"The passion of our lives has always been to take people to a higher place or worship. Worshipworks Ministries (WMI) and its synergy of ministries was born out of a clear mandate from God and a burning desire to see the nations changed by the power of God and filled with anointed and excellent worship leaders, musicians and artists."
- Joe and Becky Cruse
With a heritage rooted deep in Christian music and over three decades of ministry experience, the Cruses offer a dynamic yet intimate worship style that creates a unique atmosphere for people to experience the glory and presence of God.
Joe and Becky began ministering together in 1972. The Cruse Family, an evangelistic music ministry, traveled and ministered all over the world throughout the 70's and 80's. The released 25 albums during this time and were the recipients of two coveted Dove awards in 1978.
In 1990, God planted them in Rockwall, Texas where the husband and wife duo served for five years as the praise and worship leaders for Church on the Rock. In spring of 1995, the Cruses began traveling once again, this time with renowned evangelist, Dr. Rodney Howard-Browne of Revival Ministries International.
Joe and Becky, together with their family and a few friends, settled in Austin, Texas in the fall of 2001. After multiple years of training and mentoring young musicians, their long time dream became a reality. WMI branched out to include a strong local church and two schools that provide an outstanding home base for this dynamic ministry. The legacy, integrity, and experience of the Cruse Family, coupled with their heart for God and their passion for His people and His presence is unparalleled in the church world today.
Whether you attend one of their church services, enroll in classes, or catch them on the road leading crusades or conferences, you are sure to experience what others have for so many years - a life changing worship experience!
Cindy Cruse Ratcliff, a gifted songwriter and vocal talent second to none, brings with her a fresh, vivacious approach to worship. She began her rich history of music and ministry at a very early age. Singing with her family, Cindy was introduced to the recording studio when she was just 6 years old. The Cruse Family, a vibrant, evangelistic ministry of both music and preaching, traveled and ministered all over the world. Their music ministry has received two of the Gospel Music Association’s coveted Dove Awards.
Cindy became the youngest licensed ASCAP songwriter at the age of 9. At age 19, as a writer, she was nominated by the Gospel Music Association for both Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year. In January 2000, Cindy became the Director of Music and Worship at Lakewood Church, the largest congregation in America, under the leadership of Pastor Joel Osteen. She has recorded three live worship albums at Lakewood Church titled “We Speak to Nations,” “Cover the Earth” and “Free to Worship”. In October of 2006 Cindy recorded a collaborative Christmas CD with The Houston Symphony entitled “The Gift”.
Cindy and the music ministry are broadcast weekly on nationwide television to over 100 million households on many of the major television networks. She is also Director of Music for Joel Osteen Ministries and serves as worship leader to his sold out arena tour events across the United States.
Cindy resides in Houston, Texas, and is married to Marcus Ratcliff. Cindy and Marcus have three children, Windsor, Merrick, and Emory, whom they consider to be their greatest treasure.
Ross is the loving husband of his beautiful wife, Aimee, and he is crazy about his 5 kids, Zachary, Taylor, Grace, Ethan, and Owen. He has had the privilege of living in Colorado Springs, Colorado for over 18 years leading worship at New Life Church, where he has worked with some really incredible people who he has the honor of calling his friends. Ross has led worship on several Integrity Music recordings including “I Am Free,” the award-winning, best-selling release “My Savior Lives,” and his newest release, “Counting on God.” He recently became an author with Cook Communications writing a Christmas book entitled, “Do You See What I See? Exploring the Christmas of Everyday.”
He enjoys movies, the Denver Broncos (especially when they’re winning), and reading all kinds of good books. Part of his passion has been in training and equipping young men and women to lead worship in local churches, which is why he founded the New Life School of Worship.
Over the years, Ross has assembled a team of influential worship leaders and song-writers around him at New Life Church who are all successful in their own right (Jared Anderson, Glenn Packiam, Jon Egan and the Desperation Band), and their songs have quickly become worship favorites in churches around the world. Ross’ philosophy of multi-generational worship has helped shape many worship ministries and churches and he is a consistent speaker and teacher at worship conferences around the nation.
Ross was the Interim Senior Pastor at New Life Church in 2007 where he provided leadership, spiritual direction and healing for the family of believers in the wake of a moral failure by their Senior Pastor. He continued to help guide New Life Church through their transition under new pastor, Brady Boyd, encouraging this newly blended church family to see the grace of God and the miraculous way New Life has not only survived, but thrived.
After much prayer and preparation, Aimee and Ross are ready to launch out in a Lead Pastor role to plant a new life-giving church in Austin, Texas called ONE chapel. They are currently developing a launch team for a 2010 start and are excited about birthing a new community of believers who will engage God’s grace to serve a city in great need.