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It’s been said that “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” but my whole philosophy is that “The old dogs should be teaching the new dogs the old tricks and be willing to learn some new tricks themselves, if it will help the new dogs”. OK, that’s too long to put on my business card, but you get the idea. We have too many artists struggling with the business of Southern Gospel Music who believe they are doing things the right way but are not succeeding because, in many instances, they have been improperly trained. It doesn’t seem right that our brand of music, Gospel Music, should have so many “old dogs playing tricks on the new dogs”.

All through nature we see that God has set up a system where the older animals attach themselves to the younger, less-wise animals, to help lead them and train them. In fact, when Jesus used the words “Take my yoke upon you and learn of me” that’s exactly the system He was referring to. He also used this same philosophy when He sent the disciples out two by two. If this system is good enough for Jesus, then it should be good enough for SGM.

Not only do animals use this method to train their young, but we humans use it to train animals. For example, there are still some societies around the world who rely on the elephant to perform duties and services. Naturally it is vital that these mammoth creatures be properly trained. When a wild animal is to be tamed and trained, it too is yoked to one that has already been through the process. By contact, the wild one comes to learn what is expected of it. The constant and contagious example of its yoke fellow can teach it as nothing else can. It provides visible evidence that success is possible and a continuous transfusion of courage. Actually, many of us learn the same way the elephants do. Many employers know that “we” learn quicker and better by watching and doing, which is why new hires are often tethered to a partner who knows the ropes.

There is another method of elephant training which you have seen if you’ve ever gone to a circus. I’m talking about a huge two-ton elephant shackled by one leg tied to a small wooden stake dug into the ground. The elephant has more than enough power to free itself, but will not because it has been conditioned to accept this limitation. When the elephant was a youngster the shackle placed on his leg was strong enough to hold him in place. Constant tugging on this wooden stake created enough bruising and pain to cause him to stop attempting to gain his freedom.

Once the young elephant accepts this limitation it becomes his permanent belief. As he grows into adulthood, he has more than enough power to free himself, but he will not because he has been conditioned to believe that it will cause pain.

My friends, there are many of you who have attached yourselves to situations that are nothing more than a stake in the ground. You are limiting your potential and your ministry. You are constantly being told to do this and do that by elephants that don’t even know what THEY are doing, much less what you should be doing. You have been conditioned to believe in foolish methods that don’t work, yet you stay right where you are without even trying to get free.

WELL I HAVE SOME GOOD NEWS FOR YOU……
YOU ARE NOT AN ELEPHANT!!

You are a child of God and you do not have to accept these limitations. You have the strength and power to break free. You can learn how to build your ministry the correct way, and then…share it with someone.

My goals are the same as yours…living a Christ-like life, winning the lost, and ministering to others. In my life “YOU” are the “OTHERS” I am called to minister to.

No matter what point you are on the learning curve, there are things you can do to move your ministry forward. My calling is to teach and mentor artists at every level.

The Lord is putting together a plan and bringing people into my life who have the same heart as I do for teaching and mentoring. I’ll be able to share more on this very soon. It’s all very exciting. It’s MY “dream” coming true, and if you want to learn…you’re in it.

Here is my new contact info:
Office Phone 615-242-7574
Email

As always, I welcome your comments

God Bless You,

Nick Bruno

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