About Jay Heilman

Based in Lakeland, FL, Jay Heilman has been an essential voice in Christian media since founding the website Christian Music Review (CMR) in 2004. This initial venture was followed by the launch of the Kingdom Builder podcast/video channel in 2009, further expanding the reach of CMR. In 2016, he rebranded CMR as Today's Christian Entertainment. He is not only TCE's founder, but also acts as the site's lead correspondent and co-host of Kingdom Builder. Outside of TCE and Kingdom Builder, Jay is married to Shannon E., and they manage a lively home with six children and an incredible array of pets. When he’s not hanging out with his wife and kiddos, sharing the message of Jesus or attending amazing concerts, Jay enjoys relaxing and playing the guitar—an instrument he has passionately pursued for nearly 30 years. Life Verse: Romans 8:28

Album Review: Michael Sweet ‘The Master Plan’

The Master Plan: Michael Sweet’s Soulful Return to His Melodic Roots Released: April 3, 2026 (Frontiers) Written by: Jay Heilman (3/27/2026) While Michael Sweet has spent the last decade delivering high-octane heavy metal both with Stryper and through powerhouse collaborations like Sweet & Lynch and Sunbomb, his [...]

Music News: Bethel Music Announces Joel Barber as Newest Member of Its Artist Collective

LOS ANGELES (March 23, 2026) – Bethel Music announces the addition of worship leader and songwriter Joel Barber to its distinguished collective. As part of Bethel Music’s ever-expanding community, Barber joins a roster of artists that have shaped the global worship landscape. Based in Leicester, UK, Barber is a worship leader, songwriter, and pastor with a deep devotion to [...]

Tour Review: Third Day’s 30th Anniversary Tour – A Multi-Generational Rock & Worship Revival

From Chain Breakers to Consuming Fires: Celebrating 30 Years of Third Day with Special Guest Zach Williams Written by: Jay Heilman (3/24/2026) Venue: Kia Center, Orlando, FL Date: March 22, 2026 There are moments in live music that feel less like a concert and more like a homecoming. On March 22nd, the Kia [...]

TV Review: FOX’s ‘The Faithful’ Brings the Heart of Genesis to Life

Written by: Jay Heilman (3/20/2026) As someone who has spent over two decades in the Christian entertainment industry, I’ve seen many attempts to bring the Bible to the screen. Some capture the scale, while others capture the Sunday School lessons. But with FOX’s new event series, The Faithful, [...]

Film News: OFF-BROADWAY FAVORITE MENDEL’S MESSIAH DEBUTS AS A CINEMATIC EVENT STREAMING WORLDWIDE THIS SPRING

LOS ANGELES (March 2026) — The award-winning Off-Broadway musical MENDEL’S MESSIAH is coming to streaming platforms worldwide this spring in a powerful new cinematic adaptation. Honored with the Bronze Halo Award, the beloved stage production now reaches global audiences with its bold, music-filled proclamation of faith and redemption. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTX21LCOH68 Blending Gospel music, dynamic dance, humor, and heartfelt storytelling, MENDEL’S [...]

Film News: HAWK HILL PICTURES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH A CHANNEL OF PEACE ANNOUNCES “THE HAIL MARY” TO STREAM EXCLUSIVELY ON ANGEL STARTING MARCH 12

Inspirational comedy-drama from Daniel Roebuck expands to additional major streaming platforms April 21 LOS ANGELES (March 12, 2026) — The heartfelt comedy-drama “The Hail Mary,” written and directed by veteran actor and filmmaker Daniel Roebuck (“Matlock,” “The Fugitive”), will begin streaming exclusively on Angel starting March 12.  Hawk Hill Pictures, in partnership with A Channel of Peace, also announced that the film [...]

Music News: Pillar Announces Bluray/DVD Release for Groundbreaking Docmentary ‘Pillar: Beyond the Frontline’ and Upcoming Uprise Festival Performance

TULSA, OK – March 6, 2026 – Following a triumphant return to the stage, Christian rock heavyweights Pillar are excited to announce that fans can now officially pre-order the Blu-ray and DVD release of their career-defining documentary, Pillar: Beyond the Frontline. The announcement follows a high-impact season for the band, including a successful [...]

Film Review: Pillar: Beyond the Frontline – A Legacy of Faith, Grit, and Rock

Written by: Jay Heilman (3/5/2026) For many of us, Pillar wasn't just another band on the radio; they were the gateway to a life-changing world of Christian rock. My personal connection to the band was cemented from the very beginning. I remember being instantly hooked the moment I heard "Further From [...]

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