Dave Scherer, better known by his stage name Agape, is an American rapper and musician. He has been touring full-time since 2000, performing in the United States and in six other countries. He has recorded six CDs, including Many Rooms with producer Ant (Atmosphere, Brother Ali). On his recent CD Rise Up he worked with Chris Brown's producer Ra Charm as well as Grammy-award-winning singer Billy Steele (Sounds of Blackness, The Steeles). He has performed in front of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Toby Mac, David Crowder, Tony Campolo, and gospel singer Kirk Franklin. In 2001, he co-founded "JUMP" (Joint Urban Ministries in Praise), a ministry dedicated to helping urban youth unleash their leadership skills through the arts. In 2009, he received the Tom Hunstad Award for excellence in youth ministry"2009 Hunstad Award: David Scherer – 'Agape'" and his contribution to the lives of young people.
Career highlights
Has sold over 30,000 CDs independently Performed for 40,000 youth at the New Orleans Superdome in 2009,2012,2015 and 2018 for the ELCA Youth Gathering Toured extensively in Bosnia on a mission of hope and reconciliation Helped launch AMP (All-Metro Praise) in 2012, a service designed to bring together young people of all backgrounds 2009 "Jesus, Justice, Jazz" tour raised money (over $50,000) and awareness for world hunger. Won 2009 Tom Hunstad award for youth ministry (previous winners include Mike Yaconelli and Rollie Martinson) Single "Keepin It Tight" was peaked at number 3 on mp3.com chart Performer at National Youth Gatherings of UMC, ELCA, Community of Christ and LCMS, Lutheran Brethren Speaker at National Youthworkers Convention in Atlanta, Georgia and Western States Gathering in Seattle, Washington Facilitator of Leadership Development Intensive Training Chairman of Building Bridges Conference for Diversity Co-leader of Fellowship of Christian Athletes Youth director at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota Artist in residence at Ramsey Fine Arts School in Minneapolis, Minnesota Teacher at Urban Academy in Minneapolis, Minnesota Mentor at First Lutheran Church in St. Peter, Minnesota Member of an award-winning peer education group President of Multicultural Student Union Co-founder of JUMP ministries (Joint Urban Ministries in Praise) Founder of Hip Hop Outreach Recipient of the Tom Hunstad award for excellence in youth ministry
Concerts 2014: MSYG (Middle School Youth Gathering) Colorado Springs 2009: ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans 2012: ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans 2015: ELCA Detroit Youth Gathering where approximately 30,000 youth attended
Discography
Albums Year Album 1998 Keepin' It Tight 2000 Bridge The Gap 2002 Many Rooms 2004 Agapé featuring: Jump Worship 2006 Sprinkle Sunshine 2008 Paradoxology 2011 Rise Up 2015 Enough
Music Videos "All Are Welcome""All Are Welcome music video on YouTube"
References
External links Official Website Youth 2011 Hip-hop Artist 'Agape' Brings Concert to Manteca in March AGAPE Adds FUMC Santa Rosa on March 4 to Cal-Nevada Tour Youth 2011 Artist Lineup