Crossing the Barriers
Posted September 30, 2015
By MaryNikkel_NRT, Staff Reviewer
Atlanta based artist Noah Cleveland and his wife are aiming to cross boundaries with their organization Be Loud Ministries, a goal they approach in part through the universal language of song. The latest step in that pursuit is the Church Without Walls EP, a collection of six tracks with a clear mission to erase divisions and welcome everyone into the family of God.
The title track "Church With No Walls" lays down the mission statement: "let the world hear us say we are the church, the church with no walls / shout to this city, come one, come all." This song is also one of the stronger musical moments in the collection, with a unified sound ready for a corporate declaration. "My Savior Lives" is another declaration song, explaining the true value of the resurrection and rejoicing in that victory.
"Lifeline" has a strong theme of viewing Jesus as our lifeline no matter the circumstances of life, though musically this one seems to struggle to find its footing between electronic elements and a more traditional AC sound that don't quite mesh (a challenge "Falling Into Place" also faces). Some of the strongest writing on the project closes it with "You're My Hope," a song which speaks to life's disappointments and doubts with the lyrics "when I feel alone in the valley and shadows start to surround me / You're the light that keeps me hanging on. / You're my hope, and Your Word will never change / You're my hope, You alone stay the same."
Closing Thoughts:
Noah Cleveland's mission to take the news of the redeeming power of Christ beyond the walls of a church building and into a world hungry for His love is clearly worked out through this collection of songs. This EP could be a powerful ministry resource for those working in outreach ministry. Noah does still seem to be working on creating a coherent sound, as at times the musical arranging seems somewhat scattered. However, with a mission this powerful and such strong truths embedded in the core of his work, that development promises to follow.
Song to Download Now:
"Church With No Walls" (Get it on iTunes here.)
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