Tony Gardner, Worship Leader

Tony Gardner leading worship at Christian Life Center in Santa Paula, California

Worship Bio

Greetings in the Lord! My name is Tony Gardner and I’ve been living in Santa Clarita, California for just over four years now and am fervently seeking God's will as to where He would have my family to minister in music at a church in the Southern California area. My wife, Colleen, accompanies my guitar with beautiful piano, and my son, David, has become a gifted bass player. Are the Gardner's called to your church?

We are currently attending Higher Vision Church in Castaic, CA. Previously, we served as Worship Leaders for 2 1/2 years at Christian Life Center (formerly Abundant Life) in Santa Paula, CA. Before that, we served for five years at New Creation Christian Assembly in San Marcos, CA as their worship leaders. We have also served at two Purpose Driven churches and two Full Gospel churches. My personal worship leading foundation was founded at an Assemblies of God church in San Diego (Elim Chapel) where I served in various functions within the music ministry for over ten years.

I have also played in several local Christian bands (Southern California area) over the years including Heartfelt, Change of Heart, Souls in Exile and Extol. I play an Ibanez Artstar semi-hollow guitar for my jazzy songs, an old '57 mahogany Martin OO-14 acoustic guitar for my mellow songs. When leading worship, I use an Alvarez Fusion electric-acoustic guitar coupled with a Behringer V-Amp Pro for effects. I also play an Alesis QS7 keyboard and sing lead vocals and harmonies on most my songs.

I graduated State University of New York, Oswego with a B.A. in music composition and also completed extensive coursework at Point Loma Nazarene University in hymnology, choral conducting and worship leading. I currently work at Advanced Bionics  Corporation in Sylmar as a manufacturing database programmer. Although computers are my livelihood, leading worship, writing and playing music have always been my greatest passion.

In 2002, I founded New Creation Music (on-line at www.newcreationmusic.org), which is a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging aspiring Christian artists by providing quality original material if needed, recording and production services and promotion via internet exposure and local performance opportunities.

I am also a prolific song writer. I have been writing songs since age 13 and Christian music since 1981. I literally performed my first Christian song the same day I became a born again Christian! Over the years, I had composed dozens of songs, but never did any kind of recording. Soon after the 911 attack on America, I was laid off and had some time to take the first step toward recording. Using Sonic Foundry's (now Sony Digital Pictures) Acid Pro loop based software to "fill in" the parts, I completed 17 songs in two months, and over 40 to date. I invite you to visit New Creation Music on-line at www.newcreationmusic.org and listen to my music. As you will discover, I’m not another Christian rock band. When I perform as a solo artist, I use background tracks, minus the lead vocals, guitar and piano, which I perform live. This adds a nice personal touch and maintains the listeners’ interest.

As you listen to the lyrics, you will quickly notice that my lyrical style is highly evangelical in nature. I’m not ashamed of the Gospel! I sing what God tells me to sing, and share what God tells me to share. If you are thinking about having me come to minister to your church, this may very well be God’s perfect timing to have your congregation bring their unsaved friends and neighbors. I never miss an opportunity to present an invitation to receive Christ as Lord and Savior. The music is simply a catalyst to soften people's hearts and ultimately fulfill God’s purposes in our lives.

Thanks for your time and consideration and may God bless your day!

Tony Gardner, Founder
New Creation Music

For more information, please visit our Contact NCM page.