Who We Are

Phil Keaggy (guitar, Psalms 22 and 26) is a world-renowned guitarist who has been performing worldwide for over 50 years and has released over 50 albums. He frequently appears on guitar publications’ lists of the world’s greatest guitarists. He is a two-time Grammy nominee and a seven-time Dove Award winner.

Jeff Deyo (lead vocals, Psalm 21) burst on to the worldwide music scene in 1999 as the lead singer of Sonicflood, whose self-titled, gold-selling album changed the trajectory of the Christian music industry. His live album with Sonicflood, Sonicpraise, was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2000. After leaving Sonicflood, Deyo release three solo albums on Gotee Records, including the #1 radio singles “More Love, More Power” (featuring TobyMac) and “Bless the Lord” (featuring Rita Springer). Deyo now serves as a faculty member in the music department at North Central University in Minneapolis, coordinating a program that trains musicians and worship leaders.

Nick Engbers (lead vocals, Psalm 12) is passionate about preserving ancient hymn texts and enjoys dusting off and re-tuning hundred-year-old songs with new and folk-y tunes. Nick also plays in the indie-rock band Amos Slade, with whom he has released a couple of records, including their debut LP called Hungry Earth, which he used to jumpstart his own record label, SoDak Media Group. He recently had one of his original songs, “Bearers,” featured on the CBS show God Friended Me.

Ben Ady (lead vocals, Psalms 28 and 33) is a worship pastor and songwriter based out of Christ’s Church of the Valley in Phoenix, AZ. Ben is a graduate of North Central University, where he toured with many of their bands and was a writer on their worship albums Hearts of Fire and Always Remain. Currently, Ben is a member of CCV Music in Phoenix where he contributes as a songwriter and worship leader. Recent album projects include the Light and Shadow and Desert Sessions.

Aubrey Dale (lead vocals, Psalm 20), a Colorado native, grew up in Belle Fourche, SD, and later moved to Sioux Falls, SD, in 2002. She studied vocal performance at the University of Sioux Falls from 2008-2010 and then left the University to pursue her role as co-founder/lead singer-songwriter of the Christian rock band, Scarlet Letter. The band toured extensively throughout the U.S. from 2009-2011 including multiple trips to Haiti after releasing their EP titled “I’m Alive.” In January of 2011, Aubrey accepted a part-time position as worship leader at Embrace Church and then later accepted the Worship Director position in January of 2012. She just released her first ever solo project called “Holes.” Aubrey loves gigging around town, reading, writing, and drinking way too much coffee at her favorite local coffees shops. You can find out more about her music on Facebook, YouTube, and Store Envy.

Jonathan DeGroot (lead vocals, Psalms 10, 17, 22, & 35) works as the superintendent of Central Minnesota Christian School. He previously worked as a Campus Ministries Coordinator at Dordt College, training students in the art of prayer, worship and small group leadership.  Previously he helped with The Crossing church plant in Sioux Falls, SD, in the area of worship.  It was here that he met Shane Heilman and numerous other musical friends with whom he participated in worship, prayer and various recording projects.  He has knack for making people believe he is better at things than he really is, and God likes him an awful lot.

Luke Lynass (lead vocals, Psalms 27 and 121) is a pastor, songwriter, and aspiring videographer from Sioux Falls, SD. Growing up in the Black Hills, he writes with diversity of influences and genres. He's played and produced with Tin Man Revival, led worship locally for years, and is set to release his first solo EP Arrivals // Departures in summer 2020. Luke loves a great story, good coffee, and can't understand why he doesn't live closer to the mountains.

Matthew Tims (bass, string arrangements, & keys, Volumes 2-4) is the owner of Coming Hour: Worship & Music in Sioux Falls, SD, where he and his team equip worshipers across the globe with equipment, lessons, and resources to move in excellence in worship. He’s also a worship leader, a skilled multi-instrumentalist, and a passionate teacher. His greatest desire is to see musicians raised up into their fullest potential as a worshiper of Christ. 

John Kelly (keys, Volumes 2-4) is a Sioux Falls native with a passion for worship.  He has received a degree in music performance from Black Hills State University and attended graduate courses in music theory and composition at the University of South Dakota.  John is currently occupied as the Music Director and Office Admin at The Point Is to Serve Church in Sioux Falls. John is married with two wonderful  girls. John believes that God has given him the talent of music for God’s glory, not his own.  He hopes and prays that his life will bring God glory and honor, and that the worship that comes from him is true.  To lead others in worship is a privilege that he thanks God for.

