Category: The Morning Thing

Beyond Belief: Petra’s John Schlitt Talks Legacy and New Movie

For more than 50 years, Petra has used Christian rock music as a ministry of encouragement and evangelism. WNZR’s Daniel Russell and Josiah Styer recently spoke with Petra lead vocalist John Schlitt about the band’s legacy, their continued ministry, and the upcoming movie Beyond Belief.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the image below.

Schlitt says the song “Beyond Belief” best represents Petra’s ministry, with its message of refusing to settle for “good enough” and instead going beyond to live out and share your faith in Christ. He also reflected on joining Petra as a longtime fan and how God gave him the opportunity to use his musical talents for a greater purpose.

The new Beyond Belief movie came together after someone approached Petra with the idea of making a film centered around the band. Although there were doubts that the project would ever be completed, Schlitt says he watched God open doors along the way. Petra members helped behind the scenes as producers, promoters, and fundraisers, and the movie is now set to hit theaters August 28. Schlitt says the film is family-friendly and carries a message about being guided by Christ, while also introducing audiences to Petra’s music and legacy. Despite retiring and saying farewell years ago, Petra continues to tour, make music, and work on new projects, including a documentary.

Schlitt hopes longtime Petra fans will enjoy the movie while a new generation discovers the band and its music. During a lightning round, he named Beyond Belief, This Means War!, Petra Praise 1 & 2, No Doubt, and Hope among his favorite albums, and said “Beyond Belief” remains one of his favorite songs to perform live. He is asking fans to pray that the movie accomplishes what God intends. Beyond Belief opens in theaters August 28, with more information available at beyondbelief.movie.

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Choose One Goal To Start Your Week!

Today on The Morning Thing, our theme was Monday Motivation!

We shared some ideas we had to make sure you start your morning off strong! Here were some of our ideas:

  1. Spend time with God each morning with prayer and Scripture reading
  2. Encourage one person each day by sending a text, or letting someone know you appreciate them
  3. Be more intentional about the time you spend with your family by putting your phone down and be in the moment
  4. Choose gratitude every day and write down three things you’re thankful for each day
  5. Do something you’ve been afraid to do, and start that project you’ve been wanting to do
  6. Take better care of yourself by getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and taking the time to just sit and breathe
  7. Pray for one specific person each day
  8. Replace complaining with encouragement and positivity
  9. Take one step toward a God-given dream– just take 30 minutes out of your day
  10. Get caught up on one thing you’ve been putting off

We also talked about kindness! What is one kind thing you can say or do for someone this week? It doesn’t have to be complicated! Ask God to give you an opportunity to share some kindness this week! Here are some ideas:

  1. Text someone.
  2. Leave a positive review.
  3. Pay for someone’s coffee.
  4. Compliment a coworker.
  5. Pray with someone.

Thank you for listening to The Morning Thing from 6am – 9am!

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Change Your Monday Mindset!

Today on The Morning Thing, the Big Blue Crew shared how they are keeping their Monday Mindset positive and focused on Christ.

Listen to what they said HERE!

Starting Monday off with a Christ-centered mindset can be difficult a lot of the time, but it can make the biggest impact for your week. Today, the Big Blue Crew chose one word they want to represent their week. Here are some examples of words you can think of:

  • Peace
  • Joy
  • Patience
  • Courage
  • Trust
  • Hope

Remember Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT): “5Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.“

Hear what words the Big Blue Crew chose for their Monday Mindset here:

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The Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon invites pie lovers to come to the Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival

There are so many fun and unique events at this year’s Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival. The 3rd annual Kiwanis Club Pie Auction is back for 2026!

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talks with Alice Hutzel, Vice President of the Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon about all the details for this year’s event.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture below.

You are invited to join in this Americana traditions and bid on your favorite pie. There are 15 pies up for bid including cherry, blueberry, strawberry rhubarb, dutch apple caramel, peachy peach and many more flavors!
All proceeds from the auction will support Children’s Literacy in Knox County.
The Auction is Saturday, 8/15 at 3:30pm on the Public Square in downtown Mount Vernon.
Thanks to Auctioneer David McDowell for his service.

Click HERE for more information about this event and the overall festival.

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The Morning Thing Friday Favorites – our favorite events at the Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival

This week for our Friday Favorites, The Morning Thing hosts celebrated the 2026 Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival. They each shared their favorite event on this year’s schedule. We hope to see you in downtown Mount Vernon this weekend!

