Ry Edwards
Director of Music and Children's Ministries
Ry grew up in New Brighton riding bikes, reading about King Arthur and The Chronicles of Narnia, and watching X-men, the animated series. From these activities he developed strong interests in exploring, “might for right; not might is right”, and that all creatures and people are deeply unique and beautiful. In Middle School, after accidentally discovering a Billy Graham book about Revelation, Ry began an independent study reading through the Bible and studying major world religions. Seeking wisdom and knowledge about God from various perspectives has grown his desire to know God more deeply in a life-long relationship. Ry received a guitar on his Confirmation Day and within a year was writing songs. He has composed over 1,000 pieces and has performed at everything from weddings and corporate events to ice cream shoppes and churches. As an adult Ry wondered what aspects of the Human Experience were completely universal. He began asking people from all over the world. Over 15 years and 3,000 interviews, he identified 9 Human Needs that drive our core motivations regardless of whether we grow up in Japan, Iran, Liberia, or the US. He has used this knowledge to help inspire people of all ages to set goals that draw them deeper into their purpose. Professionally, Ry has worked in 15 years in IT systems and Business Process Analysis, Coached and mentored men dealing with addiction and coming out of incarceration, and worked as a substitute teacher for kids ages K-12. Ry is very excited to grow disciples at MUMC who are just as excited as him to learn how Jesus changes the world through radical love to build the all-inclusive Kingdom of God.