2004 Synod Assembly: "Called Into God's Marvelous Light"

Live update added 12:50 p.m., Saturday, April 24, 2004

Dakota Road Provides Musical Entertainment with a Faith-Based Perspective

Don't you hate it when a song gets stuck in your head?

In the case of a Dakota Road song, that's more of a blessing than a bane. Songs such as "Build Up," "'Round the Table," "Boundless Love" and even "My Brother Eats Bugs" certainly qualify. These songs give a sense of what Dakota Road is about: faithfulness and fun.

Dakota Road Music is a worship and music publishing, leadership and performance company that specializes in original, faith-filled music. Their songs of faith and love, hurts and hopes have put them at the heart of the movement toward using a wide variety of musical gifts to lead worship and inspire participation. Their songs, ranging from sacred to silly, touch people of all ages and walks of life.

The origins of Dakota Road extend back to 1988 with founder Larry Olson. Principal partner Hans Peterson joined Larry 1992. Hans & Larry have the creative talents of music leadership, a passion for justice and a vision for the church and neighborhood as welcoming places. They live in the confidence that "to each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good" (I Cor 12:7). Both devote full-time effort to the group but fill out the band with several part-time members. The name "Dakota Road" refers to a group on a journey that wish to be friends along the way. "Dakota" means friend or ally.

The band plays at many and various gatherings across the ELCA but is found at the events of other denominations as well. Indeed, even classifying them is tricky. The music of Dakota Road is as diverse as their venues and audiences. What they do as a group reflects their philosophy of music in worship: diversity, hard work, intergenerational appeal, and the uplifting of unique gifts in the congregation. "You don't need a band," says Olson. "You just need the gifts already there."

Because of their longevity and wide travel, Olson and Peterson have been able to observe trends in Christian worship and music. "Five years ago it was contemporary vs. organ or traditional," says Olson, "but today we've gone beyond the distinctions to more blended music that uses a wide variety." The overriding criterion is not style, but being faithful in community. Congregations have an incredible ability to pick and choose these days. What's key is "dynamic, relational ministry."

Clearly Dakota Road lives and sings what they believe. Thankfully, it sticks with us.

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