Lifest 2025: Finding Jesus at the Grave Robber Concert

Every July, my family and I look forward to packing up and heading over to Oshkosh, WI for Lifest, one of the Midwest’s largest Christian music festivals. It’s become a cherished tradition for us—a time to reconnect, worship, and experience the diverse ways God moves through music and community. This year, from July 10th to 13th, we once again joined thousands of others for four days filled with faith, fun, and (for me) a little bit of holy noise.

As a pastor at Radiant Fellowship in Waupaca, WI for the past 20 years, I’m no stranger to the many flavors of Christian music. Admittedly, while I appreciate the big-name contemporary Christian acts that headline Lifest, you’ll usually find me at the Edge stage. That’s where the Christian rock, rap, metal, and punk bands play—the genres that resonate with me the most.

The Edge stage is a special place. It’s where fans of heavier music gather, united not just by their love for pounding drums and shredding guitars, but by a shared faith that often gets overlooked in the mainstream. This stage epitomizes the famous quote "To get people you've never had, you have to do things you have never done." Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of speaking at Lifest, and it’s always humbling to share a message with such a passionate crowd.

One of my favorite memories from both Lifest and my time as a pastor was bringing in Grave Robber for a Christmas concert years ago, along with Leper—a Christian goth/industrial metal band. I first saw Grave Robber live a few years before that, and was instantly blown away—not just by their energetic punk rock sound, but by the depth of their message.

Shawn, known on stage as Wretched Graverobber, delivered a message that stuck with me. He spoke candidly about mental health and didn’t shy away from sharing the full gospel. In a scene where it’s sometimes rare to hear the complete message of Christ, Grave Robber stands out. After their shows, they’re always willing to pray with fans or take a group picture—demonstrating that their ministry goes far beyond the stage.

So what's with the costumes? There is a symbolic meaning. The costumes are more than just a visual gimmick; they carry symbolic significance related to the band's Christian message. Blood-spattered costumes represent being covered by the blood of Jesus on the cross. The brown on the costumes represents "dirt" and sin. Zombie masks symbolize the earthly flesh or sinful nature that is fading away as they pursue their faith. In essence, Grave Robber uses their look to both capture the essence of their chosen musical genre and visually communicate the core tenets of their Christian faith, creating a unique and impactful image.

The band’s name is a reminder of what Jesus has done for us. By surrendering our lives to God, He has “robbed the grave”—snatched us from death and given us new life. It’s a powerful metaphor, and one that echoes the heart of the gospel.

It reminds me of Matthew 14:26-27:

“When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

The disciples had never seen Jesus like this before. They were afraid because it was unfamiliar. Isn’t that just like us? We tend to judge what we don’t understand. Sometimes, when we see Jesus presented in a way that’s outside our comfort zone—through punk rock, rap, metal, or goth music—we’re quick to dismiss it.

But Jesus reassured His disciples then, just as He reassures us now: “It is I. Don’t be afraid.” The message is the same, even if the delivery looks or sounds different.

Rather than getting worked up because a band isn’t playing pop-contemporary music, why not pray for these artists? Why not praise God that they’re reaching kids, teens, and adults who might never set foot in a traditional church or attend a mainstream Christian concert?

Lifest is a celebration of the many ways God speaks to His people. Whether it’s through a soaring worship anthem or a gritty punk rock song, the gospel is reaching hearts. And that’s something worth celebrating.

So here’s to another year at Lifest—another year of loud music, family memories, and seeing Jesus in all His creative glory. If you ever find yourself at the Edge stage, come say hi. You’ll find me there, worshipping in my own way, grateful for a God who meets us right where we are—even in the mosh pit.