After two Grammys and an American Music Award nomination, Christian alternative rock group Jars of Clay is promoting its fifth compact disc, “Furthermore,” with a stop Saturday at UW-Eau Claire.

Jars of Clay emerged out of the St. Louis college music scene. It is a four-piece band comprised of singer Dan Haseltine, keyboardist Charlie Lowell, guitarist Stephen Mason and guitarist Matt Odmark.

Some of the band’s major influences are Sting, Beck, Loco and Salmon Burke, Lowell said.

They began writing music in their college dormitory and released their first compact disc in 1995, as stated in the band’s biography sheet. Since then, it has been all uphill for the band.

Jars of Clay would just as soon rock the sinners in a nightclub than play a church social, as stated on its Web site. The band said its music is because of their faith — not about it.

In the mid-90s, Jars broke the mold when it became one of the only Christian rock groups brave enough to venture outside of churches and religious festivals. This made them leaders, and people were quick to follow.

The band is known for its grassroots following consisting mostly of college-aged fans nationwide, according to a press release.

They still believe in the purpose beyond the music and value their personal relationships over the business side, their Web site stated. Music making remains at the forefront of Jars’ intentions.

Their new album, “Furthermore,” is the follow up to their multi-platinum album, “The Eleventh Hour.” “Furthermore” is a two-disc set that features one disc recorded in the studio and one recorded live.

The discs are comprised of recasting old songs that are played with different arrangements or stripped down to acoustics and vocals. It also includes three new songs recorded in the band’s own Sputnik Studios.

“(The album is) sort of a reinvention or rediscovery of our music,” Lowell said.

The band is very excited about the upcoming tour, Lowell said. It is anticipating getting away from the rock show and getting into more of a coffee shop setting.

“We are surprised at all the good reactions to the new record,” Lowel said. “I think the studio side of ‘Furthermore’ is good, but it makes a great transition to live stuff. Our goal with this album was to become more intimate with our fans.”

The challenge for most Christian bands is to get non-Christian fans to attend their show. They do things like make the ticket prices affordable, not worshiping or throwing God in your face and just playing music. Jars of Clay thrives when the audience is broader, Lowell said.

“I think the message is the best part of Jars of Clay music. The gospel, that Jesus came and died for our sins,” said senior Mindy Foley, a long-time fan who is going to the concert with her friends.

This is the first time Jars of Clay has played in Eau Claire.

“I think that their music has stayed pretty constant over the years,” Foley said. “I think that the music is much more than about God.”