The journey to Zealand has been a wild and adventurous one that no one anticipated. Led by Phil Joel, best known for his long-standing role as bass player and vocalist for the multi platinum – selling band, Newsboys, and as a solo artist, the band has been faithfully traversing a road that has been as unscripted and unexpected as it has been ordained.

When Phil left Newsboys after 13 years, it wasn’t long before the phone started ringing and ministry opportunities began to emerge throughout the United States, New Zealand, Australia and even China. “Early on, I was asked to lead worship for a series of youth conferences,” shares Phil. “At first I wasn’t sure if I was the man for the job. I knew I wanted to be involved in more hands-on ministry, but worship leading wasn’t on my radar. I guess my radar doesn’t always match God’s. He’s sneaky like that.” Without even realizing it, Phil’s perspective began to shift, opening his eyes to a new understanding about worship and his role in it. “It was like the lights came on for me,” he explains. “I realized that leading worship is all about leading people’s hearts to a place far beyond a
stage or a melody. True worship isn’t just about a moment; it’s about having an encounter with God that becomes a lasting movement in peoples lives.”