In a society that seeks fame and fortune above all, Rick Cua's simple mission - to share the love of God through music - is a cool drink of water in a dry land. Add to that wide-ranging experience and wisdom gained from almost a quarter-century in music ministry and business, along with a gift of encouragement and you have the components of an artist, teacher and speaker with a passion for helping others find their fullness in Christ.
Proverbs 4:7 says Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do! And whatever else you do, get good judgment. (NLT) Rick has spent his life putting that scripture into practice. From his experiences as an artist, minister and music businessman, he has a wealth of knowledge to share; and the act of sharing is what motivates him.
When you read about his extensive experience, it is easy to understand why Rick is such a resource to the church. Having been a member of a successful mainstream rock group, The Outlaws, then continuing for more than 15 years as a Christian recording artist, serving for more than 5 years as an executive of EMI Christian Music Publishing, and 16 years as an ordained minister, gives Rick a rich well to draw from. Currently, Rick focuses his time on 2 companies, Rick Cua Entertainment and All ForThe King Music, which speaks to his personal mission of sharing the power of Gods Word through music.
I love to get out and play, I really do. I love teaching. I love talking and teaching about worship and songwriting, and wrapping the Word around all of that. In recent years I have become aware of the fact that I am ministering as a player and as a coach. Not only passing along my experience through mentoring but by modeling it as well. Rick says.
Ricks career as a musician has always carried the hallmark of an artist who passionately holds on to his Biblical convictions and communicates uplifting and straightforward messages to his audience. All of his songs are written with the intent to ultimately point to Christ.
Music is such a motivator. When you put the truth in music, and you hit that emotional nerve, it works, explains Rick. I feel called to build people up. My goal is to take the Word and Godly principles and attach it to music that is going to get them pumped up, and want to sing along and want to believe what they are hearing and what they are singingas an artist, thats what its about.
To that end, Rick continues to write and record new songs that have been born out of a progressive artistic vision. His involvement in the burgeoning praise and worship community over the years is definitely having an impact.
A lot of the songs I write have a worship slant; its what Ive done for years. Its a natural thing. They will be congregational, but will also be energetic and pretty vibey, Rick says. Musically, the recordings will rock with appropriate aggression and an uplifting message.
Originally from Syracuse, New York, Ricks Italian heritage is apparent in his first instrumentas a young boy, he started on the accordion. He eventually moved on to the piano, trumpet, clarinet, guitar, and eventually settled on the bassand rock music. Membership in early bands fed his musical obsession, and led to paying gigs by age 14 and an inevitable career choice.
Marrying Diana, his high school sweetheart, at age 21, Rick continued to pursue music, with all the ups and downs that entails. Several years into their marriage, Diana accepted Christ as her Savior and spent the next five years praying for Rick to come to Christ alsoand her prayers were answered.
As a child, I always had a sense of who God was, even though I didnt really know Him, Rick explains. I always had the conviction of the Holy Spirit, even though I didnt know where it was coming from. I also believe that long before I made a serious commitment to Christ, He had His hands on my life.
Several years after Ricks commitment to Christ, he felt lead to leave The Outlaws and commit his music to ministry. Eventually, he would release 11 albums, with six ..1 songs and nine Top 5 hits, and a Dove Award nomination. He has performed across the United States and around the world for the better part of his life.
Rick's 12th CD, WON'T FADE AWAY, celebrates 25 years of music ministry - 1982 - 2007.
If there is one thing I want to be remembered for as an artist and friend, it is as an encourager, a man who always stands on the foundation of Gods word and encourages through the love, support and promises of Christ, says Rick. Im not a hellfire and brimstone guy; its just about You can do it, Gods given you the power, and his Grace is the power for you to do what you are called to do. Know who you are in Christ, get out there and do it.
Rick and Diana, his wife of 37 years, live in Franklin, TN, have 2 daughters and a son-in-law.
For more information please visit www.rickcua.com
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