It was standing room only for Tim Neufeld and the Glory Boys at the Humboldt Bible Church on Nov. 12. The multi-denomination concert had members from the majority of Humboldt’s faith communities in attendance to take in Neufeld’s Hootenanny which included a “fireside” sing-along.
Having the concert be multi-denominational is important, says Neufeld, since they can provide an environment where everyone, no matter what faith, can get together and worship in unity, which is something that is tragically missing in society.
“All you hear about these days is churches who are disunified, who differ on tiny, little theological issues, and have to fall out of fellowship and friendship. That’s just a little bit tragic.”
While traditional worship is rather solemn and pious, and there is a place for that, says Neufeld. They want to put their own spin on worship concerts and bring the joy, silliness, and self-deprecation into their show.
No matter where he is in Saskatchewan, Neufeld says it is always enjoyable with a different vibe and great hospitality.
“They’re just our speed, we love it here. Go Riders.”
For the size of crowd that packed the Humboldt Bible Church, they were one of the loudest that Neufeld has heard in a long time, he says. They brought the passion and they laughed at all of his jokes, which is a plus, says Neufeld.
Pastor Sean Brandow and the concert committee at the Bible Church played host to Neufeld and his band. This was a great opportunity to get all the faiths of Humboldt together.
“Seeing all the people and hearing them sing together...I’m thrilled to see everyone come out. It’s really exciting.”
Children also contributed to the large crowd size with the concert being a family event.
Neufeld says they are all family men themselves so anytime they see kids in their audiences it is just like playing at home for their own children. Between the four members, they have eight children, including two who are new to the fold.
When the families are not on the road with them, Neufeld says they are always at home supporting them, especially their wives who are basically single moms while the four dads are on the road touring but are exceptionally supportive.
The Glory Boys also do their part to support other children in need by promoting World Vision and child sponsorship as part of every concert.
“We want it not just to be about us but, where we can, use our platform to promote to encourage people to help those who need it the most.”
While Neufeld and his band has seen first hand the heartbreak of children in these situations, he has also seen three to four thousand children sponsored by Canadians on this tour alone.
With the tour finishing up in the next week with shows in Manitoba, the Glory Boys do get some home time coming up when they head home to Vancouver for two more weeks of hometown shows before Christmas. The band will be back on the road around March.
