Southern Gospel music has been a big part of my life since I was a little boy. I grew up listening to all of the legends like Jake Hess, James Blackwood, The Happy Goodmans and the list could just go on and on. I am so thankful to be part of a music genre that has such a heritage and although many of the pioneers of Southern Gospel have gone home to be with our Lord, many great talents are still singing Southern Gospel today.
There are many groups in our genre and many singers trying to “break into the business”. Some are excellent…some maybe not so much. However, if ones heart is in the right place, it is much better to make a joyful noise for the Lord than to make beautiful music for the devil. Those of us in the genre have an opportunity (dare I even say an obligation) to speak words of encouragement to each other instead of speaking in a negative manor about individual talents or lack thereof. God looks at the condition of the heart not the condition of the vocal chords. Any gift or talent, great or small, comes from Him. I pray we all stay focused on ministry. Friendly competition is wonderful, but ministry is still the key. Imagine Glenn Payne or George Younce speaking words of encouragement to a young Roger Bennett….a young Scott Fowler. Imagine if I had an opportunity to unknowingly speak words of encouragement to the next Ivan Parker or Brian Free. Just imagine!
Dave McVay
Three Bridges
http://www.threebridges.net
Author: SGN
| Author's Website: http://sogospelnews.com/
Written: 10/31/2005
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Category: ArtistsThree Bridges
Comments: 5
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Good article. The Bible encourages us to be TRUTHFUL in our speech to one another...We need to be careful about what we label "encouragement"... We are commanded to speak the truth.. with LOVE. Just because we say something that someone isn't comfortable hearing doesn't mean we are NOT being encouraging. The Holy Spirit doesn't give the same gifts to every member of the Body of Christ.. and when we "encourage" someone in an area where that person clearly is not gifted....we may be responsible for them NOT being used in an area where they will really BENEFIT the Body of Christ. The gifts of the Spirit include encouragement as well as EXHORTING one another.
I think there is a difference between simply using your voice to lift up worship to the Lord - which we should ALL DO DAILY - and someone who is trying to make a living or a career out of being a SGM singer.
Thanks for your thoughts though.
Thanks for your comments Jeanne. Don't misunderstand what I am saying...I realize that there are those who clearly are not gifted enough in the areas needed to make it in Southern Gospel or make a career of singing. I am speaking about many that we come in contact with daily that have a love in their heart for serving the Lord and singing His praises. I wouldn't dare tell someone they shouldn't sing unto the Lord. I've stood in the choir next to people who couldn't carry a tune in a bucket...but I'd challenge anyone to find a person more in tune to the very heart of God than that same person. As for the professionals in our genre...I hear negative comments from time to time about this one and that one...I'm saying...let's uplift one another...we are in this thing together. The Southern Gospel community needs to unite.
Right on, Dave.
I have always been told, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all"
You can always find a positive amongst negatives! We just have to look a little harder for them sometimes 
I spent a little time with a couple of you guys not long ago. Your reaction to my songs were extremely positive, as you spoke words of encouragement. I appreciate you guys for that.
You are an extremely talented group, and I really dig the fact that you "push the envelope" in SGM.
You guys keep rockin' for Jesus, cuz you're the real deal.
(Now if I could get one of you characters to return my calls! :>) )
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