Christian Devotions SPEAK UP!

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as Scott McCausey discusses a story which led John Schlitt from drugs and rock ‘n’ roll to Christ and Christian music.

John began singing when he was just five years old, performing the leads in recitals and plays in his school. By the time he was thirteen he was in the unforgettably titled band Vinegar Hills Hometown Band Something Different – being paid twenty-five bucks as lead singer. It soon became clear that a career in music was in John’s future. He finished college with a degree in civil engineering and promptly set about making a name for himself in the world of rock ‘n’ roll. His unique, fiery tenor and unbridled passion for singing landed him a gig fronting the secular rock outfit Head East.

John’s eight-year stint with Head East put him on the map in terms of his career. The band was celebrated for its raw energy and swagger. Described by one newspaper as a "brash…cocky, (and) hard-fisted rock band,” the five-piece group enjoyed a loyal following and a string of hits throughout the 70s that helped solidify their fan base. John’s career seemed set, but it all came to a distressing end in 1980 when he was let go by the band. The reason? John had an out-of-control drug and alcohol addiction.

Fast forward six years where John Schlitt officially joined Petra in 1986, bringing with him his amazing vocal range and abilities that made him a legend with Head East. Except this time, his mind was no longer blown on drugs and alcohol. He was clean, focused, and armed with a powerful message: God made us to be winners – Jesus Christ is alive and through Him we are to be victorious in His perfect plan for each of us.

It's a new season for Jimmy Needham. The nearly decade-long career and six record releases of the twenty-eight-year-old Texas native have put him on the map as much more than a soulful crooner. Needham has built a reputation for himself as a thinker, a challenger, and a wordsmith. After his release of Clear the Stage (2012), Needham parted ways with long-time label, Inpop Records, and set out on his own to brave the waters of an independent record release. Now an indie with big vision for the future, years of experience under his belt, and a loyal fan base to boot, Needham is excited to debut his new album, The Hymns Sessions – Vol. 1.

As far as new seasons go, this will be Needham's first release to be completely self-produced, a long time dream of the industry almost-veteran. "Truth be told," says Needham, "The Hymns Sessions was not originally meant for the public at all. I produced this album as a 'thank you' to my Kickstarter supporters (kickstarter.com is an online project fundraiser). We had a shoestring budget and a short amount of time to finish it. I was so encouraged when I followed up with everyone later that year. They couldn't stop talking about how much they were enjoying these ten hymns I sent them! The idea to take these songs public seemed like a good next move." 

Fans and critics have always agreed there's something special about what Jimmy Needham says in his songs. It's no wonder, then, he chose to do business with the rich lyrical tradition of the ancient hymns for his first specialty project. "The poetic clarity these writers had highlighted showed not only their theological prowess, but their passion for making great art.  I'm very excited to be exposing more folks my age to something so timeless."

It's a new season for Jimmy Needham. The nearly decade-long career and six record releases of the twenty-eight-year-old Texas native have put him on the map as much more than a soulful crooner. Needham has built a reputation for himself as a thinker, a challenger, and a wordsmith. After his release of Clear the Stage (2012), Needham parted ways with long-time label, Inpop Records, and set out on his own to brave the waters of an independent record release. Now an indie with big vision for the future, years of experience under his belt, and a loyal fan base to boot, Needham is excited to debut his new album, The Hymns Sessions – Vol. 1.

As far as new seasons go, this will be Needham's first release to be completely self-produced, a long time dream of the industry almost-veteran. "Truth be told," says Needham, "The Hymns Sessions was not originally meant for the public at all. I produced this album as a 'thank you' to my Kickstarter supporters (kickstarter.com is an online project fundraiser). We had a shoestring budget and a short amount of time to finish it. I was so encouraged when I followed up with everyone later that year. They couldn't stop talking about how much they were enjoying these ten hymns I sent them! The idea to take these songs public seemed like a good next move." 

Fans and critics have always agreed there's something special about what Jimmy Needham says in his songs. It's no wonder, then, he chose to do business with the rich lyrical tradition of the ancient hymns for his first specialty project. "The poetic clarity these writers had highlighted showed not only their theological prowess, but their passion for making great art.  I'm very excited to be exposing more folks my age to something so timeless."

It's a new season for Jimmy Needham. The nearly decade-long career and six record releases of the twenty-eight-year-old Texas native have put him on the map as much more than a soulful crooner. Needham has built a reputation for himself as a thinker, a challenger, and a wordsmith. After his release of Clear the Stage (2012), Needham parted ways with long-time label, Inpop Records, and set out on his own to brave the waters of an independent record release. Now an indie with big vision for the future, years of experience under his belt, and a loyal fan base to boot, Needham is excited to debut his new album, The Hymns Sessions – Vol. 1.

As far as new seasons go, this will be Needham's first release to be completely self-produced, a long time dream of the industry almost-veteran. "Truth be told," says Needham, "The Hymns Sessions was not originally meant for the public at all. I produced this album as a 'thank you' to my Kickstarter supporters (kickstarter.com is an online project fundraiser). We had a shoestring budget and a short amount of time to finish it. I was so encouraged when I followed up with everyone later that year. They couldn't stop talking about how much they were enjoying these ten hymns I sent them! The idea to take these songs public seemed like a good next move." 

