The bible declares that, "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom" (2 Cor. 3:17). I am a firm believer of that verse, and being a musician, I believe that praise & worship can serve as a powerful influence in setting one free ... especially when the anointing is present, making the Word of God come alive for whoever is listening to the message in song!
I am self taught on every instrument I play, never having had any formalised music instruction/education. If God has given you a gift, use it to glorify Him. And by the way ... your gifting / talent does not have to be in music! "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; ..." (Col. 3:23). Whatever window or door of opportunity the Lord may open which allows me to play & sing, I do not take lightly nor for granted. I consider it an honour & a privilege to be allowed to minister in music wherever I go.
From a secular music perspective, my influences range from the likes of Enya to Pink Floyd. Think in terms of ambient music to classic rock! On the christian side of life, my influences are *Hillsong, *Bethel, *Kim Walker Smith, *Elevate,* Jesus Culture, Worship Mob, Red Rocks Worship, Chris Tomlin, Matt Redmon, Kari Jobe, & others too numerous to list here. In addition to this list are the classical church hymns done in many church fellowships. I also enjoy classical music as well as smooth jazz. But my #1 preference is and always will be, the softer, ambient side of praise and worship music. Occassionally, I will add somewhat of a celtic feel to a song if so led in keeping up with the Irish side of me.
*** DISCLAIMER***
Whilst I do play music from those artists with an asterisk placed before them, please note I do not align myself with their "movement", theology, or otherwise. ALL song lyrics regardless of the artist, are subject to review and Scriptural accuracy.
I have been in ministry since 1985, having started out as an evangelist preaching the gospel. I generally started off by singing a song or two before preaching. Today, I do mostly all music, but will preach whenever asked to do so. I have been married to Lea Terry since March 20th, 2010. I have served in ministry as an associate minister, children's pastor, youth pastor, youth pastor assistant, worship leader, nursing home minister, and as an interim pastor. I am licenced and ordained through an independent ministry as a full gospel minister.
This is me with the missus at Beautiful Feet Ministries