students of jesus

It’s good to share what you have with others. The folks at a Vineyard Church in Central Kentucky have a community of worshiping songwriters who happen to be skilled musicians, and the result of their sharing we have Promises of Wonder, a live album of fresh music honoring Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The Vineyard Music Group traveled miles off the Interstate to find a country church filled with Indie music: a textured acoustic sound wrapped around lyrics of depth and beauty. This is not your standard live-worship album with thumping beats designed for clap-along crowds. It’s gentle pace and thoughtful meanings are designed more to change the atmosphere in the room (or car, or ear buds).

Many of the songs are Trinitarian in nature, ascribing worth-ship to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The lyric-poetry stands up under repeated listening and invites you to plumb the depths of a fellow-traveling relationship with Jesus:

God, Your love meets

My heart like a song

And it echoes on and on

In bitter cold, winter’s storm

Your melody comes

Sets my feet on the path leading home. (From the title track)

Vineyard veteran Ryan Delmore sits in on the sessions, and it feels like Kentucky is his second home. The quality of play is first-rate, yet each musician is careful to play under one another, which creates a unified sound where the individual serves the whole. The vocals (especially Hannah Daugherty’s) are clear without being in your face—even the singers blend with the song. Nine of the thirteen songs are homegrown: this church has nurtured a songwriting circle for years, and it shows. (You can read more about genius behind homegrown worship at indigenousworship.com)

I recommend this album. It will not only show you the path to Jesus, it will give you an assurance He walks the path with you.