Does anyone know about Key of David Ministries? Is it possible that they are an off-shoot from the Family? The theme of some of the lyrics Jason Upton writes are very similar to some Family songs. But it does say he has a Masters in Divinity from Regent University. I am copying his mission statement below. The graphics on the web site (first page) look to me a lot like graphics of Father David. www.jasonupton.com Has anyone heard of them?
"MISSION
Jason Upton (and his wife, Rachel) minister under the auspices and ‘covering’ of Key of David Ministries, Inc. based in Cedar Grove, Wisconsin. Key of David was founded in August, 2000, with its Mission being as follows:
*To facilitate the Uptons obedience to the ‘call’ of God on their lives, as expressed in worship and intercession.
*To teach and demonstrate all facets of Biblical worship, encompassing prayer and intercession, music and art, preaching and teaching, and the ‘prophetic’.
*To provide protection, discipleship and accountability for Jason and Rachel and those who minister with them.
Key of David Ministries, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization governed by an independent board of directors who oversee and direct the Ministry (and handle all finances).
VALUES
The ministry of Key of David sets out the following as core values:
Spirit Sensitivity-
We believe that the foundation of our lives both personally and corporately in the community of Believers is that Jesus Christ is the Cornerstone upon which everything must be built.
Henceforth, in our ministry we are determined to follow in the footsteps of Christ and our forefathers (mothers) of old whose prophetic lives were not consumed with the future, fortune and fame of men - nor the fear of men, but instead were consumed with the feelings of the heart of God. We believe that when one attempts to please the heart of man in a ministry setting (ie: service, conference, etc.) there is no guarantee that God’s Will will be accomplished. However, when one focuses solely on pleasing the heart of God, then God’s Kingdom will be established and His Will will be accomplished.
As worship leaders we are not actors nor entertainers but rather ministers who attempt to communicate man’s heart to God and God’s heart to man. Hence our ministry is very free-flowing as opposed to being planned, scripted and choreographed. As such, we seek at all times to be Spirit-sensitive rather than seeker-sensitive (Jason is an ordained minister with a Masters of Divinity degree from Regent University).
Team Ministry
We believe that the most productive, fruitful and authentic ministry offered by Key of David occurs in ‘team’ ministry versus ‘individual’ ministry. To us a key element in worship ministry is that of trust……not talent; and the ‘community’ relationship God has given us with our band members provides the basis for such trust. Hence, when we minister at a church, conference, etc. we work only with our own team members.
Sometimes Jason will be sent out with two band members, and at other times with the whole band (up to four members). However, wherever possible, we seek to include the whole band with whom that bond of trust has been built.
Finances
We believe that the provision (or lack thereof) of the finances needed for the Ministry is a critical signpost to us as to whether or not we are following God’s Will. As such we do not spend any of our ministry time or resources on fund raising. We have no partners, no mailing lists, and make no solicitations. Rather we look to God to fund the ministry solely through honorariums, free will offerings, sales of our own ministry tapes/CD’s and unsolicited donations.
100% of all revenue generated (including product sales, record contracts, etc.) belongs to Key of David Ministries, Inc.. The Uptons receive a salary based upon the reasonable needs of their family as determined by the board. Other musicians, intercessors, etc. are paid based upon individual times of ministry. There are no fees whatsoever paid to the board members.
In order to facilitate the orderly selection and scheduling of ministry requests the board has hired one of the band members, Mr. William Clark, as a paid Ministry Co-ordinator, developed a “Standard Ministry Agreement” and set forth a fee schedule for the various types of ministry reflecting the costs of conducting such ministry. These things are necessary to make sure that our communications with churches, conferences, etc. are clearly set forth and easily understood."