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An open letter from 3RB

An open letter from 3RB

An open letter from Brandon K. Tiek:

Life is truly all about seasons. I learned that many years ago, and I’m glad that I did because I’ve certainly lived through many different seasons since then! One season began almost 12 years ago, when a group was formed by 3 men that sat on the 3rd row of the church choir at the First Nazarene Church in Indianapolis, IN. At first, they simply desired to be a group that could open for other artists coming to their church on tour, but by doing so, they quickly found God’s favor and began singing outside the walls of that church. Looking for a name for their group, they thought, “why not just call ourselves the 3rd Row Boys!” The name caught on…and stayed.

While the group started as a trio, I had the absolute honor of joining them to form a quartet in 2012. What a thrill! Having been in other groups over the years, I knew that this one was different. Not only was I impressed that the group was completely focused on ministry, I simply loved being with these guys, and we quickly became great friends! To my surprise, and just a few years later after some personnel changes, I found myself inheriting the management of 3RB. I knew that I had a big responsibility to carry a torch that was brightly lit. To my amazement, each year brought us an ever increasing number of blessings. Most recently, we adventured into the world of southern gospel radio, and after only 3 single releases, had a top 40 song entitled “Grace, Love and Mercy”. Wow!! We never thought that would happen! With it came so many new friends, fans, and connections within the southern gospel industry and community. However, along with a bigger level of success, came an even bigger amount of work. We began to travel more than we ever had, and we were dedicated to creating more music that we hoped would encourage everyone that had come along with us on this journey. We were busy!

On a personal level, that’s where some difficulty began. Those who know me well, know that I don’t like sitting around. 🙂 I LOVE to be busy. I love to create. I love to push the limits of what I can do. It is what has driven me to see just how much 3RB could accomplish. However, over this last year, and through God’s gentle (and not-so-gentle) nudges, I started to realize there is a limit as to what I can do. Being a husband, a father of 4 busy kids, and a full-time dentist owning and managing a very busy practice, I quickly realized that the amount of time I had to manage a growing music ministry on top of that was very small. In utter humility, I realized that I simply can’t do it all….at least not all right now. I also felt very strongly that because of my limited availability, I was holding back the talents of both of the other current members, Sean Barber and Jon Hopkins. I’ve always known that God has amazing things in store for them, and I wouldn’t want to ever be in the way of that. So after many weeks of prayer and healthy conversation, I knew that for the benefit of everyone and everything in my life, something had to give.

So, in an effort to honor everyone who has been a part of this, Aaron Baker, Dave Bittinger, Leighton Bittinger, Steve Adams, Mark Heskett, Josh Ranke, and Daniel Rivera, and also with the blessing of both Sean Barber and Jon Hopkins, I’ve decided that it is time to press pause on the ministry of 3RB. Notice that I said “pause”. I don’t believe this is an absolute end, but rather just a break for a season. So many of you over the years have messaged, emailed, called, and told us about how much our music has meant to you, and that makes our hearts glad! So even though we won’t be traveling, you will continue to see and hear our music out there. From the very beginning, the purpose of this ministry has been, and will always be, to encourage. In fact, years ago our group verse became 1 Thessalonians 5:11 “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” Even if there is just one more person that is strengthened by our music, it will have been worth it. Let me also add that I know you will be hearing more from Sean and Jon as God takes their talents into new areas of ministry. I love those guys as brothers, and I’m excited to see them soar! And just to be sure, I’m not going away either, I just won’t be traveling around as much. 🙂

Lastly to all of you, our friends, family, and fans who have poured so much into this ministry, and on behalf of all the members of 3RB past and present, we cannot thank you enough! You have allowed us all to experience something so amazing over these last 11 years. Lord willing, perhaps we’ll experience it again down the road someday, but for now, we simply say thank you. May God richly bless each and everyone of you and may He grant you the desires of your hearts! He most definitely has for me. Love to you all!!

-bkt

Change For 3rd Row Boys

Change For 3rd Row Boys

Throughout the history of 3RB, God has orchestrated some very interesting and wonderful changes. About 3 years ago when we decided to venture into the world of southern gospel radio, little did we know what God would reveal to us! He has blessed us so richly since then, and has opened doors to many new opportunities and experiences. We’ve met so many new people and been able to sing in some truly memorable places! We’ve even had our very first top 40 song! God is good!! We know that there are even more wonderful things in store and we are excited to see them happen!

