally. So, in a big sense, it is worship…and I’m leading it…so, yah, I guess I’m a worship leader.

Why don’t you become a worship pastor at a church?

“Evangelist” is not a very popular word these days, but I’m realizing more and more that that really describes what I do. I don’t wear a white suit and matching shoes, but do I live to stir people up, which is where the word “evangelist” comes from. My unique message, style, music, and delivery really challenges and inspires people to look at their relationship with God differently. As you can imagine, It wouldn’t really work to hit the same group of people with that every week, you know?

Do you ever get asked to become a worship pastor at a church?

About once a month.

Will you be a worship pastor at my church?

I’ll pray about it…

Is it OK to sing your songs at my church?

Yes, I’d be honored! They’re all registered with CCLI, so feel free to use them! Go ahead and reproduce chord charts and whatever else you need. You can even put your own creative spin on them!

Are you a licensed minister with a denomination?

I grew up in a spiritually expressive Baptist church, graduated from an Assemblies of God university, and spent years in the Willow Association, so my denominational background is quite diverse…I’m a mut! A non-denominational community we really bonded with years ago; Inland Hills Church in Chino, graciously licensed me as a part of their “outbound minister” team years ago, and it stuck.

Where do you go to church?

My family and I attend Rockharbor, here in Costa Mesa. I’m only in town for one or two Saturdays a month, so we’ll catch that service together when we can. I usually have only about one Sunday off a year. My wife and kids are super plugged-in though and loving it. My daughter sings in the Junior High Worship Band. Heidi and I lead a small group in our home every Tuesday night, as well. God’s been growing us in awesome ways through this community!

How do you financially survive?

It’s honestly a miracle…every month! We’re not funded by outside work, a missions organization, an inheritance or anything…God just works it out in miraculous ways! We don’t ask for money for concerts, missions trips, or merchandise sales at churches, but often pastors will take a free-will offering for us or write a check from their church budget as a gift. Many people “buy” our CDs and other merchandise, too (sometimes generously donating over the suggested price), and a few other folks donate monthly to us. All of it goes into our non-profit corporation account, and then filters out from there. We keep our expenses lean, carry little to no debt, and somehow make it. We make mistakes all the time, though – dumb choices that we learn from, but His grace has been healing and guiding. Like I said, it’s a God-thing all the way!

How come you’re not signed, on the radio, and famous?

God has not chosen to take me down that particular avenue. I know he’s got His reasons, and I know His way is always right and perfect. I have been signed to several smaller labels over the years, spent a year with a major, had radio hits, publicity tours, and played some festivals and high profile events, but none of those things hold my most favorite memories. Really, my most cherished times have been sharing my heart in intimate settings and really effecting people in a tangible way. I am a little bit famous, actually, though! I get recognized around town and at airports and such. I really dig it when someone comes up and tells me how they’ve connected with my music. My whole thing has been very “under the radar” and grassroots, and I’m thankful in so many ways for that space and freedom.

Do you answer your own email, myspace and facebook messages?

I have a myspace???! Just kidding….the answer is yes. Like I said, I’m not that famous.

Who does your booking?

My wife used to do it for the first five years. As our family grew, she got busy baking cookies and taking kids to the park, and I ended up taking over for her. She was naturally gifted at it, and I’m just thankful for God’s grace! I’ve also had a very long and fruitful relationship with Fishers Artist Agency. They schedule only a few dates per year, but they’re great!

How does your wife handle you being gone so much?

Heidi actually feels that she sees me more than her friends’ 9-5 husbands! It’s been OK because I rarely am gone for more than a week at time, and when I’m home…I’m HOME. I have a home-office that I use during the weekdays for scheduling and staying in touch with people, but really, I have a light, flexible schedule that allows me a ton of time to connect with family and personal events.

How do you write a song?

It comes together differently every time. Sometimes, I get a melody and lyrics for a chorus or something as I’m driving. I’ll sing it into my voice machine at home and put some chords underneath it later. More often though, I’m sitting down for bit of personal worship, singing some of favorite well-known choruses, and I’ll just stumble onto something new.

Will you ever settle down?

Lately, I’m wondering if I even know what that means! I’m actually not even sure if that’s one of God’s big priorities for us, you know? Nothing in this world is certain…or settled…God’s invited all of us to trust in Him alone. That’s where I’m trying to find real peace and security these days. The greatest journey we can ever take is learning to live a life of uncertainty, dependence and trust. So, no…I hope I never “settle down”…I’ll take the adventure!

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Hey, feel free to add to the list! Write in your question below…