Retro SGM Radio: Clarke Beasley and the NQC, June 2006

Clarke Beasley: At the Helm of the National Quartet Convention

The National Quartet Convention has long been one of the biggest and most prestigious Southern Gospel institutions. From its humble beginnings in 1957 in Memphis, Tennessee, this weeklong event sees fans and performers from all over the world descending on Louisville Kentucky for six days and nights of Southern Gospel Music. Sgmradio recently caught up with NQC Executive Director, Clarke Beasley, to find out about the man behind the helm of what JD Sumner called, “The Grand Daddy of them all”.

Clarke Beasley, son of a man who is also a Southern Gospel institution, Les Beasley, took on the role of Executive Director of the National Quartet Convention in 1993.“It was a big challenge, but it was also very exciting”, Clarke says. “ I had been working at the GMA for two years and had received quite a bit of event planning experience there helping to produce GMA Week. That really prepared me for the job at NQC… I was hired [initially] to bring all of the convention services in house, i.e. ticketing, advertising promotion, event management, etc., and move our headquarters to Louisville in preparation for the event’s move to Louisville in 1994.”

When JD Sumner first conceived the idea of a three-day event, he wanted to bring together artists and industry personnel, which was a unique idea at the time. However, Clarke also pays tribute to another Southern Gospel legend for making the NQC come to life. “[JD] was singing for the Blackwood Brothers at the time and convinced James Blackwood that it was something the Blackwood Brothers should sponsor. Much credit should be given to James Blackwood for being willing to take the initial risk.”

The National Quartet Convention is now a major production; a yearlong project directed by a board that oversees all of the activities, exhibits, concerts and showcases. What might appear enormously daunting to outside observers, Clarke as Executive Director finds exciting. “It is a multi-faceted event with many moving parts. The challenge is to keep all of the balls in the air without dropping any of them. That aspect of the job makes it a continuous challenge.”

“I love the event itself, and I always have. Even though I have enormous responsibilities now, I still love the event as much as I did when I attended the event as a kid. The actual event itself always charges my batteries for the planning process that takes place throughout the year.”

There are always special occurrences at NQC that are not experienced anywhere else, and as both industry insider and Southern Gospel fan, Clarke has his favourite memories. “The moments that stand out were the Speer Family retirement celebration, the Singing Senators performance (Trent Lott, Larry Craig, John Ashcroft and Jim Jeffords) and of course the Cathedrals Retirement and Glen Payne’s [call-in] performance of “I Won’t Have to Cross Jordan Alone.” That was probably the most special moment of them all.”



The 49th year of the National Quartet Convention promises to provide many memorable moments of its own. The Celebrity Baseball game is returning, as well as the Pianorama with famed pianist Dino. Friday afternoon will provide concertgoers the special treat of a presentation of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Singers along with Jim and Carol Cymbala. This will be of special interest to those who sing in their own church choir, and many who enjoy the ministry of the Cymbalas and Brooklyn Tabernacle. Clarke talks about this event directed to Church.

“I firmly believe that much of the future of our music will be determined by to what extent we can become a regular component of Sunday morning music in America’s mainstream churches. Bringing in the Cymbalas helps us appeal to a range of church leadership that might not otherwise be interested in what we are doing. Brian Hudson, who is handling many of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Singers dates, mentioned the idea to me, and I thought it was a great idea. With Dr. Jeremiah leading the morning Bible study, the Cymbalas and Brooklyn Tab performing that afternoon along with Mike Speck’s choral extravaganza, the Friday package has a stronger church appeal than we have ever offered. You can expect more of this in the future.”

This choir presentation, along with the webcast of NQC Radio, and the soon to be released NQC TV, are just some of the new initiatives being developed to keep NQC relevant to its audience, and to help it to retain it’s notoriety as the premiere SGM event of the year. Clarke explains that it’s these one-of-a-kind events that will help the NQC retain its competitive edge. To those who think that this event has had it’s day, he responds, “Some say that about our music in general. I believe that as the music goes, so goes the NQC. That is why I work really hard to expand the economic base of the entire industry through my work with the Southern Gospel Music Guild. I currently serve as President of the Guild, and I really enjoy working on behalf of the industry at large.”

