Frequently Asked Questions

How did you get involved in leading worship?

As soon as I became a Christian back in 1975, I joined a band and started leading worship in churches pretty much right away. I was schooled in the Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa kind of leading and gleaned from the guys that lead there on Saturday nights (Mustard Seed Faith, Sweet Comfort Band, The Way, Gentle Faith, etc.).

What was the very first worship song you ever wrote? Do you still play it today?

Your Love Is Better Than Life—I still get an occasional request from some of my friends from early on. But, no, it has been retired.

You have the opportunity to lead worship in churches across America. What is an area of encouragement that you would want congregations to know about worship?

That true worship is an extension of a relationship with God. A song in the heart is accompaniment to prayer. And for me, prayer is never ceasing. I come from the Practice the Presence of God thinking--that our conversations with God are ongoing and are practiced during the mundane as well as the sacred times of life. Worship is life.

How did you make the transition from leading worship in a church to leading worship in various churches, making a record, etc?

Actually, I started playing guitar with Don Moen and Ron Kenoly back in the early 90s because I went to church with many of the folks from Integrity Music. What a great school to attend! I watched as those guys lead people and learned valuable, tactical lessons as a worship leader. I soon was asked to lead worship myself as my songs with Integrity started to grow in popularity. The guys at Integrity gave me a platform that I am so thankful for to this day. I still use the stuff I learned as an apprentice, playing guitar behind the masters!

What would you say to a worship leader that wants to get into the "music business" side of things?

That it is a business, even though the word “Christian” precedes it. When it comes to signing contracts and publishing/ writing deals, etc., I would suggest consulting an attorney who is well versed in contract law. Costly mistakes can be made, but an investment in good legal counsel can save you a lot of money in the long run.

What is your most memorable "worship moment" - maybe a serious one and a fun one…

While in Manila, Philippines, with a team from Integrity, we were doing my song, Firm Foundation. Tens of thousands were singing it and the sound of their feet stomping and hands clapping was so loud it hurt the ears but the experience was magnificent!

I can also remember when we introduced Ancient of Days the first time and a young lady on the worship team said she thought the song was weak. I wonder if she’s changed her mind?

At the end of the day - how do you measure success?

I find that my success is confirmed when someone comes up and says that one of my songs helped them or leads them to God. I am so humbled each time someone lets me know how much they love and sing my songs.

What is your most current project?

I finished a solo project a year or so ago. It is called Incredible God. I am really happy with it. Gary Sadler, my co-writer on Ancient of Days and I are finishing up a project with some new songs. It has been a dream that we have had for many years. There isn’t a title yet but it is going to be a work dear to our hearts that we think the church will embrace.

Is there a song that stands out? What is the story behind that song? - We will feature this as a new song spotlight...

Garments of Praise from the Incredible God project. I was going through a really tough time where, honestly, I felt very insecure about my abilities. I was soon to go through a change in my life and career and didn’t know it yet. God was allowing me to see the end of my ability as a leader and musician so I might trust in Him for the future. I really leaned on Isaiah 61:3 for comfort. I related to the oil of gladness for healing and began to write the song. The second half of the song with the Irish styling represented the release that the Spirit of God brought to me. I wrote it in faith and God did help me out of that difficult time. Robin Mark sang it on his first recording with Integrity, Revival In Belfast

Who produced the project, who played on it... how much did they influence or help shape the sound you have now?

I produced the Incredible God project and Gary and I co-produced our soon-to-be -released project together in our own studios. My son, Josh, plays drums and Danny O’Lannerghty plays bass on both projects. Gary and I enjoy modern worship and love all kinds of styles. But we aren’t limiting the stylistic shaping of the arrangements on this record. A great song will direct us toward the right arrangement. We are generally in the modern worship vein, though.

What are your musical influences?

I am heavily influenced by singer-songwriters. I have a passion for guitar so any style goes for me. I look for great guitar tone and delivery. I really love harmony. That comes from my southern California Beach Boys influence and, of course, the Eagles.

What is your most memorable studio story?

Several years ago I was co-producing a worship project in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. The bass player and engineer on the project is a fine singer, writer, player and producer. From time to time, when the hay gets low in the loft, he, like the rest of us hustlers, produces budget projects for "non-professionals". One such group had just finished a marathon, all-niter recording session with my friend reluctantly at the helm. As he was finishing up, writing the last few notes on the tape box with a Sharpie, a group member was scratching his head, looking bum-fuzzled, searching around the recording console as if he were trying to find his missing keys. My friend asked the guy what was the matter. The man, still looking quite puzzled, looked into my friend's tired, blood-shot eyes and asked with a slow, country drawl, "Where duz da recuds come out?" The man thought, when the session was done, 45's popped out of the side of the mixing board like candy from a vending machine!

What songs inspire you to worship?

Mostly songs that have an emotional connection from the past like Trust and Obey. I am like any worshipper--I love songs that express my heart toward God. A great melody doesn’t hurt, either!

How do people find your music?

My Integrity stuff is well represented in stores as well as on the Internet. My new stuff can be found on iTunes, Amazon MP3, Napster, Rhapsody and worshipsong.com

What would you say is the top three priorities for worship leaders?

  1. Love God (passion is obvious and contagious)
  2. Love people (people will follow your leadership if you care for them)
  3. Bring excellence (be prepared, focused, rehearsed and relaxed so when you lead, people forget they are even in an auditorium!)