It's a familiar story: A renowned worship leader is called to extend his platform beyond the local church. He records a debut release filled with songs birthed from ministry. Creates online environments to connect with his audience and leads worship at prominent churches and conferences. And then there’s Carlos Whittaker. “People see me as ‘The Blogger’,” he chuckles. But not just any blogger. His site, Ragamuffin Soul， has become a must-stop online destination for believers around the world. Created as a forum for worship leaders, the blog has become a dynamic environment where thousands of people share thoughts, ideas, and insights. Now Whittaker has become a prominent voice in the Christian community, while sharing his talents with high-profile churches and conferences such as Catalyst, Story, NorthPoint and Saddleback to name a few. It’s an ironic twist to the usual story, where a worship leader creates a record and then builds an audience. In Whittaker’s case, the audience is already here, without a single record, tour or interview. As acclaimed producer Jason Ingram put it, “You have this fan base without any songs. You have fans without any music.” Now the music has arrived. It’s music that’s a culmination of Whittaker’s journey from leading worship at Sandals Church in Riverside, California, to serving as programming director at Andy Stanley’s Atlanta-based Buckhead Church and now to helping launch Soul City Church in downtown Chicago. And throughout this journey, Whittaker has been driven by a singular passion. “My desire is to create a movement of authenticity among Christians,” Whittaker shares. “A movement that pushes people into a place of being real with themselves, others, and God. It’s all about authenticity. And in that authenticity, finding God.” Whittaker’s pursuit of personal authenticity extends to his music as well. Music that moves beyond general statements, into specific insights and truths drawn from his own spiritual journey. Music that doesn't just express his heart, but reflects who he is. Songs that compose the soundtrack to Whittaker's life and ministry. “I didn’t have a specific sound in mind,” he notes. “I was just trying to find the essence of who I am, and get that inside the music. I think we did it.” The result of this mission is a record that combines Whittaker’s energetic worship style with arena-sized sonics. Produced by Ingram, Whittaker’s self-titled EP features uplifting songs destined to become anthems for today’s church. It’s an intriguing hint of things to come, as Whittaker preps his full-length debut for April 2010. Standouts include “Rain It Down,” an epic plea for God’s quenching presence, and “Jesus Saves,” featuring a soaring chorus, ringing guitars, and a simple, yet profound, message. “I’m very comfortable communicating the truth of Jesus in a way where people are comfortable to receive it,” he says. “Whether I have a guitar, or a microphone in front of me, or I’m meeting with someone.” It’s this desire to connect with others that fuels Whittaker’s music and ministry. “Pastoring and worshipping are the same thing to me,” he enthuses. “Leading worship is just a piece of my life. In every area, I think God’s wired me as a communicator.” Besides, he adds, “People don’t know me as a worship leader.” That’s about to change.