Drummers For Jesus

Carlos Benson was born and raised in a middle-class home in Covington, Kentucky, brought up in the church, Latonia Baptist Church, baptized at the age of 9. Though he went to church most every Sunday (from the time he was a baby until he graduated high school), it wouldn't be until later in life that Carlos would have a relationship with Jesus. Carlos started playing drums when he was 13 and by age 16 he was playing professionally. He had great musical training both as a "street" player and as a schooled player. Carlos' high school years were surrounded with band activities. Playing in the #1 high school band at the time consumed most of his time. Say's Carlos, "I practiced. I got good." Then in his senior year, Carlos was offered several full music scholarships to study percussion. Drums was what he lived and breathed. His faith? Jesus? "I didn't have time," says Carlos. So, he chose Morehead State University in Kentucky and off he went. While at Morehead, Carlos studied with famed percussion teacher Dr. Robert Schietroma (now at the Universtiy of North Texas) who mentored Carlos and saw him through alot of LIFE mistakes. "Although I dropped out of college several times, Doc never lost faith in my talent ... and I am forever grateful to him." Finally through, Carlos left school for good, a jazz trio offered him a job which led to traveling with bands and doing studio work . Says Carlos, "I didn't play music ALL that time; sometimes I had to work at a gas station, or paint, or lay carpet … paying dues ... surviving ... getting to travel and meet people … and sometimes living in one place for awhile." Carlos has lived in New York City, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Miami, Nashville and now Dallas (for the past 12 years). "I've had some good times, I've had some SCARY times," says Carlos, "... times I know I could have died from the things that I was involved in or exposed to. JESUS was watching over me. He was with me, but still I wasn't with HIM." THEN, Carlos met Scott Miller. "Scott is a good Christian brother who set me on my path back to the Lord," said Carlos. Since that time, Carlos' life has been become CHRIST centered - the focus of who he is. Nine years ago, Drummers for Jesus was formed while Carlos was having lunch with a percussionist named Jon Skaggs, a fellow member of Lakepointe Church praise band. Carlos' drumming duties these days include teaching drums/percussion, writing music, doing some studio work, playing drums at Lakepointe Church, and organizing the International Drummers for Jesus Celebration. Other musical hobbies that Carlos enjoys includes playing the guitar, piano, writing music, and drum/keyboard programming. "I like watching basketball and other sports".. Joy has found Carlos with the blessings of his two daughters, Ashley and Chrissy. Also, the blessing of his grandaughter Avree. So, DRUMS? Well, the ultimate call for Carlos is worshiping with the drums, that's what he calls "MAKING IT BIG ... playing for the Lord; it doesn't get bigger than that." When Carlos is worshiping at the drums, "I love the feeling of the ANNOINTING and knowing that Jesus has 'taken over'." "May you too feel the JOY of KNOWING Jesus." "THE LORD IS GOOD TO THOSE WHOSE HOPE IS IN HIM, TO THE ONE WHO SEEKS HIM." Lamentations 3:25 Drummers for Jesus Missions Programs -- -


