I was born in West Texas. My dad was a preacher and my mom stayed home and took care of my older sister, my younger brother and me. They told us often that Jesus loved us, and prayer and Bible-reading were regular parts of our day. My parents led me in a prayer introducing me to Jesus when I was seven. My mom used to tell me that I was the righteousness of God in Jesus.
We were raised in a musical home. My mom played guitar and often sang special numbers in church. Everyone agreed she had a beautiful voice. My sister took piano lessons for a short while, then continued on her own, teaching herself songs by ear. My dad made weekly trips to the Christian bookstore to bring home the latest from The Imperials, The Maranatha Singers, Dallas Holm, Don Francisco, The Rambos, The Bill Gaither Trio, and other Christian musicians of the ‘70's and ‘80's. We had music playing virtually all the time, and whenever the album we were listening to was finished, we’d stop what we were doing and go turn it over to start it again. I was completely drawn into the sounds coming from those records.
After a brief junior high affair with the French Horn (a beautiful-sounding instrument when in capable hands), I turned my attention to my mom’s beat-up classical guitar in high school. She taught me a handful of chords, and I set out to learn and play the songs I loved. Through four years in the U.S. Air Force and into college, I kept at it. After a musical performance for a college Bible study, my ministry leader Dale Griffin asked me if I had written any songs. I said no, and Dale said, “You will.” I started writing.
I’ve put in some years of leading worship for various churches, youth groups, and college ministries. I absolutely love it. It’s a joy and an honor. In ‘99, I took a job at Hope Christian School in Albuquerque, New Mexico where my wife was a teacher. I had many opportunities to lead worship in chapel and on school retreats. I threw into my set lists songs I had written, and I was encouraged by the responses to them. In 2006 I took on a part-time job as youth pastor at New Life City, also getting a chance to play on the worship team. At New Life City, worship team drummer and then-Christian radio DJ Matt Gentry set up a meeting for me with producer Donn Halliburton, and in February of 2007, the nearly two-year recording sessions for Beyond the Veil began.
My music is directed primarily at the church in hopes to bless and “spur on” the saints, but an evangelistic message is there as well. I strive in my lyrics to present the Good News in accessible and accurate language. The lyrical themes of Beyond the Veil are the faithfulness of God and the believer’s rest in the finished work of Jesus.
These scriptures put it best:
“Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the House of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:19-23 (NKJV)
“Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:15-18 (RSV)
I hope these songs are pleasing to your ears and encouraging to your soul. My prayer and desire for this music is that through it, you would be invited and inspired to live beyond the veil...in the glorious and transforming presence of our Lord.
In Christ,
Chuck Elmore