Click HERE to hear from Marcy, Olivia, Eric, Ethan and Daniel.

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The Cruise-In, a Chalk Competition and the Wood Auction returns to the 2026 Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival

WNZR shines the spotlight on the 2026 Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival this week. WNZR’s Josiah Styer talked with Board Member, Jacob Francis about event logistics.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the photo below.

Jacob serves as the Site and Logistics Director for the Festival. He shared details about this year’s map and festival layout, along with news about when streets will close.
He also shared the good news that 3 favorite events will return. Listen in for details about the 6th annual Car & Motorcycle Cruise-in, the Wood Challenge Auction and the 3rd annual Chalk Competition.

Click HERE for more information on the festival and to see the full schedule.

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WNZR shines the spotlight on the 2026 Hartford Fair

Did you know the “Biggest Little Fair in the World” is close to home and going on this week? YES! The 2026 Hartford Fair is this week!
Eric Brown from The Morning Thing talked with Fair Manager, Roger Smith about this year’s event.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the photo below.

Roger shared schedule highlights, the history of the fair, new events and how to get tickets.
This is the 168th Hartford Fair! You can see the Big Blue Crew tonight along with Monster Trucks and a Fantasy Drone show!

Click HERE to see the complete schedule and all details about this year’s Fair.

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August First Friday is tonight! WNZR joins Experience Mount Vernon to celebrate DOGS!

Lacey Filkins, Executive Director for Experience Mount Vernon, stopped by The Morning Thing to talk about tonight’s exciting event – August First Friday.

She shared a highlight of all the fun activities and how the downtown business district will celebrate this theme – Paws On Parde!

Lacey shared details on parking, food, entertainment, the Experience Mount Vernon Passport and how your family can have fun tonight. We also shared all the details of WNZR’s Annual Costumed Paws on Parade.

WNZR will be there tonight! Look for Big Blue near the Dog Fountain on South Main Street.
Don’t miss your chance to register for some amazing prizes. We have prizes for humans and DOGS!

Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture below.

Click HERE to find all the details about tonight’s event.

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The Morning Thing Friday Favorites 8/7/26 – we LOVE Dogs!

For our Friday Favorites, The Morning Thing hosts are celebrating DOGS – in honor of our annual Dog Costume Parade at August First Friday. The hosts share their favorite memories with their family dog.

Click HERE to hear stories from Marcy, Olivia, Eric, Daniel and Ethan.

Or click the picture below.

We hope to see you and your 4 legged friends in downtown Mount Vernon tonight! Click HERE for all the details about August First Friday and our Costume PAWS on Parade!

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The 57th Annual GMA Dove Award Nominees

The 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards Broadcast will be shared by Trinity Broadcast Network on Tuesday, 10/6/26.

Click HERE to find more information about the 57th GMA Dove Awards.

Here is the full list of the nominees.

SONG OF THE YEAR Nominees:

Can’t Steal My Joy: Josiah Queen ft. Brandon Lake – Written By: Josiah Queen, Brandon Lake, Hank Bentley, & Jacob Sooter

Come Jesus Come: CeCe Winans – Written By: Hank Bentley, Bryan Fowler, Stephen McWhirter, & Tara McWhirter

Dusty Bibles: Josiah Queen – Written By: Josiah Queen, Zac Lawson, Dylan Thomas, & John Michael Howell

God I’m Just Grateful: Elevation Worship & Chandler Moore – Written By: Chandler Moore, Pat Barrett, Steven Furtick, Abubakar Baker Shariff-Farr, & Joshua Coleman

Homesick For Heaven: Phil Wickham – Written By: Phil Wickham and Jonathan Smith

I Know A Name: Elevation Worship ft. Brandon Lake – Written By: Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake, Jacob Sooter, & Hank Bentley

Left It In The River: Jamie MacDonald – Written By: Jamie MacDonald, Jonathan Gamble, & Colby Wedgeworth

Mighty Name Of Jesus: Hope Darst – Written By: Hope Darst, Jacob Sooter, & Lauren Sloat

No Fear: Jon Reddick – Written by: Jon Reddick, Matthew West, &Jeff Pardo

What An Awesome God: Phil Wickham – Written By: Phil Wickham, Jonathan Smith, & Rich Mulli

ARTIST OF THE YEAR Nominees:

