http://sogospelnews.com/index/articles en beverly@zionmusic.com Copyright 2008 2008-05-07T20:35:00-06:00 http://sogospelnews.com/index/features/comments/9079/ Rev. T. F. Tenney ministered at our church a few days ago. This very wise preacher proclaimed to our congregation that "If you are committed to God, He is committed to you". He was illustrating how much God loves His children and the lengths that He will go to, to show His love to you. I believe that! I believe that if you are investing in God's work and pouring yourself into others, God rewards your faithfulness. I had a beautiful example for being faithful to God and living a Godly life in my dad. Having been raised in a pastor's home, I saw the benefits of my dad's faithfulness to God. I saw his sacrifice for the kingdom of God and I know without a doubt that hundreds of lives who have been touched by his dedication and humility. My life is certainly a feeble attempt to achieve that level of dedication. I love you J. George Cohron and thank you for the example of love, hard work and devotion you have been to me! Zion Compilation #42 will mail soon and will include: The McGruders, The Dunaways, David Patillo, The Crossmen, Tim Thomas Trio, Melinda Hand, The Gardners, Randy Swift, The Cupps, Sonny Schambeau, Cherise Perkins, Lorna Brittany Macey and The Dartts!!! I know, it is jam packed with incredible music for your listeners. You can also download the compilation online. Just call our office and Noel will provide the link to do so! Oak Valley Studio has also experienced a busy spring! We have welcomed: Cherise Perkins, Shawn Drewitt, the McCoys, The Tim Thomas Trio, Mark Fuller ....to name a few! If you need assistance with Sound and Video production for your event, contact us at 1-800-883-1772. You can also check out our website at http://www.nashvilleteleproductions.com . For information regarding all Zion artists go to http://www.zionmusic.com . If you would like to contact me directly, you can email me at beverly@zionmusic.com . For information regarding recording, contact our website at http://www.oakvalleystudio.com or call the office at 1-800-883-1772. We would love to discuss your recording needs and how we might be able to assist your ministry. Until next month, keep a song in your heart! Beverly Cohron McManua http://www.zionmusic.com Zion Music News
I had a beautiful example for being faithful to God and living a Godly life in my dad. Having been raised in a pastor's home, I saw the benefits of my dad's faithfulness to God. I saw his sacrifice for the kingdom of God and I know without a doubt that hundreds of lives who have been touched by his dedication and humility. My life is certainly a feeble attempt to achieve that level of dedication. I love you J. George Cohron and thank you for the example of love, hard work and devotion you have been to me!

Zion Compilation #42 will mail soon and will include: The McGruders, The Dunaways, David Patillo, The Crossmen, Tim Thomas Trio, Melinda Hand, The Gardners, Randy Swift, The Cupps, Sonny Schambeau, Cherise Perkins, Lorna Brittany Macey and The Dartts!!! I know, it is jam packed with incredible music for your listeners. You can also download the compilation online. Just call our office and Noel will provide the link to do so!

Oak Valley Studio has also experienced a busy spring! We have welcomed: Cherise Perkins, Shawn Drewitt, the McCoys, The Tim Thomas Trio, Mark Fuller ....to name a few!

If you need assistance with Sound and Video production for your event, contact us at 1-800-883-1772. You can also check out our website at http://www.nashvilleteleproductions.com . For information regarding all Zion artists go to http://www.zionmusic.com . If you would like to contact me directly, you can email me at beverly@zionmusic.com .

For information regarding recording, contact our website at http://www.oakvalleystudio.com or call the office at 1-800-883-1772. We would love to discuss your recording needs and how we might be able to assist your ministry.

Until next month, keep a song in your heart!

Beverly Cohron McManua
http://www.zionmusic.com]]> 2008-05-07T20:35:00-06:00 http://sogospelnews.com/index/features/comments/9041/ Spring certainly is bringing out the beauty of nature that God has made for us. All the trees, plants and shrubs are starting to bloom. I especially like the beauty of the Dogwood Trees, at this time of year. It seems like a time of new and beautiful beginnings. With this in mind I believe that it is a good time for each of us who minister in music to others to take a fresh look at our mission and abilities to carry out that mission. First, our mission has not changed. It remains to be that we have a goal of Ministry with the musical talent that God has gifted us with. With that in mind, the next question that we ask ourselves is; What do I do to be able to carry out my mission for God in a more efficient, improved, and effective manner. I think that our responsibility to the Lord is to prepare ourselves to be the very best that we can be in every area of our lives. That, of course, means that you “study to show yourself approved unto God”. Never stop improving, never stop learning, never stop trying to make your musical delivery of the highest quality possible. Each month when I write this column, I challenge myself to increase my knowledge of quality singing technique, and my application of that knowledge, to bring my singing to a higher level than before. I would like to encourage each one of you to do the same. This month I have tried to revue some of the techniques for singing excellent quality tones. There are different techniques for singing quality low tones and quality high tones. There are different placement techniques, with different results for each kind of tone. Tone placements are major roadblocks for some singers. Some tones should be placed in the mask, some in the oral cavity, and some in the chest area. Most all tones should have an element of each of these placements in them, but mainly, each tone, should be placed in the resonating area that best enhances the its quality . This month I want to address two areas: “How to sing low tones” and “How to sing high tones” . First let’s address how to sing low tones. I must confess that there are some great bass singers in the quartet business that could probably add a lot to what I am about to say. If you sing bass, take these words to heart and then seek out a great bass singer and talk to him about how he does it. There a certain basics of singing that any vocal coach can bring to the table, and this is what I will attempt to do about bass singing or low tones. Each voice whether bass or tenor must address how to sing in their lowest range. Over the years I have learned more about how to sing in my lower range and I will share these things with you. After I talk about this, I will talk about something that I am more acquainted with and that is how to sing high tones. The following list is my effort at learning how to sing my own low tones better: 1. Sing the words and tones forward on the lips, over concentrate on the vowel sounds, do not let the sound production be based on the glottis. 2. Do not attack low tones by trying to reach down for them mentally or physically. Always think of your attack as coming from above. 3. On lower tones you will not need to open your mouth as much as you do on high tones. The more you open your mouth the more resonation you have in your sound, If you use too much resonation, the tone will be breathy and not clear like it should be. 4. Low tones need steady breath support therefore, you should stiffen your diaphragm to resist the push of the stomach mass and give you a good steady flow of air, instead of the bursts of air that higher notes require at times. 5. Sing your low tones softer. They actually need to be sung easier than the higher tones. This is why bass singers almost always have their mikes up louder than everyone else. 6. Use your vocal cords like you would when you are humming. You should feel like your whole vocal cords are being used and not just the very edges of them. You should never feel like you are forcing the vocal cords, but rather they should feel relaxed to their fullest on your lowest note. Don’t ever allow your vocal cords to feel like they are squeezed ,or tight ,when you are singing your lowest notes. 7. Try to make your tones ring , and sound like they have a bright speech like quality to them. Well I have about run out of space here, so I will address how to sing high tones next month. I have a lot more to say about that, and I will take the entire column next month to talk about how to sing your high tones, and how you can improve the upper part of your range especially if you are a tenor singer. I will try to address that from an educational standpoint and an experience standpoint. Until next time remember Psalm 118:6 “The Lord is on my side” Remember that He is on your side. Keep on Keeping on for him. Your Brother in Christ, Bill Baize The Vocal Coach
This month I have tried to revue some of the techniques for singing excellent quality tones. There are different techniques for singing quality low tones and quality high tones. There are different placement techniques, with different results for each kind of tone. Tone placements are major roadblocks for some singers. Some tones should be placed in the mask, some in the oral cavity, and some in the chest area. Most all tones should have an element of each of these placements in them, but mainly, each tone, should be placed in the resonating area that best enhances the its quality . This month I want to address two areas: “How to sing low tones” and “How to sing high tones” .

