Jamming for Jesus

"I’ve been playing in front of people for 20 years and I’ve never been more gratified, playing for my congregation and singing Christian music."

Leigh James Beenau and his worship band, Faith Journey, have been jamming for Jesus at worship and in the community since 1998. Beenau was instrumental in starting the band at North Park Lutheran Church in Buffalo, N.Y., as a way to reach out to those who may not have a resonance for traditional church music. Faith Journey plays at North Park’s weekly contemporary service, which was added to complement their traditional service.

Beenau says the band is "an incredible tool for outreach." The band plays for an annual food drive outside of a neighborhood grocery store, which he says, "draws people to the Word." Among many other engagements, Faith Journey performed at a recent synod assembly. Beenau says, "It was remarkable to see the enthusiasm of the kids — to see teenagers enjoying themselves and having a genuinely good time to Christian music. It was like a miracle. As I see things like this happen, it tells me that I’m in the right place at this time."

In addition to the band, Beenau also serves on the church council, has been a delegate to the synod assembly, works in community service and is "the church chef," cooking for church breakfasts. His wife and kids also help with the band and the breakfasts. "All of the activities we do at church has brought our family a lot closer. There’s a great sense of accomplishment and joy in the work we do here."

Leigh hasn’t always been a church and community leader. After a work-related accident injured his back in 1993, he says, "I went into quite a state of despair, depression and loss. We lost our house in ’93. I developed an addiction to cocaine." After attempting suicide, Leigh checked into a hospital for treatment. Along with treatment and therapy, Leigh attributes church service to his recovery. He says, "It’s turned my life around."

Beenau looks at service as stewardship. He says, "Things need to be paid for, but there are things that money can’t always fix. It takes people — it takes service. I always stress to people, wear a hat. If there’s not a hat for you to wear, make one."