Daniel Heier (drums/percussion, Volumes 3 & 4) is a passionate drummer and teacher based out of Sioux Falls, SD. As an accomplished musician in jazz and commercial music, his talents have taken him on regional, national, and international tours. He is a member of the JAS Quintet who just released their second album, Bird Ritual Interrupted, and the Jazz Curators. Daniel has also shared the stage or studio with the Hegg Brothers, Jami Lynn, The Psalms Project, Geoff Gunderson, Phil Mattson, The South Dakota Symphony, The Diamonds, and many more. He currently serves with the 147th Army Band in Mitchell, SD.

Daniel is an active private lesson teacher and clinician. His students consistently play in honor bands, jazz bands, garage bands, worship teams and drum lines. He has recently adjudicated or presented clinics at the Augustana University Jazz on the Upper Great Plains Festival, Morningside College Middle School Jazz Festival, South Dakota Middle School All State Band, Case School of Music Day of Percussion and many regional schools. For in person or online lessons, please contact at info@heierhythm.com.

Sean Albertson (electric guitar, Volumes 1-4) plays with the worship band at Church at the Gate in Sioux Falls.

Melissa Breems (lead vocals, Psalm 4) leads worship at James River Church in Huron, SD, as well as prayer gatherings throughout the state in conjunction with Awaken South Dakota.  She is a wife and mother of two beautiful daughters.  A prophetic singer and piano player, Melissa has a passion for ministering to the Lord and releasing His heartbeat through song.  Her desire is to see a worship movement arise from South Dakota supernaturally empowered to shift spiritual atmospheres over cities and regions and usher in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Lance Edward (lead vocals, Psalm 1) has been a professional recording artist for over 15 years. Recently he founded the Ministry Arts Academy, helping people grow in their music ministries. Also, Lance comes from a broken family and has had to overcome many difficulties in his life and now spends his time trying to help families and individuals heal through a deeper personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Daniel Brunz (lead vocals, Psalm 3 & 34) is a singer/songwriter and worship leader from Sioux Falls, SD. He released his first full-length album, Formation, in 2011, and released his first album with his band, Tin Man Revival, in 2014. He is currently the pastor of City Church in Sioux Falls.

Ben Loper lives in the Black Hills of South Dakota with his wife Carly and their 3 children. He serves as the Worship Pastor at First Assembly of God Church in Rapid City, SD. He started leading worship for his youth group in high school after having his life transformed by God's love. Ben has played with many different musicians and worship teams and loves co-writing music with other musicians and worship leaders. He desires to see people draw closer to Christ through music and experience the same love and forgiveness that changed his life.  

Bethany John (lead vocals, Psalms 13, 23, and 34) has been leading worship since 2006. She is also a passionate wife to Francis and mother to Judah. Her passion for worshipping Jesus was ignited when she was just a little girl singing her heart out at the small church her parents pastored. Some time passed and she found herself leading that congregation regularly. A little later, when the Underground House of Prayer was launched in Sioux Falls, her heart was awakened to a greater knowledge of Jesus. She was stirred by the story of Mary of Bethany to set her heart to invest all that she had at His feet. The years that proceeded were the most forming and the truths discovered are still the lifeblood of her ministry. Bethany’s deepest desire is to see Jesus Christ magnified and His Bride, the Church, awaken to love Him in all of His glory and make Him known in all of the earth. She currently leads worship with various communities including Underground House of Prayer, Gate House of Prayer, and from time to time, Sioux Falls Regional Outpouring. In addition to worship, Bethany is also passionate about discipling youth in the Lord.

Darin Kaihoi (lead vocals, Psalm 9) is a singer/songwriter from Sioux Falls, SD. He has been writing, performing, and recording since 2008. He has released two albums with his band, Fly Away Sparrow, and a solo EP titled Love Will Set You Free. His songs are influenced by nature, Scripture, and people.

Rachelle Hope (lead vocals, Psalm 16) is a singer, songwriter, and worship leader. Tour dates and music can be found here. She shares her faith through word and song and recently released her first album including “Bring You Glory” and “He Cries.” She serves Christ alongside her husband as God guides them in ministry together. They both have a passion for reaching the lost and ministering to young people by challenging them to be servants for Christ and to walk out their faith. Her passion is to serve Christ wholeheartedly through music and word and be obedient to His call (Acts 20:24).