First let’s address how to sing low tones. I must confess that there are some great bass singers in the quartet business that could probably add a lot to what I am about to say. If you sing bass, take these words to heart and then seek out a great bass singer and talk to him about how he does it. There a certain basics of singing that any vocal coach can bring to the table, and this is what I will attempt to do about bass singing or low tones. Each voice whether bass or tenor must address how to sing in their lowest range. Over the years I have learned more about how to sing in my lower range and I will share these things with you. After I talk about this, I will talk about something that I am more acquainted with and that is how to sing high tones. The following list is my effort at learning how to sing my own low tones better:

1. Sing the words and tones forward on the lips, over concentrate on the vowel sounds, do not let the sound production be based on the glottis.

2. Do not attack low tones by trying to reach down for them mentally or physically. Always think of your attack as coming from above.

3. On lower tones you will not need to open your mouth as much as you do on high tones. The more you open your mouth the more resonation you have in your sound, If you use too much resonation, the tone will be breathy and not clear like it should be.

4. Low tones need steady breath support therefore, you should stiffen your diaphragm to resist the push of the stomach mass and give you a good steady flow of air, instead of the bursts of air that higher notes require at times.

5. Sing your low tones softer. They actually need to be sung easier than the higher tones. This is why bass singers almost always have their mikes up louder than everyone else.

6. Use your vocal cords like you would when you are humming. You should feel like your whole vocal cords are being used and not just the very edges of them. You should never feel like you are forcing the vocal cords, but rather they should feel relaxed to their fullest on your lowest note. Don’t ever allow your vocal cords to feel like they are squeezed ,or tight ,when you are singing your lowest notes.

7. Try to make your tones ring , and sound like they have a bright speech like quality to them.

Well I have about run out of space here, so I will address how to sing high tones next month.
I have a lot more to say about that, and I will take the entire column next month to talk about how to sing your high tones, and how you can improve the upper part of your range especially if you are a tenor singer. I will try to address that from an educational standpoint and an experience standpoint.

Until next time remember Psalm 118:6 “The Lord is on my side” Remember that He is on your side. Keep on Keeping on for him.

Your Brother in Christ,
Bill Baize]]> 2008-05-05T00:20:00-06:00 http://sogospelnews.com/index/features/comments/9039/ Have you ever spent days, even weeks or months working on a new song? And when you were finished with it you felt that is was the best work you had ever done? If you have written more than two songs, you probably know what I'm talking about. We are constantly trying to improve our craft and make the next song we write be the best song we have ever written. A lot of times, we can tell pretty quick if our new song is our best work or not. But sometimes it is not so easy to tell. As a matter of fact, many times we writers are convinced that this new work is our very best ever. So the next step is always to give the song wings to fly. You let everyone hear your new creation. This is where you can have your suspicions of greatness confirmed, or the hard jolt of reality thrown in your face. Perhaps the hardest reaction to take is one of indifference. When people just say "that's nice". I have written over 1100 songs in my career. And one thing I have come to learn is that I seldom know when I've written a hit or a miss. Songs that I thought were my best work ever have gone no where. And songs that I forgot about writing have turned up at the top of the charts years later. "Singing With The Saints" has been a very successful copyright for me. I remember the day I met with John Rowsey and John Starnes to write it. We had spent most of the day working on something else. Then we went out for a very long lunch break. We enjoyed eating and visiting for quite a while. When we got back to the office, we had a little less than an hour before we all had to leave so we decided to work on something else. John Rowsey brought out a verse and a chorus of Singing With The Saints. We made a couple of small changes in it and wrote a second verse to it. One of the changes we made in the chorus was using the word "can't" to rhyme with "Saints". I made the suggestion of using the word "Aint", which I'm not sure is even a word. John and the other John liked the idea so we went with it. After they said they liked it, I was convinced that I hated it. We finished the song and all went home. I left there thinking that I had fun writing with my two friends, but that song would never get recorded. I thought when we rhymed Aint and Saint, that it would be the kiss of death for that song. So I forgot about it. I just remembered having fun that day. A few months later I ran into Bill Gaither in Nashville and he told me that the Vocal Band would be recording that song. I didn't know what to say. Because I wasn't even sure if I had written a song called "Singing With The Saints." But Bill seemed to be under the impression that I had. So I went along with it and said thank you. I had to think hard before I remembered that "Singing With The Saints: was the title of that song we worked on that day. I had pushed it so far out of my mind that I couldn't remember a single line of it. I was wrong. I am so thankful for two co-writers that didn't let me talk them into changing that line. I am also grateful for a publisher that sent it to Bill Gaither. Now the other side of that coin has a lot more faces. I have written many songs and walked away from them thinking that this was my best work to date. And many times I have been surprised to find out that those songs failed to make the connection that I thought they would with the listener. I think that when we write a song, we are far to close to it to judge it accurately. That's why a great publisher is such a necessity for a professional writer. It is their job to listen with fresh ears, and make the determination as to whether or not you have succeeded in what you set out to do. You may not have a publisher, but most of us know at least one person who knows more about music than we do. If it is at all possible, don't choose a family member. They are too close to you, and usually love you too much to give a hard critique when one is needed. But choose someone who's wisdom about music you respect, and take their advice. Until next time, keep on writing. Daryl Williams http://www.darylwilliamstrio.net The Songwriter
If you have written more than two songs, you probably know what I'm talking about. We are constantly trying to improve our craft and make the next song we write be the best song we have ever written. A lot of times, we can tell pretty quick if our new song is our best work or not. But sometimes it is not so easy to tell. As a matter of fact, many times we writers are convinced that this new work is our very best ever.

So the next step is always to give the song wings to fly. You let everyone hear your new creation. This is where you can have your suspicions of greatness confirmed, or the hard jolt of reality thrown in your face. Perhaps the hardest reaction to take is one of indifference. When people just say "that's nice".

I have written over 1100 songs in my career. And one thing I have come to learn is that I seldom know when I've written a hit or a miss. Songs that I thought were my best work ever have gone no where. And songs that I forgot about writing have turned up at the top of the charts years later.

"Singing With The Saints" has been a very successful copyright for me. I remember the day I met with John Rowsey and John Starnes to write it. We had spent most of the day working on something else. Then we went out for a very long lunch break. We enjoyed eating and visiting for quite a while. When we got back to the office, we had a little less than an hour before we all had to leave so we decided to work on something else. John Rowsey brought out a verse and a chorus of Singing With The Saints. We made a couple of small changes in it and wrote a second verse to it. One of the changes we made in the chorus was using the word "can't" to rhyme with "Saints". I made the suggestion of using the word "Aint", which I'm not sure is even a word. John and the other John liked the idea so we went with it. After they said they liked it, I was convinced that I hated it.

