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Tom first felt called to ministry after a particularly powerful experience at World Youth Day in Toronto, Canada in 2002 and wasted no time officially launching his career in 2003 with the release of his first project "The Likes of You." In 2006, Wiesner released his second project "Come to the Water." He is a frequent featured independent artist on various Christian music and College radio stations and is co-founder of Hiking4Jesus. In addition to his ministry, Wiesner is an ER nurse in Knoxville, TN. He is available for concerts, retreats, and workshops and can be contacted at www.tomwiesner.com.
1. Tell me a little about when and where you were first called to start playing Christian music?
Well, I've been surrounded with music all my life, but it wasn't until I was 16 that I finally gave in to the "uncool" image of singing in the church/school choir. After several months of my mother nagging, I joined. Who would have guessed I'd be in front of people singing and now playing my guitar? I've always found a place in my heart for Christian music, but the ironic part is that I didn't start by writing in this genre. I decided to write normal secular tunes, but God had his way of changing that. No matter what I wrote about, He always ended up in the middle. This, at first, made me frustrated so I put my guitar down. After some pretty rough years in college, I was strongly nudged by my high school youth minister to join the group headed to the 2002 World Youth Day in Toronto, Canada. It was during this amazing and life changing event that I would finally surrender my will to that of God's. I had become tired of being self reliant and, after not going to Mass for two years, I found myself next to my sisiter sitting in a Catholic church in Toronto. All I can say is that I came home with the desire and inspiration to share my faith and life through my music. I came home and wrote my debut album in under 2 months. I guess I had a lot to say, and God helped me let it out.
2. Where does the inspiration for your lyrics come from?
Honestly, I'm the kind of person that could sit along the wall in a crowded room and just watch people for hours. However, I didn't know that this trait would help me in my songwriting. I've very often found that my songs are all drawn from past experiences, but I don't write them with a specific idea in mind. All of my writing is done during times of prayer. I've found that when I focus on listening to God, I am able to have a clearer vision for my music. Plus, it's just more peaceful.
3. I understand you have also launched a new ministry, tell us a little about that. Why did you feel called to launch this ministry and what makes it unique?
Yes, I have just launched a new ministry with my friend Preston Fields. Together we are the co-founders of hiking4jesus. The funny thing is that Preston and I were invited to both take part in an event, without knowing the other one would be there. It went off well, and people started saying that we should keep speaking and playing together. So after years of ministry on our own, Preston and I felt that God was calling us to share our faith and God's love, together, through our friendship and talents. With a unique blend of story and song, biblical reflection and honest, straightforward talk, hiking4jesus is able to powerfully engage High School and College youth in an entertaining, fun, and meaningful way.
4. Do you see your career as a Christian musician and your Hiking4Jesus ministry as separate projects or are they related?
Well, to be honest, I don't really see myself as a huge mainstream Christian artist. Ministry to me is more effective on a smaller scale. I'm not the kind of guy who enjoys being in the spot light on stage. Most often, I can be found hanging out at church with the youth and helping out behind the scenes. I enjoy building relationships and watching people grow in their faith and love for Christ. It's more about meeting the kids where they are and not selling them my music. If the "record deal" senario presented itself, I'd definitely be greatful, but it would be a very difficult decision. I really do feel that hiking4jesus is a facet of my music ministry. Our ministry allows me to still present my music without drawing focus to me, but rather towards God.
5. I hear you also just returned from your first international mission trip to Brazil, how did that effect your outlook on life?
I am very greatful for this recent experience. It has definietly opened my eyes, to what God is doing all around the world. I really didn't know what to expect. During this trip, I noticed that a part of my heart was opened to serving in the mission field. I really felt at home. Honestly this was my first time, ever serving in this capacity. I've truly never gave of myself like this before. In a way I felt ashamed to realize that I could have been doing this for so many years in my own community were I live, but I also belive that God has a timing for everything in our lives. So if anything, I'm ready to give more and am excited to see how God will use me.
6. You are obviously a very faithful person, who would you say are your biggest spiritual influences?
I would have to say my high school youth minister and her husband Shawn and Steve Spanguolo. Since my years in high school, they have both been a constant example to me as to what a Catholic Christian is all about. Shawn has always been like my second mother, lending an open ear, and always available to offer prayer and support. Steve, my mt. biking partner, has always been an example of what a man of faith is supposed to be. I've never met a couple so devoted to their faith. Growing up with them has been a great blessing to me.
7. While we're on the subject of mentors, who would you say are your biggest musical influences?
By far, Jars of Clay! I've enjoyed there music since day one. In fact, they helped inspire me to first pick up a guitar. Since then I've looked up to many artists. Lyrically, I would say Bebo Norman. My favorite guitarist would be John Mayer. All around I would pick Derek Webb.
8. Between your music career, Hiking4Jesus, and your job as an ER nurse, you are very busy. What do you enjoy doing in your downtime?
Well that's a good question. I know it may appear that I'm busy, and I know that I am, but I really enjoy my time off by lying around my appartment and watching my TV, enjoying the quiet. I know it may appear that I am very outgoing and social, but if I had it my way, I'd stay inside forever! If I have energy to burn, I'll often get on my mt. bike and hit the trails. I might also take a hike with some friends, and if I have the chance, I like to get away on a backpacking trip in the Smokey Mountains!
9. You're a young man in your mid-20's, what advice do you have for people your age stuggling to live out the faith?
First of all, I'm no expert. I guess that just makes me human. In fact, I struggle probably just as much as anyone else my age. If I had some advice, it might be to stay involved in your church, and don't give up on going to Mass. Now I can't say I was always one to follow this advice. During college I didn't go to church for about 2 years. I needed some time to figure out who I was. Unfortunatly, I didn't feel the church was were I needed to be. Looking back now, I was wrong, but I do feel that it was a needed experience to get me were I am today. If you're struggling with your faith, what it means to be Catholic, questioning where you belong, don't feel alone. Just don't completely discount your faith. I definitely put mine on the back burner, but I think during that time, God was allowing me to grow and develop. Through out my life, I've found that it's in the times of struggle and frustration that we grow in our faith and dependence on God, whether we know it or not. It has been the people around me that have helped me the most. I thank God everyday for my best friend Preston and his amazing heart. Find your friends, share your struggles, and live your faith together.
10. So what's next for Tom Wiesner?
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