Younger Perspective: Kristopher Erwin  

By Erin Stevens

Here at Younger Perspective, my main goals are to A) Let you get to know your youthful favorites a little better in the gospel music world, and to B) Keep it ‘all in the family.’ Family groups continue to be the key ingredient that unites our industry. It’s the younger generation spreading the Message that adds that extra, special touch alongside their parents and siblings. Many of you will remember when the adorable Miss Katie Erwin dropped by to chat with us last year. This year, it’s time to focus on one of her talented young brothers that help lock the tight, family harmonies of The Erwins. Please make welcome the soon-to-be 19 year old Kristopher Erwin. You never know; he may just break out in the B-I-B-L-E while munching on some lo mein, all while capturing it on film. Kris, the floor’s yours…

 

Erin: Being surrounded by music all your life, at what point did you personally feel called into ministry?

Kris: Growing up in an evangelistic home, traveling from church to church every week has always been the norm for me. My dad has been an evangelist for over 41 years. The first time I was on stage, I was about three years old. While my dad was introducing me, I reached for the microphone. Dad, expecting me to sing, “Jesus Loves Me” or “The B-I-B-L-E,” handed me the mic and I sang “Tomorrow” from the musical Annie.  So, that’s how my stage debut went down in history! In all honesty, singing has just been a natural part of growing up for our family. I suppose the best way to put it, is that I’ve somehow always ‘known’ I had a calling on my life.  

 

 

Erin: Anyone who follows you on Instagram would know you love all things Polaroid. What started that vintage hobby?

Kris:  A lifelong family friend from Beaumont, Texas (who we all call “Grandma”) gave me a box full of old Polaroid and Super 8 cameras; and of course, I started putting them to use. Now, I have no money, but instead a lot of neat Polaroid snaps that I enjoy sharing with everybody.  

 

 

Erin: Out of all the cities and states you’ve traveled through, what is your favorite stop to make?

Kris: I have such a strong love for New York City. I make time to visit multiple times a year. Some day, if I could, I’d live there in a heartbeat.

 

 

Erin: Is there anyone in our industry who has had a profound impact on your ministry and/or musical perspective?

Kris:  It would be impossible to name just one, but no individual has impacted our ministry musically more than Steve Hurst. He’s tremendously helped my siblings and I grow vocally and as a group. We could never repay him for the invaluable lessons he has taught us.

 

 

Erin: Share a behind-the-scenes look at the family’s recent studio recording process of Ready To Sail. 

Kris: This CD is our first project to release with StowTown Records. We wanted to define our sound with this project, and StowTown gave us the platform to do just that and more! The entire process was incredible, from cutting tracks at the Sony studios on Music Row in Nashville; to watching the incredible Wayne Haun produce; to walking into Lifeway Christian Bookstore and seeing our product on the shelves. It’s been an amazing experience. As an added bonus, we had the privilege of having Ernie Haase sing a song with us that he wrote. We trust everyone enjoys it as much as we did making it.

 

 

Erin: Everyone has one! What’s your number one embarrassing moment either on the road or on stage, or both?

Kris: Oh boy, this is a good one. I think I was 12. My brothers and I were singing at a church in the panhandle of Texas, and I got horribly sick to my stomach, mid-verse of an a cappella song.  Fortunately, I made it off stage before it got graphic (just barely!), but I did leave my brothers to finish the song as a duet (which I assume was just as bad as my instant illness).

 

 

Erin: Comedy or action movies? Snow or sand? Chinese or Mexican food? Bow tie or skinny tie? Hot sauce or mild?

Kris: Comedy. Sand. Chinese. Skinny. The hotter the better!

 

 

Erin: Is there a Scripture verse that has recently impacted you? 

Kris: John 8:36 – Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

 

 

Erin: If there were a particularly special moment you could go back to in your childhood, what would it be?

Kris: There are many wonderful experiences I wish I could relive, especially from family vacations and childhood Christmases. I was blessed with a godly upbringing. Growing up in an atmosphere where there was so much love; that’s something I will never take for granted. I’m honored to do what I love with my family. Let the memory making continue…

 

 

Erin: In this day and age where young men are being pulled and influenced by so many secular sources, how are you taking a stand for Christ and being a light to the guys looking to your example?

Kris: Even though I’m on the road, often I’m still faced with a lot of the same temptations that all young people have. I’m trying to be as genuine and authentic as I can be, while giving the entire honor to God. I try to live my life with the thought that I take Jesus everywhere I go, and therefore, He sees everything I do. I don’t want to do anything that could hurt my testimony. I only have one life to live for Christ, I want it to count, and ultimately, make Him proud. He deserves all the glory.

 

Now back to Erin…

Have you given Christ the secret places in your life? Have you opened every door, allowing Him access to the corners of your heart? I am encouraged to know there are godly, young men like Kristopher who still put Him first, who still strive to be more like Him every day. No one ever said it would be easy, but the heavenly reward far outweighs the struggles we face here on this earth. It takes a daily dying to self. Jesus tells us that if we give our very lives to serve Him, He will fill every void and heal every hurt. He will make us brand, new creations in Him. Today could be YOUR day to start with a clean slate, take up that cross, and be sold out to serving Him.

 

Thank you to Kris for stopping by and brightening everyone’s day here in the world of the ‘younger perspectives.’ You’re awesome, Kris! Praying God’s best over you and your family as you travel the long and winding road.

Until next month, Scoops’ fans… 

And that’s my take on it.

For more information on Kris Erwin and The Erwins click HERE.

First published by SGN Scoops digital magazine in April 2015. For current issue of SGN Scoops click HERE.