“SGM is musically charming and unique…however, the most important component of our music is the overt, straight-forward presentation of Biblical truth within its lyric. We must guard with all vigilance that component of our music to insure that never changes.”

Clarke has seen the industry from both a performer and a promoter outlook. He traveled for several years with the Florida Boys, and knows what it’s like to get on the road, week after week. “What many do not realize is how truly arduous the lifestyle is. Traveling over 200 days a year is enormously taxing both physically and psychologically. Those who do it are truly called and gifted.”

Having this insight into the life of a Southern Gospel Artist has given Clarke great regard for many of the industry’s performers who have been traveling for decades. This includes his father, Les Beasley. He is grateful to have grown up as the son of one of SGM’s legends. “It was quite a privilege, not just because of his status in Gospel Music, but because of who he is. I cannot imagine a greater example to emulate.” Clarke continues, “My favorite quote of his is, ‘There is no limit to what someone can do as long as he does not care who receives the credit.’ That is a belief he has lived by.”

Meanwhile, Clarke’s own children are not quite ready for the SGM mantel to be passed down to them. They do enjoy Southern Gospel, but haven’t yet shown interest in becoming involved in the family business. “My children are 10 and 7, so their primary interests right now are in baseball, their friends, and how they can blame each other for their bathrooms being messy.”

The next generation will tell the tale of the future of Southern Gospel. What does Clarke see as the future of SGM? “I see a future where we are a regular component of Sunday morning worship in most churches. I also see a future where high standards will be set and artists will be required to meet them. These high standards will be set not only in musical excellence but in ministry readiness and in personal conduct.”

“I believe that the next five years will be of critical importance to the next 20 years of the future of our music, and as I said before, as the music goes, so goes the NQC.” Clarke continues, “I am very optimistic on what we can achieve within the next five years and in the future beyond that. I am convinced our music will be used as a powerful tool of evangelism to reach the lost and encourage the believers.”

Clarke Beasley and his team are working hard to pull together an event that will, as always, surpass the year before it. That requires a day-to-day determination to keep to the vision and mission of the event, as they work toward September and the beginning of the 49th NQC. Even Clarke however, is aware that SGM and the NQC are rooted in an experience in the daily lives of the singers, songwriters, and all who are involved in this type of musical evangelism. He was reminded of this lesson again recently.

“With one of my close friends and neighbors losing his wife this week, I am reminded that life is precious and short, and I should strive every day to enjoy the God-given blessing of life and make each day contribute something to the Kingdom of God.”

For more information on the National Quartet Convention, click on www.natqc.com

First published June 2006 on www.sgmradio.com
Written by Lorraine Walker

For current features and columns, click on http://www.sgmradio.com

Christmas Past: Artists Share Christmas Celebrations December 2006

Christmas: A Celebration of Joy
By Lorraine Walker
First Published December 2006

Over the past several months, SGM Radio has had the privilege of featuring many gospel artists from various walks of life. As they vary in age, upbringing, way of life and ministry, their Christmas celebrations have one central theme: Family. We asked a few of our SGM Radio family of artists to share with you their Christmas thoughts and traditions.

David Hill, David Hill Trio, Whitesburg, GA: “It's 6am on December 25th in the Hill household and every year the story is the same. My wife and my children are still sleeping soundly and I've already been up for an hour or so. I love Christmas! I love it so much that it's hard for me to sleep the night before. Every year I end up making "accidental" noises to wake everyone. When they finally get up the hot chocolate is made and Nat King Cole is singing "The Christmas Song" on the stereo. What a joy to give gifts to the ones that you love. Isn't that the heart of our Father? He is the ultimate "Gift-Giver" and the reason that we celebrate Christmas is proof of that fact.”

