KEN REYNOLDSAnd once you hear the strains of a sitar on the opening track, you realize that Ken is going in a fresh, original direction of worship. One World/One God showcases styles from funk, to gospel, to straight-up worship, to Earth, Wind, & Fire horn-fueled soul. And let's not forget "La Buena Vida (The Good Life)," a Latin-flavored rave-up featuring Dove-nominated artist Lucia Parker.
"When La Buena Vida' starts, people go crazy," Ken says. "That's a fun song. We even did a traditional Spanish dance during it."
Ken slows the pace on the stirring and uplifting "Your Will," a song that shares the profound experience of letting go, as we exchange our small dreams for God's big vision.
"I wrote that song at a point when I was really crying out," Ken shares. "Sometimes we can be doing the right thing, where things are going well. But you still wonder, Am I missing it?' And you decide, If I'm not where I'm supposed to be, move me. I'll yield to that. I'll yield to your will. My desire is your desire.'"
And while the stage and songs showcased variety, the church was filled with worshippers who were as diverse as the music itself.
"I saw a man in his 30s who had his young son on his shoulder," Ken remembers. "I saw a group from Africa dressed in their traditional wardrobe. I found out later they were from Ghana, West Africa. When I saw all those different people, I thought, This is what it's all about.' All different backgrounds, cultures and races coming together for one purpose, to worship God."
It's fitting that Ken's record from the music, to the performers, to the worshippers would represent his greatest passion: Unity through diversity.
"I want to see people unified," Ken enthuses. "And as the doors open, I want to spread that message throughout the world."
Ken is now seeing his musical platform expand beyond anything he'd envisioned, as his music is performed by groups as diverse as Pastor Rick Warren's Saddleback Church, Gospel artist Tye Tribbett's home church and even international churches.
"A group from South Korea visited our church," he says. "And they knew my songs in Korean! You realize that God's plans are way beyond ours. Not just for us, but for everything. We're just one little part of what He's doing."
But while Ken's ministry expands into touring, producing, mentoring, and hosting a weekly radio show, he continues to stay grounded as the worship pastor at Resurrection Life Church. Together with his wife, Andrea, and their children Kenton and Alyssa, Ken continues to pour his life out for his Lord, while keeping a loose grip on the future.
"I want to do whatever I can to build up God's Kingdom," Ken shares. "I just accepted the call, and this project is a culmination of God preparing me all these years. I'm just along for the ride."
