Maddie Rey is burning up YouTube and Spotify with her brand-new single, "Fire," but the independent pop artist/songwriter is by no means new to the game. Having performed as part of her church's ministry for her entire life, she's hitting a stride that is making waves in the greater Christian music world. 

Here are nine facts about Maddie Rey that'll help you get to know her (with accompanying videos, images and GIFs):

1. Pastors' kid.
She is the daughter of Luis "Louie" and Tricia Rey, pastors of Church of Joy in Waukegan, Illinois. Luis is a preacher and author who has spoken around the world and has been featured on The 700 Club, among other places.
 
2. Had her own show. 
Maddie started big-time performing at age 12, with her own online kids' TV show called The Maddie Rey Show, which was a digital version of the massive and successful children's ministry at Church of Joy. The Maddie Rey Show isn't filming anymore, but it lives on via YouTube.
 
3. Youthful youth pastor.
Maddie, who spends just about every waking minute at the church for a variety of reasons, serves as the Youth Pastor at Church of Joy--pretty cool for someone just a couple years removed from the youth group herself!
 
4. On the job, training. 
Maddie is in her second year of bible college at Church of Joy Bible College and School of Ministry, getting the foundation to help her in her daily ministry duties. 
 
5. Big testimony.
She often tells people that the biggest testimony is being raised in the church and staying in the church--no need to leave the community of the faith and then come back. 
 
6. Not just music.
Besides writing and performing her own music, Maddie also dances and preaches! Talk about the quadruple threat! But she doesn't have much time for hobbies, and she's allergic to dogs and cats (so no pets, either). 
 
7. Su canción primero.
One of the first songs Maddie ever wrote, at age 15, was in Spanish--fueled by her five years of learning the language in school.
 
8. Big gigs. 
Maddie has done arena-sized performances, including youth crusades as far away as Perth, Australia, and most recently, an appearance alongside TobyMac, Danny Gokey and MercyMe at Rise Fest in Iowa this past summer.
 
9. In-house team.
Maddie says her church is hugely supportive of her ministry, with staff being the creative force behind Maddie's music videos, graphics, photos and more. 


Learn more about Maddie Rey by visiting her website, www.maddierey.com.