About upROAR

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. –Ephesians 3:20-21

A movement is being launched in the growing metropolis of Boise, Idaho. This is unheard of for a city that has made its name only within the past few years. Beginning with the vision of the worship ministry of Church of the Harvest, this movement is aptly named upROAR for their energetic and driven style of worship music, bringing worship to a new level every Sunday. The team has been building momentum since 2003, but has recently turned a new corner releasing their first EP—Sound of the Harvest.
The vision for upROAR, now captured on Sound of the Harvest, moves beyond this once-sleepy town of Boise while capturing a heart of worship that anyone can grab a hold of.

Picture this: worldwide training center to revive the arts to for the purposes God created them; creating music that will capture the hearts of a drifting generation and set them on fire like history has never seen; and building on the heritage and history of worship that already established. The movement has begun.

The Past
The worship ministry started by taking a message to young people in high schools around Boise, one that spoke of achieving goals, having vision and setting a standard among their peers and in their community.

“It was a great success,” said Worship Pastor Kari Bryan, who began leading the worship team at 18-years-old, and has done so for seven years. “And then, we took it to the Boise State University campus and did Christian Week.”

Christian Week was a five-day event in September 2008 featuring upROAR’s worship and dance team members, and where special guests speakers from political, environmental, and religious backgrounds hosted public discussions. The event was held throughout the campus at Boise State University, a school better known for excellence on the gridiron than its spiritual climate.

The Present
The worship ministry at Church of the Harvest blends Gospel and Rock, fusing Sunday worship with new styles, while breaking the mold and listening for a new sound.

“We want to incorporate an international flair, and create a new sound,” Pastor Kari said. “These two things are very important.”
On their first project, Sound of the Harvest, a team ranging from growing musicians to veterans in the business, the goal from the beginning was to make strides toward forming a brand of worship that will minister to this generation unlike any other in the past. Pastor Kari noted this EP has multiple goals.

“The goal is to meet the dreams of the church, and to stir up vision and faith in the people of Church of the Harvest,” she said. “And to release a new sound to this upcoming hungry generation. This is a sample of what is to come in the future.”

In a time when the line between Christian and secular artists blurs not by style, but by lifestyle, upROAR seeks first the reason for their existence. These aspirations take more than music talent and ability. Moving past instruments and voices, upROAR is unique in their firm belief in Biblical worship. This includes raising hands, dancing during worship and using instruments as well as voices to worship God.

Beyond achieving a sound or great musicianship, upROAR looks to set a godly standard in the music industry by starting with each team member’s life. A growing relationship with the Lord is the main responsibility for everyone involved, seen in a lifestyle of obedience to the Lord and worship.

The Future
While maintaining their ministry of worship at Church of the Harvest, the upROAR team also aspires to take their sound to the community.

“We want to be a blessing to small and large churches alike, to the Christian and secular realm,” Pastor Kari said. “We want to minister in the streets as well as in the church.”

Future plans include more mastered, studio-quality albums. Also, Pastor Kari notes, “We need to train more worship teams. To start a choir, and orchestra, a training school for all of the above, including dance team.”

Sound of the Harvest features original compositions from members of upROAR, and is available on iTunes or by contacting upROAR.