Feature Articles
01 Dec 2009
Tim Hill
Tim Hill is no stranger to writing hits songs in the Southern Gospel genre. Can you tell us of a few of this hits you've had?
"He's Still In The Fire"; #1 in 1990, Song of the year Gospel Voice Magazine
"In The Midst Of It All", Recorded by Ben Speer, featured regularly in Gaither concerts and performed this year by Ben at NQC
"He's On The Throne", charted for Speers in 1983
"The Spirit Will Come Down," Charted for Speers in 84
"No Thorns In The Crown", Charted for Pieffers in 91
"I Just Came Back to Cry Holy", Charted for Pieffers in 92
"He Must Be In The House", Current radio Single by the Gabbards
Many people may not know that Tim Hill is more than just a songwriter, he is a great singer, 1st Assistant General Overseer of the Church of God, as well as an outstanding preacher and Campmeeting speaker. Tell us a little of who Tim Hill is.
My Favorite titles are "Babe" to my wife Paula, "Dad" to my three Daughters and "Papa" to my two grandchildren.
Even though I am in denominational leadership, I will always see myself primarily as a pastor and evangelist. I love developing leaders and speaking into the lives of families as a pastor. Our families fondest memories were created when we pastored in Danville, Virginia at the Riveroak Church of God. While we were there, our church was host to many of the Southern gospel Groups traveling throughout the 90's. I also hosted a locally televised Southern Gospel music video program. I was raised in the church. My Dad was a pastor when I was born in 1959.
s there anything in particular that inspires you to write songs?
My best songs have come from the study of the Word of God, often while preparing for sermons.
Please share with us the stories behind a few of your songs, especially "In The Midst Of It All".
"He's Still In The Fire" was inspired by picking up on a quote from a sermon I heard a man preach once in Tucson, Az. He simply stated that the Fourth Man was "Still In The Fire" in the event we ever have to go through it.
"In The Midst of it All" was inspired from a sermon study I was doing on the Old Testament Character Job. About the same time, several families in our church had suffered various kinds of tragedies including deaths of family members, storms that demolished their homes and loss of jobs. Late at church one night, while in prayer, I remembered the words of my Father who once said to me "The greatest test of a man's character will be revealed in the thing that it takes to make him quit." All of this combined togerther inspired the words to the song. The phrase in the song that says, " In Him I Stand complete..." still speak personally to me when I sing it.
Do you do any other writing besides your songs?
I have written numerous resources for pastors and church leaders. I have written 5 volumes of sermons called "Sermons for Shepherds" that contain about 40 sermons in each book. I am about to publish a book on the subject of revival in the church. It will be called, "Beyond The Mist-The Quest For Authentic Revival"
Is there one song that seems to touch you when you sing? Is there one song that seems to touch the audience when you are singing?
After singing "In The MIdst Of It All" for over 25 years, it still moves me deeply and seems to touch audiences everywhere I sing it.I still love watching an audience respond to this song when Ben Speer sings it. His passion with this song is strong and always touches an audience. I still have lots of fun with "He's Still In The Fire". I really enjoy keeping up with this song on "You Tube". I've been amazed at how many versions of it there are. Recently I found a Senior Adult Choir singing it somewhere. They were having a big time with it. I never thought I would hear a choral version of "He's Still In The Fire." One song that the larger audience knows little about is a song I wrote especially for people in ministry. It is called, "It Will Rain Again." The McRaes recorded it a few years ago. But I love to sing it when I am ministering in Pastors conventions.
If you could give some advise to advice to young songwriters today, what would that be?
I have told young writers that their best songs will flow out of their devotional and prayer life. Obviously there is much to be said for skill and honing the craft, but that "hook line" and meaningful phrase will often come leaping off of a page from scipture or from a pastors sermon. Keep your "hook book" close and write in it often.
I also enjoy collaborating with other writers who can help take my thoughts and arrange them in ways I may have never considered otherwise. Johnny Minnick and Chris Binion have been great for me to work with recently.
What is the best way for artists to get a hold on some of your songs? If someone to get in touch with you to sing or preach at their church or campmeeting, how would they do that?
I can be reached at The church of God International Offices through email at the following address: cog1a@churchofgod,org or call 423 478 7136.
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[8] Comments
Thank you for this article. I'm a big fan of Tim Hill's writing and it was a joy to get to know more about him through your interview.
Tim Hill is a wonderful singer/songwriter. He has been to our church a couple of times and also led one of our choir music camps. We were so blessed to perform "In The Midst Of It All" with him that Sunday morning. Thank you for sharing this article with us.
Written: 12/01/2009 
Author: SGN
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