We finished the song and all went home. I left there thinking that I had fun writing with my two friends, but that song would never get recorded. I thought when we rhymed Aint and Saint, that it would be the kiss of death for that song. So I forgot about it. I just remembered having fun that day.

A few months later I ran into Bill Gaither in Nashville and he told me that the Vocal Band would be recording that song. I didn't know what to say. Because I wasn't even sure if I had written a song called "Singing With The Saints." But Bill seemed to be under the impression that I had. So I went along with it and said thank you. I had to think hard before I remembered that "Singing With The Saints: was the title of that song we worked on that day. I had pushed it so far out of my mind that I couldn't remember a single line of it.

I was wrong. I am so thankful for two co-writers that didn't let me talk them into changing that line. I am also grateful for a publisher that sent it to Bill Gaither.

Now the other side of that coin has a lot more faces. I have written many songs and walked away from them thinking that this was my best work to date. And many times I have been surprised to find out that those songs failed to make the connection that I thought they would with the listener.

I think that when we write a song, we are far to close to it to judge it accurately. That's why a great publisher is such a necessity for a professional writer. It is their job to listen with fresh ears, and make the determination as to whether or not you have succeeded in what you set out to do.

You may not have a publisher, but most of us know at least one person who knows more about music than we do. If it is at all possible, don't choose a family member. They are too close to you, and usually love you too much to give a hard critique when one is needed. But choose someone who's wisdom about music you respect, and take their advice.

Until next time, keep on writing.

Daryl Williams
http://www.darylwilliamstrio.net]]> 2008-05-05T00:10:00-06:00 http://sogospelnews.com/index/features/comments/9035/ It has now been one year since I moved to Nashville. I am indeed having a wonderful life out here. There are enough musical activities going on around town every night to make a person’s head spin. If I took in every show that interested me, I’d probably need about 6 or 7 more hours added to my day to either sleep or catch up with myself. But instead, I have to set priorities. I moved to Nashville from an area with a Southern Gospel drought. All we had every year were the Twin Cities Quartet Convention, the Gaither Homecoming concert on an 18 month rotation and a precious few independently promoted major Southern Gospel name act concerts. Nashville in comparison makes me feel like a kid in a candy store. Last summer I even had to make some tough choices in what to attend because there were so many shows scheduled in the same week. It’s a happy problem and one I don’t take for granted. Here are some items that were on my calendar over the last 12 months: SoGospelNews.com Fan Fair concert series, Steve Hurst and Stamps-Baxter school concerts, Christ Church music school concert, GMA Southern Gospel showcase, Mark Lowry’s Senior Trip and Spring Fling, Harmony Honors awards, about 3 or 4 Buddy Greene shows…and did I mention I now live close enough to the National Quartet Convention to attend? I attended my first NQC last year and I’ll be back this year with hopefully more time to hear music and visit artist booths. Whew. I’m sure I am probably missing something on this list. What a joy to have so much to look forward to in hearing these artists whose music I love so much in concert, and to be able to tell them personally when circumstances allow how much the music means to me. I covered a few of these concert events in a blog I do called “Wendy V’s Nashville Blend”. I often sign it off with a phrase which is a sentiment I had since the day I first visited Nashville and is truer now than ever before: I love this town. Wendy Vickers http://www.wendyv.com http://www.embraceencouragement.com Wendy Vickers
I moved to Nashville from an area with a Southern Gospel drought. All we had every year were the Twin Cities Quartet Convention, the Gaither Homecoming concert on an 18 month rotation and a precious few independently promoted major Southern Gospel name act concerts. Nashville in comparison makes me feel like a kid in a candy store. Last summer I even had to make some tough choices in what to attend because there were so many shows scheduled in the same week. It’s a happy problem and one I don’t take for granted.

Here are some items that were on my calendar over the last 12 months: SoGospelNews.com Fan Fair concert series, Steve Hurst and Stamps-Baxter school concerts, Christ Church music school concert, GMA Southern Gospel showcase, Mark Lowry’s Senior Trip and Spring Fling, Harmony Honors awards, about 3 or 4 Buddy Greene shows…and did I mention I now live close enough to the National Quartet Convention to attend? I attended my first NQC last year and I’ll be back this year with hopefully more time to hear music and visit artist booths.

Whew. I’m sure I am probably missing something on this list. What a joy to have so much to look forward to in hearing these artists whose music I love so much in concert, and to be able to tell them personally when circumstances allow how much the music means to me.

I covered a few of these concert events in a blog I do called “Wendy V’s Nashville Blend”. I often sign it off with a phrase which is a sentiment I had since the day I first visited Nashville and is truer now than ever before: I love this town.

Wendy Vickers
http://www.wendyv.com
http://www.embraceencouragement.com

]]> 2008-05-04T23:08:00-06:00 http://sogospelnews.com/index/features/comments/9034/ Snakes! Just the word can strike fear in the heart of even the bravest. Nearly everyone has heard a snake story at some time. Snake stories always seem to have a bad ending. One of my life’s main goals is to insure that my name and the word “snake” never occur in the same sentence. You would think that people would be especially leery of snakes that talk. History reveals they have nothing constructive to say. They have no credibility and their motives are always suspect. Eve was an eye and ear witness to the persuasive power of a serpent’s slick line. If given the time, snakes have been very convincing. Considering the fall-out from her tree-side chat you would think that everyone would see a red flag when the snake begins to talk. But time and tolerance have dulled our responses and desensitized our “snake alarms.” Acts 16:17 records an event that has “reptile” written all over it. It occurred during the ministry of the Apostle Paul. Satan pulled the old snake routine out of mothballs and found another unsuspecting audience to address. This story tells us about a young girl who was possessed with a spirit of “divination” (python, SC 4436). And, if you know anything about biblical snakes, you know they won’t behave and they can’t keep their mouth shut. The spirit was “soothsaying” (manteuomene, SC 3132) or literally “ranting and raving with fury” while delivering its message through this young girl. She was a little “cash cow” who was bringing a fortune to her masters while spreading an inaccurate message about Paul and his associates. On the surface the message seems correct, albeit not divinely inspired. Let’s go see what the Greek has to say about the subject. The core of her message and the exposure of the error centers on the serpent’s subtle avoidance of the definite article. This little powerhouse in Greek grammar is the word “the” and its function is to establish “singularity uniqueness, exclusiveness or specificity to the subject.” Her message in literal Greek stated that Paul, Silas and Luke were showing the people of Macedonia “a way” of salvation. That little heresy should get your attention! When you do not use the definite article in Greek, the rules of grammar require you to translate it as an indefinite article. This creates the assumption that there is more than one way to be saved. This is the same old devil telling the same old lie! He has always fought the message that Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to be saved. It is Christ’s blood and only His blood that redeems fallen man. There is no other name given among men that will save us. What a world of difference the lack of the Definite Article makes in her announcement! Satan does not mind the world hearing that there is a way of salvation. He just doesn’t want them to hear about “the way” of salvation. This obvious error in content, coupled with the fact that Christ never allowed demons to testify of His Deity, is why Paul so forcefully stopped the spirit of Python from preaching. The serpent was wrong once more. As the old adage might go, “How can you tell if a snake is lying? If his lips are moving.” Happy digging in the Gold Mine of God’s Word! ****A Personal Word to Our Readers from Dr. Frazier**** There are great insights to be derived from the study of the Greek New Testament. Each month I will endeavor to share a nugget of truth from the Book of Truth, God’s Eternal Word. These will be concise and should not intrude into your time or opportunity to explore the richness of the vein from which they were extracted. That is for you and the Holy Spirit to excavate together. These nuggets are just to let you know where to begin the digging, if you so desire. They are NOT designed to be an exhaustive commentary providing all the answers on the subject. The Spirit will guide you in how deep to dig. Please feel free to share your questions, observations or insights with our readers and me. Website: http://www.donfrazier.com Golden Nuggets
You would think that people would be especially leery of snakes that talk. History reveals they have nothing constructive to say. They have no credibility and their motives are always suspect.

