The KIDMIN conference is coming people! It’s October 7th-10th in Chicago. It’s going to be a blast sharing the time and space with other Children’s Ministry leaders as we come together to better ourselves, better our churches, and increase our influence. I’ll be leading a 2-hour workshop, and can’t wait to meet and share with everyone there! I’m so looking forward to hearing my friend Gina McClain teach a General Session at the conference, and I know you will NOT want to miss her sharing her heart for what we do as leaders of families.
But of all the great things happening one the things I’m looking the most forward to is hearing and experiencing Gungor. I have never followed their music until just recently, but they have found a permanent place on my playlist. First of all, let me say that I’m not a huge Christian Music fan. I know, I know…I’m a secularist. Sorry. Getting that out of the way, let me say that “We Will Run” by Gungor might be my favorite song right now. When I need inspiration, need a reminder, or need a moment to meditate it is my song to play! I’m also loving “Beautiful Things” off of their new album.
If you are still on the fence about whether to attend the Kidmin Conference this October, then let the fact that one of the best bands around will be there with you in Chicago push you on over!
Gungor
The Michael Gungor Band’s Brash Music debut (which follows a head-turning EP of the same name), range from the wide-angle atmospherics of a U2, Coldplay or-at it’s most ethereal-Sigur Rós, to the bluesy intimacy of a John Mayer. The contributions of all of the players loom large, in addition to the band leading, songwriting couple. (The band currently includes Michael Gungor on lead vocals & acoustic guitar, Lisa Gungor on vocals & keyboards, Brad Waller on bass, Brad Nyght on drums and Michael Rossback-who’s co-written many of the songs-on guitars.) And while created for the church, the lyrics range from openhearted, full-throated adoration to stinging reminders of the ways humanity tries to limit God.
That Michael Gungor grew up to become a worship leader is hardly surprising, considering that he grew up as a pastor’s son in Wisconsin and demonstrated an aptitude for music from an early age. And while still a student at Western Michigan University-following a stopover at the University of North Texas-he found himself leading worship at a sizable Michigan congregation. Music degree in hand, he continued to perform that role for another six years, eventually touring arenas as a worship leader before looking for a fresh start in Denver.
While the band is passionate about its music, Gungor is equally passionate about connecting his sung declarations of faith to concrete action, throwing the band’s support behind The Mocha Club, which, for $8 a month (mocha money for many Americans) funds worthwhile relief projects in Africa. The band has made raising money to dig wells in the Sudan a priority, and it offers that opportunity to others at its shows.
Website: www.gungormusic.com
