Who we are

At Faith In Music Foundation, we believe that every artist deserves the opportunity to make their mark on the world. We are a faith-based nonprofit foundation dedicated to empowering musicians by breaking down the financial barriers that prevent them from pursuing their dreams. Whether they’re recording their first album, hitting the road for a tour, or growing their skills with established professionals, we are here to provide crucial support. Our mission is to build a vibrant, inclusive community that connects aspiring musicians with opportunities, offers support to established artists who want to continue enriching the world with their music, and aids industry workers in building experience and furthering their careers. Through love, kindness, and a shared passion for music, we strive to create a space where everyone can thrive.

Our Values:

Empowerment: Providing musicians with the tools and resources to make their dreams a reality.

Community: Building a supportive network of passionate individuals who care about the future of music.

Education: Offering clinics and professional training for musicians of all levels.

Faith: Guiding our mission with love, kindness, and integrity.

A man and a woman sitting on chairs in front of a fireplace, holding hands and smiling at the camera.

Our Story:

Back in 2013, Michael and Lisa started noticing a feeling they couldn’t ignore, a sense that God was nudging them to do more. Not just for themselves, but for others, especially musicians who were struggling to keep creating in a tough, ever-changing industry. Those early conversations, often over coffee or in between tour stops, slowly grew into what became Faith in Music Foundation. At its core, Faith in Music is about helping artists pursue their calling and reach levels of quality and excellence that often feel out of reach today.

The music world has never been easy. Whether you’re a young artist saving up for a decent guitar or a seasoned musician trying to keep a tour going, finding support, financial or otherwise, is always a challenge.

Michael knows this world inside and out. Back in the early ‘80s, he helped start the pioneering Christian rock band Stryper. Somehow, after all these years, the band is still recording, touring, and connecting with fans around the world. He has seen the highs and lows firsthand…the excitement, the burnout, and the grind. Those experiences shape the heart and mission of Faith in Music Foundation.

Lisa brings a different, but equally important, perspective. With a strong background in nonprofit leadership and business operations, she thrives behind the scenes, handling everything from fundraising and HR to event planning and logistics. Her practical, steady approach has been key to helping Stryper navigate the ever-changing music industry.

Ellena, their daughter, works closely with Michael and Lisa managing Stryper and has been instrumental in shaping and launching Faith in Music Foundation. With a background in communications and administration and experience in artist management through her work with Stryper, she brings both strategic oversight and hands-on support to help the foundation run smoothly and assist artists in overcoming financial barriers.

Together, Michael, Lisa, and Ellena make a balanced team, blending creative passion with clear strategy. They have helped Stryper keep moving not just through perseverance, but by running things like a business, securing sponsorships, regularly revising the band’s financial plan, managing resources wisely, and always keeping the bigger picture in mind.

Faith in Music Foundation is their way of giving back and paying it forward. It reflects the journey they have been on together and their hope that, with the right support, more artists can keep creating music that truly matters.

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  • President

    With over four decades in the music industry, Michael Sweet stands as a respected veteran and expert in hard rock and Christian metal. As the lead vocalist, guitarist, and co-founder of the Grammy-nominated band Stryper, Sweet helped pioneer a genre, selling over 10 million albums worldwide and delivering hits like “Honestly” and To Hell with the Devil, now regarded as a landmark Christian rock album.

    In addition to his success with Stryper, Sweet has released a string of acclaimed solo albums and collaborated with top-tier artists in projects like Boston, Sweet & Lynch, Sunbomb, Iconic, and SOLEDRIVER. Known for his relentless drive, technical skill, and commitment to excellence, Sweet brings unmatched experience to every project. “I’m fortunate to have so many opportunities,” he says. “As an overachiever, I tend to work really well under pressure.”

    From studio production to live performance, Sweet’s longevity is a testament to his talent, versatility, and influence. His work continues to inspire both fans and fellow musicians, bridging faith and hard rock with authenticity and passion.

  • Treasurer, Executive Director

    With over 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and a strong background in the music industry, Lisa has managed to build a career rooted in finding ways to support others.

    She began her journey at The Arc of Cape Cod, where she gradually took on more responsibility, eventually serving as Assistant Executive Director. In that role, she oversaw matters from finance and HR to program development and fundraising, gaining hands-on experience in what it takes to keep an organization thriving.