One thing in store for us is another change. After almost 5 years of singing with 3RB, Josh Ranke has decided it is time for him to step down. As many of you know, he and his beautiful wife Katie just welcomed their first child Alexis in October after a very tedious pregnancy. God blessed them with a beautiful and healthy baby girl, and their story has become a very powerful testimony in our concerts. However, it also was the beginning of God revealing new plans that He has in store for Josh and Katie. For those of you who know Josh well, you know he has a HUGE heart for ministry and seeing souls saved. So much so, that he is willing to sacrifice anything to see people come to Christ, especially youth. With the increased reach and travel of 3RB, Josh feels he needs to step away in order to have time to move into other areas of ministry that God is presenting to him. We love Josh and Katie so much and know that they are truly following God’s leading. We will miss them dearly, but we can’t wait to see what’s in store for them as well as 3RB!

So now we are preparing for our next chapter. We are starting our search immediately but are VERY thankful that Josh has decided to stay on board until we find a new vocalist. He feels very adamant about the future of 3RB and wants to make sure we have plenty of time to find the right man to take his place. We are very grateful for Josh staying on board until then because we want to make sure we find the perfect fit! With that being said, we will be holding auditions over the next few months as we anticipate an exciting new season for 3RB! If you or someone you know is interested and feel would be a good fit for our group, please send us an MP3 or video of you singing, along with a pic and brief history of your ministry experience. Please email it all to info@3rdrowboys.com and we will be in touch with you if we’d like to know more and set up an audition. We have some exciting times ahead of us and can’t wait to see who God has in store for it all!

Thank you all for your continued prayers, love and support! We do appreciate your prayers that we will be very God honoring in our search for a new vocalist, and that our hearts will be patient for that man that He has planned for us. In the meantime, if we are in your area soon, please be sure to join us so you can see Josh and give him well wishes for his bright future! God bless you all!

Fast Five With The 3rd Row Boys

Fast Five Questions with THE 3rd Row Boys:

1. Tell us how and when Your Ministry began.
3rd Row Boys began 10 years ago with 3 young men that sat on the 3rd row of their church choir. They soon started singing together outside the walls of their church and quickly found God’s favor. Those 3 men have now moved on into other areas of ministry, but today we are honored to carry on the legacy of 3rd Row Boys and are excited to be celebrating 10 years of ministry this year!

2. When the group is traveling, what is the favorite restaurant to eat at?
We typically look for a Cracker Barrel or Steak ’n Shake. We also love Chick-fil-A, just not on Sundays! 🙂 Of course if someone offers, we’ll eat anywhere! After setting up, singing, and tearing down, we’re not too picky, we just need to eat!

3. Other than Singing, tell us about what you guys do? (Jobs, hobbies)
We are all bi-vocational. Sean is a product manager for PPG Industrial Coatings and loves writing music, recording, spending time with his family and playing golf. Josh is a home insurance inspector and loves powerlifting and spending time with his wife. Brandon is a dentist and manager for 3RB and loves recording and producing, spending time with his family, and running and cycling.

4. Share your testimony with us? (Each Member)
Sean –
I was raised in church all my life. My father pastored and played guitar with mom on the accordion while us kids sang and played whatever instrument we could get our hands on (I can fondly remember fighting my older brother for playing time on the drums). But I knew that being raised in a pastor’s home and going to church three times a week wouldn’t save me. I was twelve when I got saved and truly dedicated my life to the Lord. God blessed me with a beautiful Godly wife (also a PK) and later gave us two wonderful children that love the Lord and are actively involved in ministry. I count it a blessing every time I step on a stage, platform, or behind any pulpit to sing the gospel of Jesus Christ. I want people to walk away changed, saved and encouraged from the experience. “I would much rather have church at a singing than go to a singing at a church”.