Seth Dekkenga (lead vocals, Psalm 14), is the founder and director of \’shift\115 worship collective, a worship ministry in the Sioux Falls area with a mission to build unity in the Church through Christ-centered worship to serve as a launching pad for outreach and evangelism. He has been leading worship for over twelve years with a passion for connecting with and encouraging people involved in various aspects of worship leadership. He and his wife of ten years have two boys, Jude and Levi. He enjoys spending time with his family, various outdoor activities, music, computers and technology.

Nick Poppens (lead vocals, Psalms 7, 11, & 29) is the Media Center Director and Media Studies/Graphic Design Professor at the University of Sioux Falls, and recently finished his doctoral degree. He has always had a passion for singing and currently performs around the Sioux Falls area. He has collaborated with many artists, including Flame On Gospel (F.O.G.) on their track “Addicted” from their 2013 album Childlike Faith. He has been married to his wife Ronna for two years and enjoys photography, cooking, and traveling.

Matt Fjerkenstad (lead vocals, Psalm 24; background vocals, Volume 2 & 3) is a worship leader based out of Sioux Falls, SD. He has the desire to lead people into the presence of God through song. Matt and the worship team First Alive Worship released an EP in December 2016. Matt is married to his beautiful wife Gretchen and has three sons. 

Ben Loper (lead vocals, Psalm 31) is the worship pastor at First Assembly of God church in Rapid City, SD.

Joel Shotwell (saxophone, Psalm 33) is an active freelance saxophone player and educator based in Sioux Falls, SD. As an artist he regularly composes, arranges and performs with many groups in the region, as well as groups of his own creation. As an educator he has a large private studio and teaches at various camps and clinics around the area. He has had the pleasure of performing with Wayne Newton, Les Browns Band of Renown, Tim Ries of the Rolling Stones, Debbie Duncan, Matt Wallace, The South Dakota Symphony Orchestra and many others. He also performs regularly with The JAS Quintet, The Hegg Brothers, The Jazz Diversity Project, The Jazz Curators, Habeas Porpoise, Jami Lynn, Holiday Jam and many other groups.

Judd Albrecht (bass guitar, Volume 1) likes to play bass, guitar and write songs. In addition, Judd also likes playing on the worship team at Arise Church in Sioux Falls. Judd’s favorite music that inspires him is funkadelic grooving tunes and epic movie soundtracks. He is very excited about where the Lord has taken him in his musical journey and will continue to trust the Lord as his journey continues.

Chris Heesch (lead vocals, Psalms 5 & 19) is a worship leader and songwriter based out of Sioux Falls, SD. He has just over a decade of experience leading worship, and has recorded a studio album, Change My Mind. Prior to full-time ministry, Chris was (and still is) a registered nurse. Chris is married to his amazingly beautiful and supportive wife, Nicole. As a worship leader, Chris’s passion is uniting excellent music with a genuine, honest presence from stage. Find out more at www.chrisheesch.com.

Deryck Box (lead vocals, Psalm 6) Raised in Africa now in the United States, Deryck Box uses the depth of his cultural influences and experience to minister. His percussive acoustic guitar and power vocals give him a style all his own. His love to worship propels him into deeper places of music that have attracted and moved both the believer and nobeliever alike. Deryck says, “Worship is an expression of who we are. Music is the gift God has given me to share His heart with others.” Deryck’s love of music began as a small child and by high school developed into leading thousands in stadium worship at his home church in Nairobi, Kenya. Deryck returned to the United States in his late teens and in 2001 joined the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, Missouri where he served on the senior leadership team as a worship leader for 10 years. As a forerunner, Deryck is committed to delivering a message through music that awakens the heart of the Church. The message calls the bride to her maker and lover; the coming bridegroom, king and judge. Jesus.

Emily Heilman (lead vocals, Psalms 8 & 15) is married to Shane and the proud mother to Kaleah, Elijah, Jonas, and Ezra. When she’s not busy putting out fires, she enjoys homeschooling, sewing, having coffee with her girlfriends, and beating Shane at board games. When she needs a break from all the chaos, she enjoys working as an RN, teaching birth classes and taking care of new moms and babies.

Andrew Campbell (drums, percussion, Volume 1) is originally from Chicago, Illinois. He played for years with the worship band at The River as well as Church at the Gate in Sioux Falls, SD. He and his wife Maggie have a son, Noah, and currently reside in Ottertail, MN, where he plays with Firestarter Ministries.

Jordan Loftis (drums, percussion, Volume 2) is bestselling author, speaker, entrepreneur, Bible teacher, podcast host, father of three, lucky husband of one, and certified health coach.

