Feature: Rocking for Life – An interview with Bryan Kemper

As mentioned in the brand new 40th Anniversary Back-in-Print Edition of Heaven’s Metal Magazine, this interview was too long for the printed page, so here’s the extended version.

Rocking for Life: An Interview with Bryan Kemper of Stand True Ministries

Bryan Kemper has been a tireless voice for the unborn for over three decades. As the founder of Rock for Life and Stand True Ministries, Bryan has combined his love for music with his passion for defending life, inspiring countless others to stand up for the voiceless. From his early days immersed in punk and metal to his powerful ministry work today, Bryan’s story is one of redemption, purpose, and unshakable faith. We caught up with him to hear about his journey, the role of music and faith in his life, and the miracles he has witnessed along the way.

Did music play a big role growing up?

My earliest memory of really getting into music was at around eight or nine when my aunt Susie would sneak me albums like Cat Stevens, Pink Floyd and Kiss. From there I started getting into Cheap Trick, Led Zeppelin and my eclectic side was getting into Devo and Kurtis Blow. I had such a troubled childhood and music was my escape.

Were you raised in a religious environment?

Up until the third grade I was in Catholic school, but it was not reinforced at home at all. Religion was never talked much about and I actually became very anti-Christian growing up. I went through so much abuse from family that I hated God and thought He hated me. I would even write 666 on my forehead in school to scare teachers.

Was music a big part of your life as a teenager?

Absolutely. In Jr. High I was into metal and punk but I still liked early hip hop. I was actually on the breakdance team as a freshman and was known as the heavy metal breaker. I remember one of my fondest memories was selling candy bars in front of our local grocery store to win a “ghetto blaster” and that thing was on my shoulder everywhere I walked. As I got older I got more into punk as it spoke so much to my anger.

Who are your favorite Christian metal bands?

I did not get into Christian rock until 1987, when I came to Christ. The first show I went to was CROSS, The Crucified, Vengeance and Deliverance and that show shaped my life. I was into Barren Cross, Scaterd Few, Nobody Special, and Neon Cross. I was also a huge Precious Death fan; I did BGVs on their first album and roadied for them. Currently I would say IronWrath is really exciting me.

What’s your take on the current state of Christian metal?

With the rise of Immortal Fest, we are seeing a resurgence of the old school bands, which is amazing to see. These bands are so bold for Christ when so many bands have watered down their faith. I am heartbroken, however, to see so many bands I used to look up to either denouncing their faith or just hiding it.

What led you to start Rock For Life in 1993?

The night I went to that first concert in 1987, The Crucified played a song called “Silent Scream.” It was about an abortionist who made an ultrasound of an abortion he was doing, and he saw the baby scream and try to escape the tool that ripped its body apart. I got their tape and listened to that song over and over and over. From there I started getting involved with Operation Rescue and got arrested many times praying in front of abortion mills. It was in 1993 when I was undercover in an abortion mill that summer and I witnessed a baby aborted in front of me and God broke my heart. I can still see the young girl on the table and the tears coming out of her eyes. I went home that night and cried out to God and I heard a voice say, “Bryan, save My children,” and then I saw a vision of a Rock for Life concert. From that moment I knew this is what I would do for the rest of my life.

And what led to starting Stand True in 2012?

I wanted to move on to more than just a music-based pro-life organization and started Stand True Christ-Centered Pro-life. We began an outreach-focused ministry with Stand True and spent a lot of time praying and protesting at abortion mills. This is the organization I am with still today.

Are both ministries still in operation? What’s your current involvement with them?

Rock for Life is currently not active but there are talks about reviving it. I am still running Stand True and working on where we go post-Roe v. Wade.

Which bands have been the biggest supporters of your ministries?

This is hard as there are so many — bands like P.O.D., Five Iron Frenzy, Spoken, Scaterd Few, No Innocent Victim, Tenth Avenue North, A Love For Enemies, The Supertones, and so many more.

What does “pro-life” mean to you?

It is quite simple: I oppose the killing of innocent human persons in the womb. You can add so many other things to this, but that is the core of what pro-life is.

What improvements have you seen in over 30 years of ministry for life?

The overturning of Roe v. Wade was the biggest thing for me to see happen, but that is honestly just the beginning of what needs to happen. We need to not only make abortion illegal but also unthinkable.

Where do you see the pro-life movement in five years?

This is one of the most important things for the movement to figure out. I hope to see the pro-life movement make strides in making pregnancy help centers and pro-life medical clinics like Stanton Healthcare become more prevalent and replace abortion mills with life-affirming care for women.

Can you share any miracles you’ve seen in your ministry?

Yes, I have, but the most amazing one was the first one I remember. I was standing outside of an abortion mill in Anaheim, California, praying and holding a sign that said, “Abortion Kills Children.” A woman approached me and explained how she was coming here for an abortion many months before but saw me with that sign and changed her heart. She then let me hold her little baby who was alive because I answered God’s call.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

Two years ago, I had a massive stroke, and I only have one artery left in my head and have been told I should not be alive. I guess that would also be classified as a miracle.

What does being a Christian mean to you personally?

It is quite simply the only reason I take a breath every morning — because Christ laid His life and shed His blood for me. It is a relationship with Him.

How can the Christian metal community best support you and your ministry?

Prayers and their voices. I ask everyone to pray for an end to abortion and to pray for all of us who are fighting so hard to abolish it. Use your voice for the voiceless and never be afraid to be a witness for life and for Christ.

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