BAYTOWN—By sharing messages of hurting people at their concerts, the Texas-based band Leeland hopes to encourage Christians to engage actively with a world in need.
“God’s really been opening our vision to all the hurting people, especially the poor around the world, and making it clear that we should help by being a part of spreading his kingdom,” lead singer Leeland Mooring said.
“If we’re not loving people, then we’re just making a bunch of noise.
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The Texas-based Christian band Leeland—(left to right) Jack Mooring, Leeland Mooring, Jake Holtz and Mike Smith—see their ministry as more than making music. They want to share a gospel that produces personal transformation and social justice. (PHOTO/Courtesy of Leeland)
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“Worship, justice and action are not separate. They are united and work together. When you have an amazing encounter with God and you experience his love during worship, the fruit of that should be your life overflowing with action, love and justice to the world around you.”
His brother, keyboard player Jack Mooring, agreed. “During the past year, God has caused a total shift in our thinking and the way we approach our ministry. We don’t want to sing another song if we’re not taking care of the poor and those in need. If we’re not being the hands and feet of Jesus, we might as well just stop making records and go home.”
Leeland has received many accolades and achievements, including Gram-my and Dove Award nominations.
In 2006, Leeland Mooring co-wrote more than half of the songs on Michael W. Smith’s Stand album. In 2008, the band’s songs were featured in the movie Fireproof and the TV show Army Wives on Lifetime.
Also, last year, Leeland and Jack Mooring were the only musicians invited to the White House for its “Compassion in Action Roundtable.” This meeting targeted emerging leaders in developing the next generation of America’s social entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders.
However, those prestigious honors haven’t changed the band. When Leeland’s not on the road, the band members live in Baytown and regularly serve at a food pantry that feeds hundreds of people in the Houston area each week.
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“Our No. 1 call is to minister to the hurting and lost; God never says to shove things down people’s throats,” Leeland Mooring said.
“For youth, we tell them that it’s all about showing your family and friends how you live your life as a Christian and how you deal with things, pray, praise God, and how your love for him just overflows into your everyday life.”
For the past three years, the band has maintained a busy schedule sharing their music and message at concerts around the country. In recent months, they performed at the Baptist General Convention of Texas’ Congreso and Youth Evangelism Conference.
Recently, Leeland released a new album, titled Love is on the Move.
This fall, Leeland will team up with Brandon Heath to co-headline the “Follow You Tour.” This tour will give audiences the chance to respond to each night’s worship by sponsoring children through Food for the Hungry.
The tour will be at First Baptist Church in Wichita Falls Oct. 17, Fielder Road Baptist Church in Arlington Oct. 18 and First Baptist Church in Lubbock Oct. 25.
“At the end of each concert, I hope people leave knowing how much God loves them, and I pray they are inspired to go into their city and be the hands and feet of Christ to the world around them,” Leeland Mooring said.
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