Today we’d like to introduce you to J.R. Nolan.
Hi J.R., thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story is really a mix of Jesus, music, ministry, family, and learning how to keep growing through different seasons of life.
Music has been a big part of my life for years, especially worship and songwriting. Over time, I realized I wanted to create music that felt honest and gave people space to bring their real emotions, questions, grief, hope, and faith to God.
That led me deeper into worship ministry, songwriting, leadership, and serving in the local church. I’ve had opportunities to lead teams, develop musicians, work in production, and learn a lot about what it means to serve people well.
Outside of ministry, I’m also a husband, and my marriage is one of the most important parts of my life. My wife, Sarah, and I have built a life together here in the Kansas City area, along with our two cats, Theodore and Boots, who definitely keep things entertaining at home.
I’ve also spent time working in coffee and creative worship spaces, and all of those experiences have helped shape how I think about people and community. I’ve learned that whether I’m leading worship, writing a song, serving coffee, or just having a conversation with someone, I really enjoy creating spaces where people feel welcomed and known.
Right now, I’m in a season of building. I’m continuing to grow as an artist, write and release music, serve in ministry, and explore new opportunities creatively and professionally.
I don’t really see my story as something that is finished. I’m still learning, still creating, and still figuring out where God is leading me next. More than anything, I want whatever I do to be meaningful, honest, and helpful to the people around me.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Truly to tell you, no. Haha. I have been told no by MANY people from spaces where they said, “Your voice needs work. it may be best to get voice lessons,” “NO. Don’t apply again.” “It just doesn’t fit what we’re looking for.” Which put me in a depressive state. I didn’t want to create, I didn’t want to write, I just sang just to appease and receive approval from people. Which created a plateau for me, self-forced to be honest. With that, being a husband, a worship pastor, and a friend, things gave and was hard to give all of myself in all spaces. Then God saying, ” I need you to give My people My music.” In one of my prayers in my journal, I said, “Sir. I am tired!’ HAHA. But God has been so kind, and allowing me to sit, rest, and listen to what he wants to do with and through me and I pray the music I write gives that opportunity for others to be real as well. I have God and my wife to thank for teaching me how to do that.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I currently serve as a Worship Pastor at a multi-site church in the Kansas City area, but I’m stepping into a new season. I’ll soon be leaving that role to help open a coffee shop ministry in Kansas City, Kansas, alongside my wife and two of our close friends. What can I say? Coffee has a hold on me.
One of my mentors once told me many years ago, “The ministry you’ve been called to will always stay with you, the field you’re in may change as God allows.” That has stuck with me. I never pictured myself helping open a coffee shop, much less seeing one become a place for ministry and community. But I’ve realized that my calling hasn’t really changed. I’m called to serve people, create spaces where they feel seen, and point them toward Jesus. The way I do that is simply taking a different shape.
Music is still a huge part of who I am. I’m a songwriter and worship leader, and I’ve had the opportunity to serve with quite a few local Kansas City ministries focused on bringing people together through worship and community. I also write and release music as an independent artist, with an EP currently in the works. Along with songwriting and worship leading, I work in mixing and music production, and I currently work part-time at a local coffee shop as I continue learning the hospitality side of what we’re building.
What I’m probably most passionate about is honesty. Whether it’s music, ministry, coffee, or simply sitting across the table from someone, I want people to feel like they don’t have to pretend. I’ve tired that, and has taken me NOWHERE. I think some of the most powerful moments happen when people are willing to bring their real questions, grief, joy, doubt, hope, and faith to God.
That’s also what I hope sets my work apart. I’m not really interested in creating something simply because it looks impressive or sounds polished. I want what I create to mean something. If a song helps someone pray when they didn’t have the words, if worship helps someone reconnect with God, or if a cup of coffee and a conversation makes someone feel known and welcomed, then I feel like I’ve done something worthwhile.
I’m most proud that the different parts of my life are beginning to come together instead of competing with one another. Music, ministry, hospitality, creativity, and community are all becoming different expressions of the same calling: creating places where people can encounter God and know they belong.
Any big plans?
The biggest change ahead is stepping away from full-time church ministry and helping launch Disciple Coffee Co. in Kansas City, Kansas, with my wife and two of our friends.
We want it to be more than a coffee shop. The goal is to create a space for great coffee, community, Bible studies, worship nights, and meaningful conversation.
I’m also continuing to write and release music, with plans for an EP in the future. More than anything, I’m excited to see how ministry, music, coffee, and community can all come together in this next season.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jr.nolanmusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JRNolanMusic
