In addition to regular concerts, Central Standard Time is available for large-group youth ministry events. For these events, Matt and Charlie are often joined by a pianist, bassist, and drummer/percussionist to really fill out the acoustic sound for which CST is known. The CST band will provide great music and leadership for your youth ministry event!
Matt and Charlie, along with their bandmates, have a great deal of experience in youth and camping ministry. In fact, CST blossomed from friendships that started at EWALU Bible Camp, where they met.
Take a few moments to check out our ministry brochure. Indeed, feel free to print out copies and send 'em to places you think might be interested!
Here's a video clip of CST performing a song called "Breaking Free," written specifically for the junior high Dirty Feet Retreat at EWALU:
Matt spent five summers working at EWALU and Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp in Lakeside, Montana. After graduating from Wartburg College with a degree in religion and emphasis in Camping Ministry, Matt served for two and a half years as the full-time youth director at a large congregation in Iowa City and over five years as Charlie's co-youth director at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Iowa City.
Charlie worked eight summers at EWALU, and also earned a religion degree from Wartburg College. Charlie took numerous music classes in college, and played tuba in the concert band. Charlie spent two years as the youth director at a congregation in Waterloo, Iowa, and has led a number of youth ministry events as a solo act. Until recently he worked as Matt's co-youth director at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Iowa City. He currently serves as director of music for Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in North Liberty.
Greg is CST's drummer, and another former EWALU staff member. He lays down a steady beat for the rest of the band to follow, and loves to rock out on his electronic drums. When he's not thumpin' the tubs, Greg also serves as CST's webmaster, and cares for his many exotic pets (such as a cat).
Kristen, another EWALU alum, recently started playing bass with CST. She occasionally plays a little percussion, too. She's well known for her tendency to trow down da funk on da bass. Werd.
Jesse plays piano or bass for some of CST's ministry events. Jesse also worked six summers at EWALU, and now works there full-time as the Program Director. He's been a studio musician for several projects (including Jeff Rohlwing and Cross the Sky Music).
With all of their musical abilities and ministry experience pooled together, Central Standard Time is a terrific team to make your youth or camping ministry event successful, meaningful, and FUN! We understand that churches and camps often have pretty tight budgets, and we're willing to work with you to negotiate a reasonable fee. To book CST or check on our availability, visit the Contact CST page.
To enhance their music ministry, CST has released a compilation CD, called Lord, Look Down (2002), which includes their songs with religious themes. Also included on this CD are a few previously unreleased tracks! Lord, Look Down is currently out of print, but we're working on re-recording some of the tracks and recording some brand new songs as well. Re-release of Lord, Look Down is tentatively scheduled for fall of 2008.