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Leeland Mooring is the very model of a grounded youth raised and homeschooled in the Christian faith. In conversation, he quotes scripture effortlessly, talking passionately about his relationship with God with all the familiar Christian buzzwords ("communion with God," "intimacy with Christ," "on fire for the Lord"). Yet it's never forced for the 19-year-old—sharing his faith just comes naturally to this pastor's kid. His band Leeland appeals to a wide cross-section of teens and college students. A youth-group progeny himself, Mooring's only desire is to see his generation run counter to the ways of the world, a theme his band's new album, Opposite Way (Essential), deals with at length. The young singer, songwriter, and worship leader traces his band's quick rise to success while relating his own life experiences, including his recent marriage.

19-year-old Leeland Mooring (center) and the rest of his band are passionate about leading their generation into a relationship with God.

You've made a big buzz ever since you first popped on the Christian music scene a year-and-a-half ago. How have you managed to outlive the competition?

Leeland Mooring We're amazed at how much God has helped us. We're just five guys from a small town in Texas. We're in a season right now where we're just hoping for the best, and we're excited to see what God has in store for us next.

What is it that you think sets you apart from other groups?

Mooring I don't know. A lot of people and magazines have talked about us and said that they can really feel God in our shows.

How did you get started?

Mooring Our band is pretty much doing what we did at our church four years ago. We originated as a band for our youth group. We didn't have a lot of [stuff], but we had a hunger to see God do something in our town. We would write worship songs and sing them, sometimes worshiping for hours. God just grew it. I guess he was always faithful to show up when we were playing, because we can't do anything else when he's not there. We just have to depend on God to do something when we play and touch people's lives [through our music]. I'm honored to be doing this ministry and it's really cool to be doing this for a living.

Some youth bands would say that worship music is not cool—they'd rather sing about their emotions than address God directly. Why are you the opposite?

Mooring It's what we grew up around in the church all our lives. Though the new album, Opposite Way, has more message-oriented songs than the first album—it's not quite as corporate. Actually, there was a point when our band first started, before we were signed [to a record deal], where we were writing more rocky songs. They didn't have much meaning; just random rock songs talking about different issues. They were cool, and we had a lot of fun writing them and performing them at some local shows. But after we'd play them, people would say, "That was a cool show, man! Those songs are awesome!" That was it. Nobody really talked about feeling God or any sort of spiritual development after hearing those songs.

When did you realize that mere "rock music" was not your calling?

Mooring We were practicing one of those songs once, and when we were done, we stood there looking at each other. Our drummer Mike said, "You know, when we first started, we were really more about worship. I felt more at home doing that." And it's like we were all waiting for someone to say that—"Yes, I've been feeling like that for the past few weeks too!" So we got really excited and quickly wrote two worship songs. I brought a few worship ideas I had, we worked up the songs, and just worshipped God. Our band has never strayed from worship since.

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