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In my line of work I get to meet a lot of great people who are getting things right. These are just a few people I look up to and enjoy working with. If you ever get a chance to hear these men and women of God do so.
Wade Morris
Wade had been a friend and mentor for years. He’s blunt, straightforward, honest, and he preaches in socks. How many preachers do you know who can pull that off? He also has a passion for people that is as big as his personality. Currently we are working together preaching for a twenty something Bible study called Citywide here in Birmingham. He’s also the creator of the Journey project, which aims at putting as much Scripture on CD as we can to get it into the lives of ordinary people like you and me. Check him out.
www.wademorris.com
Jarrod Jones
Jarrod is a new friend I've really come to admire and respect. He's got a great testimony, a passionate heart, and solid teaching. He's also someone you can look up to (He towers at least 6 inches above me!) Jarrod arrived on the scene later in life which is one of those marks of a minister I always take note of. He didn't stumble into this and he's not doing it becaseu it's "cool." I've reccommended Jarrod for a lot of events recently and have always gotten great feedback. Give Him a call! And check out his website at
www.jarrodjones.com
Dave Rhodes
Dave is a friend of mine who is a man after God’s own heart. He has a passion for God and his word that is evident every time he speaks. I recommend Dave often for events because he’s engaging and effective without compromising a call to clearly preach God’s word, not simply tell stories. He’s hooked up with a great group of guys at Wayfarer Ministries in South Carolina where he helps lead a weekly singles event. But Dave is multi-talented and has proven himself to be gifted with kids, youth, and adults as well. Check out their team at www.wayfarerministries.org.

Chuck Hooten
Chuck is one of my favorite people in the entire world. Musicians can be found anywhere (but especially in Nashville). Musicians who ask the right questions are a rare find, though. Chuck is one of those few leaders who truly desires to see Christ honored and is willing to play, sing, and whatever else is necessary to see that happen. He has led for UCF, a college Bible study in Birmingham, for years, leads worship part time for Mountain Brook Community Church, and spends the rest of his time travelling. I always feel comfortable traveling with Chuck. In fact, we're great as a team. Call him today if you'd like me to join you as well.
www.chuckhooten.com
Aaron Keyes
Wow. This is what you will say after you experience Aaron leading worsihp. A lot of htings will begin to make sense, like what worship leading was supposed to be. And then you'll start wondering why you settled for anything less. Aaron is one of those rare true ministers who can actually lead you in God-honoring worhips and still pull off the Atlanta hair. he will also quote more Scripture in one session than you've studied in the past 3 months. If you are trying to figure out how much to spend on lights for your next worship event yet you haven't booked a worship leader stop right now, repent, and call Aaron.
www.aaronkeyes.com
Billy and Cindy Foote
It is a blessing to have friends on the road. Billy and Cindy have been that for me over the past few years. Both Billy and Cindy are passionate, creative, and focused. Their music and their lives clearly reveal that they are in love with Jesus and are very intentional about leading others into the same kind of lifestyle. I love these guys! If it’s at all possible to hear them or use them in your ministry do so. Better yet, have us both in. That way I can hang out with them too.
www.billyfoote.com
Joel Engle
Joel has been doing the worship leader thing for a while and there’s a good reason, he’s great. True callings don’t fade over time and Joel is making music that is just as relevant today as it was when he began traveling. It’s hard not to be affected by his enthusiasm. Joel also has a quality I prize in worship leaders: he thinks about worship. If you’re looking for a worship leader who is concerned about worship being a lifestyle give Joel a call. I am privileged to be able to work with him and call him my friend.
www.joelengle.com
Ross King
I love Ross King. I have yet to have a conversation with Ross that didn’t challenge me in some way. And he’s funny too! Never one to follow the crowd Ross is always challenging the status quo, but at the same time keeping his feet firmly planted in his roots. Hence his blend of new songs rich in theology with old hymns that remind us of who we are and who we are worshipping. Ross is the real deal. Skip the latest trendy band and get someone who can truly lead you in worship.
www.rosskingmusic.com
Spur 58
These guys are new to me but I am deeply impressed. Typically bands don’t do a very good job of being great bands and great worship leaders at the same time. Most end up being just bands. These guys, however, break the trend. They’re passionate and energetic, but at the same time very focused. Couple that with a real desire to do ministry and not just grace a stage and you’ve got a real find. If you can snag these guys ( they’re getting busy fast) have them in soon.
www.spur58.com
Chris Orr
Chris and I don’t get to see each other a lot but the times we do are always fun and productive. He’s got a heart for Scripture and for spending time with peoplethe true sign of an effective minister. And he’s just fun to be around. Anyone who’s equally comfortable leading worship for 5th graders or college students is unique. But he can do it. Check him out.
www.chrisorrministries.com
The Chris White Band
Grab these guys if you can. Chris is a former youth minister who left a rather successful ministry to follow God's leading into worship leading. This background makes him keenly aware of the needs of the students and what it means to lead rather than just play. He's stocked his band with former youth who have the same heart he does to see youth truly grow in their walk with the Lord. Their schedule is sometimes tight so be sure to plan ahead to have these guys at your event. .
www.chriswhiteband.com

