THE VISION:
For more than a decade, Michael J Tinker has been creating music for families that has been helping children all over the world learn more about the gospel of Jesus the King. He’s released 7 studio albums, toured on 4 continents, created an adventure podcast and live-action TV series, not to mention books, livestreams and more. His songs are sung in churches and children’s groups globally.
Michael’s music and drama is always full of humour and fun, with instantly relatable (and hilarious) characters that bring the reality of the gospel to bare on normal life. With all their flaws, these characters are able to demonstrate that in all the comedy, struggle and messiness of life God works through these ‘jars of clay’.
Michael has always been keen to combine the fun of childhood with taking seriously the difficulties that children face too, and that they will face in their teenage years and beyond. So as well as singing and speaking about the ‘headline’ message of the gospel story, he also goes deeper, working through how the gospel rubber meets the road of life. He sees his role as helping families have the Bible-words to navigate whatever they face.
As Michael says: “The gospel is true whether life feels good or life is hard. Ultimately I want to help families develop a full Bible toolkit so that whatever they face in life they can say 'oh, we know a song about that!' When this happens, Bible truths they have sung together suddenly take on a more transforming meaning as the gospel rubber hits the road of life.”
Doing this work has not only meant sharing Jesus with children in Christian families, but it’s also taken him into schools around the world as well as public outreach events hosted by churches.
But there’s more to come…
THE OPPORTUNITY:
Doors continue to open globally, with churches and schools keen to bring Michael over, including to the USA. There’s scope for many more podcast and TV series, and even animations. However, Michael cannot grow this on his own.
There is an opportunity to build his team and make this growth and outreach sustainable for the future. There’s also a need to subsidise the cost of shows, especially in the UK and Africa, where many churches and schools do not have the financial resources that other countries are blessed with. It will be through benefactors like you who believe in the power of drama and music to embed these truths deep into children’s hearts, equipping them to grow in knowledge and love of Jesus.
Partnering with this vision means partnering in serving the next generation and reaching the unreached (and having a lot of fun doing it!)
THE NEED: $142K (Annually)
Touring (c. 40 shows per year): Sound Engineer, Overseas Tours (travel, visa costs), Booking agent $32,000
New Album: Musicians, Mixing, Mastering, Distribution $20,000
Animations and Music Videos: $12,000
Podcast Adventure Series (1 series per year): Writing, Editing/soundscape design, Actors $5000
New Live Action TV Series: Pilot Episode (to then be pitched to streaming outlets like Minno and Angel Studios for full development) $60,000
Marketing and Promotion (for all the above): $30,000
DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY:
Michael would love to serve the families of America more directly by touring his live family show in the USA. However, to qualify for a visa to tour Michael has to demonstrate that he is 'internationally recognised'. One of the best ways to do this is to be a nominee for an internationally recognised award, such as the GMA Dove Awards (the Christian equivalent of a Grammy).
To this end we plan to enter a song Michael has co-written with Australian singer Eliza King, into the 'Children's Recorded Song of the Year' category of the GMA Dove Awards in 2027. (You can listen to the unreleased song here!)
Like entering a film for an Oscar (see Forevergreen’s project https://wedgwoodcircle.givingfuel.com/forevergreen) it is a costly enterprise! Funds are needed primarily for PR to promote the single (through radio stations, interviews, GMA 'For Your Consideration' mail shots, social media promotion etc.) to raise Michael's profile in the USA and with GMA Members so they can vote for the song.
We believe that this will open the door, not only to a visa, but to many, many more children hearing about Jesus and growing in their faith.
2026-2027 GMA Dove Award Campaign: $12,000
SUSTAINABILITY AND LONG-TERM IMPACT:
Obviously it is hard putting a price on children hearing about Jesus. A lot of the long-term impact will only be known in eternity. However, we can say that the money invested in Michael's work will help him reach thousands more children with the gospel as well as making this work more sustainable for the long-term future.
For instance, opening up touring in the USA will lead to Michael being paid larger fees than are possible in the UK and elsewhere, and thus the work in poorer countries can be subsidised. In addition, more families listening to Michael's music because of the Dove Award Nomination and shows will lead to larger sales and streaming royalties, increasing the self-sustainability of this vital work.
Your support can make this happen. Thank you.
Michael J Tinker
We are excited to serve as the Fiscal Sponsor for Michael J. Tinker. Please consider making a donation below via credit or debit card. If you'd prefer to donate via check, you can make your check out to The Wedgwood Circle and write "Michael J. Tinker" in the memo line and mail it to us at:
The Wedgwood Circle | 109 Center Street N. | Suite #102 | Vienna, VA 22180
