SEPTEMBER 27, 2024 – Lakeland, FL – When Jay Heilman launched ChristianMusicReview.org (CMR) on September 25, 2004, the Christian music scene was abuzz with the likes of Mercyme, Third Day, and TobyMac. Emerging artists like Casting Crowns, Todd Agnew, and Jeremy Camp were just beginning to make their mark. Heilman, then a 23-year-old with a burgeoning dream, was seeking a platform to combine his passion for music with his newfound Christian faith.

After leaving his local radio co-host position, Heilman embarked on a journey of prayer and discovery. The idea for CMR, a website dedicated to reviewing the latest Christian music releases, emerged as a natural fit for his experience, musical knowledge, and creative writing skills. For the next eleven years, CMR became a go-to destination for Christian music enthusiasts seeking insightful reviews.

In 2016, CMR evolved into Today’s Christian Entertainment (TCE), offering a more comprehensive range of content. Both CMR and TCE have earned the respect and admiration of industry veterans and artists alike. John DiBiase of Jesus FreakHideout.com, publicist Jacquelyn Marushka of Marushka Media, and singer-songwriter John Waller have praised Heilman’s dedication and passion for the Christian entertainment industry.

DiBiase says, “Sheer commitment and dedication to his work aside, Jay is the perfect example of the best kind of people to find involved in the Christian music industry – which is surprisingly a rarity. His work is a testament to his passion, and this industry is blessed to have him be a part of it for these past two decades.” Marushka continues that sentiment by saying, “I’ve always been impressed with Jay, Kelly, Laura and Sean. I have worked with this great team for more than 20 years and one thing I have always been able to count on is their professionalism. This team works with excellence, doing their research and showing up prepared. Every. Single. Time.” Longtime friend, singer-songwriter John Waller says “Jay came into my life when I released my album ‘The Blessing’ and when he interviewed me for it, our hearts were connected instantly. We’ve remained friends for over 15 years now. The reason is because Jay is the real deal. Which sadly can be rare in this industry.”

Heilman humbly attributes the success of CMR/TCE to the collective efforts of a dedicated team of volunteers from around the world. He acknowledges the invaluable contributions of others as well. “I would most certainly not be where I am today if it weren’t for the many individuals who I have worked alongside, those who have shared my love and passion for the uplifting and encouraging Christian entertainment and the best it has to offer.” Heilman says. “I wanted to take a moment and acknowledge, my longest tenured team-member, Laura Chambers, who has worked with me 15 years now, as my lead review, going way back to 2009; Kelly Meade, who has been working with me since 2015 and who has truly been my right hand for most of that time, and whom I can pinpoint as the biggest reason why we’re where we are today! To Sean “P-Daddy” Perry, who partnered with me in late 2015 to re-brand/re-launch CMR into TCE, leading us into the future as well as the rest of our current writing team and all of those who have been a part of what we’ve done in the past – thank you!”

Those who have been a part of CMR/TCE’s team over the years have also been very vocal about what a blessing it has been to be a part of the amazing work that God has done within and outside TCE.  TCE’s lead review and Canadian resident Laura Chambers, says “When I first got involved with CMR/TCE, I was just beginning to discover Christian music and fiction through my local library.  We’ve had a lot of changes over the years – members come and go, artists rise up and retire, even a new name – but we’re still here, still focused on message over medium, and I hope that will never change.” And Kelly Meade, who co-hosts Kingdom Builder with Heilman, as well as serving as both TCE’s lead site content admin and social media coordinator says, “Working with CMR/TCE has been one of the best things God has allowed me to do. It’s hard to put into words how much the experiences I’ve had, and friendships formed over the past nine years mean to me and have helped me grow in my faith and as a person.” Meade continues. “Being able to point others to entertainment, especially music, that carries a message that can truly change lives is something I’ve always been passionate about as I’ve seen the impact it has made in my own life through songs and conversations more times than I can count. I pray that God will continue to use TCE, our team and the coverage we share to reach people with His redeeming love as we move forward into the years ahead!”

Many other industry colleagues, artists have also sent their sentiments and congratulations over Jay and his team for CMR/TCE’s 20th anniversary, check those out below…

“Congratulations on 20 incredible years! From the early days of Christian Music Review to Kingdom Builder and the rebranded Today’s Christian Entertainment, I’ve watched in awe from the beginning as Jay Heilman and his dedicated team delivered spectacular content to fans of faith-based entertainment. What an amazing accomplishment… I look forward to another two decades and beyond.”

~ Brian Mayes (Publicist, Nashville Publicity Group)

“Congrats to Jay and the entire team at Today’s Christian Entertainment for two decades of connecting people to the life-changing messages in Christian music. Your dedication to build God’s Kingdom first has been felt through our friendship and collaboration over the years. You have always approached your reporting with passion and respect, and ultimately, with a desire to point people to Christ through Christian music. We’re honored to share this passion with you! Here’s to the next twenty years!”

