Singer and songwriter Dallas Holm will present a free concert at 7 p.m. Sunday in the North Broadway Avenue parking lot. An offering will be taken for the Community Cornerstone Project. For more information, call (507) 473-0376.

Holm is an icon of Christian music. Though he never feels comfortable with such descriptions, Holm agreed, “Through God’s grace, I’ve been part of the Christian music ministry for a long time.”

Holm has earned his influence in today’s Christian music throughout more than 30 years of writing, singing and ministry in some 3,000 concerts in every state as well as many countries abroad. His 37 recordings have garnered gold records, multiple Dove awards, Grammy nominations, No. 1 songs and countless accolades. During his travels, Holm also speaks and teaches what God has taught him in his journey.

Holm’s creativity and diversity offer everything from inspirational to blues, from country to reggae. Whatever the style, it all points to Christ and the cross. Songs like “Rise Again,” “I Saw the Lord,” “Here We Are,” and “Before Your Throne” remind us that it’s all about Jesus. Holm’s songs focus on Christ’s, his death and resurrection, and his desire for intimate relationship with us.

“When people come up to me after a concert and tell me they’ve given their life to the Lord during the concert, I’m humbled and amazed,” Holm said. Letters pour in from around the world telling of marriages saved and lives changed. Comments that keep Holm focused, fresh and committed to his calling are those that express how God used him to save their kids or, as kids often write, to save their parents.

His family, his role as husband, father and grandfather, take precedence. “If I reached the whole world but lost my own family, I’d consider myself a failure. Early on, I set a priority system that put God first, family second, and ministry third. If I’m not the husband and father I need to be in my own home, I have no right to proclaim truths of the kingdom to others.”

This arrangement has worked well for Dallas and Linda since their marriage in 1969. They now have two grown children, Jeffrey (his fishing buddy) and Jennifer. Jennifer and her husband Jason have two children, Jacob and Sophia.

Holm said, “I was my son’s age when I started in full-time ministry. Now I have grandchildren.” He and Linda travel to concerts across the country.

Dallas is quick to point out, “It’s been a remarkable journey, yet it hasn’t all been easy. When people hear my music or see me on TV or in concert, they don’t realize those are just moments in a life. I’ve had struggles, heartaches, and disappointments just like everyone else. Linda has fought an ongoing 19-year battle surviving cancer.

Holm grew up in Minnesota. In 1965, at the age of 16, he was pursuing a music career in local rock bands. Dallas remembers, “One night the pastor of our church sat down and talked with me about my life, my goals, and Jesus. On Oct. 17, 1965, I committed my life and my music to the Lord. I’ve never looked back.”

After Bible college and a short stint as youth pastor, Holm joined David Wilkerson in his youth crusades in 1970. He traveled and ministered with Wilkerson for 10 years. During that time he formed “Dallas Holm and Praise” in 1976.

“It amazes me that even with such turnover in the Christian music industry and such diversity within the church, God keeps this ministry effective year after year. I love what I do now more than ever and consider it a privilege to be a co-laborer with Christ,” Holm said.