Fired Up To Make A Joyful Noise

BROOKSVILLE - Bryan Warren is excited about the release of his new song "The Oceans," which has been recorded by Integrity Music with their latest group, Deluge, from Baton Rouge, La.

Warren is excited every Sunday morning by the worship service at Grace World Outreach Church, especially the pastor's message and the music.

He becomes animated in his aggressive worship style whether singing, thumping a set of bongos and congas or just jumping for joy, the way a church music director might.

"Bryan 'Cactus' Warren demonstrates - no is - 'aggressive worship' in the Christian music here at Grace. As a percussionist, singer, guitarist, composer, director and more, Bryan gets excited about all music to glorify the Lord," said Tyler Montieth, the new band director and lead pianist at Grace. He also is Warren's music assistant and friend. "Bryan's metronome must be set on Presto (the fastest tempo) and he must have springs and rockets in his shoes he jumps around so much in worship performance ... or, he can sing 'Amazing Grace' with such ... grace. He's amazing!"

Warren and Montieth served for nearly two years in music ministry at Dade City's Calvary Assembly of God prior to coming to Brooksville in January. "Pastor David Garcia - the lead pastor here at Grace - is a man with a great vision and a persuasive minister, Warren said. "He helped me realize this is where to serve. We come here to be ministered to ... We're thrilled to be here! The choir, vocalists and musicians are great to work with, the congregation is so welcoming and enthusiastic, and the Dome and its high-tech equipment are terrific.

"We have about 50 vocalists in the adult choir, musicians on bass, guitar, saxophone, drums, percussion, flute, horns, strings and piano. The dance team, A Cut Above, has a couple dozen outstanding youth ages middle through high school. Also, we have great lighting, stage, sound crews and latest equipment to produce awesome worship in music for all ages and tastes."

In addition to being one-third of the recording trio Tender Heart with his brother Eric and sister Sonya, Warren's musical talents have been featured in traveling and performing with ministries of Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, Pastor Rick Shelton of Life Christian Church in St. Louis and evangelist Rodney Howard-Browne.

Warren grew up in Christian music as his parents held revival meetings and traveled worldwide. In the liner notes of his recordings, he gives all credit to Jesus, his family, and to encouraging pastors and music colleagues along the way. He began singing at age 5, and says his main music training has been in church experience of more than 30 years.

Bryan and Kelly Warren just celebrated their 16th wedding anniversary. Bryan listed their five children: "Joshua, 10, a musical talent; Kaleb, 8, an outgoing 'people person'; three-year old twins Jacob and Jonathan - 'a handful,' and sweet 15-month-old Olivia Grace."

Tony Hooper wrote most of the Christian praise and worship songs recorded by Tender Heart, although Warren appreciates a wide range of music a wide range of music and likes to incorporate a diversity of newer and traditional fare. Warren loves hymns such as "It is Well with My Soul," "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms and "'Tis So Sweet." He also appreciates such styles as that of James Taylor, Chicago and the Doobie Brothers.

Bob Brosher, Grace congregational care pastor who is a musician, said that Warren excels in both the traditional and contemporary worship services. "Pastor Bryan knows how to make the old sound new again," Brosher said, "and he brings an effective energy and vibrant enthusiasm to praise and worship here. I've heard nothing but praise for him and his work."

Tyler Montieth, a lifelong resident of San Antonio, says he is more of a music theorist. He enjoys working on the harmony and arrangements. He began piano lessons at 6, and saxophone lessons in third grade. A full-time student at the University of Tampa, he is working on bachelor's degrees in music and criminology. He is the conductor of USF Herd of Thunder Marching Band, playing at Raymond James Stadium for all home games.

Both friends said they are eager to help spotlight Grace musicians and raise them up to the Lord. They are planning on having a state-of-the-art television studio at the church to enable live broadcast on the Internet. "An in-house recording studio will produce live recordings from our praise and worship," Warren said, "and a current album will be released this fall called "Live at Grace World."

The Rev. David A. Garcia is celebrating his 20th year at Grace as lead pastor. He affirmed both Warren and Montieth as being blessings to the church.

"Pastor Bryan is a very dynamic, energetic man whose worship style exudes to the audience and captivates them to worship at the highest level. He is a gifted and anointed musician who has excellent an excellent marriage and a very pure walk with the Lord.

"Tyler also has exceptional music expertise and maturity beyond his years. Grace World Outreach Church offers relevant ministry for the entire family, and that includes the music. We all welcome you and your family to enjoy worship."

When do they meet?

Traditional Sunday worship: 8 a.m.

LIFE Hour all ages: 9:30 a.m.

Contemporary Sunday worship: 10:45 a.m.

Sunday Bible Study: 6 p.m.

Wednesday evening: 7 p.m.

Other ministries: call church at 796-3685.