Matt Boswell is the founding pastor of The Trails Church in Prosper, TX. Matt has been involved in church planting and pastoral ministry since 1998, and is also an author and hymn writer, known for songs including "His Mercy Is More" and "Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery." Matt is a Ph.D candidate at Southern Seminary with an emphasis in Christian Worship and Biblical Spirituality. Matt and his wife Jamie have four children.

MODERN HYMN WRITERS MATT PAPA AND MATT BOSWELL RECEIVE TWO DOVE AWARD NOMINATIONS FOR HIS MERCY IS MORE” SONG AND ALBUM

Nashville, TN. Longtime songwriting collaborators Matt Papa and Matt Boswell will make their first appearance at the 51st GMA Dove Awards this week with the honor of receiving two nominations: “His Mercy Is More” for Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year and “His Mercy Is More: The Hymns of Matt Boswell and Matt Papa” for Inspirational Album of the Year.

Though the duo has been writing together for over a decade, they teamed up for their first joint recording project and found a new synergy that launched them into twofold contention for highest award in Christian music.

The pair commemorated their first ever invitation to the Dove Awards by releasing a brand new song, “Psalm 150 (Praise the Lord)” on October 23, 2020.

Authors of modern hymns such as “Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery” and “Christ the Sure and Steady Anchor,” Matt Papa and Matt Boswell started writing together in 2009. Today they are best known for the song “His Mercy Is More,” which anchors their latest album, is sung by churches on every continent, and has risen to the top 45 on the Church Copyright Licensing International charts. The song was inspired by a quote from “Amazing Grace” author John Newton: “Our sins are many, but his mercies are more.”

Reflecting on why they wrote the song, Matt Papa remarks, “When we sing a lyric like ‘Our sins they are many, His mercy is more,’ that is a truth for all time, all places and for all generations and it is worth the effort for sing that truth.”

The album “His Mercy Is More: The Hymns of Matt Boswell and Matt Papa” was produced by 7-time Dove Award winner Nathan Nockels (Passion, Laura Story, Matt Redman). Keith and Kristyn Getty, renowned songwriters considered among the founders of the modern hymn movement, released the album on the Getty Music label and served as Executive Producers.

Matt Boswell responded to the news of the nominations with gratitude: “What a joy to have this album and specifically this song nominated for a Dove Award. I’m so thankful for the ways God has used them to build up the body of Christ.”

Executive Producer Keith Getty was not surprised that the project received two nominations. He noted, “The hymns of Matt Boswell and Matt Papa have refreshed our own family and local church, a story shared by millions of other people around the world. These hymns are a beautiful, much needed resource for this generation and the next.”

Matt Papa observed, “It’s been amazing to see how this simple song resonates—particularly with children. I hope the truth of the song and the album keep giving people hope—and a deeper sense of the gospel.”

The songwriting pair continues to develop creative new sounds, as heard in their latest release, “Psalm 150 (Praise the Lord).” An expansive, soaring song of adoration, it expresses the exuberant joy that concludes the biblical book of Psalms.

More information about “His Mercy Is More: The Hymns of Matt Boswell and Matt Papa” can be found here.

More information about the song “Psalm 150 (Praise the Lord)” can be found here.

For more information, interviews, or comment please contact Joni McCabe at Getty Music via: e:[email protected] or t: (440) 539-0459

Five-time cancer survivor Erin Weidemann is co-founder of Truth Becomes Her, a brand that equips moms and women with resources to help them step into their unique leadership roles. The creator and author of the bestselling The Adventures of Rooney Cruz series for young girls, Erin is a nationally recognized speaker, radio personality, certified teacher and sought-after homeschool consultant, and host of the Heroes for Her Podcast. 

Erin is a spokesperson for World Vision and an active advocate for the American Cancer Society. Erin is a graduate of Penn State University with a double major in Journalism and Spanish. She and her husband, Brent, recently relocated from the San Diego oceanfront to enjoy the charm of a small, picturesque town in Montana, along with their two miracle daughters. 

In Ringleaders, Rooney meets six women from the New Testament: Elizabeth, Mary the Mother of Jesus, the Samaritan Woman (at the Well), Mary and Martha, and Mary Magdalene. Through the stories of these women, Rooney learns she can use her voice to share the Good News that God has called her to deliver. Young readers will be inspired to identify their own voice and use it for God’s glory and to build His Kingdom.