Eve was an eye and ear witness to the persuasive power of a serpent’s slick line. If given the time, snakes have been very convincing. Considering the fall-out from her tree-side chat you would think that everyone would see a red flag when the snake begins to talk. But time and tolerance have dulled our responses and desensitized our “snake alarms.”

Acts 16:17 records an event that has “reptile” written all over it. It occurred during the ministry of the Apostle Paul. Satan pulled the old snake routine out of mothballs and found another unsuspecting audience to address. This story tells us about a young girl who was possessed with a spirit of “divination” (python, SC 4436). And, if you know anything about biblical snakes, you know they won’t behave and they can’t keep their mouth shut.

The spirit was “soothsaying” (manteuomene, SC 3132) or literally “ranting and raving with fury” while delivering its message through this young girl. She was a little “cash cow” who was bringing a fortune to her masters while spreading an inaccurate message about Paul and his associates. On the surface the message seems correct, albeit not divinely inspired. Let’s go see what the Greek has to say about the subject.

The core of her message and the exposure of the error centers on the serpent’s subtle avoidance of the definite article. This little powerhouse in Greek grammar is the word “the” and its function is to establish “singularity uniqueness, exclusiveness or specificity to the subject.” Her message in literal Greek stated that Paul, Silas and Luke were showing the people of Macedonia “a way” of salvation. That little heresy should get your attention!

When you do not use the definite article in Greek, the rules of grammar require you to translate it as an indefinite article. This creates the assumption that there is more than one way to be saved. This is the same old devil telling the same old lie! He has always fought the message that Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to be saved. It is Christ’s blood and only His blood that redeems fallen man. There is no other name given among men that will save us.

What a world of difference the lack of the Definite Article makes in her announcement! Satan does not mind the world hearing that there is a way of salvation. He just doesn’t want them to hear about “the way” of salvation. This obvious error in content, coupled with the fact that Christ never allowed demons to testify of His Deity, is why Paul so forcefully stopped the spirit of Python from preaching. The serpent was wrong once more.
As the old adage might go, “How can you tell if a snake is lying? If his lips are moving.”

Happy digging in the Gold Mine of God’s Word!

****A Personal Word to Our Readers from Dr. Frazier****

There are great insights to be derived from the study of the Greek New Testament. Each month I will endeavor to share a nugget of truth from the Book of Truth, God’s Eternal Word.

These will be concise and should not intrude into your time or opportunity to explore the richness of the vein from which they were extracted. That is for you and the Holy Spirit to excavate together. These nuggets are just to let you know where to begin the digging, if you so desire. They are NOT designed to be an exhaustive commentary providing all the answers on the subject. The Spirit will guide you in how deep to dig. Please feel free to share your questions, observations or insights with our readers and me.

Website: http://www.donfrazier.com

]]> 2008-05-04T23:06:00-06:00 http://sogospelnews.com/index/features/comments/9033/ Last month’s article was about why I do and say the things I do. This month I want to explain what I do as a producer and a teacher. I got a call last week from a very discouraged and unhappy group. The recording they had saved up for turned out mediocre at best. Their company paid little attention to them and their career was going nowhere. Their comment was, “If only you could have produced our CD and worked with us, we would be much further along.” When I asked why they hadn’t called me to work with them the response was, “We didn’t think you would work with us.” This really surprised me because I thought I had made it clear that I have dedicated myself to helping artists, especially new artists. So now I want to state exactly what I do and how it can help you. Compare it to the services you received. Step #1 – The Meeting I meet with the artist, (group, or soloist), either at my office in beautiful Gallatin, Tn or I travel to where they are. I’ve been all over the country and Canada meeting and working with artists. This first meeting is important because I want to learn their short term and long-range goals. I also evaluate the artist’s strengths and weaknesses in order to determine what must be done to reach those goals. It is my view that no artist should be operating without clearly defined goals and a plan to attain them. This is what a producer is SUPPOSEDTO DO. This meeting is a time to get questions answered. It is important to me to have the artist reach a comfort level and no question about any topic is off the table. It is also here that I begin the teaching process and answering questions is usually the best way to get things started. Step #2 – The Song Selection The next step is to begin finding songs for the artist. Let me repeat that: I find songs for THAT artist. This takes time and effort. It’s what a producer is SUPPOSED TO DO. When I find a song that I think fits that particular artist, I’ll send 2 or 3 songs at a time until there is a good balance of songs. Some companies have 2 or 3 CDs that they play for every artist, which is why all their recordings sound the same. I take the time to find the songs that will fit that artist on this recording. Step #3 – Song Arrangements Then I meet with the artist again and begin arranging the songs and teaching parts. This is a vital element for a successful recording. It’s at this time we choose the right keys for each singer, the correct vocal parts for each member of a vocal group, and the arrangements that allow the group to feel comfortable. This is what a producer is SUPPOSED TO DO. At this time I also write the charts for the musicians and set the tracking date. Step #4 – Tracking I write the charts, hire the musicians, reserve the studio and record the basic tracks for the songs. I am ALWAYS at the session, running the session, guiding the musicians, because that is what a producer is SUPPOSED TO DO. I don’t let someone else run my session. Step #5 - Rehearsal When the tracks are complete I send the artist home with the tracks so they can rehearse and also sing the songs some in their concerts. When they return for the final rehearsal, which is the day before recording, I want them to have a good feel for the songs. Being in the studio can be intimidating for newer artists, and trying to sing a song they hardly know is no way to produce an album. I make sure the artist is comfortable with the song before they attempt to record it. This is what a producer is SUPPOSED TO DO. Step #6 Vocal Recording I have my own process for recording vocals, which I would rather keep to myself and the artists I work with, but I can tell you the artists love it. As you can tell there is a lot of time spent with my artists. My job, my calling, is to teach, and I do this by spending time with my artists. It is not unusual for an artist to sit in my office all day just talking. Over a period of time the artists that work with me learn how to practice, how to develop arrangements, how to put a program together, stage work, vocal technique, how to have good sales, how to keep the date book full of good dates, how to deal with pastors and promoters, how to make a quality recording, and they learn a lot about music and how the business works. The group I mentioned at the beginning of my article was surprised to learn that it would have cost about the same to work with me as it did to record a bad CD and be abused by their company. This is what I do. It’s my job, but I’m only doing what a producer is SUPPOSED TO DO. It brings me much joy. If you need help, contact me. You will not only be helping your ministry you will be helping me fulfill mine. I can be reached at nick@nickbruno.com As always, I welcome your comments, God Bless You, Nick Bruno http://www.nickbruno.com The Gospel Truth
I got a call last week from a very discouraged and unhappy group. The recording they had saved up for turned out mediocre at best. Their company paid little attention to them and their career was going nowhere. Their comment was, “If only you could have produced our CD and worked with us, we would be much further along.” When I asked why they hadn’t called me to work with them the response was, “We didn’t think you would work with us.”

