Musical duo challenges students to pursue Christ

ARLINGTON—The musical duo Shane and Shane share the same first name and same desire to see students fall passionately in love with Jesus. 

As Shane Barnard and Shane Everett lead worship at the Baptist General Convention of Texas' Youth Evangelism Conference in Arlington June 22-23, they hope their music and their message will inspire students to follow Christ.

"We want to proclaim the greatness of God through music," Everett said. "At our concerts, we like to talk about different Scriptures and tell about what the Lord is doing in our lives. We always stress the importance of a daily walk with the Lord."

Barnard's spiritual journey

During his teenage years, Barnard had many questions about spiritual issues and was searching for the truth. After accepting an invitation to attend youth group with a friend, Barnard found the answers he was searching for and made a profession of faith at age 15.

As he began to express his faith through music, it didn't take long before he was asked to lead worship for Bible studies and small groups. 

As the only Christian in his family at the time, Barnard realized the importance of setting a strong example. Through the years, Barnard's family members also have made professions of faith in Christ.

Meeting Jesus in a bar

Unlike his singing partner, Everett attended church sporadically while growing up—mainly during special events or holidays. It wasn't until his junior year at Texas A&M University in 1997 that he found Jesus—at a bar in Killeen, of all places.

To earn extra spending money during college, Everett played with local bands in bars and clubs. 

"I was definitely seeking joy, but it was wrapped up in earthly pleasures where I thought I would find fulfillment," Everett said. "I thought that money would bring joy."

Late one night after a show, Everett reached his breaking point. 

"I was extremely tired, and I was done with it—really done with it," Everett said. "The parties and drinking that went along with this type of life, I was in it head-first.

"One night, the lights were off in the bar and I was just sitting there waiting to get paid.  All of a sudden, they turned on the big, florescent lights and as I looked around, it was just nasty —trash, beer cans and bottles everywhere."

Everett recalled thinking: "This is my life. … It's just destroyed. My heart is a wreck. My life is a wreck. I hate all of it."

At that moment, he said, "I just heard the Spirit of the Lord say to me, 'Son, it's time to come home.'"

Everett prayed to receive Christ as his Savior.

Forming a band

After ending ties with the secular bands, Everett soon was introduced to Barnard, and they formed a friendship.  Barnard asked to borrow Everett's guitar for an event, and a few months later, led worship together.

From there, they became an instrumental part of Breakaway Ministries at Texas A&M, a large campus Bible study.

"Everything just seemed to fall into place," Everett said. "We started getting phone calls when people heard we were going to be in their area, and before we knew it, our schedule filled up."

Disaster strikes

However, just two years after establishing their music ministry, a bizarre accident made them re-evaluate their purpose, focus and mission. 

As they were walking out of a restaurant in McAllen, a massive 60-year-old ash tree split and parts fell into the street, leaving Barnard and Everett tangled in electrical wires and tree branches. A large branch hit Barnard, tearing his shirt and severely bruising his face and back. Another branch clipped Everett in the leg.

Amazingly, after a few hours at a local hospital, they kept a commitment to lead worship that night.

But the effects of Barnard's injuries lasted an entire year.  His limbs continually went numb, he endured a month-long headache, and his heart mysteriously played "stop-and-start games." 

Relying on Christ

During this time of uncertainty, Barnard and Everett relied on their faith in Christ to sustain them. 

"Shane Barnard really thought he was going to die," Everett said.  "In Hosea 2, it talks about the valley of trouble being a doorway of hope.  We were really in a valley, and all we could do was depend on God."

They spent hours praying and reading the Bible each day.  As they grew stronger in their daily walk with Christ, they also strengthened their desire to usher others before the throne of God.

Seeing lives changed

Now, more than a decade later and maintaining a busy touring schedule, their greatest desire is to see lives changed for the glory of God.

"We are committed to using the platform that music has provided to exhort the body of Christ in the word of God and proclaim that Jesus Christ is the greatest pleasure worth pursuing," Everett said.

Focus on family

Their latest album, The One You Need, is a mature approach that looks at life through the lens of fatherhood and community.

"Most of the songs on this record are kind of like mini-sermons, sort of like a meditation on a Scripture," Barnard said.  "We found ourselves asking the question, 'What if I could tell my neighbor or family member one thing?  What would that be?  The answer is the gospel.  It just boils down to sharing the gospel. 

"Our goal is to point people to what we're called to do—to love the Lord with all our heart, mind, soul and strength and to set strong examples for our families, leading them to follow Christ."

Barnard began writing the title track for the album a week before his wife, singer/songwriter Bethany Dillon, gave birth to their daughter, Lucy.

Everett helped Barnard put the finishing touches on the song, which is a poignant letter from daddy to daughter. Everett and his wife, Kellie, have two daughters, Olive and Lillian.

"I think the legacy we want to leave for our kids is for them to know Christ," Everett said. "Hopefully, we do all we can to exemplify what we say that we believe.  As a parent, that's my prayer— that my daughters see the things I say backed up with my life, and that they will know the Lord."