Brandon Lake

CeCe Winans

Josiah Queen

Lauren Daigle

Phil Wickham

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR Nominees:

bodie

Emerson Day

Jamie MacDonald

Megan Woods

SEU Worship

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR – ARTIST Nominees:

Brandon Lake

Chandler Moore

Chris Brown

Josiah Queen

Phil Wickham

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR – NON ARTIST Nominees:

Hank Bentley

Jacob Sooter

Jonathan Smith

Steven Furtick

Zac Lawson

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR Nominees:

Austin Davis

Jacob Sooter

Jeff Pardo

Jonathan Smith

Kyle Lee

POP/CONTEMPORARY SONG OF THE YEAR Nominees:

Dusty Bibles: Josiah Queen – Written By: Josiah Queen, Zac Lawson, Dylan Thomas, & John Michael Howell

Homesick For Heaven: Phil Wickham – Written By: Phil Wickham & Jonathan Smith

Left It In The River: Jamie MacDonald – Written By: Jamie MacDonald, Jonathan Gamble, & Colby Wedgeworth

Let It Be A Hallelujah: Lauren Daigle – Written By: Lauren Daigle, Jonas Myrin, & Busbee

WASHED: ELEVATION RHYTHM – Written By: Josh Holiday, Mitch Wong, Joe L Barnes, & Steven Furtick

WORSHIP RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR Nominees:

God I’m Just Grateful: Elevation Worship & Chandler Moore – Written By: Chandler Moore, Pat Barrett, Steven Furtick, Abubakar Baker, Shariff-Farr, & Joshua Coleman

How Good It Is: Chris Tomlin – Written By: Chris Tomlin, Jess Cates, & Jordan Mohilowski

Mighty Name of Jesus: Hope Darst, Josh Baldwin – Written By: Hope Darst, Jacob Sooter, & Lauren Sloat

What An Awesome God: Phil Wickham – Written By: Phil Wickham, Jonathan Smith, & Rich Mullins

Worthy Of It All (Worthy): CeCe Winans – Written By: David Brymer, Ryan Hall, Chris Brown, Mack Brock, & Steven Furtick

ROCK/CONTEMPORARY RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR Nominees:

eyes on Him: Strings & Heart – Written By: Angelo Espinosa

idols Steven: Stanley Stephen – Written By: Stanley, Paul Duncan, & Zach Epps

No Survivors: Jeremy Camp – Written By: Jeremy Camp, Jordan Sapp, Paul Duncan, & Emily Weisband

SEVENS: Brandon Lake – Written By: Brandon Lake, Steven Furtick, Hank Bentley, Micah Nichols, & Jacob Sooter

The Love I Have For You: Colton Dixon – Written By: Colton Dixon, Josh Murty, & Jon Robert Hall

COUNTY/ROOTS RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR Nominees:

Black Sheep: Ben Fuller – Written By: Ben Fuller, Michael Farren, & Tony Wood

Broken Man Can: Scotty Inman – Written By: Scotty Inman, Jimmy Yeary, & Kenna Turner West

Speaking Terms: Ella Langley – Written By: Helene Cronin, & Joybeth Taylor

Still Do: Anne Wilson, Cole Swindell – Written By: Anne Wilson, Matthew West, Jeff Pardo, & Trannie Anderson

The Jesus I Know Now: Brandon Lake, Lainey Wilson – Written By: Brandon Lake, Lainey Wilson, Emily Weisband, & Luke Laird

GOSPEL WORSHIP RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR Nominees:

Bless Your Name (Live): Maranda Curtis – Written By: Maranda Curtis, Chekira Daffin, David Cartwright Jr., & Laura Ann Johnson

More Than This [Radio Edit]: CeCe Winans (ft. Todd Dulaney) – Written By: CeCe Winans, Todd Dulaney, Kyle Lee

One Good God (Live): Jonathan McReynolds – Written By: Jonathan McReynolds, & Terrell Demetrius Wilson

Something’s About to Shift (Live): Red Worship, Jonathan Stamper – Written By: Jonathan Stamper

Yahweh Flow (Live In San Francisco): Tye Tribbett (ft. Jocelyn Bowman, D’nar Young, Jewell Jones, Jalisa Faye) – Written By: Tye Tribbett, Matt Redman, Jonas Myrin, Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, Marty Sampson, Israel Houghton, Adesewa Ayoola, Alessandro Vilas Boas, Ed Cash, Kristian Stanfill, Kofi Dartey, & Ryan Ofei

RAP/HIPHOP RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR Nominees:

