The Nixa First Assembly of God choir recently had the privilege of recording a brand new choral project with phenomenal songwriter and choral producer Geron Davis. I thought it would be a good time to talk with Jeff Smith, the Minister of Music and find out a little more about what happen during this exciting event.

1. What an awesome opportunity for the Nixa First Assembly of God and choir director Jeff Smith. Jeff, how did this opportunity come about?We've had a long term relationship with Geron Davis. We have done several choral premiers with him.

It was time for Geron to do a new choral project and I was thrilled when he called me. We're the first church to do this in Missouri. Our Sanctuary Choir and accompaniment performed the whole CD. We normally run about 700 in attendance and as such are a very musical church with a lot of talented singers, including those who are great soloists and featured singers. Geron has come to church several times with J & J Music conferences, so he was very familiar with our choir capabilities.

2. I understand that Geron Davis either wrote or picked out all the songs. Did you have any input on this part of the project?

No, I didn't have any part of the picking out of the material, however there are other song writers including Randy Phillips and Hezekiah Walker. There is definitely something on this CD for everyone.

3. How long did it take to get your choir prepared for the album? What was the hardest part of preparing for such an important album?

It only took 3 months, but only because my choir was very dedicated and worked very hard. The biggest challenge was working around Easter, since we present a big music program at that time. There was a small window of opportunity for recording so we had to work quickly to get it done. We had to be ready one week before Memorial Day. The Choir was great and recorded in the whole project one day. We started at noon and ended a midnight. The Soloists recorded next day, it was just a God thing! The hardest thing was getting everybody to practice during busy schedules. Of course meeting the Budget for the project price was a whole different problem to be worked out, but God did it.

4. What sort of special attention or recognition has this project brought to the church in the community? In the music community? Has it brought any special recognition for you as the director?

The biggest opportunity so far has been to sing on a Gaither Homecoming. It was supposed to happen earlier this month, but inclimate weather postponed it until April. That was disappointing, but that gives us something to look forward to. We have received some notoriety in community with the local paper doing an article. Naturally it's good for my resume, and working with Bill Gaither is a real opportunity. The response of the church is very excited and supportive.

5. Describe the CD for us. Is it Praise and Worship, Southern Gospel, Inspirational?

I would say that overall it has a Praise and Worship theme with overtones of Southern Gospel, Inspirational, and Black Gospel. It fits the style of our church music - heartfelt and upbeat. My pick would be "Do You Know Jesus?" and "Brilliant".

6. Tell us about some of the featured singers from your choir. Give us a little history of Jeff Smith.

There are different soloist on 8 different features. The songs really fit their voices. I wanted them to own the song and the choir to own this group of songs. People can tell the difference between singing a song and ministering a song.

As far as my history I have been in Music Ministry for 22 years. My actual title here is Executive Associate Pastor an I've been one for 14 years. Something I think is interesting about my life now is that I have just been elected as a school board member.

7. If someone enters the Nixa First Assembly of God on any Sunday morning, what can they expect to experience?

They will be walking into the best church in the world. It's a lively, active place with great Praise & Worship going on. Many visitors tell us they free to enter in and worship. Of course they will hear great preaching by our wonderful Pastor Rev. Don Blansit

8. OK, before I get us both fired, tell us a little about your Pastor?

He is one of the greatest men of integrity I have ever had the pleasure of working with. He's a man of prayer and also has a good sense of humor. When I first came here he was co-pastor with his father, now he has been serving as Senior Pastor over 13 years.

9. If someone wanted to get a copy of this great CD, how could they do that?

It's available on website http://www.nixafirst.org and Silver Dollar City is going to handle the CD as well.

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