Jim can be found playing anywhere from Mama's Pies in Julian on Labor Day, to playing hymns in his church. Playing his guitar like a master craftsman in the style of folk, classical, jazz, Celtic to new Age styling, the likelihood of people turning their heads is great. This guy is really good at what he does and it shows. What do you expect from 29 years of practice?

His style on the guitar comes across in a relaxed, instrumental way. Jim Earp has two CDs out with one on the way. "Rosewood" (1996) and "Smiles To Go" (1999) are mostly instrumental guitar and his third CD coming out this winter is entitled "Be Thou My Vision," a solo instrumental hymn album. That CD I am sure will touch many people!

Jim is grateful for his calling and you can really see that he enjoys what he does. "A kindly gentleman told me (Jim) many years ago that the goal of our lives as believers is to 'build bridges to others that Christ can cross.' " Jim hopes after listening to his music that you "would be refreshed, touched & entertained...and that the Spirit of Christ, who rules in my (Jim's) life, will reflect His glory in me as he builds that bridge."

Jim's favorite Bible verse influences the way he plays and presents his music to us, the believers, and those who are seeking. In John 17:3 Jesus says, "And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ who You have sent" (NKJV). From this Jim hopes to that someone who is seeking might be able to find comfort through the themes in his music, and that God would use him to build that bridge in our lives.

Through the power of Jim's musical talent and ability that God has given him, Jim pushes the boundaries on the stereotypes of Christian artists. His CDs are mostly instrumental and there aren't many in the Christian market. He hopes to show that being different is not so bad. In fact, he's right on track!

Jim has learned a lot from playing the guitar over the years as God continues to use him and shape him to be the man God wants him to be. "I've learned that accountability to God is the only thing that is absolutely sure about our existence. We will give an account to God for what we have done...In God's economy, honesty and integrity are infinitely more important than power and position- and character is more important than charisma. God isn't mocked, what we sow, we reap...What truly delights our Heavenly Father is our willingness to yield to Him in all things and at all costs- so that when we suffer for doing what is right, the Spirit and the Glory of the Lord rests upon us."