Josh –
I was raised in a preacher homes and ended up with a ruined life at 23 years old due to me walking away from God but he gave me a 2nd chance and cause of that decision I know have the best life ever! I have an amazing Christian wife and get to sing in a gospel group which has always been a dream since a little kid and get to tell the world about his love through music and song. Also God gave me to of the greatest men I have ever known to share the gospel with they are my best friends and I truly love what we have in friendship and in music God has truly blessed me and this group.

Brandon –
I was blessed to grow up in a very musical Christian home where my parents travelled and sang and led music at our church for over 40 years! While I was fortunate to always know about Jesus, it wasn’t until college where I firmly dedicated my life to him. He has taken me on quite a journey ever since, blessing me with a beautiful and talented wife, 4 amazing kids, and a chance to help people daily in my career but also through the ministry of 3RB. I’ve seen him work first hand in every aspect of my life, guiding me and my family through very unique difficulties but also amazing triumphs. I truly live each and every day with a heart of gratitude for what Jesus did for me. I pray that he will continue to use the ministry of 3RB to encourage people, and remind them of the beauty of following Jesus in this life!

5. If our readers would like to book you or purchase product, how can they do that?
We make every effort to allow people to easily contact us. If you would like to learn more about us, you can visit our website at www.3rdrowboys.com for all you need to know! There you can order all of our music on CD or via digital download. If you would like to book or inquire about a concert, you can contact us on the booking page of our website or call (317) 418-2682. We would also love for you to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!

Big changes and an exciting new chapter for 3rd Row Boys!

Big changes and an exciting new chapter for 3rd Row Boys!

In 2009, a group of guys got around a piano for the first time and started singing. From there, the ministry of 3rd Row Boys was born. While originally starting as a trio, 3rd Row Boys have spent almost the last 5 years singing as a traditional southern gospel quartet. We’ve had some amazing opportunities come our way and been able to share the stage with many other fantastic groups. We’ve had our fair share of changes over the years, but with those changes have come some amazing blessings! God has had his hand upon this group, and has provided us some truly sweet moments. We are so grateful for His guidance and provison for 3RB, as we strive to encourage others to live a life that follows Jesus Christ. At the same time, we are grateful to each one of you, who have supported us, encouraged us, and lifted us up in prayer. You allow us to do what we love and we couldn’t do it without you!

New Album From The 3rd Row Boys

New Album From The 3rd Row Boys

The 3rd Row Boys from Indianapolis, IN have released a brand new album project entitled “Foundation”. It is the first album featuring their new additions of lead singer Sean Barber, baritone Josh Ranke, and tenor Daniel Rivera. Group manager and bass vocalist Brandon Tiek says, “This project is a very special one. 3RB is in our 9th year of ministry, and while we have have recorded quite a few albums, we finally have put together a project of some our favorite hymns and standards. We wanted to keep an authentic feel for them with just piano and bass guitar. These songs are the “Foundation” of our faith, and speak truths of God’s mercy and love to each of us. We had such a blast putting this album together, and we pray it can encourage each listener and maybe even get them singing along!”

Find The New Album HERE

Daniel Rivera New Tenor For The 3rd Row Boys

Daniel Rivera New Tenor For The 3rd Row Boys

If we truly open our eyes to the blessings of God, we would be quick to see how He gives us all what we need at the perfect time. That’s what we’ve always seen with the ministry of 3rd Row Boys. It is with that knowledge and great excitement that we announce our new tenor, Daniel Rivera! Many of you know Daniel, as he is no stranger to southern gospel, especially here in Indiana. Daniel and his lovely wife Ashlee live in Crown Point, IN. Even at his young age, he has an impressive musical resume, having been a member of The Toney Brothers, Blackwood Legacy, and most recently, the Woodsmen Quartet. His gifted tenor voice and incredible energy have gained him many fans and friends in the world of southern gospel music. He has a loving and kind spirit that will surely delight current and future friends of 3RB! We are so blessed to have Daniel on board with us, and we can’t wait to see what God does in the days ahead! Daniel’s first concert with us will be November 13th in Lafayette, IN. Be sure to come and see Daniel as a part of 3RB when we are in your area. We just know you will love it! Thank you all for praying for us during this transition, as we have seen God work in every part of it! We are so excited for this new season of 3rd Row Boys! It’s going to be a great time! We hope to see you all down the road very soon! www.3rdrowboys.com