Hello Everyone…and happy belated new year!
I trust this post finds you all well into your 2026 rhythms, no doubt still succeeding at all of your new year’s resolutions—keep up the good work!
I wanted to use this post to bring you up to speed on all the things that are happening in my world around the release of Daddy Set the Church on Fire and the accompanying EP Songs of Restoration.
All is set for the official release of the book on Feb. 17th in retailers (including online ones) across the country. It’s sobering to think that my first thought of writing this book took place about 20 years ago, and that it’s happening. When I stop and think about it, the thing that hits me the hardest is the realization of how God has worked purposefully and redemptively in my life’s journey during that time. The Psalmist put it this way, “…what is man that you are mindful of him?” (Psalm 8:4 ESV). It’s all grace, isn’t it?
Many of you are aware of the way The Church of Eleven22, where I’ve served for the past 9 ½ years, has supported the launch of the book, specifically in hosting the release event at its San Pablo campus on Feb. 16th (here’s the RSVP link if you need it). It’s been a joy to put together the flow of events for that night. I’m thankful for all that have, and will, play a part.
One of the things about that evening that I’m most excited about is the opportunity to share some songs from Songs of Restoration with a full (and awesome) band. I love writing these kinds of songs. I don’t get an opportunity to play them very often, so when I do I try and enjoy it as much as possible. Both the book and the music are an invitation to consider how God is creatively working through the power of the Spirit in recreating us from the inside out. Especially in some of our most intimate, and often most wounded, places. We’ll certainly talk about that on the 16th.
Most recently I’ve been in the trenches producing the audio book experience for Daddy Set the Church on Fire whose release will stagger by a few months. When I had my initial conversations with Bridge Logos, the publisher, about the possibility of self-producing it I had no idea what I was in for. It has been, and continues to be, a labor of love—and time. One of the unique things about the book is the way the songs I’ve written over the years (including the ones on Songs of Restoration) dovetail with the story. I’m doing my best to take full advantage of this in the way the audio book will be presented to the listener. IN FACT--and to that end--I made the decision to re-release two full length, independent records on digital and streaming platforms with brand new artwork to draw people’s attention to them. The first is called Sacred Invitation which was originally released in 2010. The second is Heartland which was released in 2015. These projects are in addition to Long Arm of Love and Where Fear and Faith Collide which were released with Rocketown Records in the early 2000’s (I ain’t gettin’ any younger!).
So many of the folks that have been on the journey with me over the last 10 years have no idea these projects even exist, so it felt right to give them a refresh, inviting people into the experience. I truly can’t wait for all of this to be shared with you. Again, the music will be everywhere it can be digitally streamed and the audio book will be available on Audible and other audio book platforms.
In support of these adjoining projects, I’ve had the assistance of someone who I have no business having the assistance of. His name is Jay Owen. Jay is…how should I put this…in demand. He is the founder of a successful digital marketing company based here in Jacksonville, as well as the digital communications director at Eleven22. He is also a husband and father of five. One could aptly say “he manages.” Jay has been building websites to let people know about my creativity in all his spare time. He built www.daddysetthechurchonfire.com and is currently helping me construct www.michaelcharlesolson.com to serve as a hub for all things music, books, thoughts, etc. The latter will launch shortly; I would invite you to check them both out. Jay and his team have been an amazing resource to me in getting the word out on things.
A lot right?....I know. Which begs the question “why are you doing all of this?” Great question. I’ve certainly asked it of myself. Here are some answers (in no particular order of importance):
First, we serve a creative God, and we bare that part of his image. Creating good stuff draws us into participation with Him. It brings Him glory and it brings us joy. This has certainly been the case for me as I’ve been putting all of this together. Currently, there is a lot of dialogue about the importance of authentic creativity in the church, and in the broader culture, with the onset of AI. I hope to be a part of the dialogue by creating real things with actual people…to the glory of God.
Second, I want to be a good steward with what He’s deposited in my life, be it a story, a lyric, a melody, a thought, or anything else. Jesus’ parable of the talents is sobering when taken seriously. Dormant and inactive gifts are not the goal. To that end, engaging in all this felt like obedience.
Lastly, I believe in the power of story…or testimony. Our stories are some of the most valuable things we have. I certainly feel that way about mine. Wouldn’t it be incredible if this book, the story on the pages, and the songs that accompany it invited people into realizing how God is redemptively at work in their own lives? To see the Kingdom expand through them? What if someone forgives someone and walks in broader freedom as a result? What if a few fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, or distanced close friends are inspired to walk in the power and freedom of forgiveness? Jesus told stories. They changed people. In a mysterious way I think He’s still telling them…and I think we’re a part of it.
Oh, and by the way… the “Charles” thing— Michael Charles Olson. What’s with that? Two honest answers:
1. There’s a guy who owns www.michaelolson.com who wanted to charge me an arm and a leg for it. Too expensive for my taste. This was a better option.
2. Charles is my dad’s middle name. If you read the book, you’ll understand why it felt like the right thing to do.
Considering the forementioned, if it’s ok with you, I’ll just refer to this Substack page by my full name Michael Charles Olson. I’ll also change the handle from @michaelolson1 to @michaelcharlesolson…it makes things simpler.
Thanks again for being a part of all of this. It means a lot that you would pay any attention to it at all. I look forward to the journey ahead!
Thanks for listening.
