Born in 1968 from Vancouver, BC. She has a degree in Psychology and English from Trinity Western University and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Regent College. Mark heard encouraged Arends to record her first songwriting demo tapes in 1988 and 1994 she was signed as a recording artist. In 1995 she toured with Rich Mullins and in 1996-97 with Steven Curtis Chapman, Mullins and Ashley Cleveland. She wrote songs for 4HIM, Susan Ashton, Lisa Bevill, Kim Boyce, Serene & Pearl, Tony Vincent, David Robertson ,Kelli Reisen and Michael James.
Carolyn Arends has released 14 albums and is the author of 3 critically-acclaimed books. 15 of Arends’ songs have become top 10 radio singles on the Canadian pop and US Christian charts. Arends has earned 2 Dove Awards, 3 Juno Nominations, and was recognized as the West Coast Music Awards’ Songwriter of the Year. Her prose has been recognized by The Word Guild, The Evangelical Press Association and The Canadian Church Press Awards.
In addition to her busy touring and speaking schedule, Carolyn has been a regular columnist for Christianity Today, Faith Today, and CT Women, and has served as an adjunct professor at Trinity Western University, Regent College, ACTS Seminary, Pacific Life Bible College, Columbia Bible College, and Prairie Bible College.
She lives in Surrey, BC with her husband, Mark, and their young adult children Benjamin and Bethany.
Carolyn is currently the Director of Education for Renovaré, a far-reaching organization that encourages and nurtures personal and spiritual renewal. She continues to be available on a select basis for speaking, retreat facilitation, concerts, worship leading, and songwriting and performance seminars.