His writing, resources, and videos focus on Christian living, self-improvement, and storytelling. His work has appeared in publications like Inc., Forbes, Entrepreneur, Adweek, and The Gospel Coalition. He lives with his family in Bismarck, North Dakota.

Shane von Holdt (drums, percussion, Volume 1 & 2) started playing the drum set at age 16 when the worship band at his home church needed someone to fill in at the last minute. Since that moment, he has dedicated every beat, rim shot, and cymbal crash to bring attention to the glory of Jesus Christ.

Greg Johnson (mandolin, Psalm 21) is a multi-instrumentalist who plays with various groups locally in Rapid City, SD.

Nathan Friend (cello, Volume 2) is a software developer and cellist based out Des Moines, IA. He began playing the cello at age 11 and has been actively involved in music ever since. Nathan attended Dordt College and graduated in 2013 with a degree in Computer Science and Cello Performance. In his free time, he enjoys playing Ultimate Frisbee, working on side projects (JavaScript is his language of choice), and designing new and more elaborate paper airplanes to throw at his coworkers.

Nathan Phillips (piano, keyboards, Volume I) is originally from Aurora, CO. He spent years writing, recording and touring with the band Foolish Things and served as the director of the Underground House of Prayer in Sioux Falls. He and his wife, Megan, now live with their two sons in Aurora.

Robert Kortus (electric guitar, Volume 2) was born and raised in Mount Vernon, Washington. Living near Seattle in the early 90’s sparked his passion for music. In college, he bought his first guitar. Feeling he had to make up for lost time, he developed a routine of playing for one hour every day, no exceptions. Books and papers often took a back seat to learning new songs! After playing in numerous rock bands, Robert decided to leave the “rock star” life behind and focus on family and using his talents for God. Robert currently lives in Sioux Falls, SD, with his wife and two children. In his free time, he enjoys home brewing and working with rescue dogs.

Sam DuMez (cello, Volume 1) is a recent graduate of Dordt College in Orange City, IA, and now lives in Boulder, CO, with his dog, cello, and bike. At Dordt, Sam and his beloved cello were a part of the Sunday evening worship team. He is hoping to get involved with a praise team at a local church. Sam regularly plays his cello in weddings, and his hands-down favorite song to play is Pachelbel’s “Canon in D.” That bass line is so creative. In his free time, he enjoys training his dog, fly fishing, mountain biking, hiking, climbing, team sports, snowboarding, and buying picture frames.

Traci Fredrikson (violin, Volume 1 & 3) grew up in Sioux Center, IA, and attended the University of Sioux Falls where she met her husband, Joel. She has played violin and keys since she was 8 years old and, while in college, began singing and leading worship with the worship bands at The River, Church at the Gate, The Crossing in Sioux Falls, and later Hope Community Church in Sioux Falls. She currently worships at The Point is to Serve where Joel serves as the associate pastor. Traci is an administrator for the South Dakota Board of Pardons and Paroles and is passionate about justice related issues and making the heart of the Father known. In her free time, she enjoys discussing theology and current events, hanging out with her two dachshunds, reading American classics, cooking from scratch, and listening to hip hop.

Krystal Pederson (violin, Volume 2) plays with the worship band at Arise Chruch in Sioux Falls, SD, and lives in Harrisburg with her husband Craig and her two daughters, Camille and Hazel.

Jaymi VandeWater (lead vocals, Psalm 36; background vocals, Volume 1, 2 & 3) is a mother of five who is passionate about adoption, discipleship, and her husband, Justin.

Katie Doohen (background vocals, Volume 1, 2, & 3) is a singer, pianist, worship leader, and music teacher. She lives with her husband, Josh, and their son, Isaiah.

Ben Woodward (background vocals, engineer, Psalm 6) is a musician and engineer with The International House of Prayer in Kansas City.

Paco Orteaga (drums, Volume 1) is a musician with the International House of Prayer in Kansas City.

Larry Lucky (bass guitar, Volume 1) is a musician with the International House of Prayer in Kansas City.

Jordan VanderPlate (electric guitar, Volume 1) is a musician with the International House of Prayer in Kansas City.

Paul Lexen (piano, Psalm 8) plays with the worship band at Arise Church in Sioux Falls, SD.

Mike Dresch (engineer, electric guitar, Volumes 1-4) is a recording engineer and guitarist. He has owned and operated Cathouse Studios in Sioux Falls, SD, since 1999.

In progress…thank you for your patience!