Friday, October 24, 2025
As we celebrated our 30 year anniversary as a church, we had a joyful time of throwback worship with “Sing Sing Sing.” It’s just one of many songs that mark moments throughout CedarCreek’s history. In fact, at our 20 year anniversary, we took people down memory lane with the song “Stand By Me.”
Music has always played a unique role in CedarCreek’s mission to reach and connect with those who don’t know Jesus. Read on to hear from Jared Kaelber, Central Director of Music, along with Perrysburg Music Director, Nate Manuel, as they share how music is key to our mission.
“At CedarCreek, everything we do is about introducing people to Jesus and the life-changing adventure with him,” says Nate. “That includes the music we choose. We often open services with a familiar, non-church song because it helps new guests relax, feel connected, and realize they belong—even before they believe.”
Whereas the genre divide between Christian and “secular” music might seem like a line in the sand, CedarCreek has stepped across it to connect with people. “Playing songs that aren’t considered ‘Christian’ and acknowledging popular music on stage tears down proverbial walls that keep people from experiencing the love of Christ,” Jared observes.
“Music is powerful,” Nate adds. “When someone recognizes a lyric or melody, their guard drops, and their heart opens.” And that’s something Nate knows from experience. “One of my favorite songs ever played at CedarCreek is ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’ by U2. It was the opening song on the first weekend I showed up at the West Toledo campus. I was immediately hooked. After that, I knew that this church was a place I could belong, where I could invite anyone to join me.”
The impact of music even goes beyond outreach. Jared recalls how God used one song to help someone discover new purpose. “During the pandemic, when we only broadcasted church online, we crafted unique covers of music from our homes and posted them after the service. One of the songs was a cover of Katy Perry’s ‘Rise.’ I recorded the song with new instrumentation and harmonies and sent it on its way.”
But God wasn’t done with the song yet. “It was not until the year 2025 that I heard a personal story about someone who saw that video and kept that version of the song. It inspired them to start playing drums, and eventually they joined the DreamTeam and started drumming at our campuses!”
These stories from Nate and Jared demonstrate the God-sized opportunities that come with taking a risk. Sure, it’s risky to play songs people might not expect at church, but each song is a milestone in our mission.
“These songs aren’t about celebrating culture,” explains Nate. “They’re about meeting people where they are and pointing them to the hope only Jesus can offer. So when you hear a song you might not expect to hear in church, remember: it’s not random. It’s intentional. Every lyric, every moment, every song is chosen to help someone take a step toward Jesus.”
What line in the sand is God calling you to step over to connect with someone who might not feel like they belong? How can you, like Nate and Jared, use your gifts to introduce people to Jesus?
Visit this link to see CedarCreek’s version of “Rise” from Jared’s story! And head to this CedarCreek Music Playlist to check out years of special music we chose to help introduce people to Jesus!
Musical vision and stories provided by Nate Manuel and Jared Kaelber.
Nate has been involved with CedarCreek since attending the Easter 2008 opening weekend at the West Toledo campus. Beginning in September 2009, he has been on staff in various roles within Arts, Music, and Communications. He is currently the Music Director at the Perrysburg campus and has been a church board member for over five years.
Jared first attended CedarCreek in 2005 and has been involved with the Music team ever since. He was on staff from 2010–2013 in I.T., Software Development, and Arts roles. He rejoined staff in June 2025 in his current role as the Central Music Director. Jared has been blessed to be a part of CedarCreek’s music history from DreamTeam member to Director and is excited to see what the future holds.