“There are a lot of people out there who are pretty lonely,” says By the Tree frontman-guitarist Aaron Blanton. “They are so low that they are searching for significance from other people, relationships and sometimes substances, trying to fill that void. When you accept Jesus, [life] doesn’t go ‘snap’ and all of a sudden become roses, but hearing that message can be the start to a glimmer of hope.”

Blanton and bandmates Ben Davis (bass, vocals) and Garrett Goodwin (drums) have observed feelings of inferiority and despair in today’s teens and 20-somethings, especially. Traveling around the country from coast to coast has afforded the threesome opportunities to meet mounds of hurting people longing for healing and restoration. And as society continues to push the nonstop sensory overload of ideas of physical and relational perfection, the void for those who are struggling seems to grow greater. With the consistent rise of technology and mass media influence, it’s a trend the guys don’t see slowing down anytime soon.

So though praise and worship has been the core of By the Tree’s mission since its 2001 debut, members have shifted gears with a more outreach-oriented mindset. On the group’s latest disc, World On Fire, By the Tree’s signature choruses and inspirational lyrics are included, but there is also a much firmer commitment towards evangelism.

“I think the band is at a different place this time,” Blanton explains. “… It just seems like there is so much desperation out there and the world is in such a need for a savior. Hope is, in essence, the message we’re trying to spread with World On Fire, but it goes beyond that with the hope that we and fellow believers will be able to lead others to the presence of the Lord since that’s when all the darkness truly gets cast out of your life.”

Even as a committed Christian who has been part of two successful bands (he joined By the Tree in 2001 after a stint with SONICFLOOd), Blanton admits the uncertainties of life have dragged him down. Like anyone moving through new stages in an occupation, By the Tree faced a time of doubt after 2004’s Hold You High, when former frontman Chuck Dennie stepped down to be a full-time worship leader.

At that stage, the remaining players considered calling it quits, though its throngs of faithful fans kept the support flowing. But even with that acceptance, several questions remained: How would its peers receive the band? Would radio grasp the stylistic and lyrical changes? How would critics respond?

“There is a daily struggle in a band situation,” Blanton says. “You have to focus on high sales, singles doing well and keeping everybody on the same page, which is common in any work environment on some level. I have found that as I try to trust myself more to make sure everything is right, that uncertainly creeps in all the more. God is the only one you can trust, especially when he has called you to do something.”

After encouragement from fans, tightly sealed friendships among all members—past and present—plus loads of prayer, By the Tree is able to move forward with renewed confidence and an assurance that it is, indeed, following God’s will.

“We’re making sure that what we’re doing is affecting others in a positive way,” Blanton says. “The way we share the love of Christ is a vital thing that can have a huge influence. The main thing we want to get across with this ministry is to be effective and to change people, that they may, in turn, be effective to those around them. Hopefully we’re imparting that to others and challenging them to accomplish that goal.”