Phil Cross, Poet Voices, Ringgold, GA: “My first and favorite Christmas song lyric:
Grace Has A Face ~ by Phil Cross
Verse I:
In search of a child, they traveled so far,
Led by a star to a place of joy.
Now the wise men tell a beautiful story,
Describing the glory of a baby boy.
Chorus
Hope has hands, freedom has feet,
Truth will stand, the Word will speak,
The holy and lowly finally embrace,
For love has a heartbeat and grace has a face.
Verse II
Compassion has a tear, joy has a laughter,
And here ever after, peace has a smile.
Redemption’s blood has veins to flow in,
A temple to glow in, Light is a child.
Chorus
Hope has hands, freedom has feet,
Truth will stand, the Word will speak,
The holy and lowly finally embrace,
For love has a heartbeat and grace has a face.

Sheri LaFontaine, soloist and songwriter, Toledo, OH: “I'm looking forward to just being with family and doing some Christmas caroling. I love how the people's faces light up when they see us standing on their door step.”

Jerry Bennett, soloist, Nashville, TN: “My story to a lot of listeners is probably unknown. I was raised in a troubled family, although my mom was a Christian, I had a father who was an extreme alcoholic. We never had a lot and were very poor. Violence and abuse were something we lived with. My favorite song through those years was a song that always spoke a peace in my heart when it was late at night and I awoke and could look out my window. In my head [I’d] hear the song "Silent Night, Holy Night" as I would hum it in lateness of the dark. Many times I visualized the peace and reverence of that Christmas night as the moonlight would shine against the frozen crust of the snow. When we sang that song in church, I still could visualize that awesome sight at night from my bedroom window.”

Barry Shadrix, Shadrix Trio, Whitesburg, GA: “Christmas is mine and my wife's favorite time of the year. I have a large family. My dad, in fact, had 7 brothers and 2 sisters. We have always gotten together as a family and had a big Christmas party. We would always of course- EAT, then we would exchange some gifts, but my favorite part was when we would all gather around to sing. We would sing Christmas songs, hymns and would have a little church in my grandparent's home.
We still get together every year, and the family continues to grow. We have always been such a close family, that I look forward to seeing everyone each year. For the past 2 years, since Jill and I have been married, we have had a lot of ground to cover when it comes to Christmas parties. She also has a large family and we usually have family Christmas parties nearly every weekend for the month of December. We usually do not book singings after the first weekend of December so we have time to visit with all of my family and hers. I'm already excited about it!”

JW Cooper, Jr., soloist, Richton, MS: “Christmas brings back many fond memories for me. There is something exciting in the air and that ever-present sense of "not knowing" that came from shaking presents and overhearing muffled conversations late at night. I love the nip in the air, and the memories of gathering around the gas heater (we did not have a fireplace). Our family Christmas parties were always interesting to say the least and though attendance dropped off after Dad passed away, we still look forward to our yearly gathering. It feels like I have stepped into his shoes sometimes and I love doting on my Mom and my three sisters and of course all those "youngins".
My sisters and I try to "out pig" each other with wacky pig-themed gifts. My middle sister is the current champ, giving me one of those bobbing hula dancer dolls...only it was a bobbing hula dancing pig! I love the classic Christmas carols...Burl Ives, Andy Williams, Bing Crosby, etc. and Mom knows I look forward to her annual cheese ball, and the other goodies that only come around this time of year.
Mostly I look forward to getting outside alone at some point and reflecting on the true meaning of the holiday we celebrate as "Christmas". I try to always send up a "Happy Birthday Jesus" with my prayers of thanksgiving and appreciation. Christmas is by far my favorite time of year and when I have to spend it offshore, it is tough.[JW works on an oilrig in the Gulf of Mexico]. I put myself in the mindset that it is "just another day" so I can get through it. Being with my "second family" helps tremendously and we all lean on each other; even exchanging gifts and having our own little party so far from our homes and families.”

The final installments in our SGM Radio ‘Christmas Montage’ are lovely word pictures by a couple of Canadian artists. Many in the Southern states don’t have memories of a snowy Christmas morning, but here in Canada that is one of our blessings.

