Album Notes

James Tealy is a songwriter, recording artist, speaker and author from New Orleans, LA. Prior to the launch of the Sacra Nova Company in January of 2003, Tealy served for 6 years as the youth pastor at First Baptist Church in New Orleans, LA where he still lives with his wife, Shera. The guiding passion of his heart is to see this generation accomplish the Great Commission in our lifetime. These themes show up in the songs Tealy writes as a staff songwriter for Universal Music Publishing in Nashville, TN, and in the sermons he delivers to student groups around the globe.

In 2004, James spoke, sung or led worship at over 150 events with a variety of student groups and churches. Still, Tealy relates, "many groups that have booked me as an artist or worship leader have no idea that I also preach to student groups and churches. Only recently have I given myself permission to let these different parts of my life and ministry co-exist." Tealy now routinely uses his songs as illustrations in his preaching and uses the stories and scriptures that have inspired his songs to bring their lyrics to life in concert. When asked whether he prefers preaching or singing Tealy responds, "I know that the songs I write will stay with people long after a sermon has been delivered but the songs can only brush the surface of the rich depth and power of God's Word. I couldn't possibly choose one medium over the other. I want to inspire students to change the world in the Name of Christ and I'll use every method available to see that accomplished."

James Tealy began feeling called into ministry as a life-goal during his freshman year in college at Belmont University in Nashville, TN where he studied music and business. After graduation, James and his wife, Shera, relocated to Ft. Myers, FL to work with Christian radio station, Way-FM. After two years, James and Shera moved to New Orleans to pursue graduate degrees at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. James graduated with an MA in Christian Education in 1999 and his wife Shera continues work on a Ph.D. in Psychology while she maintains a private counseling practice. Over the years, James has pursued his calling through a wide variety of ministry experiences.

"Through my efforts in the Christian music industry I have gained a better understanding of the work of the "church universal." Through my work in Christian radio I have seen the partnerships of local churches in the accomplishment of God's purposes for their community. Through my work in the local church I have experienced the great impact of personal relationships in faith development. Through my efforts as a speaker, writer, and worship leader, I have witnessed first-hand the great surge of God's power that is cresting in this generation and around the world."

Throughout his ministry, James Tealy has spoken, sung and led worship in both large and small settings on five continents including student conferences and retreats, parent conferences, local church rallies, missions conferences, and public and private schools.