Researchers across the nation, along with concerned parents, are seeking out solutions on how to effectively reach today's youth. Grizzly incidents like the school shootings in Jonesboro, AR and Littleton, CO have thrown the nation into a quandary. Not to mention the rise in drug use, occult activity,sexual promiscuity and a lack of self respect which have all created a generation desperately making attempts to fit in. It is exactly this desire for acceptance that Skillet's ministry focuses on.

John Cooper, lead singer/bassist, says, "I wouldn't have said this a year ago, but the thing I've been hit with more than ever is the need for acceptance." The rest of the band agrees, this is what today's generation is screaming for.

Korey Cooper, John's wife and keyboardist, describes the role of Christian music in today's society; "It's at least two-fold. One, to encourage Christians in their faith and teaching them the word and theology. Secondly, to create music to reach those not in the church."

"Christian music is the obvious alternative to music with less edifying lyrics," says John.

Skillet's music has been an alternative for many listeners and made its mark on the charts. Both of their projects were nominated for Dove Awards, and their second album, 'Hey You, I Love Your Soul' won the Alternative Rock Album of the Year 1999 from the Inspirational Network.

Faithful Skillet fans, adoringly referred to as 'Panheads' say it is not just the music that attracts them to Skillet - it is the people in Skillet (John Cooper/Bass; Kevin Haaland/Guitar; Korey Cooper/Keyboards; Trey McClurkin/Drums).

One set of parents had this to say after a recent Skillet concert in Colby, Wisconsin, "We were impressed with the passion for Jesus that all of you exhibited. As parents we are thankful to have you as role models for our kids. To be a Christian is to be like Christ and that is what the band modeled in their gentle, patient and compassionate ways with the many kids crying out for their attention." So when it comes down to meeting the needs of their listeners, Skillet is just Skillet.

"The only way we can (meet the needs) is sharing the love of God on and off stage," says John, "I hope the music is part of it and I do think there is an element of God in it that makes people feel comfortable."

Being comfortable in a social setting is not a guarantee for most of us. John knows from personal experience what it means to be an outsider, but it is his faith that makes him feel at home wherever he goes.

Wearing his space-style boots, edgy clothing and gelled hair, John says, "I feel like I can walk into any church and have people say 'Oh, here comes the sinner,'" confesses John, "but after they ask me some questions and hear us play they are comfortable with us."

John says he and the band make it very clear that they are doing what they do for Jesus. One of the ways John tries to make people feel comfortable during a show is to tell jokes.

"We don't take ourselves too seriously, and my jokes are really dumb," says John. Most who have attended a Skillet concert can testify to John's hilarious behavior.

"Sometimes they think I'm quirky and strange, and other nights they'll kill themselves laughing." Recently John received an email after a show in Cincinnati, OH from a youth pastor telling him he was the funniest musician he had ever seen.

Jokes and all, when it comes to winning over an audience Korey says, "It's the passion and our Bible-based lyrics that keep them coming back for more."

It's this approachability and open-armed acceptance; John says the church, as a whole needs to demonstrate.

"I think when the church starts doing what we are supposed to be doing, the message out there would be the church has open arms and that it doesn't matter how you dress or where you come from," John concludes, "when this happens it will start true revival."

Skillet says they try to be available to all who want to come and hang out with them and see their shows. At their shows they are often the last people to leave, after autographs, picture taking and story telling.

Korey explains that after shows, "People say you're so humble, but I'm not working at it - I just can't imagine not being (humble) with all the things Jesus has done for me. I just want the kids to come to the understanding I have of Jesus"

It is this message Skillet hopes Invincible will bring to all that hear the electrifying sounds. But where did invincible come from?

"The idea came from the X-Files movie," explains John, "There is a part when the government conspiracy group thought Mulder knew too much, but the head guy said not to kill him because you can kill a man, but not what he stands for. And that's how the church is. The invincible Kingdom - undefeatable," proclaims John. The chorus in the title track, Invincible, says "You just can't kill a man when he is dead."

This is the attitude and mindset Skillet is trying to get across to their listeners, that faith in Jesus is bigger than any of us. The songs on the CD are filled with hope and awe of God's Kingdom and His power in our lives. Korey says, "I want people to know we are part of something so massive - it's not about me and Jesus doing our own thing. But God is so powerful, and His purposes will be accomplished and you have the honor of being part of it."

Two single releases from Invincible are on radio now, Best Kept Secret and I Rest. Pat Scholes, President of Ardent Records says, "Invincible merges cutting edge music with lyrics that challenge and encourage believers and seekers alike," he says, "It is this passion to stretch the boundaries of music while never compromising the truth and power of the gospel that has always set Skillet apart as a very unique group of musicians and ministers."

John and the rest of the band hope that Invincible will carry its message of hope across the nation. Skillet trusts that their favor with audiences will continue into the future, as they are faithful to meet people where they are at, and keep their sole focus on Jesus. With a new millennium at hand, people are talking about the woes it could bring, but Skillet is only seeing opportunity.

Korey explains, "Recently doors have been opened to Christian musicians to reach the world through mainstream radio and movies. I think that will continue to grow in the next millennium, because Christians are called to influence the world."

The band says it's excited about kicking off their new Invincible Tour 2000 in Memphis on Friday, February 4 at the New Daisy on Beale Street. Press Release: Skillet/Invincible "you just can't kill a man when he is dead."

We live in a world where technology and traditions collide along with space and time, but the one true constant in the universe is Jesus - that's the message that Skillet is bringing to this generation through their new album, Invincible.

For centuries, generations have sought after answers to the innate questions of man: Who am I? Why am I here? Why now? Where does evil come from? Is there really a heaven and a hell? If there is a god why is there so much suffering in the world? And if a higher power does exist why would it want to have anything to do with me? While millions of scholars have pondered these very questions and tried to create answers - the truth has transcended over time. The truth that God loves this world and everyone in it. The reality that He sent His only son, Jesus, to die upon the cross for all of us, so we could know Him personally and intimately. It1s this truth that Skillet is resting in.

The bold sounds and lyrics of Skillet is their tool to share with others the peace they have discovered. Their innovative sounds and driving rhythms draw in this generation hungry for so much more than the next fad. The desire of the band is to invite people into a personal relationship with Jesus and encourage Christians to live outside the boxes of our society, to live for His glory.

Skillet has been touring on their own for the past four years and playing with assorted bands like Audio Adrenaline, Rebecca St. James, Newsboys, Third Day, Newsong, Bleach, Buck and SkyPark. Invincible is their third release, their second, Hey You, I Love Your Soul won the Alternative Album of the year in 1999 from the Inspirational Network. Though the band has received high honors and hit the top of the charts, the true reward is seeing the lives of their beloved fans, Panheads, transformed with hope.

The Invincible Tour 2000 runs from February through May with special guests Stereo Deluxx and American Made or PAX217. So come on to the future - He has already gone before you - step out and live radically for the One Purpose in the universe - know Him and make Him known.

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