Jodie Berndt is the author of nine books, including the best-selling Praying the Scriptures series, which includes volumes for Children, Teens, and Adult Children. A speaker and Bible teacher, Jodie has appeared on Focus on the Family, the 700 Club, and a host of popular podcasts, and her writing has been featured on FoxNews, the Proverbs31 Daily Devotional, and other media outlets. Find Jodie’s videos, printable resources, and her blog at JodieBerndt.com, or follow her on Instagram @jodie_berndt. Jodie and her husband, Robbie, have four adult children.

“My new book, Praying the Scriptures for Your Children: 20th Anniversary Edition, releases on Tuesday 10/20. It is an updated version of the original book and includes new material on things like our child’s use of technology and their sense of identity (which were not on my radar 20 years ago as prayer concerns!), as well as an entirely new bonus section designed to help parents teach their children to pray and to depend on the power of God’s promises.” - Jodie

You can purchase it here.

God has blessed Bob Russell with a life much different than one he could have ever imagined. As a young man growing up in northern Pennsylvania, Bob had intended on becoming a high school basketball coach in his hometown. During his senior year of high school, however, Bob realized a desire in his heart to enter the ministry. Soon thereafter, he enrolled in Cincinnati Bible Seminary where he graduated in 1965.

At just twenty-two years of age, Bob became the pastor of Southeast Christian Church.  That small congregation of 120 members became one of the largest churches in America, with 18,000 people attending the three worship services every weekend in 2006 when Bob retired.   Now through Bob Russell Ministries, Bob continues to preach at churches and conferences throughout the United States, provide guidance for church leadership,  mentor other ministers and author Bible study videos for use in small groups.  An accomplished author, Bob has written over one-dozen books.  His latest book, “After 50 Years of Ministry: 7 Things I Would Do the Same and 7 Things I Would Do Differently,” was released summer 2016 from Moody Publishers .

Bob and his wife Judy of 54 years have two married sons, Rusty and Phil.   Rusty Russell is the Lead Pastor of the New Day Christian Church in Port Charlotte, Florida after serving at Southeast for many years.  Phil Russell is a lieutenant with the Louisville Metro Police Department as well as a film actor with the Screen Actors Guild.   Bob and Judy have seven grandchildren with whom they enjoy spending their time.

Bob also enjoys playing golf and is an avid University of Louisville football and basketball fan. 

Rebecca Bradley lives her best life these days in Colorado, raising her four lucky children and supporting her amazingly talented husband's film business from home. Becky earned her Bachelor's Degree in Biology and Master's in Education at Azusa Pacific University.  She taught high school biology for seven years before settling into the adventures of raising a family.  She loves reading, writing, taking care of her plants and is currently dappling in interior design. When she has a moment to think of the future, she dreams of how amazing of a grandmother she will be someday.

Becky has a heart for hurting women and extensive experience working with youth and women in the church.  She continues to facilitate groups towards inner healing from trauma through Pure Desire Ministries and is honored to witness their transformation through their healing process. 

Behind the Mask

Dr. Nijay K. Gupta is professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary. He has written numerous books and articles on the New Testament. His latest books include The State of New Testament Studies (co-edited with Scot McKnight; Baker Academic), Paul and the Language of Faith (Eerdmans), Reading Philippians (Cascade) and A Beginner’s Guide to New Testament Studies (Baker Academic). Follow him on twitter @nijaykgupta or read his blog here.

Professional educator and author Alison Morrow loved teaching but knew from the beginning she'd homeschool her own children. Now, a fourteen year homeschool veteran and mother of two, she helps other families through the transition to homeschooling and beyond through GoodSchooling, an online homeschool coaching program that serves parents all over the world as they seek to give their children the education they deserve.

Kristyn Getty is an award-winning singer-songwriter. Her voice is synonymous with hymns, having founded, along with her husband, Keith, the Getty Music Organization, which helps people learn the Bible through hymns to carry for life. Kristyn performs annual shows at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Grand Ole Opry, where she leads the Sing! conference—based on her book by the same name. She is particularly passionate about helping children and families learn their faith through song. Kristyn and Keith are originally from Northern Ireland and now live in Nashville, Tennessee, with their four daughters.

Award- winning Christian hymn writers, Keith and Kristyn Getty announce the release of their latest collection of thirteen original hymns and lullabies featuring guest appearances from Vince Gill, Heather Headley, Ellie Holcomb, Sierra Hull, Deborah Kelmme and Sandra McCracken. Born from of a family tradition, the Evensong (Hymns and Lullabies at the Close of Day), includes the thoughts, songs and prayers that Keith and Kristyn Getty use at the end of their day with their daughters.

Evensong, as a practice has always appealed to people by refreshing the soul and informing the mind. During these uncertain times, the need for restful contemplation and focussing on the Word of God is more important than ever for Christians throughout the world.

