At Kingdom Chorus Music, we spend a lot of time paying attention to what is happening quietly and faithfully behind the scenes in Christian music. Not just the songs, but the stations that carry them. The voices that show up every day. The places that choose hope, encouragement, and truth when the world feels loud and heavy.
Life 97.9 in Fargo, North Dakota is one of those places.
For decades, Life 97.9 has been more than a radio station. It has been a steady companion for listeners across the Fargo Moorhead region, offering music that lifts hearts, strengthens faith, and reminds people they are not alone. Founded in the mid 1960s as KFNW FM under the University of Northwestern St. Paul, the station has remained rooted in its original purpose. To share the love of Christ and nurture spiritual growth through Christ centered media.
That mission is not just a statement on a website. It is something you can hear in the music they choose, the way they speak to their audience, and the way they show up for their community.
Musically, Life 97.9 focuses on contemporary Christian music that is positive, uplifting, and accessible for everyday life. Songs that tell stories of faith, perseverance, grace, and hope. The kind of music you can listen to on your way to work, in the middle of a long day, or during a quiet moment when you need encouragement. Their programming is thoughtfully balanced, blending music with short inspirational moments, community updates, and faith centered content that feels personal rather than preachy.
In recent years, the station has continued to grow and adapt while staying true to its heart. The move into a newly renovated Fargo studio brought fresh energy and modern resources, allowing Life 97.9 to serve listeners even better. Leadership transitions have also marked a new season, with Jarrett Stevens stepping into the role of Station Manager and Program Director, bringing both vision and pastoral care to the station’s direction.
The launch of the new morning show, The Bright Side, featuring Jeremy Nobles and Elaina Bekkum, reflects the station’s ongoing commitment to connection. Not just broadcasting at people, but walking with them through the start of each day with warmth, honesty, and faith.
What truly sets Life 97.9 apart, though, is its deep investment in the local community.
From the annual Christmas Wish initiative that blesses local families with financial support, to the Valley’s Largest Baby Shower providing essentials for mothers in need, the station consistently turns faith into action. Their partnerships with shelters, ministries, and community organizations show a clear commitment to serving people where they are. Even moments of joy, like broadcasting Christmas music alongside local holiday light displays, reflect their desire to bring unity and light into the community.
Life 97.9 has never tried to be the loudest voice in the room. Instead, it has chosen to be a faithful one.
At KingdomChorus.org, we honor stations like Life 97.9 because they represent the heartbeat of Christian radio. Listener supported. Community focused. Christ centered. They create space for worship, reflection, and encouragement while actively loving their neighbors in practical ways.
We are grateful for what Life 97.9 continues to build in Fargo and beyond. Stations like this are not just part of the music ecosystem. They are part of the ministry.
And they matter.