Drummers for Jesus Mission Programs U.S.A. Missions Inner City Missions Drummers for Jesus Inner City Mission is a program designed to bring inner city youth together through drumming. Inner city crime is at its highest level in history and is on the rise. Drugs and gangs have consumed the inner city neighborhoods. The inner city youth of America are crying out for a way out. A way to escape a future that offers little hope or promise. There are some inner city programs that do a fine job giving youth options for how they spend their time but most of these programs are designed towards sports. Two such organizations are the Y.M.C.A. and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. The Drummers for Jesus vision is to put a drum program into every major city in the U.S.A. Drumming has been proven to help develop math skills and brain reception and solution in the minds of children through their teenage years. Drummers for Jesus supplies the youth of America with positive role models and giving the youth a positive outlet for their aggressions. Drumming has also been proven to relieve stress and help children with behavior challenges such as Attention Deficit Disorder (A.D.D.). Learning to drum and be part of a drum group also helps to develop a sense of "team" spirit as well as building self-esteem. Not to mention, playing the drums is cool. Having a relationship with Jesus Christ is the coolest. Drummers for Jesus uses the drum groups to bring the youth into an introduction to knowing what it means to have Jesus in their lives. The money that is donated to Drummers for Jesus helps to pay for drums and other accessory equipment (such as drum sticks, drum heads, etc). The money also helps to pay for the facilities (meeting places) and the expenses associated with these facilities. Teachers are local drum instructors that give freely of their time. If you are interested in knowing more about this program please email us: [email protected] The International Drummers for Jesus Celebration The International Drummers for Jesus Celebration is a 2 day festival that includes a concert, exhibitions from major drum and music companies, seminars and drum clinics. This is an annual event that takes place in Dallas Texas and attracts attendees from around the globe. The top Christian drummers and percussionists in the world are invited to be participate. This 2 day festival is an event like no other. Other Drummers for Jesus Festivals take place in Chile, Indonesia and Africa. If you are interested in knowing more about this event please email us: [email protected]. U.S. Mission Trips DFJ takes mission trips to different areas of the U.S. These mission trips involve participation the Drummers for Jesus Chapters and its members. There are many different reasons that DFJ may take a mission trip. Sometimes we work in conjunction with other church missions to accomplish certain goals. The end result of any mission trip, whether it be to evangelize, or to help build a house or to be in a drum circle or having a booth a music festival is to bring people into knowing about the love and hope that comes with learning about Jesus and being a follower of Christ. Drummers for Jesus Chapters Drummers for Jesus has chapters located all over the U.S.A.. Each chapter holds meetings once a month and hold jam sessions, host, well known drummer clinics and encourage Christian discipleship through networking and fellowship. If you are interested in knowing more about this program please email us: [email protected] The Slam Jam Orchestra The Slam Jam Orchestra is an 80 piece Christian drum ensemble with performing similarities like of "The Blue Man Group", "Stomp" and "Blast". The majority of the drummers and percussionists that are part of the Slam Jam are from the Dallas Ft. Worth area but some of the team comes from other regions of the U.S. to be a part of this exciting group. The Slam Jam Orchestra puts on concerts across the U.S. in churches, civic auditoriums and schools. The purpose of the is group is to serve as an outreach to the unsaved. Kids of all ages come from miles around to enjoy this captivating show. The money that is donated to Drummers for Jesus helps to pay for drums, accessory equipment (such as drum sticks, drum heads, etc), uniforms and traveling expenses. The Drummers for Jesus School of Life and Drumming The Drummers for Jesus School of Life and Percussion is a post high school drum curriculum similar to the Drum Collective in New york of the Berklee School of Music in Boston of P.I.T. in Los Angeles. Faculty is comprised of internationally recognized drum and percussion teachers as well adjunct teachers and visiting drum artists. The focus of the program is preparing aspiring drummers and percussionists for career drumming with a Christian foundation. If you are interested in knowing more about this program please email us: [email protected] DFJ Summer Camp Each summer DFJ holds a week long camp hosting boys and girls from all over the U.S. This camp is held in Dallas, TX at Sabine Creek Ranch. The camp is fun filled with activities such as horse back riding, swimming, volleyball, basketball and other engaging adventures. Each day well known drummers teach and play. Each night there is a concert. For more info email us: [email protected] Scholarships Financial scholarships are awarded to help well deserving individuals with participation to: The International Drummers for Jesus Celebration The Louie Bellson Excellence Drum Competition The Drummers for Jesus School of Life and Drumming Louie Bellson Excellence Competition The Louie Bellson Excellence Competition is a drum competition named after the late great Louie Bellson. The competition is open to amateur drummers ages 10-70. The competition is sponsored by drum equipment manufacturers and Drummers for Jesus. Financial and drum prizes awards annually at the International Drummers for Jesus Celebration. The Drummers for Jesus Drum Equipment Assistance Program Drummers for Jesus provides drum and percussion equipment to churches that are not financially capable of acquiring these instruments. DFJ accepts used equipment from anyone that cares to donate. Even used drum heads and drumsticks can be a real blessing to many struggling churches. Drummers for Jesus also works with drum manufacturers who provide new equipment to churches that need assistance with drums and percussion instruments. If your church has a need or you would like to contribute equipment please contact: [email protected] INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS The International Drummers for Jesus Celebration The International Drummers for Jesus Celebration is a 2 day festival that includes a concert, exhibitions from major drum and music companies, seminars and drum clinics. This is an annual event that takes place in Dallas Texas and attracts attendees from around the globe. The top Christian drummers and percussionists in the world are invited to be participate. This 2 day festival is an event like no other. Other Drummers for Jesus Festivals take place in Chile, Indonesia and Africa. If you are interested in knowing more about this event please email us: [email protected]. INTERNATIONAL Mission Trips DFJ takes mission trips to different areas of the U.S. These mission trips involve participation the Drummers for Jesus Chapters and its members. There are many different reasons that DFJ may take a mission trip. Sometimes we work in conjunction with other church missions to accomplish certain goals. The end result of any mission trip, whether it be to evangelize, or to help build a house or to be in a drum circle or having a booth a music festival is to bring people into knowing about the love and hope that comes with learning about Jesus and being a follower of Christ. Drummers for Jesus Chapters Drummers for Jesus has chapters located all over the world. Each chapter holds meetings once a month and hold jam sessions, host, well known drummer clinics and encourage Christian discipleship through networking and fellowship.If you are interested in knowing more about this program please email us: [email protected] The Drummers for Jesus Drum Equipment Assistance Program Drummers for Jesus provides drum and percussion equipment to churches that are not financially capable of acquiring these instruments. DFJ accepts used equipment from anyone that cares to donate. Even used drum heads and drumsticks can be a real blessing to many struggling churches. Drummers for Jesus also works with drum manufacturers who provide new equipment to churches that need assistance with drums and percussion instruments. If your church has a need or you would like to contribute equipment please contact: [email protected]


