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

Music News: Uprise Festival Announces 2026 Festival Lineup

2026 Lineup to Feature Brandon Lake, Skillet, tobyMac, Pillar and More Shippensburg, PA — Uprise Festival, one of the premier Christian music festivals in the nation, has announced its 2026 festival lineup. The two-day event will feature more than 40 artists and speakers, with Brandon Lake, Skillet, TobyMac, CeCe Winans, Crowder, and more [...]

Music News: Rising Star Jenna Raine Conquers Heartbreak Through the Power of Friendship with “It Takes a Village,” Out Now

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Emerging artist Jenna Raine unveils her first release of the year with the wildly relatable track “It Takes A Village,” available everywhere today via Warner Records. Written by Raine alongside Sasha Sloane, Nate Ferraro and Couros, the song highlights the power of friendship and family in the face of heartbreak. The hopeful message reminds listeners that [...]

Music News: Alexander Pappas Releases Worship Project, Sunday

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (APRIL 24, 2026)  Worship leader and songwriter Alexander Pappas releases his new project, SUNDAY, with Integrity Music, marking a significant shift in both his sound and songwriting focus. Known for his work with Hillsong Young & Free and as a co-writer on globally recognized songs including “Alive,” “Wake,” “Real Love,” and “Echo” (Elevation Worship), Pappas brings [...]

Music News: Christmas Together with Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith & CeCe Winans Returns for Year Two

Beloved Holiday Tour Expands to Arenas Nationwide Following Breakout Debut Season NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 24, 2026) — Following a celebrated inaugural run that captivated audiences across the country, Christmas Together, featuring three of Christian music’s most beloved and enduring voices, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, and CeCe Winans, returns this holiday season with [...]

Music News: Peter Burton Releases New Single, “So Long”

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 24, 2026) On the heels of his first No. 1 radio single, "Where Would I Be," Peter Burton releases a new song, "So Long." Establishing himself as a new voice in Christian music, Burton returns with an anthemic track to say farewell to things holding you back from God's plan. "So Long" [...]

Film News: Unbroken: The Untold Story of Shen Yun

Shen Yun at 20: A Milestone Season and the Untold Story Revealed GLOBAL PHENOMENON SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS EMBARKS ON ITS TRIUMPHANT 20TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON AT LINCOLN CENTER IN NYC COINCIDING WITH THE RELEASE OF FILMMAKER FIONA YOUNG’S DOCUMENTARY UNBROKEN: THE UNTOLD STORY OF SHEN YUN  GROUNDBREAKING BEHIND-THE-SCENES FILM RELEASED WORLDWIDE ON [...]

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 [...]

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