Nothing can transform the energy in a room more quickly or more directly than music. It engages the mind, body and spirit in ways that nothing else is able to do. In a spiritual setting, it is vital for the musician to understand the power and importance of what he or she does. Recently. I was singing and speaking at one of our churches in Arizona. The microphone at the piano stopped working just as I started to sing the song to set up the talk. I decided to begin speaking while the AV crew fixed the problem. It was amazingly difficult to do.

Energetically, it felt like trying to lift an immense weight to share my message without having had the "ground prepared" by music. Fortunately, the problem was quickly resolved and I was able to sing the song and then begin the talk again from that place where all heads were open to receive it.

Spiritual music requires much more from the musician than a mere performance. While some of our churches and centers still operate on the presentational model of music with its emphasis on performer and audience, I feel strongly that something richer and deeper is emerging in our movement. We are being called to create a space for our congregations to experience God. Through powerful clients and group songs, our congregations are experiencing sacred music by participating in it—by co-creating the experience themselves. As our soloists are allowing their depth and surrendered hearts to open through their songs, people are connecting to their own hearts in profound ways that go far beyond merely listening and applauding. Something amazing is happening.

As a sacred music tradition, we in New Thought are very young. In the short 15 or so years since I've been involved in the movement, our growth has been incredible. It is amazing to see how many artists have answered the call and stepped out into ministry. Our growth and maturity is reflected not only in the number of songs and artists, but also in the amazing depth and quality. We are moving into the fullness of our calling. This website is a demonstration of that maturity. Thank you to Lisa Ferraro for spearheading this effort. We will be able to communicate and learn from each other in ways that haven't been possible before. I'm so grateful to be a part of such a dynamic and loving community as ours. Let's see what wondrous things God can do through us.