Bless You: Lecrae, Torey D’Shaun – Written By: Lecrae, Torey D’Shaun, Milan Szelcsanyi, Lihtz, KUR, Jeremiah Adkins, Amore Jones, & Eks

DAVE: Hulvey – Written By: Hulvey, xander., Zac Lawson, Micah Palace, & John Michael Howell

God Did II: RUA YOUNG, KB – Written By: RUA YOUNG, KB, Wes Writer, & Quinten Coblentz

ROB HELL: indie tribe, nobigdyl., Torey D’Shaun (ft. Jon Keith) – Written By: nobigdyl., Torey D’Shaun, & Jon Keith

Yes: Steven Malcolm, for KING & COUNTRY, KB – Written By: Steven Malcolm, Joel Smallbone, Luke Smallbone, Demi Kolenbrander, Ben Glover, Brendon Coe, Jamie George, Tedd T., & Theron Feemster

POP/CONTEMPORARY ALBUM OF THE YEAR Nominees:

Counting My Blessings: Seph Schlueter – Written By: Jonathan Smith, David Spencer, Colby Wedgeworth, Jordan Sapp, Tedd T., Sajan Nauriyal, Tyler Meadows, Kenzie Mccarter, Cristina Cardenas, & Emma Pettyjohn

Jamie MacDonald: Jamie MacDonald – Written By: Jamie MacDonald, Austin Davis, Derek Winkley, Aaron Robertson, Colby Wedgeworth, Jordan Sapp, Jonathan Gamble, Petey Martin, Andrew Bergthold, Justin Amundrud, & Josh Silverberg

King Of Hearts: Brandon Lake – Written By: Hank Bentley, Jacob Sooter, Micah Nichols, Rodrick Simmons, & Pete Mol

Mt. Zion: Josiah Queen – Written By: Josiah Queen, John Michael Howell, Zac Lawson, Jared Marc, Jacob Sooter, Hank Bentley, & Ben Foster

Walk Through Fire: Ben Fuller – Written By: Sam Martinez, Jacob Sooter, Ethan Hulse, Colby Wedgeworth, Jeff Pardo, Michael Farren, & Nick Schwarz

WORSHIP ALBUM OF THE YEAR Nominees:

A Forgiving God: SEU Worship – Written By: Rob Ellmore, Cameron Giddens, Chelsea Plank, & Christopher Austin Shuffitt

Breathe On It: Tauren Wells – Written By: Aaron Robertson, Colby Wedgeworth, Jordan Sapp, Jay-J, Jonathan Smith, Chris Strawder, Chuck Butler, Luis Higuera, Demitri Wells, xander., & Luke Johns

SO BE IT (Live): Elevation Worship – Written By: Chris Brown, Steven Furtick, Jonathan Smith, Chandler Moore, Jonathan Mix, Scott Gardner, Jacob Sooter, Josh Holiday, & Joshua Coleman

Song Of The Saints: Phil Wickham Jonathan Smith, Shane Becker, & Micah Nichols

We Must Respond (Deluxe) [Live]: Bethel Music – Written By: Brian Johnson, David Whitworth, Dominic Shahbon, Jason Ingram, Jonathan Lee, & Mathew Ogden

CHRISTMAS/SPECIAL EVENT ALBUM OF THE YEAR Nominees:

Christmas: Natalie Grant – Written By: Bernie Herms, Sarah Reeves, & Tim Davis

Come Home For Christmas: Matthew West – Written By: AJ Pruis, Mark Evitts, Jeff Pardo, & Chris Lockwood

DAVID (Soundtrack from the Angel Original Film): Various Artists – Written By: Chad Carouthers, Joseph Trapanese, Jonathan Smith, & Bryan Lawson

I Can Only Imagine 2 (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Various Artists – Written By: Tedd T., Jeremy Redmon, & Brent McCorkle

Rejoice! (A Celtic Christmas): We Are Messengers – Written By: Dan Muckala

RECORDED MUSIC PACKAGING OF THE YEAR Nominees:

Blameless: Jackie Hill Perry – Art Directors: Kevin Hackett & Jues Almanzar – Photographers: Matthew Warren & Quality Lenz

Honest Conversations: Katy Nichole – Art Director/ Graphic Artist/ Illustrator: Joshua Wurzelbacher – Photographer: Erick Frost

Mt. Zion: Josiah Queen – Art Director: Aaron Stearns – Graphic Artists: Aaron Stearns, Nathan Blaine, & Trent Nicholson – Photographer: Rashun Ludgood

