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Music

Geoff Moore and his band vow to go the distance for God. Right Here, Right Now!

-by Chris Lutes

The memory is fresh, as if it happened only hours ago. A high-school biology teacher drones on about evolution. Geoff Moore sits there, fidgeting, wanting to say something. His hand shoots up. He challenges the teacher's assumptions. He explains his Christian beliefs about Creation.

For Geoff, the experience was extremely important. It was one of the first times he'd taken a bold stand for his beliefs.

"It was a cool defining moment for me," says the leader of the popular roots-rock band, Geoff Moore & the Distance. "My willingness to take a stand that day gave me more courage to be bold about my faith."

It takes a lot to say we're accidents of nature
But I believe we are the work of a loving Creator
Now you can wait a million years, hope that nature does its part
But it only takes a moment for God to change a heart

-"Evolution … Redefined"

Geoff and three members of his band have joined me for lunch at the Sportsman's Grill in Nashville. (Guitarist Roscoe Meek couldn't make it. Your loss, Roscoe. You missed a great burger. ) Sports memorabilia hang all over the restaurant's walls. It's certainly a fitting place for Geoff Moore—a guy whose dad was a minor-league baseball player. (No wonder Geoff slapped the title Home Run on his latest album.) But sports—while one of Geoff's major loves—isn't the topic of talk. At the moment, we're talking high school.

Of course, high school is much more than a bunch of dusty, worn memories for these guys. School and the people who gather there, they say, are important to them right here, right now.

In fact, the guys in the band are quick to point out their commitment to writing tunes that reach into the lives of students, that offer hope and encouragement. And tunes that challenge fans to stand boldly for their faith—like Geoff did back in high school.

"I think one reason we care so strongly about students is because we all had such strong ties with our own high-school youth groups," says keyboardist Geof Barkley (yes, he's the one "f" Geof ). "My high-school youth director was always there for me. He counseled me and gave me good advice on stuff like dating and friendships. Even today he still prays for the whole band. I consider him a good friend."

A young man sitting at a desk with a wooden chair
In what appears to be a high-school class
He can see a battlefield
There's giants everywhere saying the Bible is a thing of the past
In this new age you believe what you want to believe
'Cause god is whatever you want it to be
And I can still hear [my Sunday school teacher] Mrs. Keen gently say "The God of the past is still God today" …
So tell me again the gospel story

"Tell Me Again"

The guys say they're grateful to their hometown churches—and to the pastors, Sunday school teachers and youth group leaders who helped them stick to their faith.

"Our churches invested so much into our lives," says Geoff. "We just want our music to give something back."

And, of course, they're most thankful to God.

"I think what drives me is an overwhelming gratitude toward God," says Geof, the keyboardist. "He loves us so much. We just hope the way we serve God reflects that kind of love."

"And it's sometimes cool how this 'service' works itself out," adds the other Geoff. "A lot of dudes love drums. So Chuck [Conner, our drummer] will spend a lot of time before a show answering all kinds of questions about his drum kit. Chuck just shows unbelievable patience and kindness with people, answering their questions, letting them beat on a drum.

"And you know what? I don't know how many times I've seen somebody come forward to accept Christ after our show, who was banging on Chuck's drums earlier that evening. And I don't think it's a coincidence. I think it has something to do with Chuck's willingness to give a little extra time."

With all this serious talk, it's easy to get the feeling these guys are pretty intense. But there are times when the band's less-than-serious side kicks into overdrive—and goes everywhere …

"We can't wait to get on a plane with Geoff," jokes bass player Gary Mullett. "He'll fall asleep and we'll drop peanuts or Doritos in his mouth! He always falls asleep with his mouth open."

And then there's Geoff's old nickname.

"My brothers called me 'Puke' till I was 15," admits Geoff, with a wide, goofy grin. "It had something to do with my overindulgence of grape soda."

Amid all the laughs and storytelling, it's obvious there's something that really clicks with these guys. They genuinely like each other. And when those inevitable struggles come along, they turn to each other for help.

"Geoff is always ready to listen to other people's problems," says keyboardist Geof. "He's such a good and patient listener."

"Personally, times have been a little hard for us lately," adds Geoff. "Gary's grandfather died this year. Chuck's dad had some pretty serious surgery. And Geof also had a death in his family.

"When it comes to helping each other through hard times, we're like family. We're there for each other. We really care about each other. We pray together. We laugh together. We encourage each other and, when needed, we confront each other.

"I guess that's what makes us more than just a band."

And now to all the ones who are in my life
Who have loved me through the wrongs and rights
I'd have it no, no other way
It's from my heart when you hear me say …
Friends forever to the end
On this friend you can depend

"Life Together"

As I leave the guys on this sunny Nashville afternoon, I think about all the stuff we talked about. I smile as the image of a younger Geoff Moore, standing up to explain his beliefs about Creation, plays through my mind. I also think about these guys' commitment to music that communicates messages of faith. And what really sticks in my thoughts are those years they all spent in their churches and youth groups—and how those years played such a big part in making them who they are today.

As these thoughts bounce around in my head, I'm reminded of an important truth that's easy to forget: The stuff we do today really does affect how we will live out our faith tomorrow.

Yeah, it affects how we'll go the distance.

Right here, right now
In the midst of the crowd
I stand alone and make my vow
Whatever it takes

I will be faithful
Right here, right now
Let there be no doubt
With every whisper, with every shout
Let the whole world know I will be faithful
This is my vow

-"The Vow"

Read more from 'Bands & Artists'

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