DESCRIPTION:
Brian Reed’s ministry to the contemporary church has been borne on a journey down the road less traveled. Through darkness and light, high and low, the “Swift Sure Hand” has kept him along the way.

Born and raised with a musical family in the Appalachian hills of central Pennsylvania, Brian’s early musical influences are deeply rooted and profound. His Grandfather was his greatest musical influence while growing up. It was in those early days that Brian not only learned how to play his instrument of choice (the guitar), but also grew to appreciate all kinds of musical genres. Early influence consisted of an eclectic mix of Western Cowboy songs, Bohemian folk music and Jazz-Swing.

Brian Reed’s unique style was further shaped with the strong melodies and passionate messages of the likes of Cole Porter, Carol King, Blood, Sweat and Tears, and James Taylor. Brian learned the craft of songwriting under the tutelage of the folk and pop songwriters of the 1970′s. It was during these years that Brian also expanded his aptitude in a variety of musical instruments, and began a life-long track of increasing his instrumental repertoire.

Sic Transit Gloria Mundi
All Fame is Fleeting…

After meeting and marrying his wife Kelli, Brian moved to Nashville, Tennessee in 1996 and has been active during his years in the Music City. After spending several years playing the standard Nashville venues, Brian hooked up with a local storyteller, doing an artistic instrumental backdrop to the spoken word. He's also worked playing session guitar in several Nashville studios and has cooperated with various local poets and songwriters, and has worked in the Nashville Blues scene. Brian?s bluegrass roots have also been a part of his Nashville life, as he has had opportunity to work with several bluegrass and southern Gospel groups.

Brian’s musical trail has intersected his spiritual path. The contrast of darkness and light in Brian’s life has been intense and severe. After experiencing a profound supernatural transformation, Brian has been spiritually influenced by the writings of many ancient saints, including Brother Lawrence, Gerhard Tersteegan, John and Charles Wesley, and, of course, the Apostle Paul. The life and death and corresponding journals of Jim Elliot have also had deep impact on Brian?s understanding of God and passion for the things of heaven. Through these saints, he learned the supremacy of God in all things. A single passion began to burn in his heart.

Gloria Domine Est Perpetuum
The Glory of God is forever…

In the spring of 1998, Brian’s musical focus shifted from the Nashville scene to leading the Church in worship of God. He began leading worship at Faith Community Church in Franklin, TN. His God-centered, non-performance style was received by the congregation and he not only led in song, but used his songwriting ability to bring fresh, passionate, original God-honoring music to the people of God. Many of the melodies of the old hymns were rewritten into contemporary anthems, bringing the congregation nearer the heart of God; the depth of ancient lyric married to the musical expressions of the modern worshipper.

Thus doors were opened for further ministry, as Brian has led thousands in worship at Christian Life and Witness Classes for the Billy Graham Crusade, Nashville. Directing the Faith Community Church worship band, Brian led the National Council of the Christian and Missionary Alliance in worship, sharing the platform with Ravi Zacharias. Other opportunities have also been realized through leading worship at many local and regional camps and conferences. Brian?s insatiable hunger to know the Trinity is expressed in leading others to the throne of God in worship. This appetite is also revealed in the music and verse of his most recent album, “More Love To Thee”; a collection of original and contemporary adaptations of antique hymn lyric.

Brian’s contagious zeal for the supremacy of God extends beyond the walls of music. As an elder and a teacher at his church, a writer and a poet, Brian’s ministry to the body of Christ continuously points toward the vision of rejoicing in the Glory of God in all areas of life. The road goes ever on. Brian’s desire is that through the humble means of melody and lyric, many more people will exult in God and know His joy.

“Oh come, let us worship the Lord…” Psalm 95:6