4tified Alumni

To meet the group's former members, see below:

 

Bill Crist

"Wild Bill" Crist joined the group in 2006 playing bass, but quickly settled in on acoustic guitar. He picked up his first guitar at 3 years old and by 5 was taking lessons. His idol was Chet Atkins and he always dreamt of playing professionally. In his young adult years Bill played with Country, Rock, and Big Bands in and around Mobile Alabama. He also did a lot of studio work. For almost ten years he didn't even pick up a guitar until the Lord began to draw him to playing only for Him. Joining the worship team at Purcellville Baptist Church, his love of the guitar and music exploded in a whole new way as he gave his talent to the Lord. It was on the worship team that Bill met Brian Busch, who had joined 4tified in 2005.

Bill has been married to Bonita for over 30 years with three grown children and 3 wonderful grandchildren.

Bill recently retired from the police force and has moved to Kentucky where he hopes to pursue his vision of establishing a recording studio called "Righteous Rogue Productions." 

Bill's passion for Jesus, music, and 4tified is truly missed.

 

Paul Belella

Paul was one of the original members of 4tified, and remained with the group until September 2006, when he and his family moved to Maryland. Paul looks back fondly on his time with the guys, where his sense of humor kept the other guys guessing about what he might say. More importantly, Paul savors the memories of growing both spiritually and musically in the company of his brothers in Christ. He will always treasure this very special period in his life.

Paul's spiritual journey has been an interesting one. He grew up in the Catholic Church, serving several years as an altar boy. After going away to college, getting married, and beginning to raise a family, Paul came to realize that he was spiritually adrift.  At the encouragement of his lovely wife, Stephanie, he began to attend the Loudoun Valley Church of the Nazarene with his family. It was there that he met the brothers that would eventually reintroduce him to Jesus Christ, and began the wonderful odyssey with 4tified.

Paul's walk with the Lord took a decidedly positive turn during a trip to the "Stand in the Gap" Promise Keepers event in Washington, DC in 1997. It was there that he finally came face to face with his Lord and Savior. Since then, Paul has been overcome with the joy that comes along with turning his heart over to Jesus Christ.
Paul is now the Worship Leader at his new church home in Chewsville, MD, and is anxious to share his personal story of salvation with anyone who'll listen. Paul and Stephanie have three wonderful children: Mitch, Taylor, and Payton.

Paul's favorite verse of Scripture is found in the words of Jesus spoken in John 12:32: "But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself." "

 

 

Kevin Stone

Kevin is a founding member of the group and has written or arranged much of 4tified's repertoire, including co-writing credits on some of the songs included on the new release.

Kevin’s path has included music ministry in one form or another since he was a teenager, having been a part time Music Minister, solo artist, studio engineer and producer before helping found 4tified back in 1999.  

Kevin has great memories of his years of ministry with 4tified, such as:  Singing “Satisfied” for the first time at Loudoun Valley Church of the Nazarene, spending hours in Kevin’s basement studio finishing the first CD, traveling to Colorado, where “Man on a Mission” placed second in GMA’s “Country or Southern Gospel Song of 2004” competition, and the 2006 4tified Homecoming, where the guys sang with a full band for the first time!

Most of all, Kevin looks back with fondness on all of the hours spent getting to know and love the great men and women of faith who have been an integral part of 4tified’s ministry over the years.  From hours spent in George’s RV with the guys to the many church leaders, event organizers and congregants he was able to spend time fellowshipping and ministering with, it was an amazing time of development and fulfillment in Kevin’s life.

Kevin is so proud and thrilled at how the ministry of 4tified has grown and continued to develop over the years, and he looks forward to seeing what the future holds for them.

In 2006, Kevin had to leave 4tified as he answered God’s call into his first full-time ministry position.  He moved with his family to Omaha, NE – where he is still serving as Pastor of Worship and Music at Evangelical Bible Church.  While he misses the 4tified family and many others “back east,” he’s never felt more at peace with his life than now… as he tries to inspire a community of believers to worship God in a deeper way corporately and individually.  You can get a glimpse of Kevin’s current ministry at www.ebcomaha.org.

As for his family:  Kevin’s wife, Melissa has recently completed her Master’s Degree and teaching certification in multiple disciplines, and will be seeking a teaching position.  Thomas, the oldest, is living in North Carolina.  Beth is living at home in Omaha and currently attends the University of Nebraska at Omaha.  Andy, the youngest, is doing well in school and is a talented drummer.

One of Kevin's favorite verses is Psalm 100: "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are his; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through ALL generations."

 

Steve Tye

Steve Tye is a walking testimony to the greatness and mercy of God, and the miracles He works in the lives of his people. Steve joined the group in 2001, after having been sent an e-mail from Kevin Stone asking him if he'd like to drop everything in his life and move to Virginia to join a southern gospel quartet... that doesn't pay its members! In God's perfect way, He moved Steve's heart, and Steve moved his life--lock, stock, and giant Lincoln Continental--to Virginia. At the time, Steve had nowhere to live, and had no job. Talk about faith!!

Steve has never known life without music. His early experience varies from children's choir in Church, to a seat in the National Honors Band during his last year of high school. He has studied Tuba with Jeff Rideout and Harvey Phillips, and was a member of the U.S. Marine Band from 1987 until 1994 where he toured the country numerous times playing tuba, bass and guitar.

During that time he developed a love for sound and recording arts, and he can often be found tweaking something electronic. His recording engineering experience has brought him together with several national artists in both sacred and secular music. Steve currently works as a Network Engineer for NETCO Government Systems.

The miracles didn't end when Steve moved to Virginia. Steve met the woman who would become his wife, Beverly, after she saw him... where else?... at a 4tified concert! Steve and Beverly have three beautiful children--Kenny, Cassandra, and Chelsea.

Steve became a 4tified alumnus in September 2004. In order to care properly for Beverly's life-long heart condition, Steve sought guidance from the Lord, and was led to move his family to Minnesota, where they could be near Beverly's expert doctors. In God's miraculous fashion, Steve was able to transfer his job to the area, where Beverly received her new heart, and where they have the support of his nearby family members.

The guys sincerely miss the man they came to know as a true brother, and the wonderful family he and Beverly have built. They wish him nothing less than abundant blessings, and profound joy.

One of Steve's favorite scripture verses is Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

 

Bob Longenecker

Bob was a founding member of the group, and a treasured alumus. The group's original bass, Bob's kindness and gentle spirit was an absolute cornerstone for the group's foundation. It is through Bob's example that the guys came to recognize their calling, and the responsibilities that came with it.

It didn't hurt that Bob has a syrupy smooth bass voice, either! Never one to relish the spotlight, Bob nonetheless got attention from listeners--for his voice, and for his Godly heart. His wisdom and his focus on seeking the Lord's will continue to influence the guys to this day.

Bob and his beautiful bride Diana, are proud parents, and grandparents! They currently reside in Lovettsville, Virginia, and are a welcome sight when they stop in to see the guys in concert. They will always occupy a very special place in the history of 4tified, and in the hearts of the guys.