Randy Phillips, Shawn Craig and Dan Dean have been working hard for more than 13 years, turning up regularly to prove themselves faithful through a musical ministry that has won them scores of faithful fans, not to mention 18 No. 1 singles, several Dove Award nominations and sales near the 2 million mark. Known for their ability to write songs the church loves to sing, this trio brings an experience and maturity to today's modern worship movement, enhanced no doubt by their day jobs as pastors.
While Phillips, Craig & Dean have proven themselves consistent through the years, there is also much that's new in the life of this timeless group. Most exciting is their move to INO Records, where they again find themselves teamed with label Founder and President Jeff Moseley. "Jeff is the one who saw a future and we've never forgotten it."
There is also a freshness these days to their sound, something they credit in part to producer Nathan Nockels, who has been with them throughout the entire worship trilogy. "We come from a real traditional get your part and belt it out kind of mindset," Craig explains. "Nathan was able to get us to think outside the box." As a result, the new sound is decidedly more upbeat, while at the same time inviting those who hear it to enter into worship along with them.
"These songs are selected because people can join in with their whole hearts and sing," Phillips says. Adds Dean, "With this type of project, we go in asking, How can we draw the audience closer to the presence of God? We don't want it to be about these are great songs, but this is a great God."
While the challenge of balancing local ministry with a music career can make life hectic at times, Phillips, Craig & Dean still have plenty left to say and a calling they still hear loud and clear. "Everybody has a calling they must be faithful to. Ours is to call the church into a closer intimacy with Jesus and we do that through our music," Phillips says. "The topics of how we should love Jesus and what He means to us are inexhaustible, and singing of His attributes is an honor that will never be exhausted."
