Behind the Soundboard – (Part IV) “Power up”

By David Lin

Power, that’s what we need now! We’ve set up the stage (Part I), we’ve plugged everything in (Part II) and we’ve all tuned to the same standard (Part III). The only thing left to do is the throw the switch on the power conditioner and light everything up! In Part II, I talked about the fact that although the PA system at NEIGHBORS is wired differently for each performer, they are all ultimately energized by the same power source.

A power amplifier in a PA system takes the sound waves that are introduced via a microphone or other input and increases the volume of the signal. As Christians we are called to “amplify Christ” and to spread the Good News to the lost world. Like the electricity that energizes the amplifier, the Holy Spirit is there to energize and power our lives so that we might amplify Jesus. I am reminded of the “power rating” given to us in 1 Corinthians 1:18, ”For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

As a Christ-follower, my heart aches for those that cannot see the power that we have after entering into relationship with Jesus. Those that don’t know Jesus choose to look for power in other places and things, and my personal experiences has taught me that those power charges drain quickly.

There are many artists that have performed at NEIGHBORS in whom I would be justified in featuring this month’s installment, as they are all men and women of God that yearn to amplify God’s message of redemption through Jesus. However, there is one artist in particular that comes to mind when I hear the word “power” and that is Rock Foundations Records recording artist Lindsey Phillips. A singer/songwriter with a distinguishing style of rhythmic guitar playing and soulful vocal ability Lindsey's one of a kind style provides a unique blend of music that must not only be heard but experienced to be fully appreciated. Voted "2001 Vocalist of the Year" by Embassy Music in Nashville and KCCM's "2003 & 2004 Acoustic Rock Artist of the Year", Lindsey's voice is refreshing moving in and out of well crafted lyrics and melodies that are as enticing as they are intense.

Lindsey Phillips is a Kansas City area resident (actually Shawnee, KS), however is actually most popular outside the local area, primarily because he plays all over the country. Those that know him locally will vouch for the power in his music, his impressive percussive guitar style, and relevance of his lyrics. I should also mention that God has blessed him with some powerful “pipes” as well – Lindsey can sing. Lindsey performs (ministers) nationally and is currently touring venues and events promoting his recording projects. His latest full length CD, called “This Journey”, is a favorite in the NEIGHBORS CD player. This is a studio produced CD that is chocked full of intense music that I was definitely able to relate to in regards to my own spiritual walk. If you like acoustic rock music, you will like this album.

When I meet with the Christian artists that play at NEIGHBORS, I try to get a feel for the heart beating inside the performers. As a musician myself, I know it is very easy to lose sight of our mission and forget the source of “power”. God has wired musicians to want to perform and share their music. When you add the word “Christian” to musician, then you have a battle on your hands. The flesh wants the recognition, but the heart wants to give glory to God. This was one battle that I did not see raging in Lindsey’s heart, he is all about God’s glory.

Lindsey Phillips is great Christian musician, but most notably he is a man that lives to serve God with his musical gifts. Lindsey’s understands his role in the mission field. He gets people’s attention with his guitar abilities and before they know it they are pointed toward the cross through his “REAL music for REAL people in a REAL world with REAL problems searching for a REAL God.” Lindsey is not foolish; he knows that there is POWER in the blood!

Visit www.lindseyphillips.com to learn more about Lindsey Phillips’ music and ministry, or visit his site at www.indieheaven.com/artists/lindseyphillips. To see when Lindsey is playing at NEIGHBORS in Smithville, MO again visit www.neighborscoffeehouse.com.