“Rock Bec is back!” remarks St. James, and fans are loving it. During a recent visit to the White House, even President Bush appeared pleased with her efforts. St. James – who also moonlights as an author, speaker and co-founder of the SHE events for girls – has spent the first part of 2006 feeding her ever-broadening worldview. She says, “We’ve had some really, really amazing ministry opportunities so far this year, starting out in Kenya and Rwanda earlier this year – my first trip to Africa. It’s really been a blessing.”

Singer/songwriter Sara Groves continues to enjoy a remarkable season herself. While she’s been a popular favorite since her first hit single, “The Word,” entrenched itself on Christian radio in 2001, many of her most avid fans are fellow artists. In addition to Grant and Nordeman – who have already cited Groves’ influence – Jars of Clay, Bethany Dillon, Point of Grace and many others are quick to champion her artistry – especially her latest album, "Add to the Beauty" (INO). Groves’ critically acclaimed 2005 release sounded a clarion call to the church, urging it to become increasingly active in God’s justice work around the world.

“Long before the album ever came out, I felt like 'Add to the Beauty' was my clear declaration of faith,” Groves says. “So, to have other people reinforce that is obviously a great feeling.”

Regarded for the vulnerability communicated in her art, Groves recently released "Just Showed Up for My Own Life" (INO). It’s an engaging, documentary-style DVD that’s a natural extension of "Beauty," illustrating Groves’ personal transformation toward advocacy. She says this “paradigm shift, this heart change” is about being in greater community with the body of Christ. “It’s the greatest thing I’ve ever experienced.”

Young Pioneers

The writer of 1 Timothy exhorts, “Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” Bethany Dillon and BarlowGirl are shining examples.

Dillon resembles a sort of prodigy singer/songwriter whose lyrics belie her youthfulness. A self-described tomboy from rural Ohio, she released 2004’s "Bethany Dillon" (Sparrow) at the age of 15, scoring big at radio with the No.1 single “All I Need” and the Top 10 hit “Beautiful.” Her second record, last year’s "Imagination" (Sparrow), landed her song “Dreamer” in the motion picture by the same name, put Dillon on the cover of CCM and further exhibited that she’s a blue-chip talent.