Hey, I’m Jonathan

I've spent more than fifteen years as a professional songwriter and artist, writing and recording alongside my wife Emily, with songs written and produced for Lifeway Christian Resources. Today I serve as a worship minister in Nashville, where we live with our four kids.

I'm a pretty ambitious guy. A go-getter. An activator. Somewhere along the way I also became a personal growth junkie. Productivity, goal setting, time management, note taking, habit building. And not only do I love moving on my own goals, visions, and projects, I love helping others proactively move toward their goals, use their talents, and take advantage of good opportunities.

But for most of my life, I did not know how any of it fit with my faith. And I have met so many fellow Christians who are not sure what to make of their ambitions, talents, and desires for growth.

Maybe that's you. Maybe you have been sitting on an idea for years, quietly wondering if wanting it is selfish. Maybe the voices teaching you about growth never mention God, and the voices at church never mention your dreams. Maybe your creative gifts are sitting untouched while you hold your family together, and you cannot tell if the pull to make something is calling or selfishness. Maybe you serve in ministry and feel guilty for wanting to build anything beyond it.

Here is what I have come to believe. We were never meant to play it safe. From Genesis to Revelation, God made us to play a role in cultivating good, new, and beautiful things. Our faith is not one of passive gratitude because our sins are forgiven. Faith in Christ moves us to proactively use, multiply, and grow all that we have been given.

And playing it safe is not always some big dramatic thing. Sometimes it looks like never starting a family devotion time because it feels awkward and you have never done it before. Sometimes it looks like never touching the weights because you are embarrassed and not sure you are doing it right.

That is what I write about every week. Calling, work, creativity, influence, and joining God in making all things new. I would love to have you along.