This really surprised me because I thought I had made it clear that I have dedicated myself to helping artists, especially new artists.

So now I want to state exactly what I do and how it can help you. Compare it to the services you received.

Step #1 – The Meeting

I meet with the artist, (group, or soloist), either at my office in beautiful Gallatin, Tn or I travel to where they are. I’ve been all over the country and Canada meeting and working with artists. This first meeting is important because I want to learn their short term and long-range goals. I also evaluate the artist’s strengths and weaknesses in order to determine what must be done to reach those goals. It is my view that no artist should be operating without clearly defined goals and a plan to attain them. This is what a producer is SUPPOSEDTO DO.

This meeting is a time to get questions answered. It is important to me to have the artist reach a comfort level and no question about any topic is off the table. It is also here that I begin the teaching process and answering questions is usually the best way to get things started.

Step #2 – The Song Selection

The next step is to begin finding songs for the artist. Let me repeat that: I find songs for THAT artist. This takes time and effort. It’s what a producer is SUPPOSED TO DO. When I find a song that I think fits that particular artist, I’ll send 2 or 3 songs at a time until there is a good balance of songs. Some companies have 2 or 3 CDs that they play for every artist, which is why all their recordings sound the same. I take the time to find the songs that will fit that artist on this recording.

Step #3 – Song Arrangements

Then I meet with the artist again and begin arranging the songs and teaching parts. This is a vital element for a successful recording. It’s at this time we choose the right keys for each singer, the correct vocal parts for each member of a vocal group, and the arrangements that allow the group to feel comfortable. This is what a producer is SUPPOSED TO DO. At this time I also write the charts for the musicians and set the tracking date.

Step #4 – Tracking

I write the charts, hire the musicians, reserve the studio and record the basic tracks for the songs. I am ALWAYS at the session, running the session, guiding the musicians, because that is what a producer is SUPPOSED TO DO. I don’t let someone else run my session.

Step #5 - Rehearsal

When the tracks are complete I send the artist home with the tracks so they can rehearse and also sing the songs some in their concerts. When they return for the final rehearsal, which is the day before recording, I want them to have a good feel for the songs. Being in the studio can be intimidating for newer artists, and trying to sing a song they hardly know is no way to produce an album. I make sure the artist is comfortable with the song before they attempt to record it. This is what a producer is SUPPOSED TO DO.

Step #6 Vocal Recording

I have my own process for recording vocals, which I would rather keep to myself and the artists I work with, but I can tell you the artists love it.

As you can tell there is a lot of time spent with my artists. My job, my calling, is to teach, and I do this by spending time with my artists. It is not unusual for an artist to sit in my office all day just talking.

Over a period of time the artists that work with me learn how to practice, how to develop arrangements, how to put a program together, stage work, vocal technique, how to have good sales, how to keep the date book full of good dates, how to deal with pastors and promoters, how to make a quality recording, and they learn a lot about music and how the business works.

The group I mentioned at the beginning of my article was surprised to learn that it would have cost about the same to work with me as it did to record a bad CD and be abused by their company.

This is what I do. It’s my job, but I’m only doing what a producer is SUPPOSED TO DO. It brings me much joy. If you need help, contact me. You will not only be helping your ministry you will be helping me fulfill mine.

I can be reached at nick@nickbruno.com

As always, I welcome your comments,

God Bless You,

Nick Bruno
http://www.nickbruno.com]]> 2008-05-04T23:00:00-06:00 http://sogospelnews.com/index/features/comments/9024/ Song: I’m Glad I Know Who Jesus Is Scripture: II Timothy 1:1-12 I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. There have been more than one case when a song was deemed worthy of very little consideration, by the author, and yet the Lord in His infinite wisdom overruled human rationale and exalted songs of His own choosing. Such was the subject of this story. God says that He has chosen the “weak things of this world to confound the things which are mighty.” Geron Davis was born in Bogalusa, Louisiana, in 1960, into the home of Rev. Gerald and Patricia Davis. While still a very young child Geron taught himself to play the piano. He would listen to recordings of his favorite singers; groups such as the Happy Goodman Family, the Rambos, or Southern Gospel quartets whose arrangements were done by Lari Goss, and try to pick out their harmonies. Lari, composer of masterful “Cornerstone,” was greatly influential in the life of young Davis. In an interview Geron stated, “I was raised around music. My mom played piano, my dad played the guitar, and they sang together. I often sang with them, even at ages four and five. They would stand me on a piano bench behind the pulpit and I would sing the melody while mom sang alto, dad sang tenor and played his guitar.” “I started making up songs as a small child, simple choruses that we would sing in Sunday school. I would often sit at the piano and try to pick out tunes. During those day I was listening to a lot of music.” Geron met his wife Becky at college in 1981.Since their marriage they have written and recorded numerous songs, individually and collectively, and have been recording and performing together for more than twenty years. They are also known for their outstanding choral workshops, and have ministered with choirs from Christ Church, Brooklyn Tabernacle, and Prestonwood Baptist Church, just to name a few. Numerous major publishing companies have distributed their music. A few of the hundreds who have recorded and performed their songs are the Gaither Vocal Band, Janet Paschal, The Martins, Kirk Talley, Gold City, Ivan Parker, The Cathedrals, and The Nelons. Another of Geron’s songs, On Holy Ground, was used at the funeral service of President Bill Clinton’s mother. Geron is seen on many of the Gaither Homecoming Videos. Geron wrapped it up this way, “Becky and I have always sought to touch the lives of people with our music.” In an interview I asked Geron to tell me the story behind the writing of "I’m Glad I Know Who Jesus Is," and he told me the following, most interesting story: “I was serving as Minister of Music in a large church in Alexandria, Louisiana, a church of about 2,500 members with a choir of approximately 150 voices. We were making plans for our 1990 Christmas musical, a time when many people from the community would come in and enjoy the Christmas music with us. We had a great relationship with the other churches of the city.” “I had an older group of singers in the choir, a quartet of very experienced people who were loved by the all of the senior adults, and whom I wanted to present in some manner during the program. We called them the Oldtimers Quartet. I would, from time-to-time, find things that were good for them to present. In this particular program I wanted their song to have a Southern Gospel flavor, because in that part of Louisiana you have air to breathe, food to eat, and Southern Gospel Music to listen to. Those were the staples of life.” “I wanted the Oldtimers Quartet to do something original, never heard before, and so I sat down and wrote I’m Glad I Know Who Jesus Is. I literally wrote the song in fifteen minutes. I taught it to them that evening and they loved it! When they sang it during the musical the people loved it! I really didn’t know what to think of the song myself, because the Oldtimers Quartet could sing out of the phone book and people would love it.” “A month or so later, The Nelons, good friends of mine, called me and asked if I had any songs that I thought they might be interested in. They, along with the producer, Larry Goss, were searching for new songs to put into an upcoming project and they needed a few more things to listen to and consider. I said, ‘Yes, I have some songs that I can send to you.’ So, I sat down at the piano and recorded four songs to sent to them. The last song I put on the tape, I almost didn’t include -- I’m Glad I Know Who Jesus Is. And then, I thought, ‘You know what?, that song has a Southern feel, and they might like it, so, I stuck it onto the tape. I almost decided against it, but at the last minute I put it in the group.” “They recorded the song and put it on their new album. They “singled” two or three songs from the album and sent them to radio stations, but not I’m Glad I Know Who Jesus Is. Some time later they recorded another album and tried in the same manner to get some reaction from it. But, a funny thing happened; the stations went back to the former album and began to play I’m Glad I Know Who Jesus Is. The response was so great the radio stations contacted the record company and the Nelons and said, ‘We love I’m Glad I Know Who Jesus Is. We’re getting a large number of requests for it. After hearing that, the record company went back to the former album and released my song as a single. It soon went to #1 with the radio stations and was #1 on the Singing News Charts.” In this unusual song Geron emphasizes the fact that from the birth of Jesus, to this very day, the world has not known who Jesus really is. But, we as Christians have come to know Him as the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, our Counselor, our Deliverer, and our Everlasting Father. Reflection: The goal of every Christian should be to get to know our Savior, in all of His love and mercy. We should realize afresh and anew each morning who Jesus really is, draw close to His heart, and all through the day never wander further than His fingertips. Behind the Songs
Scripture: II Timothy 1:1-12
I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

