Jud Kossum
Jud Kossum has always loved music. No matter where he was, what job he was doing, what state he was living in music was the common denominator. And when Jesus stepped into Jud's life, He began to use that love to shape the future.
Jud is called - with passion and artistry - to lead God's people in worship. But he is called to more than that. Jud's mission is to live and lead from a place of raw, real, transparent faith. “Because we’ve forgotten about relationships, the church sometimes becomes a legalistic country club where we have to ‘look the part,’ and totally fails to engage the upcoming generations.” Jud Kossum understands that these generations are seeking genuine relationship, not skin-deep religion. The honesty and clarity of his music convey that wisdom.
Jud's latest EP Spark (recorded with the Jud Kossum Band) combines inventive pop/rock melodies with heartfelt, passionate lyrics about the struggle to be more than we are and God’s grace to meet us where we are. Songs like the emotionally honest “Making Me” and the fun, upbeat “Take this Life” beautifully express that longing to be more and the sometimes painful process of becoming who we were meant to be. Songs like “Sound of Your Voice” and “The Truth” display an authentic love for God and His word with a creativity and musicianship that truly bring Glory to Him. Spark is an experience in worship and authenticity.
“We have to be real with each other," Jud says. "We HAVE to be real with God. He knows anyway! But we can’t fully experience His love and grace and the change they bring until we allow Him into every part of us. Admit our brokenness. Admit our insecurities. Admit our weakness. His strength is perfected in it. I want to see that revolution explode.”
"I want my music to be revolutionary like Jesus was. I want it to speak truth, humility, honesty, relationship to this generation and the generations to come."
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
Jud Kossum began leading students in worship in 1996 at Heritage Park Baptist Church in Webster, TX. He served as the Students/Worship Pastor at Sunset Point Baptist Church in Clearwater, FL and Interim Student Pastor and Student Worship Leader at First Baptist Church of Middleburg, FL. He currently serves as Interim Worship Pastor at Magnolia Creek Baptist Church in League City, TX.
Jud was the lead singer of Houston band Standing Still until 2003 and fronted the Florida-based Jud Kossum Band from 2005 to 2007.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
Yes, including Sunday mornings at Magnolia Creek Baptist Church in League City, TX.
Your musical influences
Charlie Hall, David Crowder Band, Chris Tomlin, Caedmon's Call, Tim Hughes, U2, Better Than Ezra, BNL, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer
What equipment do you use?
Martin D16 acoustic guitar, 2001 Fender Fat Strat, Fender Blues Deville 410, Fulltone Fulldrive 2 overdrive, Boss DD20 delay, Marshall VibraTrem, Morley Wah, Boss EQ, Boss Chromatic Tuner.
