Jail House Rock
While he most often rocks the bass at Rockrimmon, Dan doesn’t miss a chance to lead the Ark Valley guys in worship. In these moments, when Dan gets to combine his love for music with his passion to see prisoners set free in Christ, it’s a sight to see.
If you’ve attended a service or two at Woodmen’s Rockrimmon Campus over the past 18 years, you’ve likely noticed Dan Matsche playing on the worship team. Dan’s contagious passion for praising God goes beyond the sound of his bass guitar grooves – it’s a full body experience! As he deftly steps and sways his face expresses sheer delight, leaving no doubt that he believes every God-honoring lyric being declared by the congregation.
Yet, Dan is more than just an incredible musician: Every note and word in the song of his life tells the story of the Lord’s grace and transforming power.
Dan was 16 years old when he started playing bass. It all began at a high school dance in his hometown of St. Paul, MN. He was fascinated by the bass player jamming away and laying down the low-end rumble. That was it for Dan.
Dan convinced his father to help him put a bass guitar on layaway at the local music store. He still remembers the joy of the first time he picked up that bass. The shine of the chrome and the high-gloss lacquer. Even though he was a beginner, the growl of the strings translated through a tube amp held the promise of soul-shaking musical thunder – if he could learn to harness the instrument’s power.
The fire was lit and music began to consume him. Dan was determined to become a world-class musician. He practiced for hours each day, playing along to records and listening intently to bass rhythms.
When Dan got a call asking him to audition with a local band, he was sure this was his big break. It was not. After one short set, the band told him he’d never make it as a bass player. But Dan’s resolve was strong. He replied with four words: “Oh yes, I will!”
Dan redoubled his efforts to hone his craft as a musician and he soon found himself in a new world. He began touring with national acts and living life on the road.
It was a season of new places, unexpected experiences, and wide-open choices. Dan was not a follower of Jesus at this point and had no understanding of the gospel. Playing with world-famous acts such as the Everly Brothers and Gene Pitney, Dan thought he had it all. He was surrounded by women, alcohol and all the trappings of life on tour. It was years before Dan would surrender his life to Jesus, but even then, God was pursuing him.
REASONS TO SING
In 1979, Dan signed on with another touring act. At the first rehearsal, he discovered he’d be playing for Shirley Forwood, a nationally known jazz singer. He was a big fan. They hit it off instantly and Dan and Shirley married two years later. Their new life was unconventional to say the least. Newlyweds on the road finding their way together.
When not on tour, Don gigged at night and worked for a Minneapolis advertising agency during the day. At the agency, Don worked closely with a salesman named Robert. Dan knew there was something different about him. One day Dan asked Robert about it. Robert explained that he was a Christian. He shared his faith and connected Dan to a pastor in town. God was steering Dan in a new direction.
Gary was not your typical pastor. He was part of what became known as “The Jesus Movement.” These were long-haired Jesus People who didn’t fit the typical Evangelical America. Gary began meeting with Dan and sharing more about the life and teachings of Jesus.
On July 19, 1974, Dan gave his life to Jesus. Shirley came to Jesus three days later! God gave Dan a heart for evangelism, and he naturally brought his new faith into the local music scene. Before long, Dan was leading musicians, bartenders and club owners to Christ. These were men and women who weren’t being reached by most churches. Dan and Shirley made a unique impact in Minnesota, but God was preparing them for a new chapter.
A MELODY FROM INSIDE
In 1977, a music ministry opportunity took the Matsches to Orlando, Florida. It was in the midst of this season that God had a surprise in store: He was calling Don to prison.
Dan was invited to the Orange County jail to share his testimony with the inmates. Dan was apprehensive but during his first jail visit a young man approached Dan for prayer. The inmate was recently arrested for murder and was lost and desperate. The Lord allowed Dan to lead this man to Christ. God took hold of Dan’s heart that day and he was back at the jail every Tuesday to share the good news and pray with the men.
Soon Dan was leading Bible studies and preaching in the holding cell of the jail. Men would pack the small, hot room for a chance to hear the gospel. Dan was discovering his true calling. All the big shows, fame and travel couldn’t compete with seeing lives transformed.
Dan met with the local prison chaplain and expressed his desire to serve even more behind bars. The chaplain told him that a call to ministry is a call to preparation. He encouraged Dan to go to seminary.
Soon after graduating from seminary, Dan joined the staff of Good News Jail and Prison Ministry and became the chaplain right back where he started – the Orange County jail. Dan spent the next ten years serving at the jail, leading men to Christ and witnessing lives being transformed.
THE COLORADO KEY CHANGE
Good News Jail and Prison Ministry has a national reach and eventually Dan was approached about a transfer to Colorado. The Matsches felt God calling them west and in 1997, they landed in Colorado Springs.
During this time, he and Shirley began searching for a church home. They were seeking strong, biblical teaching and found Woodmen in 2002. Their love of music sealed the deal. Dan connected with the worship team and soon began adding his bass chops to the mix.
Over the next few years, Dan invited Woodmen pastors and leaders to visit prisons and bring good news to the broken-hearted. During this time, Dan was mentoring and ministering with Howie Close at Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility in Canon City. Howie went to prison as a young man and met Jesus on the inside. A few years later, Dan had the honor if walking Howie out of the prison gate upon his release
Today, Howie serves as Woodmen’s Prison Ministries Pastor, overseeing life-changing gospel in many Colorado prisons. Woodmen’s Ark Valley Campus is a unique testament to God’s work in the heart of prisoners. Each week, more than 100 men are gathering in the Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility to worship and study God’s Word.
THE BAND PLAYS ON
God, the master composer has guided every step in Dan’s life for His glory. In those early days in Minnesota, Dan had no idea the legacy he could leave for God’s kingdom. His impact has only been multiplied through others, like Howie, who continue to build on the foundations Dan laid. And Dan’s song is still being written.
While he most often rocks the bass at Rockrimmon, Dan doesn’t miss a chance to lead the Ark Valley guys in worship. In these moments, when Dan gets to combine his love for music with his passion to see prisoners set free in Christ, it’s a sight to see. Happiness and fulfillment radiate from his face. And if you look for it, you might catch the same contagious joy that 16-year-old Dan experienced that moment he picked up that bass for the very first time.
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