I grew up in church, but serving Jesus didn't really make sense until High School. Shortly after that I began leading worship for my youth group (thanks, Joe, for the gentle pushing). It was at that time that I first began feeling God may have destined me for a life of worship and music.

Feeling God may be calling me into ministry as a worship pastor, I began taking piano lessons. After high school I went to a local jr. college (Palomar College) and continued to lead worship in youth groups & college groups. After a couple years, I transferred to Azusa Pacific University where I studied music. I loved my time at APU and tried to take advantage of this great opportunity. God blessed me with some great professors that helped me grow as a Christian and a musician. After 5 semesters at APU, I graduated in 1999 with a degree in music (emphasis in Theory & Composition). I got a job at my home church after graduation and have been in ministry ever since.

While still attending Palomar College, I began attending the church where I would meet my wife. We were married a few months after I graduated college. She is truly a manifestation of God's undeserved blessing. Not only is she the sounding board for all my songs, but she sings on many of them too. We have two great kids who are a joy in life (at least we choose to only think upon the joyous times!). Click here to view a picture of my family.

I started writing songs when I was 16. The songs were a response to God's grace and goodness in my life. When I finally understood God's love for me and His plan for salvation, I couldn't believe God would extend His grace and mercy, even when I wasn't looking. This idea inspired many songs early on, most of which will never see the light of day.

Nowadays I still love to write songs as a response to God, but as I've matured and persevered through life's ups and downs, some of my songs have turned out to be a prayer to God...a surrendering into His hands. In fact, I Surrender was the first song I wrote where I noticed the congregation was truly responding to it. That song really came about after having been thrown into the deep end of ministry and being asked to swim. I think seeing the congregation respond to the song was the proverbial carrot in front of the horse; I couldn't stop wanting to write songs. As I continue to go through life's experiences, those experiences help shape the framework from which I write. However, after all this time, one thing remains the same: God's gifts of love, grace & mercy still extend to meet me where I am (and you too)!

INFLUENCES

Below is a list of people or groups who have influenced me over the years. While some of them I have never met, many have taken a personal role in helping shape me....THANK YOU!

Musical
Shack, Tommy Walker, Paul Baloche, Chris Tomlin, Israel Houghton, Steven Curtis Chapman, Dryve, Lincoln Brewster, Jason Wall, Ernie Leduc, Marla Reid, Glenn Lorente, DC Talk, U2, Hillsong, Gershwin, Yellowjackets, Harry Connick Jr.

Spiritual
Jesus, my parents, my wife, Joe & Carole Patterson, Cory Scott, Carol Danna, Dan Campbell, Debbie Gin, Randy & Melissa Ludolph