The Evensong album was a dream project for Kristyn Getty. On turning 40, she and Keith decided that it would be a wonderful way to celebrate the year. With the global pandemic bringing about a need of comfort to homes in the evening time, it seemed like a perfect new venture for the family.

“These are lullabies and hymns we have sung to and for our own children,” says Kristyn Getty of her four daughters. “Singing God’s truth into both the more tender

and vulnerable moments of the day has been a centerpiece of raising our own kids. I know I need true words spoken into my heart and mind to help de-clutter all that presses in upon me from day to day. I hope these songs help people dwell on the Lord and His promises; to release a burdened mind, to calm a restless heart and point us towards real peace in Christ.”

Keith Getty OBE says, “Evensong, is a project born out of a family tradition. We close out our days with a time of reflection in thought, song, and prayer. This collection of hymns and lullabies features a mixture of many of our daily emotions that help us redirect the mind and the comfort of the heart.”

Album producer Ben Shive was able to gather recordings from each musical collaborator and masterfully create a project fusing the Celtic, folk, bluegrass, classical and Americana sound the Gettys have become known for around the world. The cover art was specially created by internationally renowned Irish artist Ross Wilson. A special concert performance of this new project was recorded at Hidden Trace Farm, Tennessee, and premiered globally online on Aug. 31 as part of the Sing!

Global conference and festival. The Getty’s music is sung by over 100 million people in churches each year throughout the world. In 2017, they established the Sing! Movement to encourage families and churches towards deep theology, timeless artistry, and vibrant worship. Rather than cancelling in light of the pandemic, the Gettys have rebuilt this year’s event from the ground up to be an immersive, virtual conference engaging leaders, families and churches around the world. The four-day event started on August 30 through to September 2, 2020 and featured over 100 speakers and artists including Joni Eareckson Tada, John Lennox, John Piper, Trip Lee, David Kim, Steven Curtis Chapman, John Patitucci, Bill Gaither, Conrad Mbewe, Andrew Peterson and David Platt.

Listen here.

TRACK LIST FOR EVENSONG (Hymns and Lullabies at Close of Day):

Produced by: Ben Shive, Keith and Kristyn Getty

1. Hush-a-by (Come unto Me and Rest)

2. Sun of My Soul (Shine) featuring Sarah McCracken

3. Consider the Stars

4. Softly and Tenderly featuring Vince Gill, Ellie Holcomb, Sierra Hull, and

Deborah Klemme

5. Is He Worthy?

6. Lily of the Valley

7. His Eye Is on the Sparrow featuring Heather Headley

8. Jesus, Friend of Little Children

9. The Lord Is in His Holy Temple

10.My Heart Is Filled with Thankfulness

11. Keep Letting the Light In

12.Abide with Me

13.Evensong

“I wanted to offer listeners a coupon code for the online store. if they use the code: TBM15 they will get 15% off their order!’

Jen Shepherd is the Creative Manager for BYTAVI, a fair trade clothing and handbag line produced in Cambodia. She started as an intern and has completed her fourth year on the team. She spends her work days seeking out new wholesale accounts, maintaining the online store, creating graphics and creative content, and being part of the team that designs, orders, and sells the BYTAVI product. She and her fiance just bought a house in Indianapolis and are navigating planning a wedding during a pandemic. In the more normal times, they enjoy going to coffee shops and breweries, planning trips and trips to Target, and spending time with their family and community around the table. 

Abdu Murray (JD, University of Michigan) is Senior Vice President of RZIM and a regular speaker at churches, college campuses, and business and government gatherings. He hosts the podcast The Defense Rests. A scholar in residence at the Josh McDowell Institute of Oklahoma Wesleyan University, he is the author of many articles and three books, including Grand Central Question, Saving Truth: Finding Meaning and Clarity in a Post-Truth World, and his latest, Seeing Jesus from the East. https://seeingjesusfromtheeast.com.

For most of his life, Abdu was a proud Muslim who studied the Qur’an and Islam. After a nine-year investigation into the historical, philosophical, and scientific underpinnings of the major world religions and views, Abdu discovered that the historic Christian faith can answer the questions of the mind and the longings of the heart.

Abdu has spoken to diverse international audiences and has participated in debates and dialogues across the globe. He has appeared as a guest on numerous radio and television programs all over the world. Abdu holds a BA in psychology from the University of Michigan and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School. As an attorney, Abdu was named several times in Best Lawyers in America and Michigan Super Lawyer. Twitter: @AbduMurray