Involved in the church his whole life, Joel Scott Shade began his worship vocation in Pennsylvania,
accompanying services as a teenager before becoming music director for area churches.

He most recently served for 12 years as Director of Music and Worship at the United Methodist of Merced.

Joel assists with choirs in the local high schools and is involved with various theatre companies, but is
most fulfilled by his work in ministry. He is grateful to have his wife Nancy and daughter Grace join him
on the worship team and is elated to be a part of LifeSpring.