Justin McRoberts is not afraid to admit that he is a dork. In fact, the up-and-coming singer/songwriter (and unrealized stand-up comic) went as far as encouraging the MBC students at his recent concert to embrace their own self-dorkness. "You were born a dork and you just don't know it for a real long time," he proclaimed before diving into a comical recollection of his ultimate dork moment: a flat-out rejection from his seventh grade dream girl. With his humble attitude and quirky charm-not to mention his musical talent-it's no surprise that Justin McRoberts is quickly making a name for himself in the Christian music industry.

Not your average Christian music superstar, McRoberts blends in with the college crowd wearing frayed jeans, a crumpled plaid shirt, and tousled hair. As he takes the stage, empty except for a stool, a microphone, and scattered votive candles, Justin is prepared for some serious chillin'. The single rug on the floor keeps his bare feet warm as he seamlessly transitions from humor to worship, offering songs from a place deep within his soul, his eyes lightly closed as in prayer. His voice contains a raspy edge that intensifies the raw emotion behind his lyrics.

MBC students met with Justin before the concert and heard his testimony of coming to Christ at age eighteen through the friendship of a Young Life leader. He offered this advice to students involved in ministry: "Know who you are in Christ, and get to know the person of Jesus - what he did, who he touched, where he went." McRoberts also led a seminar where students gained insight on songwriting and following God's call into music. "The most important thing is to continually grow in who you are and who God is in the depths of you," he explained. "That is what you communicate to people. I respond to my world with songs."

The combination of honest lyrics and the familiar-but-different style that exists in Justin McRoberts is attracting fans from across the country. Self-described as a mix of Toad the Wet Sprocket and Caedmon's Call-with a hint of Jane's Addiction, Justin's sound combines acoustic pop-rock with a bit of funk and flair all his own. The twenty-seven year old California native gained popularity after touring with artists including Bebo Norman, Five Iron Frenzy, the W's, and Caedmon's Call. His debut album, Reason for Living, was released in 1999, followed by Father in 2000. This year McRoberts released his third album, Untitled EP, a set of nine original worship songs that express his deep and intimate thoughts on God.

In every way, McRoberts is just an average guy who does not seek the glory of success for himself. His emotion-filled music and personal, sometimes embarrassing stories leave audiences feeling like they have known him for years. The overwhelming depth and honesty of his lyrics is a breath of fresh air from the shallow and meaningless pop songs dominating the charts. Justin McRoberts may be a dork, but a deeper look reveals a passionate, dedicated singer/songwriter whose music is a true reflection of his heart and soul.