Mike Moran, baritone, The Torchmen, Ontario, Canada: “When I was about 13 or 14, my mother and I were asked to sing at the Midnight Christmas Eve Service in the Anglican church in my hometown of Hespeler, Ontario. The church was a very old church on the side of a steep hill, and after the service, when we came out you could see in the street lights the snow falling in big flakes, and it was so cold that the snow squeaked under our boots. It had all the ingredients to make it feel like Christmas, and after more than fifty years later the memory of it can still bring that feeling back to me.”

Andrew Martin, soloist, Ontario, Canada: “Snow is falling and the air is crisp. The spruce trees are laden with thick snow and, as you're walking, you see in the distance the lights of home as they glow against the fresh fallen snow. You take in a breath and you smell the wood fire burning inside. Through the windows you see the garland with little white lights as it hangs from the banister of the stairs; the tree in the corner with all of its beauty and you are taken back in your mind to Christmases from years gone by when you were just a little kid.”
Ok ... maybe you're not all coming to my house this year so let me share one of our Chirstmas traditions. I just described above what our house looks like starting on November 1st every year. I would decorate earlier but my wife says that the neighbors may look at us funny if I do this in August! We are HUGE Christmas fans here at our house and everybody gets into the decorating and Christmas mood. The funny thing is we decorate our home and then are so busy on Christmas tours that we generally only get a few days here and there to enjoy it! I think that might be the reason we decorate so early. One family tradition we enjoy every year happens on Christmas Eve. We all load in our car, drive around our town and look at all of the lights while sipping on Hot Chocolate. We turn on the radio to listen to the Christmas music play and we all still anticipate (well maybe it's just me) the special news bulletin. The bulletin announces that the Air Force has just spotted an unidentified object and, as the planes scramble to see what it is, you hear the pilot cut in and say, ‘You are not going to believe this! I'm seeing a red sleigh and eight tiny reindeer. Just a minute it's Santa Clause!’ I can remember doing this with my parents when I was just a kid and now my wife and I enjoy it with our girls.”

So whether your family tradition is like that or not, the greatest thing is to gather with those you love at Christmas and enjoy the moment (with soft Christmas Jazz music of course, and a fireplace, and decorations, and the food, and.........).”

Let me take this opportunity to wish you and yours a very Merry and Blessed Christmas from SGM Radio!

For current artist features, click on to http://www.sgmradio.com

The Glovers Fast Five Southern Gospel Radio Rewind 2006

Glover Bio:
“We began our journey in Southern Gospel music a long time ago,” said Kathy
Glover “we just didn’t know it. Long before we ever recorded our first song, God laid
out the foundation for an incredible ministry.” When they recorded their latest CD and
titled it Out of the Darkness, they had NO idea that God would use that title to focus their
music ministry in a new direction – that of ministering to hurting people and helping
them to come out of the darkness and walk in the light of Jesus Christ (I John 1:7). After
all of the preparation, all of the hard work, long hours of practice, money spent, time
building relationships with band members and people in the industry

Kathy Glover:
Would you rather drive a race car at 163 mph or hang glide from a cliff? (Neither
really, but I'll take hang glide from a cliff)
 
Is there a song you wish you sing/play every time you are booked to sing? One of the
most powerful songs to me is "Hurtin' People." This is a must every time we have a
chance to minister.
 
If you're not singing, what is your favorite thing to do on a Sunday afternoon? Take
a long nap and spend time watching a movie with all the kids.
 
What is one item in your closet you cannot bear to throw away? Well, I still have
this really nice navy blue suit that I have kept over the years waiting to lose enough
weight to squeeze back into it. Keep praying.
 
What are you, as a member of the Glovers, looking forward to in 2007? I am
looking forward to the Lord opening many more doors for us to get out there and
share His message of healing and restoration. I would love to be able to get into
many new areas this year.

Adam Glover:
Would you rather drive a race car at 163 mph or hang glide from a cliff? Drive a
race car at 163.
 
Is there a song you wish you sing/play every time you are booked to sing? The
song, "Hurtin' People."

 
If you're not singing, what is your favorite thing to do on a Sunday afternoon? Just
staying at home with the family.
 
