‘Bringing God’s children back to the heart of the Father, and to the reality of Immanuel, God with us through music and teaching…’ That is the desire of the South African born worshipleader/songwriter, Andre van Zyl.

This friendly and introverted artist has a gift of leading people before the throne of God in a relaxed way… just the way he is… No pretense or show. “Worship can become an emotional experience which usually does not result in fruit that remain. I’m lucky that I learned that I don’t have to put on a show during concerts, but that I can just enjoy worshipping with the friends that ‘come to visit’. That is awesome.” says Andre.

Andre van Zyl has been around for some time in the South African and Dutch gospel industry. He has been living in the Netherlands since 2002, where he works parttime as a health professional. He combines that with being worship pastor of a vibrant church in the northern part of the Netherlands.

Andre was 17 years old when he became a follower of Jesus. Since that time he has always been involved in ministry in one way or another. He has worked with organizations such as Athletes in Action and Youth with a mission, and gave his first sermon when he was 19 years old.

Early in 2002 Andre felt called to leave his home in South Africa and settle in Europe to work with students. It was during his time working with the Navigators (an international organization which has students as one of it’s major focus groups) that he got a lot of suggestions to record his own music.

His first studio recorded album (‘In the Son’) was well received in the Netherlands. The honest, God-focused lyrics and catchy pop-rock melodies appeals to a wide audience.

An EP entitled ‘Found in You’ was released in January 2012. The EP was featured on iTunes ‘New and notable’ within the first week after it’s release.

Plans for a new CD is already in the making. Although the process is still in the early stages, Andre will also probably be working on the CD with songwriter and producer Tre Shepper (Onehundredhours).

When he is not leading worship, Andre is also a popular Bible teacher and always finds it a privilege to teach on the subjects of Identity, the Fatherheart of God, Identity of the believer and Grace.

Andre has shared a stage with international artists like Kees Kraayenoord (tour in the fall of 2009), Sarah Kelly and the Parachute Band, and Dutch artists Matthijn Buwalda and Gerald Troost.

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