There have been more than one case when a song was deemed worthy of very little consideration, by the author, and yet the Lord in His infinite wisdom overruled human rationale and exalted songs of His own choosing. Such was the subject of this story. God says that He has chosen the “weak things of this world to confound the things which are mighty.”

Geron Davis was born in Bogalusa, Louisiana, in 1960, into the home of Rev. Gerald and Patricia Davis. While still a very young child Geron taught himself to play the piano. He would listen to recordings of his favorite singers; groups such as the Happy Goodman Family, the Rambos, or Southern Gospel quartets whose arrangements were done by Lari Goss, and try to pick out their harmonies. Lari, composer of masterful “Cornerstone,” was greatly influential in the life of young Davis.

In an interview Geron stated, “I was raised around music. My mom played piano, my dad played the guitar, and they sang together. I often sang with them, even at ages four and five. They would stand me on a piano bench behind the pulpit and I would sing the melody while mom sang alto, dad sang tenor and played his guitar.”

“I started making up songs as a small child, simple choruses that we would sing in Sunday school. I would often sit at the piano and try to pick out tunes. During those day I was listening to a lot of music.”

Geron met his wife Becky at college in 1981.Since their marriage they have written and recorded numerous songs, individually and collectively, and have been recording and performing together for more than twenty years. They are also known for their outstanding choral workshops, and have ministered with choirs from Christ Church, Brooklyn Tabernacle, and Prestonwood Baptist Church, just to name a few. Numerous major publishing companies have distributed their music.

A few of the hundreds who have recorded and performed their songs are the Gaither Vocal Band, Janet Paschal, The Martins, Kirk Talley, Gold City, Ivan Parker, The Cathedrals, and The Nelons. Another of Geron’s songs, On Holy Ground, was used at the funeral service of President Bill Clinton’s mother. Geron is seen on many of the Gaither Homecoming Videos. Geron wrapped it up this way, “Becky and I have always sought to touch the lives of people with our music.”

In an interview I asked Geron to tell me the story behind the writing of "I’m Glad I Know Who Jesus Is," and he told me the following, most interesting story:

“I was serving as Minister of Music in a large church in Alexandria, Louisiana, a church of about 2,500 members with a choir of approximately 150 voices. We were making plans for our 1990 Christmas musical, a time when many people from the community would come in and enjoy the Christmas music with us. We had a great relationship with the other churches of the city.”

“I had an older group of singers in the choir, a quartet of very experienced people who were loved by the all of the senior adults, and whom I wanted to present in some manner during the program. We called them the Oldtimers Quartet. I would, from time-to-time, find things that were good for them to present. In this particular program I wanted their song to have a Southern Gospel flavor, because in that part of Louisiana you have air to breathe, food to eat, and Southern Gospel Music to listen to. Those were the staples of life.”

“I wanted the Oldtimers Quartet to do something original, never heard before, and so I sat down and wrote I’m Glad I Know Who Jesus Is. I literally wrote the song in fifteen minutes. I taught it to them that evening and they loved it! When they sang it during the musical the people loved it! I really didn’t know what to think of the song myself, because the Oldtimers Quartet could sing out of the phone book and people would love it.”

“A month or so later, The Nelons, good friends of mine, called me and asked if I had any songs that I thought they might be interested in. They, along with the producer, Larry Goss, were searching for new songs to put into an upcoming project and they needed a few more things to listen to and consider. I said, ‘Yes, I have some songs that I can send to you.’ So, I sat down at the piano and recorded four songs to sent to them. The last song I put on the tape, I almost didn’t include -- I’m Glad I Know Who Jesus Is. And then, I thought, ‘You know what?, that song has a Southern feel, and they might like it, so, I stuck it onto the tape. I almost decided against it, but at the last minute I put it in the group.”

“They recorded the song and put it on their new album. They “singled” two or three songs from the album and sent them to radio stations, but not I’m Glad I Know Who Jesus Is. Some time later they recorded another album and tried in the same manner to get some reaction from it. But, a funny thing happened; the stations went back to the former album and began to play I’m Glad I Know Who Jesus Is. The response was so great the radio stations contacted the record company and the Nelons and said, ‘We love I’m Glad I Know Who Jesus Is. We’re getting a large number of requests for it. After hearing that, the record company went back to the former album and released my song as a single. It soon went to #1 with the radio stations and was #1 on the Singing News Charts.”

In this unusual song Geron emphasizes the fact that from the birth of Jesus, to this very day, the world has not known who Jesus really is. But, we as Christians have come to know Him as the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, our Counselor, our Deliverer, and our Everlasting Father.