From the Branch
Christian drama is typically an oxymoron. It’s just hard to find good drama out there that’s not cheesy or outdated (insert “sin box” sketch here). Enter the Branch guys. Headed by Santiago Sosa and Michael Cleveland this team has got a bead on where the culture is and knows how to reach them. Mix in Biblical truth with the CW and you’ve got something that’s relevant and practical. If you’re looking for Heaven’s Gates Hell’s Flames please don’t call these guys. However, if you want to see drama that will have your students engaged and thinking, get in touch with From the Branch.
www.fromthebranch.com

www.Crosswalk.com
This is a great site for getting started in Bible study. They have an online concordance and some commentaries to check out. If you can’t remember where a verse is and don’t have a concordance handy, this is a great place to find stuff.
www.blueletterbible.com
This site has expanded considerably recently. It’s a great place to compare different translations and the have some commentaries and other study aids as well. Even better, for all you seminarians out there this site has the complete text of both the Hebrew and Greek online for you to search. It’s a great help in a pinch.
www.logos.com
If you’re looking for some Bible software to help you in your teaching I prefer the Logos Bible study software. They have a lot of different variations to meet your personal needs. It can be pricey, but it’s worth it. I personally use the Scholar’s Library edition and find it meets all of my needs and more.

Beeson Divinity School
Lot's of people ask me where I went to seminary and I'm always thrilled to tell them about Beeson. I truly believe Beeson Divinity School is the best theological institute in the south. Beeson stands apart from most other seminaries in that it's a inter-denominational, evangelical school with a conservative theological foundation. It offers a small teacher/student ratio so you get a lot of direct interaction with some of the best spiritual minds I have ever met. I can't say enough good things about Beeson. If you are at all thinking about seminary you should check them out.
www.beesondivinity.com
International Justice Mission
Over the past year I have run into IJM in a few different places. Through friends, magazines, and the stories of ministers I trust. IJM has made it their mission to bring justice to those who are most oppressed wherever they may be in the world. They have been instrumental in attacking the sex slave trade and are becoming experts at being a thorn in the side of oppressive structures. God told us to take the good news to the nations. He also told us to bring justice to the oppressed. If you are looking fora new group to support or a way to get involved you should talk to the folks at International Justice Mission.
Mars Hill Bible Church
You need to be listening to Rob Bell. He's fantastic! Biblical. Conversational. Immensely Practical. And he preaches for 45 minutes which makes me feel much better about myself. You can download the last 10 sermons at his church for free. Do so. Now. I mean really now.
www.mhbcmi.org
Compassion International
Maybe you're not able to go on a mission trip right now, but you'd like to. One of the ways you can get involved in helping others around the world is through Compassion International. They have a comprehensive and well respected ministry that is feeding and teaching kids around the world. If you've ever thought about sponsoring a child, get the facts here and pray about getting involved.
www.compassion.com
Jason Wallis Photography
Some of you may know Jason as a great worship leader. What you may not know is that he’s also a great photographer. Check out his site and see what he’s doing these days.
www.jasonwallisphotography.com
U2
Just admit it. U2 is the best band of all time. No, don’t try to argue. You may be upset, but sometimes the truth hurts. This site will keep you up to date on all the latest wanderings of Bono and the boys.
www.u2.com
Homestar Runner
Yes. I enjoy a little Strong Bad email here and there. But you have to hand it to these guys. They’re creative, they’re clean, and the consistently post new material. If you’ve never experienced the glory that is Homestar runner, it’s time to jump in.
www.homestarrunner.com
Student Life
Student Life has been a home away from home for me for almost 10 years. They do by far the best camps around and their conferences are not to be missed. If you want to see what quality youth events look like check out Student Life
www.studentlife.net
Into the Wardrobe
Everyone needs more C. S. Lewis in their life. This site is a comprehensive resource for fans of Jack but the best part about it is a daily quote from Lewis. I use this as my homepage just to get my day started right. Check it out!
http://cslewis.drzeus.net/
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