Fans and critics have always agreed there's something special about what Jimmy Needham says in his songs. It's no wonder, then, he chose to do business with the rich lyrical tradition of the ancient hymns for his first specialty project. "The poetic clarity these writers had highlighted showed not only their theological prowess, but their passion for making great art.  I'm very excited to be exposing more folks my age to something so timeless."

It's a new season for Jimmy Needham. The nearly decade-long career and six record releases of the twenty-eight-year-old Texas native have put him on the map as much more than a soulful crooner. Needham has built a reputation for himself as a thinker, a challenger, and a wordsmith. After his release of Clear the Stage (2012), Needham parted ways with long-time label, Inpop Records, and set out on his own to brave the waters of an independent record release. Now an indie with big vision for the future, years of experience under his belt, and a loyal fan base to boot, Needham is excited to debut his new album, The Hymns Sessions – Vol. 1.

As far as new seasons go, this will be Needham's first release to be completely self-produced, a long time dream of the industry almost-veteran. "Truth be told," says Needham, "The Hymns Sessions was not originally meant for the public at all. I produced this album as a 'thank you' to my Kickstarter supporters (kickstarter.com is an online project fundraiser). We had a shoestring budget and a short amount of time to finish it. I was so encouraged when I followed up with everyone later that year. They couldn't stop talking about how much they were enjoying these ten hymns I sent them! The idea to take these songs public seemed like a good next move." 

Fans and critics have always agreed there's something special about what Jimmy Needham says in his songs. It's no wonder, then, he chose to do business with the rich lyrical tradition of the ancient hymns for his first specialty project. "The poetic clarity these writers had highlighted showed not only their theological prowess, but their passion for making great art.  I'm very excited to be exposing more folks my age to something so timeless."

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as Scott makes sense of science and how it’s all used through writing.

Richard and his wife have backgrounds in electrical engineering and have written twelve award-winning science books together. They also ran a science supply company for several years. After a publishing company picked up their books, they shut down the business and decided to pursue a new journey—writing fiction. Richard’s new book, Fatal Transaction, combines his unique talents in the tech field to bring his thriller to life.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as Scott makes sense of science and how it’s all used through writing.

Richard and his wife have backgrounds in electrical engineering and have written twelve award-winning science books together. They also ran a science supply company for several years. After a publishing company picked up their books, they shut down the business and decided to pursue a new journey—writing fiction. Richard’s new book, Fatal Transaction, combines his unique talents in the tech field to bring his thriller to life.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as Scott McCausey interviews author David Hampton

David is lifelong musician. He grew up in Evansville, IN, and has toured with numerous Nashville musical artists and worked with a variety of music publishing groups as a staff songwriter. A prolific and award-winning songwriter, David has been published in a variety of recorded and printed formats including hymnals and worship compilations.

His story of redemption, restoration, and recovery has afforded him the opportunity to speak to a wide variety of groups, including full-time ministry professionals and addiction therapy professionals. David has also spoken at men’s conferences, recovery conferences, national hospice professionals’ conferences, and a variety of worship and arts-related events, sharing his story with candor and wit. David’s new book is called, Our Authentic Selves: Reflections on What We Believe & What We Wish We Believed.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as Scott McCausey interviews author David Hampton

David is lifelong musician. He grew up in Evansville, IN, and has toured with numerous Nashville musical artists and worked with a variety of music publishing groups as a staff songwriter. A prolific and award-winning songwriter, David has been published in a variety of recorded and printed formats including hymnals and worship compilations.

His story of redemption, restoration, and recovery has afforded him the opportunity to speak to a wide variety of groups, including full-time ministry professionals and addiction therapy professionals. David has also spoken at men’s conferences, recovery conferences, national hospice professionals’ conferences, and a variety of worship and arts-related events, sharing his story with candor and wit. David’s new book is called, Our Authentic Selves: Reflections on What We Believe & What We Wish We Believed.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as Scott makes sense of music, science and how it’s all used through writing.

Up first is lifelong musician David Hampton. David grew up in Evansville, IN, and has toured with numerous Nashville musical artists and worked with a variety of music publishing groups as a staff songwriter. A prolific and award-winning songwriter, David has been published in a variety of recorded and printed formats including hymnals and worship compilations.

His story of redemption, restoration, and recovery has afforded him the opportunity to speak to a wide variety of groups, including full-time ministry professionals and addiction therapy professionals. David has also spoken at men’s conferences, recovery conferences, national hospice professionals conferences, and a variety of worship and arts-related events, sharing his story with candor and wit. David’s new book is called, Our Authentic Selves: Reflections on What We Believe & What We Wish We Believed.

Second up is Richard Lawrence. He and his wife have backgrounds in electrical engineering and have written 12 award winning science books together. They also ran a science supply company for several years. After a publishing company picked up their books they shut down the business and decided pursuit of a new journey, writing fiction. Richard’s new book, Fatal Transaction, combines his unique talents in the tech field to bring his thriller to life.