God's Guitar Player
One of the greatest joys in my life as a disciple is having the opportunity to write and perform music for worship services and other events that lift God's name. Encouraging fellow Christians through music is unmatched in its ability to bring peace and satisfaction to my own soul. Heavenly Father, my thanks are inexpressible.
Over the last 20-odd years, I've attempted to teach myself to read, write and arrange music, so as to communicate the song ideas that come to me, usually at not so convenient times! Kevin Darby once remarked that I'd worked harder at learning the language of music than anyone else he'd known. With no formal training, I continue to glean everything I can, from anyone I can.
"God's Guitar Player" is an epithet bestowed on me by Sam Laing, who led the Triangle Church to its mightiest victories in the 90s. Our maturity was evident in our extraordinary arts ministry. Though I'm not half the guitarist I aspire to be, I've honed my skills and vocabulary for many years in God's service. Thanks so much Sam.
To Jim Heese, Ron Drabot and the staff of the great Charlotte Church, I extend warm appreciation for having the confidence to hire me to direct the music at the start of the new millennium. This was an invaluable and unforgettable experience, and my heart is filled with gratitude and respect.
Heartfelt thanks go out to J. Brian Craig for his support and influence over the last few years. His songs stir me deeply and make me want to write! I had the terrific privilege of working with Brian to coordinate music for the Higher Ground Discipleship Summit, hosted by the Denver Church of Christ in August of 2005. His servant heart and his conviction for all disciples to "sing a new song" are challenging and refreshing, a model for worship ministries the world over.
Thank you, thank you, Sherwin Mackintosh, for devoting your prodigious talents to the Lord. Your impact in God's movement - in the 20th century and beyond - is undeniable, and you'll always be a towering hero to me. Your energy, your fire, your conviction that we all can sing - and that we all must sing - have inspired many, and I hope to be like you when I grow up!
I owe an incalculable debt of gratitude to Kevin Darby, the first mentor in my Christian walk who dared me to learn how to read music. The Lord saw fit to have us work together, in three separate worship ministries, in three states, over the course of almost fifteen years. It's impossible to even begin to itemize everything that I've learned from Kevin. I simply would not be who I am today without his leadership and friendship. Thank you bro. I will always love you.
