Jason Silver

Sunday, May 11th, 2025

Nathan Keys - Grace and Peace

I've been reflecting on the journey behind my first Galatians song, “Grace and Peace To You (Galatians 1:3-5),” released on March 23, 2024, and I'm filled with gratitude for Nathan Keys, whose voice and faith brought such a heartfelt depth to the track. Nathan's story—from the countryside of Northern Ireland to leading worship in Winnipeg—is one of transformation through God's grace, and I feel blessed to have collaborated with him on this project.

Nathan grew up in the rolling countryside of Northern Ireland, where he spent his days exploring the great outdoors with his dog and playing football (soccer) whenever he could. His spiritual transformation began when he gave his life to Christ at a young age. This is a moment he vividly recalls from a Sunday at church when he chose the song “Eagle's Wings” as his declaration of faith: “Here I am waiting, abide in me I pray… come live in me, all my life take over.” That early commitment marked the beginning of his lifelong journey with God, one that would deepen significantly over the years.

In 2007, Nathan moved to Canada with his parents and one of his brothers, as his father pursued a work opportunity—and a dream—to truck across North America. Settling in Winnipeg, Nathan's teenage years became a pivotal time for his faith. He connected deeply with his church, joining the youth worship team and participating in a youth Bible study that profoundly shaped his walk with Christ. It was during a study of Romans, led by a faithful brother in Christ, that Nathan's eyes were truly opened to the Gospel. Though he had given his life to Christ in Northern Ireland, this study convicted him to live fully for God's glory, bridging the gap between what he calls his “Sunday Christian” and “carnal Christian” lives during high school.

Nathan went on to lead worship at his church in Winnipeg for 10 years, a role that pushed him far beyond his comfort zone. Growing up as a shy, introverted child in Northern Ireland, the idea of singing in public—let alone leading worship—filled him with anxiety. He recalls feeling deathly ill on Sunday mornings, barely able to eat for fear of throwing up or passing out, and in his first year of leading worship, he had to sit on a chair to lead, lacking the strength to stand. Reflecting on those early days, Nathan now sees God's strength so clearly at work: “There's no way this kid from Northern Ireland, who had many 'sick days' from school due to anxiety, could lead people in music to the throne. It's all for God's glory.”

One of the most impactful moments in Nathan's worship leadership came early on, when he felt God calling him to emphasize Matt Redman's song “Heart of Worship.” The song's message resonated deeply, stripping away distractions like fancy lights and fog machines often seen in larger churches. Nathan felt God saying, “I want my people to simply worship,” a call to return to the essence of praising God in spirit and truth. This conviction aligns with John 4:24, a verse Nathan holds dear: “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth” (ESV).

Since 2018, Nathan has been growing a music ministry, writing songs and hosting worship events that reflect his heart for authentic worship. It was around this time, I think in 2023, that I first connected with him after he commented on one of my TikTok videos. Noticing he was getting more interactions than I was, I asked for his secret, and that sparked a conversation that soon turned into a collaboration. As I developed the website for the GMA Covenant Awards, I had the chance to interact with Nathan more, and later, at the award ceremonies, we met in person. I saw his shyness firsthand, just as he described from his earlier years, but I was equally impressed by how enthusiastically he threw himself into our work together, bringing energy and dedication to our shared efforts.

Today, Nathan is married to his lovely wife and a father to two children, continuing to be reminded of God's strength in every aspect of his life. He strives to be faithful in his responsibilities as a husband and father, always seeking to live out his faith with integrity.

Collaborating with Nathan on “Grace and Peace To You” was a true blessing, and the song has resonated deeply with listeners. It's currently my second most listened-to song on Spotify, with 11,222 listens! Nathan's Irish lilt perfectly complements the track's folksy-Celtic sound, which features penny whistles and a hint of bagpipe in the mix. His voice carries the weight of his journey—a young boy in Northern Ireland who gave his life to Christ, a teenager in Canada who found grounding in the Gospel, and a worship leader who overcame anxiety by God's strength alone. Nathan's story is a testament to God's transformative power, and I'm so thankful for the way his faith and talent enriched this scripture song.