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Lately I have listened to the opinions of several people concerning an over saturation of southern gospel artists. Honestly, I have never given the subject much thought. I know there are more artists than I could ever name, but I found myself wondering if indeed too many artists exist. This past year has brought discussion over whether or not a “gate-keeper” can insure artist quality and ministerial integrity. Many feel this type of organization would help reduce the number of artists aiming for the national spotlight. Meanwhile, many dissenters feel that such an organization has zero validity and others have compared the “gate-keeper” idea to Marxism. As I began to reflect upon the over saturation issue, one question kept coming to mind: “Why are you singing?”

I often work with independent groups in the studio. The question I find myself asking to relatively everyone is, “What do you do?” The typical answer is, “I sing.” Now, I already knew that. Of course you are a singer. I will ask again, “Seriously, what do you do?” The second round of questioning is usually met with a confused look. I have discovered that most people do not have the slightest clue about what they do. Let me explain this further. What does McDonald’s do? They sell hamburgers, right? Uh, nope! McDonald’s is a real estate company. McDonald’s owns the largest share of corporate real estate in Russia, and is second only to the Vatican in land ownership worldwide. It is obvious that you sing. It is also obvious that McDonald’s sells hamburgers. It takes a little research to know that McDonald’s primary source of revenue is leasing land to franchise owners. You sing at churches, sell CDs, and receive a love offering. That is the equivalent of selling hamburgers. The calling the Almighty has placed on your life and the vision that God has given is “what you do.”

The Great Commission was given to all. Each person has to find the method in which we are called to spread the Gospel. I have a friend who I find quite inspiring. He left a very good job in the music industry to start an inner-city children’s ministry. Over breakfast on morning I said, “So, tell me what you do.” He said, “My purpose in life, is to rebuke, encourage, enlighten and disciple the next generation. My goal is to share the heart of God with children and to plant seeds in them at an early age.” I then inquired about his methods:

I go churches and do events that are oriented for the entire church body with a focus on youth. We minister biblical truths and make it a fun family event. There are children who do not have a father and that will never hear a parent tell them that they are loved, they are special, and that God has a wonderful plan for them. The only time they might ever hear it is from me.

That is a purpose; that is a vision! Lives are being a changed because we desire God to work through us.

This past weekend I did a live recording for a contemporary Christian band. During pre-production I asked them what they wanted the live recording to do. Without hesitation they answered, “We want those who have this CD to be able to have a worship service in their car.” Usually I hear answers that resemble we want to sell a lot of units, we want to get radio play, or we hope churches will start booking us. That is the wrong idea. There is nothing wrong with selling CDs, charting, or acquiring dates. Here is my point. If you are doing what God has called you to do, there will be evidence of the Lord working through you. They shall know us by our fruits. That evening 14 people received salvation, while others flooded the alters for a time of prayer. God moved in a powerful way because six people had a vision; when asked what they do, they had an answer.

This brings us back to whether there is or is not an over-saturation of southern gospel artists. Here is my take on the issue. I get mentally fatigued when I hear some groups update me on their efforts. It goes something like this:

Well our ministry is really growing. God is doing great things. We just bought a bus. It is a 1953 International and next month our song should be on the charts. We are still trying to get more dates. Do you know anybody that can help book us?

I hear that often. That is not ministry. That is what I call “playing music business.” It is like the person who is always busy, but never gets a single thing accomplished.

Let me answer the question at hand by saying a loud and resounding, “YES!” There is definitely an over-saturation of southern gospel artists. This is primarily the only genre where four guys can stand around one microphone, in an abandoned trailer, in the boondocks, make a cheap recording, and actually get the song played on the radio. There is accessibility in this genre and people take advantage of it. I have never figured out how come everyone that gets saved wants to record an album. There are numerous companies who prostitute our industry with absolute rubbish and folks who do not know the difference between a quality product and scrap that is only suitable for the salvage yard. Therefore, this vicious cycle is perpetuated.

However, talent level should not be the litmus test for ministry. I have worked with several artists who are not top notch vocally, but are covered in the anointing. There can never be an over-saturation of God’s outpouring. Let me encourage you to follow God’s purpose for your life. Ask yourself, am I called by God or am I called by man? Chase the vision God has for you with fervor. If you do not have a vision, diligently pray for God to reveal Himself to you. I promise you He will.

Music is a tool that empowers us with to spread the Gospel. Music should never be who we are. Who we are should resemble God a little bit more everyday. Let us use the gift of music to let the world know they have a life, a hope, and a future through the redeeming blood of Jesus. It is not something that should be used to further our own agenda of power acquisition, recognition, and prosperity. James 3:16 says, “For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed.”

The next time somebody asks about what you do, tell them.

Steve Allen
http://www.squareonestudio.com

Reader Comments

Very good article Steve. Thank you for this! It did not fall on deaf ears here!

Steve;

I enjoyed your article very much and you touched on many "Hot Button" issues. Of course we are first ministers and evangelists; we typically use song as a tool or vehicle to touch the souls of believers and non-believers as well. We are not entertainers, but we are an entertaining music ministry.


We also have to look at the realities, in the real world it takes money to buy equipment, to pay the fees of the recording engineer and to pay production cost of having a CD produced, food, travel and clothing is all part of it too. If we ignore that part of it, you will be preaching on a park bench wearing old Levis and a t-shirt.


Now preaching on a park bench is fine and I’ve done my share of that in the past, but it’s our music that touches and reaches people, it in our message which is solid, it’s in our music which is good and frankly, I don’t ever care about charting or being well known on the world stage, that’s not who we are and as long as we can book dates, minister in song and get along as we are provided for… I’m doing what I was called to do.

God Bless. Jim Weatherford

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