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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

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

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."

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