Musician David Dunn helps point audiences to clear direction

LUBBOCK—With the release of his album Crystal Clear, Texas native David Dunn offers songs designed to point people to Christ during times of uncertainty.

Growing up in a musical family, Dunn’s desire to minister through music increased during his college years at Texas Tech University, when he attended First Baptist Church in Lubbock.

“I can’t recall ever having a holiday without a family round of tunes,” he said. “I think it all stemmed from my grandfather, who was a fiddle champion and always willing to grab a bow and sing hymns at the top of his lungs. Those are special times that I will never forget.

“My college years served as a big springboard for becoming a musician. I started writing songs, playing shows and leading worship. It was really the beginning of me taking music seriously.”

Although Dunn played an instrumental role as a worship leader for local college ministries, he was unsure if God was leading him into vocational ministry. After graduating with honors, Dunn took time off to re-evaluate plans for his life.

“When I graduated from college, I really struggled with what I was going to do with myself,” he noted. “I’d been involved in the singer/songwriter circuit and leading worship for college ministries.

“I had some interesting prospects for doing music, but I had also done a few internships in my studied field, which was petroleum engineering, and had a few job offers to consider. Instead of making a final decision, I moved to Zambia, Africa, to do micro-financing and missions work.”

However, after serving in Africa 13 months, Dunn returned home with a severe case of malaria. During his rest and recovery, he developed a renewed passion for music ministry.

As he sought God’s guidance and direction, doors started opening, and he began a journey that led him to audition for NBC’s singing competition The Voice. Although he did not advance on the show, his appearance helped him gain the attention of audiences and increased his platform to share messages about following and obeying God’s will.

Dunn bases his original songs on real-life experiences in hopes of relating his struggles to audiences and connecting them to Christ for security and salvation.

“Regardless of the situations and trials we might experience in life, God’s love is always crystal clear,” Dunn said. “Just like James 1:2-3 states, you can consider it joy during times of struggle because you are becoming more like Christ. I hope when people listen to these songs that there is a change in their perspective, and they can view challenging times as a chance to become more like Christ.”

During concerts, Dunn enjoys interacting with audiences and hearing stories about God at work. In the fall, Dunn will perform on the “Every Child is Beautiful Tour” with Mark Schultz, Kutless, Rush of Fools and Natasha Owens.

“I enjoy having the opportunity to connect with audiences and hear stories about the impact a specific song has made,” Dunn said. “It absolutely makes everything I do worthwhile when I hear a story about how a song has challenged someone in a way they have never been challenged before.

 “I hope people are challenged to think about life in a different way when they hear my new album or listen to me play live. I want to meet people in the middle of their struggles and hardships and say: ‘Yeah, I’m there too. Check out what’s happening in my life and what I’m struggling with in this journey towards Christ. Let’s toil together.’”