Real: Blessing Offor – Art Directors: Nathan Blaine, & Aaron Stearns – Graphic Artist: Nathan Blaine – Photographer: Erick Frost

Reconstruction: Lecrae – Art Director: Kevin Hackett – Photographer: Quality Lenz

SHORT FORM MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR (CONCEPT) Nominees:

Heaven On My Mind: TobyMac – Director: Eric Welch – Producer: Scott McDaniel

I’ve Got A Fire: Pat Barrett – Director: Noah Taher – Producers: Hannah Hastings & Luke Hastings

Raised By Wolves: Franni Cash – Director: Sadie Kay – Producer: Lauren Forbes

SEVENS: Brandon Lake – Directors: Noah Taher & Sadie Kay – Producers: Noah Taher & Rachel Mulcahy

World On Fire: for KING & COUNTRY & Taylor Hill – Director: Kadin Tooley – Producers: Katie Babbage, Fadwa Ward, Patrick Tohill & Crashbang

SHORT FORM MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR (PERFORMANCE) Nominees:

CAMPAIGN: KB – Director/Producer: Juan Garcia

Far Country: Ellie Holcomb – Director: Bryant Bural – Producers: Bryant Bural & Noah Tidmore

Have Your Way: Katy Nichole – Directors: Greg Fromholz & Joey von Meding – Producer: Joshua Wurzelbacher

I Ain’t Worried: Jackie Hill Perry – Director: Devin Johnson

Worthy Of It All (Worthy): CeCe Winans – Director/Producer: Elliot Eicheldinger

LONG FORM MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR Nominees:

Eterno Dios (Live): Gateway Worship Español – Director/Producer: Jakob Serban

Just That Good (Live from Passion 2026): Passion – Directors: Brian Zimmerman & Rusty Anderson – Producers: Passion, Louie Giglio, Shelley Giglio & Rachel Baldwin

Memorandum: Kristene DiMarco – Director: Luke Manwaring – Producer: Jonathan Lee

Sons of Sunday: Sons of Sunday – Director: Mait Hudson – Producers: Chris Dobson & Chris Brown

The Resurrection Of A King: Tommee Proffit – Director/Producer: Tommee Proffit

FEATURE FILM OF THE YEAR Nominees:

A Great Awakening: Director: Joshua Enck – Producers: Steve Buckwalter & Troy Thorne

DAVID: Directors: Brent Dawes & Phil Cunningham – Producers: Jacqui Cunningham, Phil Cunningham, Tim Keller, Rita Mbanga, Steve Pegram, Timothy Hoffman, Nikky Kho, & Edelgard Slabbert

I Can Only Imagine 2: Directors: Brent McCorkle & Andrew Erwin – Producers: Andrew Erwin, Ashley Grifka, Bart Millard, Cindy Bond, Daryl C. Lefever, Josh Walsh, Katelyn Botsch & Kevin Downes

Sarah’s Oil: Director: Cyrus Nowrasteh – Producers: John Shepherd, Jon Erwin, Cyrus Nowrasteh, Kevin Downes, Daryl C. Lefever, Andrew Erwin, Derrick Williams & Zachary Levi

Soul on Fire: Director: Sean McNamara – Producers: Margaret French-Isaac, David Brookwell, J. Todd Harris, Sean McNamara, Toni Farina, & Amy Powers

TELEVISION SERIES OF THE YEAR Nominees:

Duck Dynasty: The Revival: Director: Ted Butler – Producers: Tony Sam & Peter Chelkowski

House of David: Directors: Jon Erwin, Jon Gunn, Jeff T. Thomas, & Lynsey Miller – Producers: Katelyn Botsch, Andrew Erwin, Daryl C. Lefever, Panos Papahadzis, Tony Young, Todd Giroux, & Courtney Johnson

The Chosen: Director: Dallas Jenkins – Producers: Jamie Elliott, Adam Drake, & Kerri Navarro

The Promised Land: Director: Mitch Hudson – Producers: Jeremy Crouch, Adam Drake, Richie Johns, Bethany Johns, Bob Elder, & Justin Tolley

The Wingfeather Saga: Directors: Daniel Haycox, John Sanford, Keith Lango, Ron Smith & John Wall

Once again, congratulations for all the nominees. The 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards Broadcast is on Tuesday October 6th. To find more information, click HERE.

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