Facing the Music

My Story

By: Jennifer Knapp

Narrated by: Jennifer Knapp

Length: 8 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

Jennifer Knapp's meteoric rise in the Christian music industry ended abruptly when she walked away and came out publicly as a lesbian. This is her story - of coming to Christ, of building a career, of admitting who she is, and of how her faith remained strong through it all.

At the top of her career in the Christian music industry, Jennifer Knapp quit. A few years later, she publicly revealed she is gay. A media frenzy ensued, and many of her former fans were angry with what they saw as turning her back on God. But through it all, she held on to the truth that had guided her from the beginning.

In this memoir, she finally tells her story: of her troubled childhood, the love of music that pulled her through, her dramatic conversion to Christianity, her rise to stardom, her abrupt departure from Christian contemporary music, her years of trying to come to terms with her sexual orientation, and her return to music and Nashville in 2010, when she came out publicly for the first time. She also talks about the importance of her faith, and despite the many who claim she can no longer call herself a believer, she maintains that she is both gay and a Christian.

Now an advocate for LGBT issues in the church, Jennifer has witnessed heartbreaking struggles as churches wrestle with issues of homosexuality and faith. This engrossing, inspiring memoir will help people understand her story and to believe in their own stories, whatever they may be.

©2014 Howard Books (P)2017 Oasis Audio

raw and heartfelt

I enjoyed listening to this story firsthand from the author, and I appreciated the tone of self-reflection and honesty. If you're at all interested in Christian music and the challenges facing the church, I highly recommend

LJ - Nashville Review of Jennifer Knapp’s book - Facing The Music: My Story

I will read/listen to this book again. It was a lot to take in. There were chapters that made me feel sad, others that were funny and informative. I felt it was honest, sincere, and from the heart. The story connected and clarified the many reports and hearsay stories that I heard over the years. It warmed my heart to hear that “K” is always there for “J”. I can’t imagine anyone going through it alone. I’m glad this story was told, as I like to hear from a strong woman that own’s her stuff, and works for acceptance of us all🏳️‍🌈. I would highly recommend the audio book, it’s read by the author. The author has a wonderful gifts of writing and singing... listen to her music if you haven’t already.

Courageous story, beautifully told.

I appreciate Jennifer Knapp sharing her coming out story as a female Christian and musician. It takes much courage to demonstrate this much bravery. I love her honesty and compassion. This has helped me along my journey. Thank you Jennifer.

An impactful read

I loved Jennifer’s music when I was in college way back when. Her music felt authentic and touched my soul in ways other Christian artists didn’t. Although I’m not gay, I can relate so much to her struggles with the religion part of Christianity. It is So great to see her being her authentic self! I’m still a big fan! I highly recommend this book!

loved it!

Thank you for sharing your story! it was inspiring to those of us struggling to find our own voice.

I see myself

I recommend this book to anyone who grew up in the church, gay straight or in between. She has a gift and is sharing it, just as she is! Open, honest, free.

Moving and compelling

This story of Jennifer’s life journey, from beginning to end, is beautifully written and heartfelt. I am glad to have found it and was moved through each chapter.

Beautifully honest and vulnerable

Moving, honest, insightful. Sharing her story invites others into greater bravery and integrity about faith, identity, friendship and sexuality.

A story the Church needs to hear.

A difficult listen in all the best and most challenging ways. The Church needs to learn to listen to the testimonies of our gay brothers and sisters.

I'm a fan. I have a history with Jennifer Knapp.

I have listened to Jennifer's music since "Kansas" and I purchased everything that followed.

I am terribly claustrophobic and in 2003 I had to have a CATscan. The technician told me to bring my own music if that would help to ease my anxiety. I brought my "Kansas" CD and the technician played it over the lab's audio system. I got through the scan without a panic attack.

I remember hearing that Jennifer was a lesbian, but by that time I was already on my way out of the evangelical Christian church. One of the primary reasons was the way they treated gay people. When I left, I vowed to never again belong to a group that didn't welcome everyone with open arms.

Listening to Jennifer share her story further convinces me that I made the right choice. She is a wonderful person and a great talent and it is very sad that some people will miss that, simply because of who she loves.