OUR THEOLOGICAL STATEMENT OF BELIEFS


BELIEFS The following information has been provided to help you understand what we as an organization of faith believe. It is based upon the Bible as our sole source of authority in determining doctrine and practice. While this information is provided for you, in no way should it ever replace the Word of God in establishing our theology. We are people of the Word – not of creed or of man’s interpretation of the Word. This information is not meant to be all encompassing and there may be other issues about which you have questions. Please feel free to contact us at www.drummersforjesus.com and request to speak to a member of our staff about doctrinal issues. We believe the Bible to be completely true and authoritative in all areas of faith and practice. (John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21) We believe God eternally exists as one God in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each person of the Trinity is fully and completely God, sharing all of the divine attributes in a perfect loving community. (Matthew 28:19; John 1:14; Acts 5:3-4; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 1:1-3; Revelation 1:4-6) We believe Jesus Christ is the perfect revelation of God to humankind. He is fully God and fully man. After voluntarily coming to earth and living a sinless life, He died on the cross as the substitute for humanity’s sin. His resurrection from the grave affirms His victory over sin and death. (Matthew 1:18-2:12; John 1:1-18; Romans 3:21-26; 1 Corinthians 12; Philippians 2:5-8; Colossians 1:15-23; Hebrews 1:1-13; 1 Peter 3:18; 1 John 1:1-2:2) We believe God created humans, both male and female, in His perfect image. Because of its rebellion, however, all humanity is alienated from God. As a result, humans are incapable of having a relationship with God based solely upon their effort. (Genesis 1:26-31; Romans 3:10-18; Ephesians 2:1-3) We believe that all who trust in Jesus Christ alone as their Lord and Savior will receive the forgiveness of sins and the free gift of eternal life. (John 3:16, 6:35-40, 10:27-30; Romans 8:28-39; Philippians 1:6; 2 Timothy 2:13; 1 Peter 1:3-9; 1 John 5:11-13) We believe the Holy Spirit permanently fills all believers at the time of salvation and guides them in the journey to become like Christ. (John 14:15-26; Acts 2:1-33; Romans 8:1-27; Galatians 5:16-23; 1 John 2:20-27) We believe that Christians should develop in their faith and be committed to a life of personal devotion to God. Commitment is expressed through corporate and private worship, participation in small group Bible study, meaningful service in ministry, giving financially in a God-honoring way, and intentionally introducing others to a personal relationship with God. (2 Corinthians 9:7; Acts 2:42-47; Romans 12:4-8; Matthew 5:16; Matthew 28:19-20) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Drummers for Jesus Mission Programs

U.S.A. Missions