What is one item in your closet you cannot bear to throw away? My golf clubs that
NEVER get used.
 
What are you, as a member of the Glovers, looking forward to in 2007? I am
looking forward to reaching out to other areas to minister in which we haven't had
the opportunity to reach in the past three years.

Tony Meacham:
Would you rather drive a race car at 163 mph or hang glide from a cliff? Drive a
race car at 163 mph.
 
Is there a song you wish you sing/play every time you are booked to sing? "Behind
the Rock"
 
If you're not singing, what is your favorite thing to do on a Sunday afternoon? Ride
my four-wheeler
 
What is one item in your closet you cannot bear to throw away? Hats
 
What are you, as a member of the Glovers, looking forward to in 2007? Being able
to minister in new areas.

http://www.thegloversonline.com/

If you enjoyed this story find more at www.sgmradio.com

Retro SGM Radio: Kenny Bishop - Grace Works For Everyone

Front Porch singing, concerts in every major venue and city, award-winning recordings, family camaraderie, and a very special combination of talent, voice, personality, and music style. The Bishops were well known and much loved when they retired in 2001. Kenny Bishop went on to delve into politics and began to see the Lord work and change him as he found himself on a new path. This path has led him to start 2006 with a schedule filling with engagements, a solo recording about to be released, and a desire in his heart to reach those who stand on the fringe of the church, looking for acceptance and grace.


Kenny recently took a few moments to share with Sgmradio his thoughts and plans for this new season in his life, in his first extensive interview since returning to the music scene. We present this interview almost in its entirety, to share with you the heart of this unusual artist and man of God.



Sgmradio: Kenny, your mission for your life…more than just your music…is outlined on your website. Can you explain to us your vision for your music as you head into this New Year? What do you want to say to your audience?


Kenny: For over fifteen years I enjoyed standing in front of audiences, blending voices with my dad and my brother, encouraging Christians and trying to convince non-believers to trust Christ as their redeemer and Lord. I was thrilled, especially, when I felt we had connected the audience with the One we were singing about. And honestly, that didn’t happen every night. But the sense of completeness I felt when it did was my assurance that we were doing the thing God wanted us to do at the time.


My approach today is a bit different. More than I’d like to be viewed as a singer, I want more to be understood as a communicator who tries to build bridges and understanding among those who profess Faith, and those who feel they’ve been alienated by those same people. The music is a vehicle that allows me an audience that is made up mostly of people who are pretty sure of what they believe. My years with the Bishops are making that possible.


But I’m convinced that we, as “religious” people need to be challenged. So, when I have the opportunity now to stand and sing to a group of solid Believers who are settled into their Christian routine, I challenge them to do something dangerous. I ask them to do the thing that Jesus did when he stepped outside of the accepted religious norm, objected to the exclusivity of the church of the day and reached into the world of the hurting, wounded and unwanted. I ask them to stop living up to the stereotype of being satisfied with their own spiritual condition while shunning and locking out anyone who would not fit comfortably into their group. I challenge them to truly study the life and deeds of Christ and make him their example for ministry. Most basically, my message is, if grace works for anyone it works for everyone. It’s for everyone or for no one.


Sgmradio: You have a new project hitting the streets soon. Can you tell us about this recording and its producer?


Kenny: I’m honestly a little nervous about this recording. It’s been over four years since I’ve been in a studio as an artist. It’s been ten years since I’ve recorded a solo piece. But as apprehensive as I am, I’m equally as thrilled with the opportunity to do it again…Right now the projected street date is sometime around mid-spring.


When I sat down with the record company to discuss my goals and hopes for the project we batted around several names to consider as the producer. When Norman Holland suggested Woody Wright I jumped on it...I’ve known Woody for a long time; he and I had an instant connection with the message of grace, which is what this recording is all about.



Sgmradio: Tell us about some of the writers for this new release. Are any of the songs “Kenny originals”?


Kenny: Even before I was aware that I would ever do this project, I decided, if I ever made another record, that I wanted the message to be singularly focused. I wanted to bare my heart in every song. And right now the thing that is on my heart more than anything else is grace.


