All Things

Radiant Church, in all of it's 16 years of existence, has had only one worship leader. From day one when 72 people met in Gull Lake High School's ironically named gymnasium the Devil's Den, Pastor Michael Popenhagen has been the man on the stage with the acoustic guitar. As things tend to do given enough time, they changed. The church itself certainly did and so did it's music. Probably the church's largest change was it's physical one. By nothing but the grace of God, the church expanded it's facilities twice. Once, buying their own building, and again when attendance swelled so much that a larger sanctuary and parking lot became necessary. Though the stages may change and the musicians playing on them might come and go, Senior Pastor Lee Cummings and Pastor Mike's vision for the worship of Radiant Church remained unwavering in it's scope: to help the body of Christ enter into His presence through worship that is both authentic and attainable. To this end, Mike has spent years praying for the musicians that would align their hearts to Radiant's as well as planning the creative projects that would capture the DNA of the church's worship. Michael Popenhagen's passion for music floods every aspect of his life. He is a talented singer/songwriter, having recorded three original material records as well as acting as producer, engineer, and musician on many other projects. The music captured here is where the passions of Michael Popenhagen collide; the marriage of music and praise for a worthy and wonderful God. Recorded live at Radiant Church, these songs embody what Mike believes is God's message to the body over these last few years. Not only is this recording a representation of weekend services at Radiant Church, but each song was carefully chosen based on how it uniquely relates to Radiant and it's evolution. In many ways, this is a zenith for Mike and for Radiant Church. It symbolizes a new season for it's congregation because while the songs on this CD will help you close your eyes to the world and open them for a one-on-one encounter with your Creator, they are also being broadcast on a television program to thousands of souls every week. These songs are personal. These songs are public. These songs are the admiration cries of children to their heavenly father. Of course, zenith implies being at the top with no farther goals to reach. But that's the funny thing about an apex from God's point of view. There's nowhere to go but up. Radiant Church and Michael Popenhagen will be inexorably tied, one to the other, for years to come. When the church grows, so too will it's Creative Arts Pastor. And in turn, when Mike unlocks a bit more of the mystery that is the majesty of Christ, the church will benefit. For now, the man with the acoustic guitar it still singing for his God in front of his church family. And now you can hear what that sounds like.