Theologian Gordon Fee has observed, “Show me what a church sings and I’ll show you what they believe about God.” How a church worship gives us insight into their views of God. This is also true outside of the church - we have a window into what a particular culture values through observing their art - it is descriptive. But art and music is also prescriptive - it shapes our beliefs and values. God has so designed music as to affect both our minds and hearts. The music we sing week after week in church shapes how we view God and how we respond to him. The early church saw the weekly worship gathering as primary theology or theology in action. Our weekly worship gatherings are the front lines of discipleship.

Given music’s role in the church and in the broader culture, Shana and I are prayerfully considering focusing more time and resources on music and missions in the near future. We desire to partner with missionaries around the world to strengthen local churches and make an impact with the gospel through music, as well as fostering meaningful relationships with local musicians here in the US.

I have been a worship pastor, working in two of the most influential churches in the US (Willow Creek, IL and Bethlehem Baptist, MN). I am currently a professor of worship arts at Grace College, equipping students for worship leadership and music production for the past 10 years.

I have also been involved with music and missions for 30+ years, teaching biblical worship, songwriting and participating in evangelistic concerts in Burma, Thailand, Kazakhstan, France, Hungary, Poland and Belarus.

We want to build a recording studio in Warsaw/Winona Lake, IN, where we can partner with missionaries to help them record and produce indigenous music that strengthens the church and extends the gospel in their context. We are looking either for land or an existing building (old church or warehouse) where we can build Every Tribe and Tongue recording studio.

Email me at wallybrath@gmail.com