So Daywind assembled several of their great writers in a room, and dialed in several more on a conference call and allowed me to address them personally. I shared my heart and my passion for reaching once-upon-a-time Believers who’ve felt abandoned by the Christian community. I also told them of my desire to try and awaken the church community to the enormous mission field that is within close reach of their own doors, and my desire to try and challenge them to take the risk of going after them. Several great songs came from that session. Woody Wright is not only a great producer; he is also an unbelievable writer. He contributed to this project, as did Gerald Crabb, Sonya Isaacs and Becky Isaacs Bowman, Jeff Steele, and Dawn Doss. I co-wrote a couple of songs with Caleb Collins and Adam Kohout and wrote another piece as well.


Sgmradio: What is the most special song to you on this new project?


Kenny: …The song that probably says what I hope to convey more than any of the others is “Don’t Let Who You Are Keep You Away.” In Scripture, Christ was the perfect example of acceptance and reception. The same God who desires a relationship with an outcast, unreligious Samaritan woman also receives an honest hyper-religious rule-keeper like Nicodemus. He tells both of them, in a sense, “Don’t let who you are keep you away.” If those two polar opposites are welcomed into God’s realm, all of us can be.


Sgmradio: Can you describe your ‘solo’ sound for us?


Kenny: One of the things I hope to accomplish on this record is to identify a sound that I can enjoy singing, an audience can relate to and enjoy, and one that will avoid sounding like my brother. Mark is such a phenomenal talent. His writing is clever and unmatched, and his sound is unmistakable and so enjoyable. But we are brothers, and it would be easy to drift into his sound if I’m not careful. I’m not sure how to tag it, but the base for my sound will definitely be Southern Gospel.


Sgmradio: Do you have a close-future goal of what you would like to see happen with your music/ministry, in perhaps the next 6 months to a year?


Kenny: I don’t think I’m capable of looking that far ahead. I’m really surprised at this point that we’re even discussing records, appearances and music. I wasn’t sure that I would ever have another opportunity to share in a public way again. Not too long ago I was convinced that I had squandered all of my chances to make any kind of declarations about God’s love, whether through songs or sharing the Scriptures. God continues to surprise me with opportunities, so I find it difficult to make any plans on my own. My goal though is simply to go in the direction that God makes available and tell about grace when I get there.


Sgmradio: Your calendar is filling with engagements. Tell us about the kinds of venues and places you will be visiting in the coming months. (Editor’s note: Kenny Bishop is being represented by the Tana Lonon Agency, based in Florida).


Kenny: I have a wonderful support team that understands my approach to ministry. Daywind Records and the folks there are simply marvelous. Tana Lonon is a crucial part of the team as well. She and I have spent lots of time talking about our shared vision of doing what it takes and going wherever we can to share the message of unconditional love. In so many ways, I couldn’t begin to compare myself to Jesus, but I’ve asked her to imagine if He had a booking agent, how would a request for Him to come and minister be handled. We can’t think of a place He wouldn’t go, or a group of people who couldn’t benefit from His message and ministry. As it is right now, I’m pretty much singing and sharing exclusively in churches. I wouldn’t be disappointed if that never changed.


Sgmradio: Your website indicates more of an emphasis on reaching people where they really are. How has this affected the way you interact with your audience?


Kenny: The departure of the Bishops was abrupt and final. A lot of people were confused, angry and worried. The situation was not good; however, the rumors that made their way back to me were even more sordid. I did not want to just reappear as quickly and without explanation as I disappeared. I could not pretend that my departure four years ago was noble or righteous. At the same time, I did not want to embarrass anyone or say more than was necessary.


But I was determined to be honest and let people know that Prodigals do come home. In my rebellion I learned a lot – probably more than I ever did in all of my years in the pews. I learned mostly that there is a huge world full of used-to-be Believers who desperately want to know God again, but they’ve been turned off by the pride and self-preservation of a church system that places more importance on its image than it does its true mission to be lovers of the unloved. I talk about this in my appearances.


