Nebraska church band releases Christian album
COLUMBUS — When a local praise and worship band created its debut CD, the group was expecting to sell just a few copies to parishioners.
Then maybe those members of 1C Church would share the music created by The Sent to friends and family around the area. Those expectations were a bit off.
The songs recorded by the Columbus-based Christian band are being listened to by people across the country, as well as overseas.
“The coolest part about this whole thing is that the goal was to sell here in the church. We thought people would buy it and give them to other people,” said Chris Robbins, band leader for The Sent.
But Robbins, who is also a worship leader at the church, said the album has been purchased or streamed online in countries such as Spain, Austria, Germany and Costa Rica, according to information from the CD distributor.
The group that regularly plays during Sunday morning worship services produced its self-titled album last year.
The CD features eight covers of contemporary Christian songs, including one titled “Jesus Rides the Subway” that was never released. That song, Robbins said, is the most downloaded track.
Robbins said the project came about after a member of the church asked if they ever thought about putting a CD together. Music has always been a draw for 1C Church, and a CD might create more interest in the decade-old church.
The group started recording its music last March at a studio in Norfolk and released the CD in December.
The Sent is comprised of experienced musicians, including Cory Delp and Mark Garrison, who are members of the Nebraska Music Hall of Fame. Both men and Robbins also play in the country/rock band SideStep.
Robbins, who has been playing in bands for about 30 years, said he wasn’t a fan of Christian music until a few years ago. Now, he has found those songs offer more than other genres.
“There is something about it that touches you differently than a country song would,” he said.
Robbins also believes Christian music is becoming more popular.
“I think people are looking for hope, for something to believe in,” he said.
The band’s name comes from Isaiah 6:8, which reads:
“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here I am. Send me.’”
Other members performing on the CD are Eric Edzards, Gina Borer, Bryan Mahoney, Aaron Korte, Dan Smith and Drew Korte.
The CD can be purchased at the church and the music is also available through various digital sites including iTunes, Amazon MP3, CD Baby, Spotify and Google Play. Proceeds will go toward a church mission project that Robbins said will be youth-orientated.
The band will perform some of the songs from the album during the 10:30 a.m. CDT worship service on Jan. 15 at the church, located at 3405 21st St.
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