Matt McCoy is a passionate songwriter and worship leader from Chicago, IL. He currently serves as a worship leader at Willow Creek Community Church. Matt began leading worship in his youth group at age 13 and has felt a genuine call and anointing on his life ever since. As a pastor’s kid, Matt grew up in the Vineyard church movement. Born and raised in San Diego California, Matt and his family moved to Indiana to plant a church. With dad as a pastor/musician/songwriter and mom as a piano teacher, Matt has been surrounded by music and worship that crafted his natural talent and deepened his heart for God since a very young age. For the past couple years, Matt has travelled with his band leading worship for many different student and young adult conferences, retreats, camps, and other events. During the summer of 2008, he began a two month tour leading worship for numerous youth conferences and ministries. Along with his national and international travels, Matt has shared the stage with christian music artists such as Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Sanctus Real, Tim Hughes, Delirious, Vicky Beeching, Eisha Woods, Family Force 5, Steve Fee, Jeremy Riddle, John Reuben and others. In 2008, Matt graduated from the University of Cincinnati (College Conservatory of Music), where he studied Electronic Media (audio, video, graphic, and web production). From 2004 - 2008, Matt served on staff at Vineyard Community Church in Cincinnati, Ohio as the worship leader for student ministries and young adults. Matt’s passionate and honest songwriting is quickly becoming recognized among the worship community. In 2007, his song “It’s Your Kindness” was featured on the Vineyard Music release Fascinated. Also in 2007, Matt recorded a live worship DVD at the Summer of Service Youth Conference, which includes 8 of Matt’s original worship songs. The DVD also includes chord and lyrics charts for each song and an exclusive music video. In early 2008, “One Thing” was selected for the Vineyard Music release Brighter Day. Other influential songs by Matt include “Revelation Generation”, “What If” and “Everything”. In late 2008, “Song of the Redeemed” was also featured on Top 20 Indie Worship, a national release by Indelible Creative Group and Indieheaven.com. With the momentum of songwriting and much anticipation, Matt decided to record his first studio album with producer Robbie Reider of Vineyard Music. “Raise the Flag Again” is an honest expression of Matt’s heart for God. The album is filled with original worship music that birthed out of Matt’s continual spiritual journey. To assist worship leaders, chord sheets are included on the CD. Matt explains, “It’s a beautiful thing when worshippers can utilize these songs in their personal or corporate worship times. My prayer is that people are able to meet with God in a real and intimate way. I want to equip the body of christ for passionate worship.” “Raise the Flag Again” is a clear representation of Matt’s creative songwriting and desire for people to meet with God through worship and music. Producer Robbie Reider comments, “As [Matt's] music honestly reflects the personal joy and struggles of being a Christ follower, I can see his journey mature and bear fruit. I think we’ll see Matt become a major contributor to the worship community in the years to come.” Matt truly has the heart of a worshipper and has the desire to see other leaders grow in their gifts. He loves to see students and young adults connect with God through passionate and intimate worship. Currently Matt lives in Chicago, IL and is a worship leader at Willow Creek Community Church.