Leann Callaway
Correspondent, The Alabama Baptist
With the songs on their current album, “Followers,” the Dove Award-winning group Tenth Avenue North hopes to encourage believers to actively engage in God’s transforming love and desire to walk in obedience wherever He leads.
“Our hope is that as people encounter the truth of the gospel through these songs, they would be moved and changed as they desire to live for Christ,” said lead singer Mike Donehey. “We want to lead people into the presence of the Lord and help people to know Christ as their Savior, Lord and treasure.”
In addition to Donehey the group is made up of drummer Jason Jamison, guitarist Jeff Owen, bass player Ruben Juarez and keyboard player Brendon Shirley.
With songs such as “Love Is Here,” “By Your Side,” “You Are More” and “Healing Begins” influencing audiences around the country, their insightful lyrics resonate deeply with listeners by connecting them to life-changing truths.
This fall the group plans to continue challenging audiences to go deeper in their relationship with Christ on the “What You Want Tour” with special guests Hawk Nelson and Dan Bremnes.
Dig in together
Through their music and message, Tenth Avenue North emphasizes the importance of connecting with other believers for accountability, encouragement and digging into God’s Word together.
Jamison said, “During our concerts it’s an opportunity for us to further explain these songs so people can connect to the truth of the gospel. Our hope is that the record will come to life in a sense and people will walk away being encouraged.”
Donehey often relates the account of his own near-death experience to help audiences put things into perspective and inspire them to live for what matters most.
At age 18, Donehey broke his back in two places after being thrown out of a car in an almost fatal accident. Convinced God had spared him for a reason, Donehey committed himself to being used for God’s glory.
“It was the first time in my life that I actually slowed down and spent time reflecting on things,” Donehey said. “This experience definitely made me take inventory of my life and forced me to evaluate what was important and what was not.”
After he recovered, Donehey attended Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida, and met Jamison and Owen.
From the start, band members committed themselves to sharing messages about God’s grace that would challenge young audiences to a deeper walk of faith.
“Whether you’re a pastor or plumber or lawyer, anything you do can be re-imagined as ministry if you do it to serve others and glorify God,” Donehey said. “The dwelling place of God isn’t a building; it’s the people. Wherever we go throughout the day — whether it’s at Starbucks, school or the supermarket — there is not a place on earth that is not His, and there is not a place we can go where He is not.
“As more people are hearing the songs, it provides greater opportunities to let them know about the grace and love offered to them through Jesus. When people listen to these songs I hope that they will realize they are not alone in their struggles. They can connect to a Savior who loves them unconditionally and is with them every step of the way.”
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