A lot of artists talk about chasing their dreams

but for Christian recording artist Mark Schultz, it’s never been about the chase. Instead, it’s about following God’s call. Incidentally, this has led to what looks like any artist’s dream: two million records sold to date, ten No. 1 singles, a Dove Award as well as multiple nominations. If you’ve encountered Christian music in the last 18 years, when you hear the name Mark Schultz, you will probably begin humming your favorite Schultz hit.

But even for accomplished artists, sometimes following God’s call might mean following it away from music, or, at least away from music as others see it. Mark Schultz is about to release his first full-length album in six years. Where has he been? Following a new call on his life, one that is arguably more challenging, and fulfilling, than releasing records and being a touring artist: fatherhood.