    Concurrently, in 2011, Lisa brought her skills into a new and creative space: artist management. As the wife and manager of musician Michael Sweet, she’s become a key part of his team, helping coordinate everything from tours and releases to day-to-day logistics. Whether working on the road with Stryper or behind the scenes supporting Michael’s solo efforts, Lisa approaches each task with care and a sharp business mindset.

  • Clerk, Assistant Executive Director

    Ellena Sweet has spent the past decade in roles spanning creative communication, administrative support, financial oversight, and artist management. She currently serves as Office and Merchandise Manager for Stryper, working closely with Michael and Lisa to manage bookkeeping, tour budgets, royalties, day-to-day operations, and merchandise both online and on tour. Balancing behind-the-scenes coordination with hands-on support, she ensures the band runs smoothly while contributing to its long-term success.

    Her earlier experience includes managing events, digital outreach, and financial assistance programs at The Arc of Cape Cod, as well as overseeing daily operations and client services in dental practice management. A graduate of Salve Regina University with a B.A. in English Communications, Ellena began her career with a marketing and PR internship at the Newport Gallery Organization, a nonprofit supporting local artists. As Assistant Executive Director for Faith in Music Foundation, she has been instrumental in shaping the organization alongside Michael and Lisa.

Our Leadership

  • A man with glasses and earrings wearing a black 'Deep South Entertainment' T-shirt standing indoors with framed artwork and a green plant in the background.

    David Rose

    Dave Rose is the CEO and co-founder of Deep South Entertainment, a prominent artist management firm founded in 1995. Over the years, he has guided the careers of some of the biggest names in the music industry. A published author, Dave has written two Amazon-charting books about the music business. Above all, he is a devoted husband and father to two young boys.

  • A man with long gray hair, beard, and a checkered blazer smiling in a room with books and decorative items on shelves in the background.

    Scott Norvell

    Co-Founder, Pastor, and CEO of www.blueflame47.com, a global Christian ministry and local church headquartered in Bixby, Tulsa County, OK, USA since 2010. Author of the book Terraforming For The Kingdom, and co-author of 16 sequels on changing the atmosphere of Earth from one that is hostile to God’s love, to one that is hospitable. Called by God in 2007 to quit a thriving 15-year career in banking to live a life of faith and trust. Graduated from Colorado State University with an MBA and Oral Roberts University with a Bachelor's Degree in Management. Encountered Jesus at a Stryper concert in October of 1985. Husband to Co-Pastor Shari Norvell, parents of five adult children, their plus ones, and six grandchildren. Desperate to see the world know God as Love!

  • Close-up portrait of a smiling middle-aged man with gray hair, wearing a dark blazer and a blue collared shirt, indoors with a blurred background.

    Robert Hollis

    Bob Hollis has served as the president of Hollis Insurance Agency, Inc. for 40 years. Additionally, he’s been a certified financial planner since 1986. Hollis is the founder and president of the Spire Center for Performing Arts, a testament to a deep passion for the arts and community engagement.

  • Close-up portrait of a middle-aged man with greying hair, blue eyes, wearing a checkered shirt and dark jacket, against a black background.

    David McCreary

    David McCreary serves as director of Marketing and Communications at TWR International, a global media ministry that produces and distributes Christian content in more than 200 languages.

    For more than three decades, he has also written music reviews, feature stories, and artist bios for publications and online portals like CCM Magazine and allmusic.com. A native of North Carolina, David is a devoted husband and father to two adult children.

  • Logo for Faith in Music Foundation featuring a yellow cross integrated with soundwave design on a black background, with white and yellow text.

  • A man with glasses smiling in a music studio with guitars and music-themed decorations.

    Brian Mayes

    With over 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Brian Mayes founded Nashville Publicity Group in 2002, and maintains a diverse roster of clients that encompasses music, authors, tours and events, television and feature films, corporate clients, non-profits, faith-based ministries, human rights activists, political icons and much more. In addition, Mayes is the founder and CEO of CeleBriDy Brands LLC and Frankland Events LLC, producing entertainment festivals and events, including Nashville Elvis Festival, Franklin Summer Bash and Christmas with the King.

    Mayes had previously served as Director of Publicity at Brentwood Records and President and Director of Marketing & A&R for Audience Records, which he co-founded under the Pamplin Music umbrella. Prior to moving to Nashville in 1996, this Los Angeles native worked in artist management and various TV/film projects including The Late Show with Arsenio Hall, The Wonder Years and The Grammy Awards.