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Rocker Changes Tune For The Lord

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By SARAH ROTHWELL, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 3, 2007

TEMPLE TERRACE - Brian Jones, 28, grew up rocking out to Nirvana and other grunge bands of the 1990s. As a teenager, he learned to play guitar and performed with garage bands. He spent weekends at dive bars, mimicking Kurt Cobain. Then, he accepted Jesus Christ.

Today, Jones is the worship leader at Centerpointe Community Church, a nondenominational, charismatic Christian church in Temple Terrace, and is a local Christian musician. He performs at churches throughout Florida and, in 2006, released a solo CD, "Something More."

Jesus makes music exciting, Jones said.

Were you raised in a Christian household?

I grew up in Brandon with my mother and stepfather, who were both Christians. They never forced anything on me, but they were always willing to share about Christianity, if I asked.

When did you become interested in music?

I was 14 when I started playing guitar. Music had a huge impact on me. I was into anything MTV had on, which at the time was grunge music. I started writing music and performing in bands. I played bars and clubs almost every weekend.

What inspired you to make a change and start playing Christian music?

I became a Christian when I was 18, after I met my wife. We met when I was 17. Her dad was a pastor, and I went with her to church for about a year until I became a believer. Then, I changed my style of music and the places that I played.

Was it difficult to leave your old ways behind?

It was. I wanted to keep my friends to be an influence on them, but, also, I wanted to be around people who would help me on my spiritual walk. It's hard.

When did you decide to pursue a career in the ministry?

Right away when I got saved. Once I made that decision, the lyrics and my music just had so much more meaning. My music had been mostly about being depressed, sometimes because I really was and sometimes just because it was the trend. When I got saved, there was this excitement and joy, because, for once, I was able to be happy. I almost immediately started calling churches, and I started playing at churches on a regular basis.

What brought you to Centerpointe Community Church?

I was a worship leader at First Church of South Brandon, and I met a woman named Cathy, who was a friend of my wife. She was from Centerpointe. Years later, because of that relationship, I got a call from Centerpointe. I started as the worship leader in January.

What do you like about the church?

From the moment I stepped in, I felt an instant connection. They're the real-deal Christians. The church is open to trying new things.

What's the difference in performing at church and performing at concerts?

I wrote a few songs specifically to include in worship. A lot of the stuff I write on my own that I perform at concerts or put on my solo CD is so much my own opinion that it might not connect with the church audience. I try to stay outside of the box.

Describe your music style.

I like the singer-songwriter style. It's piano rock. I've been told its Billy Joel meets Elvis Costello.

What musicians inspire you?

Keith Green. He's a piano man considered the godfather of Christian music. Elvis Costello.

Do you think secular music and Christian music can coexist?

It's like with anything, you have to be selective. I sing all the time. If I'm listening to something I can't sing because I feel like God wouldn't want me to sing it, I turn it off. It's like with television. There are a lot of channels. You have to be selective.

Do you think there's room for a new and unpredictable sound in Christian music?

It's hard to be different. I think, in time, someone in Christian music will look for something new and different. The market will catch up with it. It's a matter of time.

What do you do when you aren't making music?

I have three children. I play soccer or video games with them.

Can you imagine your life without music?

No, I couldn't. Sitting at a piano or with a guitar and praying, to have that meditation time, I couldn't imagine my life without it. Music is how I'm able to bless others.

Brian Jones' CDs are available at www.brian-jones.net.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Brian Jones at Centerpointe Community Church

WHEN: 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays

WHERE: Centerpointe Community Church, 8610 Temple Terrace Highway

INFORMATION: Call (813) 988-3557.

Reporter Sarah Rothwell can be reached at (813) 865-4845 or srothwell@tampatrib.com.

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