Gospel Music - When Is It Gospel & When Is it Not?

Ok, I realize I'm straying into a touchy subject here, but please hear me out first!

I've had some interesting conversations with several gospel musicians about what is appropriately titled, "Gospel Music" and what style is best. Let me say this upfront.....as long as the message of the gospel is clear and unfettered, the style really doesn't make a lot of difference to me. Of course, my personal preferences are for southern gospel or christian country music, but there are also a lot of groups out there in the contemporary gospel world that are doing a great job spreading the message of Christ. Many folks get really bent out of shape when someone doesn't agree with them that this style is best or that style is best...but you're really losing the point on whats important here...and thats telling folks about Jesus and what he did on calvary for us.

I've always thought of music and its delivery in terms of ice cream.....some folks like chocolate, some folks like vanilla and some folks love orange sherbert! Its the same way with gospel music folks, no one form or style is going to reach everyone and we have to be open to new modes of delivery, although the message should "NEVER" change.

I've set in churches where it was quieter but the Holy Spirit moved in a sweet and gentle way and spoke in a still, small voice. I've also been in churches where folks ran the aisles and shouted to the top of their lungs and yes, the Holy Spirit was moving there too. God reaches different people in different ways and there is no "One way fits all" just like no one flavor of ice cream is right for everyone!

If you're a musician reading this post, let me urge you to keep the message of Christ front & center and don't get detoured with fancy solos, loud music and just throwing a word of the gospel in "here & there".....yes, music is beautiful and it adds to the message and reaches different people, but the message should always be clear!

So there, I'm off my soapbox now....gospel groups, don't try to be all things to all people, just work where the Lord has called you to be and give it your all and in the end, I believe you'll have a special crown waiting just for you! I know in our group, The New Journey Quartet, we try our best to do this: get people to meet and come to accept the one we've been singing about for so long..The Lord Jesus Christ and mission #2....to rekindle the fire of those who might have allowed their fire to die down and to get back in the fight because the time of "His" coming is near!

Until next time...

In His Service,

Bill Warren
New Journey Quartet
www.newjourneyqt.com
828-726-1143

To The Beach & Back

This past weekend we had the opportunity to travel just outside of Myrtle Beach, SC with the group. One of our friend's group, "The Blood Bought Trio" was unable to fufill a date because it looks like group leader & pianist Jacob Crisp is going to play piano for "The Hoppers". Good luck Jacob - we know you'll do us proud!

Fortunately for us, we were able to fulfill the date and step in for them and in doing so, got to meet gospel music promoter Danny Caudle...what a nice guy! Danny, had us at his home church, McMillan Memorial Baptist in Mullins, SC. This church went out of their way to treat us as "Old Friends" and made us feel so comfortable! The preaching was great, the concert went off without a hitch and the Lord got all the glory! Let me tell you, our stomachs look glorified after the way McMillan Baptist fed us....needless to say, our truck was traveling a little lower on the shocks on the way home!! ha,ha

It looks like Brother Danny is going to be using New Journey more in his area and what a blessing that is for our ministry to be able to go into a different area! We've been praying for something like this to happen and look what God does...he'll drop it in your lap when you least expect it! We look forward to working with Bro. Danny in the future and traveling and spreading the gospel where God has expanded our boundaries!

'Til Next Time...

In His Service,

Bill Warren
New Journey Quartet
179 Elm Ave.
Hudson, NC 28638
828-726-1143
www.newjourneyqt.com

Homecomings Are Great!

Today we performed two sets of music at the homecoming for Lawings Chapel Baptist Church in Maiden, NC. Pastor/Dr. Floyd Bennett and congregation always treat us just like family and we feel like that since we have played for them for the last few years at their annual homecomings.

These people really love to serve the Lord and they also know how to cook! My son Dillon and I almost hurt ourselves eating all the good ole' country ham and fried chicken that was there! Gee, guess I gotta remember the part about being a glutton in the bible...ha,ha. After the main course, the dessert entree just couldn't be passed up either...apple dumplins, every manner of cake, coconut pies.....wow!!!!!!!!!

This is just a small taste of what heaven is going to be like. Can you imagine sitting down at the master's table for the big supper awaiting us all one day? What a time that will be! If you're reading this...let me ask you...are you ready for that heavenly banquet one day? Can you call the Lord your personal savior? If not...drop us a line and we'll be glad to tell you how you to can sit at "The Master's Table" and come to know Jesus as your Lord & Savior!

'Til next time............

Your Friend,

Bill Warren
New Journey Quartet
www.newjourneyqt.com
email: warren69@bellsouth.net
telephone: 828-726-1143