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 PAUL BALOCHE
Songs have the power to transcend language, culture, and generations. They can provide the soundtrack to a love story or heal a broken heart. They elevate words into something extraordinary. And in their most divine expression, songs can draw us into the very presence of God. For Paul Baloche such songs are simply the result of a lifestyle of worship. "Following Christ is much more than music," says Paul. "Music is the byproduct of living for Christ." This lifestyle has produced some of the most renowned worship songs of our time, and made Paul one of the preeminent songwriters of this generation. From playing small venues in New Jersey in the 90's, to his current role as the worship leader at Community Christian Fellowship in Lindale, Texas, Paul's journey of faith is marked by extraordinary music. Songs that serve as signposts on our own journey. Songs that glorify God and encourage believers. Songs that edify the body of Christ.
Building community… "I think one of our responsibilities in writing worship songs is to be conscious that we are trying to create a sense of community," he notes. "We are trying to use songs as a vehicle and a tool to bring people together and sing our prayers collectively to God." Paul's heart for community has inspired some of today's most powerful songs of worship, including "Open the Eyes of My Heart" (ranked fourth in CCLI’s Top 25), the radio favorite "Hosanna," which he co-wrote with Brenton Brown and "Above All," a Dove award winner for Inspirational Song of the Year that he co-wrote with Lenny LeBlanc.
Now 25 years into his journey in worship, Paul continues to be one of today's most prolific songwriters. Paul is a member of CompassionArt, a unique songwriting collective committed to social justice. Conceived by Martin Smith of Delirous?, CompassionArt features a veritable who's-who of contemporary Christian and worship artists including Darlene Zschech, Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Israel Houghton. All proceeds from the group's songs and recordings are pledged to aiding those living in extreme poverty.
Paul is also passionate about encouraging and training those who lead worship. Through his web site www.leadworship.com, Paul offers a wealth of resources for equipping the worship leaders of today and tomorrow. Paul also serves with Seminars4Worship where he trains and mentors worship leaders, songwriters, and musicians. Pastor and bestselling author Rick Warren adds, "Paul Baloche has the hand of God on his songwriting and worship leading. His music is a great gift to the body of Christ."
Paul realizes that songs are secondary to a lifestyle of community and praise. "We need each other. We need to worship," says Paul. "The essence of life is a relationship with God and a relationship with others. I think writing songs and trying to be creative with God's word, to sing out your prayers spontaneously is a great spiritual exercise. And if a good song comes out of it, that's a bonus."
 GRAHAM KENDRICK
Singer/Songwriter
Graham Kendrick has been described as a ‘father of modern worship music’ whose songs are ‘crammed full of poetic, divine, biblical truth’ that have ‘sculpted a view of God that has impacted generations.’
For more than 30 years he has been at the forefront of Christian music in the UK having written and recorded hundreds of songs, many of which are well known around the world, including Shine Jesus Shine, Knowing You, The Servant King and Amazing Love.
Graham is based in the UK and travels internationally participating in tours, festivals, conferences and training events, as a worship leader, speaker and performer.
He is an active advocate for the charity Compassion, encouraging audiences worldwide to understand worship as a way of life and true intimacy with God as sharing in the concerns of his heart and participating in his mission to the world. Compassion operates in over 24 nations and facilitates the support of over a million children.
Graham was one of the founders and the songwriter behind the global phenomenon March for Jesus, which has mobilized millions of Christians to ‘take the walls of the church’ and bring praise, prayer and acts of goodwill and reconciliation on to the streets.
www.grahamkendrick.co.uk
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