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who is jon

jon coder is a 27 year-old singer/songwriter out of Macon, GA.  jon, however, isn't just your typical singer/writer.  jon is a unique combination of musician, comedian, storyteller, and maybe on a good day an ecclesial commentator.    He combines musical influences that range from Andrew Peterson and Rich Mullins to the Beatles to the Barenaked Ladies and everything in between to create a acoustic/pop/folk experience that is truly one of a kind.

With his music as his brush jon paints pictures and stories that invite the listener into jon's little world.  While you may not be blown away by his ground breaking guitar licks or magical voice, you will find yourself getting lost in the world jon so passionately creates, and you'll go home singing about it with a smile on your face. 

For the past four years jon has been traveling and performing in churches, coffee houses, and colleges all over the Southeast.  In the summer of 2001 jon released his successful first CD “God and a Guitar.”  He followed that in December of 2002 with the joncoder.com exclusive release of his LIVE EP.  jon is currently working on his second full length studio album while playing whenever and wherever.

Overall jon, the person, is a lighthearted individual who has three loves in his life; God, his family, and his music.  However, jon, the performer, is a passionate performer who writes and plays from his heart every single time he takes the stage.  Whether performing in a concert or leading worship jon gives of his very soul every single show.

"Leading people to worship God...that's what its all about.  There's nothing that compares to the experience of time spent in intimate relation with God."

While jon enjoys performing and entertaining people his first love is leading worship.  jon started out a worship leader and still spends a lot of time leading for youth and college students.  jon be the first to tell you that when its time to worship the stage show is over because the glory belongs to God.  jon has a passion in him to see people come and worship God, unhindered by the world around them.

Fast Facts on jon coder

Full Name:  Jonathan David Coder

First Song (& Age Written):   No Grave w/Philip Young (15 years-old in the 9th Grade)

Favorite Sports Team:  Atlanta Falcons, UGA Bulldawgs!!!,  Atlanta Braves (hometown fan)

Have you read any good books lately?  "Addicted to Mediocrity 20th Century Christians and the Arts" by Franky Schaefer

What are you learning from this book?  Schaefer castigates the modern view most Christians have concerning  "the arts."  He doesn't pull any punches and really does a great job saying all the things many of us have been thinking but never say.  Great book, I HIGHLY recommend it.

What's in your CD player right now?  Andrew Peterson "Behold the Lamb of God"; Matt Redman; Chris Tomlin 

Favorite Bible Verse:  Matthew 22.36-40 "Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?"  [Jesus] said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.  On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."  (All You Need Is Love!!!)

Family Facts:  Wife, Tiffany, my father, the prophet, Jay; a very supportive mother, Carol; and baby sister, Amanda

A song do you wish you wrote:  Loose Change by Andrew Peterson

Hobbies:  Finding cool music I've never heard before

If you weren't an artist, what would you be?  Superman

If you could meet anyone, who would it be?  John Lennon and Paul McCartney

Favorite Board Game:  RISK

Favorite Soda:  COKE COLA CLASSIC!!!  Gotta have my Coke!!!

What was the first instrument you learned to play?  Guitar

Favorite Place:  Anywhere I can just chill and play guitar

What do you hope to be doing in ten years?  I hope to be making music that glorifies God and encourages those who listen to it

Favorite comfort/pig out food:  Chocolate glazed Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

Favorite Cartoon:  Transformers!!!  More Than Meets the Eye!

Must See TV:  As weird as it might be I love to watch WWE wrestling as long as they don't get too raunchy

Most cherished possession:  The DTB (Duct Tape Bible), it was given to me in 1992 when I entered my church's youth group.  It began to fall apart so I put the cover back together with duct tape.  Almost the whole thing has been highlighted over the years.  When I look though it I can almost watch myself grow up.

Favorite Movie:  Star Wars is the classic best of all time!  I love them all...even Episodes 1.

Dream Car:  The one I have!!!  A new blue Toyota RAV4

If you could be any kind of tree, what would you be?  A pine tree, while other trees come and go the pine tree is constantly green and full of life

In your humble opinion, what is the best album ever?  Andrew Peterson "Clear to Venus" & "Love and Thunder"; DC Talk's "Jesus Freak" has got to be right up there and The Beatles' "Magical Mystery Tour" and "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band"

What event from 1999 still influences you today?  I stayed up all night talking with a friend of mine.  Since that night Will and I have been best friends.  (Will knows more about fish than anyone alive.)

First question you will ask God when you get to Heaven?  Why did you put up with all of me, and give me so many chances?

What question do you think He will ask you?  "Why did it take you so long to get it?"

Chicken or Steak?  Nothing beats a good steak!!!