Reflection:
The goal of every Christian should be to get to know our Savior, in all of His love and mercy. We should realize afresh and anew each morning who Jesus really is, draw close to His heart, and all through the day never wander further than His fingertips.]]> 2008-05-04T21:55:00-06:00 http://sogospelnews.com/index/features/comments/8928/ It’s no secret that relationships between pastors and worship leaders are unique. I think pastors and worship leaders alike would agree that this relationship dynamic takes a huge amount of effort and communication. This month I would like to make some suggestive commentary on the semantics of this relationship from the worship leader/artist’s perspective. Without getting into leadership techniques and personality types I think there are just a few things that I think help maintain and nurture this relationship: 1. Open and honest communication…No big surprises here. Good communication is key in any relationship. The focus here is on open and honest. I have heard of and even been a part of organizations that see the mere desire to be open and honest as subordinate and even disrespectful of the “authority above you…” What many pastors do not understand is that openness and honesty is an artist’s (or anyone’s) way of truly submitting to the authority of someone else. Being open and honest is being vulnerable. Honesty opens your character to correction and instruction. Openness initiates security and trust with another. 2. Mutual Respect… This one is a big. This is the two way street that is often treated like a one lane road. As with communication, respect is a big deal in any relationship but the key word here is mutual. In so many instances the only thing that is mutual in the pastor/worship leader relationship is misunderstanding. It is the worship leader’s duty to have a thoughtful understanding of the pastor’s role and responsibility to the congregation. Likewise, it is the pastor’s responsibility to understand the role of the worship leader and as a key spiritual leader on the church staff to discern the differences. One sure sign of a lack of respect is a lack of regard on one side or the other for the opposite party’s education and experience. Just because a worship leader may have taken a doctrine class in college does not make he or she an authority on the subject. Also, just because a pastor may have taken a church music course or did their internship in a church with a fantastic music program it does not give them the experiential or educational authority to critically comment on a musical arrangement or a singer’s tone or pitch. Each must submit to the other where their talents and spiritual gifts are lacking. Mutual respect means giving authority…not taking it. 3. Trust… If mutual respect is big then trust is “ginormous.” If there is no common trust then the relationship is doomed to be dysfunctional at best and likely will end up hurtful and wounding. Trust gives the permission to fail without dire consequence. Trust fosters creativity and risk taking. Trust allows the courage to act boldly. Trust is the utter confidence in the other’s character to pick you up if you fall and to hoist you upon their shoulder when you succeed. Sadly, I have seen the devastation of broken trust between pastor and worship leader. A worship leader accepts a position at a church, relocates his family and establishes himself in the community of believers. He is looking forward to the elder leadership of the lead pastor and gleaning from his experiential wisdom. Then, in a moment of immaturity or over-eagerness a question asked or action taken is seen as threatening to a, perhaps, insecure pastor and the next thing you know everyone is asking, “Where’d our Worship Leader go…?” Or, conversely, a worship leader comes into a church with an agenda from the beginning that he would spend time building relationships and at just the right time feel the “call” to begin his own ministry…Right across the street. No matter how sweet the situation might seem if there is not trust…get out! You see, no matter how many times a pastor has been burned or a worship leader has been misunderstood and manipulated you have to trust. In my opinion (funny how I always get that in there, huh…?) if we do not trust one another in the Body of Christ we cease to trust God. Though there are many untrustworthy acts that go on throughout the Church it is no reason not to trust. Use wisdom and discernment then trust. To trust a fellow believer is to trust that in and through Christ they will do and act rightly according to the Word of God and the leading of the Spirit. So, by trusting them we trust Christ. Will it go south sometimes…? Sure. But still trust…In God through Christ Jesus and in one another. This short thesis is by no means comprehensive or exhaustive. It is just a few tidbits about a unique relationship and how it functions in the life of the church. Also, I do not claim to be an end all authority on the subject. I have been on both sides of this fence. I have had the good relationships and I’ve had the bad as well. Take them both and there ya have… I’m now in double digits regarding my sum of ministry years and I am still trying to figure it out. Aaron Unthank http://www.aaronunthank.com Aaron Unthank Without getting into leadership techniques and personality types I think there are just a few things that I think help maintain and nurture this relationship:

1. Open and honest communication…No big surprises here. Good communication is key in any relationship. The focus here is on open and honest. I have heard of and even been a part of organizations that see the mere desire to be open and honest as subordinate and even disrespectful of the “authority above you…” What many pastors do not understand is that openness and honesty is an artist’s (or anyone’s) way of truly submitting to the authority of someone else. Being open and honest is being vulnerable. Honesty opens your character to correction and instruction. Openness initiates security and trust with another.

2. Mutual Respect… This one is a big. This is the two way street that is often treated like a one lane road. As with communication, respect is a big deal in any relationship but the key word here is mutual. In so many instances the only thing that is mutual in the pastor/worship leader relationship is misunderstanding. It is the worship leader’s duty to have a thoughtful understanding of the pastor’s role and responsibility to the congregation. Likewise, it is the pastor’s responsibility to understand the role of the worship leader and as a key spiritual leader on the church staff to discern the differences. One sure sign of a lack of respect is a lack of regard on one side or the other for the opposite party’s education and experience. Just because a worship leader may have taken a doctrine class in college does not make he or she an authority on the subject. Also, just because a pastor may have taken a church music course or did their internship in a church with a fantastic music program it does not give them the experiential or educational authority to critically comment on a musical arrangement or a singer’s tone or pitch. Each must submit to the other where their talents and spiritual gifts are lacking. Mutual respect means giving authority…not taking it.

3. Trust… If mutual respect is big then trust is “ginormous.” If there is no common trust then the relationship is doomed to be dysfunctional at best and likely will end up hurtful and wounding. Trust gives the permission to fail without dire consequence. Trust fosters creativity and risk taking. Trust allows the courage to act boldly. Trust is the utter confidence in the other’s character to pick you up if you fall and to hoist you upon their shoulder when you succeed. Sadly, I have seen the devastation of broken trust between pastor and worship leader. A worship leader accepts a position at a church, relocates his family and establishes himself in the community of believers. He is looking forward to the elder leadership of the lead pastor and gleaning from his experiential wisdom. Then, in a moment of immaturity or over-eagerness a question asked or action taken is seen as threatening to a, perhaps, insecure pastor and the next thing you know everyone is asking, “Where’d our Worship Leader go…?” Or, conversely, a worship leader comes into a church with an agenda from the beginning that he would spend time building relationships and at just the right time feel the “call” to begin his own ministry…Right across the street. No matter how sweet the situation might seem if there is not trust…get out! You see, no matter how many times a pastor has been burned or a worship leader has been misunderstood and manipulated you have to trust. In my opinion (funny how I always get that in there, huh…?) if we do not trust one another in the Body of Christ we cease to trust God. Though there are many untrustworthy acts that go on throughout the Church it is no reason not to trust. Use wisdom and discernment then trust. To trust a fellow believer is to trust that in and through Christ they will do and act rightly according to the Word of God and the leading of the Spirit. So, by trusting them we trust Christ. Will it go south sometimes…? Sure. But still trust…In God through Christ Jesus and in one another.

This short thesis is by no means comprehensive or exhaustive. It is just a few tidbits about a unique relationship and how it functions in the life of the church. Also, I do not claim to be an end all authority on the subject. I have been on both sides of this fence. I have had the good relationships and I’ve had the bad as well. Take them both and there ya have… I’m now in double digits regarding my sum of ministry years and I am still trying to figure it out.