~ Kevin McNeese (Founder, NewReleaseToday.com)

“Jay Heilman came into my life when I released my album “The Blessing” and he interviewed me and our hearts were connected instantly. We’ve remained friends for over 15 years now. The reason is because Jay is the real deal. Which sadly can be rare in this industry”

~ John Waller (Singer/Songwriter)

For the past 20 years, McCain & Co. Public Relations and our clients have loved working with Jay Heilman at Today’s Christian Entertainment, Kingdom Builder Radio/Podcast, Kingdom Builder TV, and Christian Music Review. Congratulations to Jay and his team—you are a joy to work with and we appreciate all you do to spread the gospel through Christian music, movies, and entertainment!

~Lynn McCain (Publicist, McCain & Co. Public Relations)

“I’ve been working with Jay for 20 years. Crazy that’s it’s been that long. I always enjoy his interviews because he always does his homework, knows the music, and asks great questions. Blessed to call you a friend, Jay. Congrats on the longevity. Much deserved!”

~ Billy Buchanan (former Fusebox vocalist / former leader of Rebecca St. James backing band)

“Happy 20th Anniversary to Jay Heilman and his team at Christian Music Review and Today’s Christian Entertainment! Over the past two decades, Jay’s unwavering passion for the Christian Music and Film industry has set a remarkable standard. His dedication to sharing powerful stories through music and media has left an indelible mark. Working with Jay and his team has been a true honor, and their professionalism and heart for ministry continue to inspire us all. Here’s to many more years of success and impact!”

~ Aaron Crisler (Publicist, Conduit Publicity)

“I’ve always been impressed with Jay, Kelly, Laura and Sean. I have worked with this great team for more than 20 years and one thing I have always been able to count on is their professionalism. This team works with excellence; doing their research and showing up prepared. Every. Single. Time. 

Whether we were working on new album launches or GRAMMY wins for artists including Third Day, Jars of Clay, Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, Casting Crowns, John Waller, Natalie Grant, Tenth Avenue North, Brothers of the Heart, or our favorite Backstreet Boy, Brian Littrell, Jay’s team was on top of their game. They treat new and established artists with the same care and respect and they dig for stories that nobody else is covering.  

When I led the PR campaign launching Provident Films or ran support press for Passion of the Christ, Jay and his team were right there making sure our news was presented in a detailed and timely manner.  I will always appreciate this aspect of how they work.

Jay – I’m grateful for you, Kelly, Laura and Sean. Congratulations on closing out 20 years of great work, and I wish you many more years of storytelling success.”

~ Jacquelyn Marushka (Publicist, Murushka Media)

“Jay and all the team at Today’s Christian Entertainment/Kingdom Builder are absolutely amazing! They truly have a heart for God and  provide a great platform for artists to share their stories and songs of redemption, hope and most of all, Jesus.”

~ Jason Fowler (Singer/Songwriter)

“Sheer commitment and dedication to his work aside, Jay is the perfect example of the best kind of people to find involved in the Christian music industry – which is surprisingly a rarity. His work is a testament to his passion, and this industry is blessed to have him be a part of it for these past two decades. Congrats, Jay! Here’s hoping for many more!”

 ~ John DiBiase (Founder, JesusFreakHideout.com)

“I’ve worked in entertainment for almost 20 years, including over over 370 films. Jay and his team are some of the best we’ve worked with in media, and this includes all the national media. It’s such a great privilege to work with his professional and thoughtful team.”

~ Corby Pons (Publicist, WIT PR)

“I will say this, since working with Jay on my interview for my film, The Grace Card, he’s become a dear friend. Not so close that he would pick me up at the airport at 2 AM, but still a real dear friend. lol I love reading Jay’s material and his interviews and watching him progress in his ministry”

~ Michael Joiner (Comedian/Actor from The Grace Card)

“Jay and his team are such a joy to work with! They always execute interviews and coverage at a high level of excellence. We are grateful for the work they do!”

~ Nicole Crumbley (Publicist, EPIC Inc.)

“Congrats on 20 years of good honest music reviews and thank you for helping create an avenue for Decyfer Down and countless other bands to connect with new fans and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ!”

~ TJ Harris (Lead Vocalist/Guitars for Decyfer Down)

“We (Pillar) hit the industry in the early 2000’s and friendly people like Jay was there to support us. We just came back for our reunion here in 2024 and guess who was there to help and support us, Jay. Thank you brother for your many years of support and all you have contributed to the Christian music industry.”

~ Michael “Kalel” Wittig (Bass Guitarist for Pillar)

In closing, Heilman’s journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment, dedication, and passion for Christian music. Through CMR/TCE/KBTV, he has created a platform that has not only informed and entertained but has also fostered a community of like-minded individuals who share a love for uplifting and encouraging content.

If you haven’t already, take a moment to go like, follow, subscribe and share TCE with others on the following links and social media platforms:

Website: https://www.todayschristianent.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/todayschristianent

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todayschristianent

Twitter/X: https://www.x.com/tce4jesus

YouTube/Kingdom Builder TV: https://www.youtube.com/@KingdomBuilderTV2015

Kingdom Builder Live Podcast: https://www.soundcloud.com/kingdombuilderlive/

TCE Email: [email protected]

Courtesy of Today’ Christian Entertainment