Aaron Unthank
http://www.aaronunthank.com]]> 2008-04-08T21:14:00-06:00 http://sogospelnews.com/index/features/comments/8900/ When I stop, and look at how the world is revolving and evolving, it makes me wonder how long before God says those words, "It's enough." The culture we live in has evolved way beyond anyone's imagination. We deal and live in situations we would have been stoned for years ago, we partake in relationships and environments that water down our spirituality. I find myself asking why? Is it to survive, keep up with the Jones', or be a part of an ever growing world? Do we really and truly surround ourselves with good people and good situations? Or do we get caught up in the rut of doing what today's time calls Christianity. I left my last church for many reasons. I was playing religion. I was attending for the wrong reasons. I went to church because the Bible said assemble yourselves together. I finally found a church home that hasn't tagged itself with the word religion. I have booked probably 5000 dates in churches and talked with thousands of pastors and ministers. What did I get out of all of this? A lot of heartache and heartburn. But, let me be fair, we have a lot of great pastors and churches. But, I am talking about REAL love for Christ. Not a commitment to go to the next level. Not a commitment to look like a Christian. Not a commitment to further your singing career. A true genuine love for Christ and what's real to you. I am so tired of fake people and their hidden agendas. I am ready to see a crop of people rise that can take on more than teachings and desires. I get mad, VERY mad when I think that our precious Jesus, was murdered by religion. He was crucified by beliefs and modern religion of its time. And guess what? We are doing it again. Jesus is being killed and removed from our churches, our songs, our business, schools and families. He is being crucified again, without the cross. It's by words, segregation, success, publicity, bigger churches, social standings, compassion for other countries and their beliefs, human desires and the world's evolving social cancers. What are those cancers? PEOPLE. I am a very open minded man, a very compassionate promoter and manager. I care for the church, the artist and pastors I work with. I am not dominated by religion or segregated by beliefs. I am not calloused or burned out on my job, I am calloused and burned out on hypocrisy. The scientists of the world are worried about Global Warming. I am concerned about Christianity cooling. We're more concerned about letting society evolve than we are letting Jesus be involved. I am just ready for us to see what is real. To do what is right. And stop allowing ourselves to get caught up in the moment not the movement of Christ. God Bless Rick Hendrix http://www.rickhendrix.com Leave No Stone Unturned
I find myself asking why? Is it to survive, keep up with the Jones', or be a part of an ever growing world? Do we really and truly surround ourselves with good people and good situations? Or do we get caught up in the rut of doing what today's time calls Christianity. I left my last church for many reasons. I was playing religion. I was attending for the wrong reasons. I went to church because the Bible said assemble yourselves together. I finally found a church home that hasn't tagged itself with the word religion.

I have booked probably 5000 dates in churches and talked with thousands of pastors and ministers. What did I get out of all of this? A lot of heartache and heartburn. But, let me be fair, we have a lot of great pastors and churches. But, I am talking about REAL love for Christ. Not a commitment to go to the next level. Not a commitment to look like a Christian. Not a commitment to further your singing career. A true genuine love for Christ and what's real to you.

I am so tired of fake people and their hidden agendas. I am ready to see a crop of people rise that can take on more than teachings and desires. I get mad, VERY mad when I think that our precious Jesus, was murdered by religion. He was crucified by beliefs and modern religion of its time. And guess what? We are doing it again. Jesus is being killed and removed from our churches, our songs, our business, schools and families. He is being crucified again, without the cross. It's by words, segregation, success, publicity, bigger churches, social standings, compassion for other countries and their beliefs, human desires and the world's evolving social cancers.

What are those cancers? PEOPLE. I am a very open minded man, a very compassionate promoter and manager. I care for the church, the artist and pastors I work with. I am not dominated by religion or segregated by beliefs. I am not calloused or burned out on my job, I am calloused and burned out on hypocrisy.

The scientists of the world are worried about Global Warming. I am concerned about Christianity cooling. We're more concerned about letting society evolve than we are letting Jesus be involved. I am just ready for us to see what is real. To do what is right. And stop allowing ourselves to get caught up in the moment not the movement of Christ.

God Bless
Rick Hendrix
http://www.rickhendrix.com]]> 2008-04-02T20:47:00-06:00 http://sogospelnews.com/index/features/comments/8895/ Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) This beautiful passage has been my mantra the past couple of weeks. There is so much for us to be distracted by and so many things that we can focus our attention on, worry about and become anxious about. There are many circumstances that are out of our control and the more information we receive, the more intense our fear may become. I experience this fear when I hear news about politics. There is so much news about conversations, lifestyles, platforms, goals and the more I hear, the more anxious I can become about where we are headed, who will be voted into office, how that will affect our nation, my family, my church….see how it goes? This verse gives very clear instruction about the proper response to this fear! PRESENT YOUR REQUEST TO GOD! It is not in my control. There is nothing I can do to affect the outcome…the best thing I can do is petition God. I am sure you have a situation in your life that makes you feel helpless. It may be a loved ones choices, a medical condition, a job situation, a financial situation or a concern about a friend. Those are all circumstances that you cannot change. You need this verse and you need to take it to heart and apply it to your life. God will give you peace if you give Him your concerns, worries and fears! His perfect peace is a great exchange for the turmoil of fear! Thank you so much for your continued prayer for Priscilla McGruder! I spoke to her yesterday and she sounds great! Her intensive Cancer treatment includes chemotherapy and they added radiation this week. She appreciates all of your prayers and concern! If you need assistance with Sound and Video production for your event, contact us at 1-800-883-1772. You can also check out our website at http://www.nashvilleteleproductions.com . For information regarding all Zion artists go to http://www.zionmusic.com. If you would like to contact me directly, you can email me at beverly@zionmusic.com . For information regarding recording, contact our website at http://www.oakvalleystudio.com or call the office at 1-800-883-1772. We would love to discuss your recording needs and how we might be able to assist your ministry. Until next month, keep a song in your heart! Dr. Beverly Cohron McManus http://www.zionmusic.com Zion Music News And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

This beautiful passage has been my mantra the past couple of weeks. There is so much for us to be distracted by and so many things that we can focus our attention on, worry about and become anxious about. There are many circumstances that are out of our control and the more information we receive, the more intense our fear may become.

I experience this fear when I hear news about politics. There is so much news about conversations, lifestyles, platforms, goals and the more I hear, the more anxious I can become about where we are headed, who will be voted into office, how that will affect our nation, my family, my church….see how it goes? This verse gives very clear instruction about the proper response to this fear! PRESENT YOUR REQUEST TO GOD! It is not in my control. There is nothing I can do to affect the outcome…the best thing I can do is petition God.

I am sure you have a situation in your life that makes you feel helpless. It may be a loved ones choices, a medical condition, a job situation, a financial situation or a concern about a friend. Those are all circumstances that you cannot change. You need this verse and you need to take it to heart and apply it to your life.

God will give you peace if you give Him your concerns, worries and fears! His perfect peace is a great exchange for the turmoil of fear!

Thank you so much for your continued prayer for Priscilla McGruder! I spoke to her yesterday and she sounds great! Her intensive Cancer treatment includes chemotherapy and they added radiation this week. She appreciates all of your prayers and concern!

If you need assistance with Sound and Video production for your event, contact us at 1-800-883-1772. You can also check out our website at http://www.nashvilleteleproductions.com . For information regarding all Zion artists go to http://www.zionmusic.com. If you would like to contact me directly, you can email me at beverly@zionmusic.com .

For information regarding recording, contact our website at http://www.oakvalleystudio.com or call the office at 1-800-883-1772. We would love to discuss your recording needs and how we might be able to assist your ministry.

Until next month, keep a song in your heart!

Dr. Beverly Cohron McManus
http://www.zionmusic.com]]> 2008-04-01T21:59:00-06:00