I do look for and reach out to those who are there with needs, but I have other opportunities to minister to them. I focus much of my time in front of church congregations on exposing Christ as the real lover and forgiver that he is, and challenging them to follow his example wherever it may lead them.



Sgmradio: Does your involvement in (state) politics help or hinder your music ministry? What affect does it have?


Kenny: I work for the Governor in Kentucky. I’ve been a part of his staff since he was a U.S. Congressman. I simply love my work and the people I am able to be around everyday. Governor Fletcher and the First Lady are very supportive of my ministry work. He was pastor of a church in Lexington, Kentucky for a number of years, so he has a heart for helping others. I’m often called on to sing at official events. We host a performance series at the Governor’s Mansion as well, and the most well received and acclaimed event we’ve hosted was a Sunday night Gospel singing that featured Jeff and Sheri Easter, Triumphant Quartet, my brother Mark and the Bishops. We’re planning to do another soon.


Sgmradio: What other types of activities are you currently involved in, apart from your political interests and involvement?


Kenny: I love my church. I am not involved in leadership there, but I do offer input, worship and simply take in the Word. I also do as much volunteer work as I can. There are a lot of hungry people who need to be fed and children who simply need a heart to love them. The most abundant joys of my life are my children Casie and Christian.



Sgmradio: What do you see as your involvement in Southern Gospel Music? Are you interested in again being one of the ‘movers and shakers’ in SGM?


Kenny: To be a part of some of the major decisions and planning that took place during my involvement in the industry was a treat for me. However, now I simply want to share the things I’ve come to know and feel so deeply. My name doesn’t do much in the industry today. My record company and the others who’ve invested in me deserve a good return on their commitment. I want them to be profitable and feel the risk they took in me was worth it. They are a great tool that the Lord has brought into my life to give me opportunities to share Grace. That’s my motivation to be a part of Gospel Music.



Sgmradio: What is the one thing that excites you the most about being back in front of a crowd, singing about Jesus?


Kenny: Singing about Jesus.



Written by Lorraine Walker. First published February 2006 on http://www.sgmradio.com
Read current artist features on http://www.sgmradio.com
For up to date information on artist Kenny Bishop click on http://www.kennybishop.com/index.htm

Retro Reality Check: Say What?

Currently in our Canadian news, there have been comments about the lack of communication within the ruling political party. A recent poll detailing the party’s drop in popularity apparently proves that their message is not reaching the people, which indicates a lack of external communication too, according to the press. It seems to be the major buzzword in every organization, people give countless workshops on it and relationships are forever changed because of it. Our world appears to revolve around ‘communication’.

This is an area that interests me as much as it confounds me. Just when I think I’ve gotten the hang of the whole ‘communication thing’, something occurs that assures me I haven’t quite gotten there yet. It could be at work, when my boss gets to the end of an explanation only to have me say, “Pardon?” Or, for example, with personal relationships when I realize days after a conversation, that what was actually said, wasn’t what was really meant.

Communication has a way of bonding people, though apparently this is more accurate in women than in men. Girls like to share things with each other in order to feel close, whether it’s about spiritual things, or every day life, or even just about shoes. There are times when I long for a few words from someone to feel connected with them, even just a line in an email.

It makes me wonder how God feels when we go for days without communicating with Him. The Bible tells us to “pray without ceasing”, which seems to me to be demonstrated by an attitude of thankfulness.

You can usually sense those people who practice this all the time; they are a little less stressed, a little more centered, a little more patient, and perhaps even a little more loving. When I hang out with these people, I’m reminded once again that I need to keep that line of communication with the Lord open and strong.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus tells us that “He that believeth in me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these...” This truth is abruptly followed by the statement: “…whatever ye shall ask in My Name I will do.” Oswald Chambers says that the ‘greater works’ that we will do are the prayers we will pray, when we will ask in the Name of Jesus, and He will do ‘whatever’. It appears that communication is pretty important to God as well. If our lives of prayer, our open communication, is the ‘greater work’, then developing a disciplined prayer life should be high on our list of priorities. It’s a main part of nurturing our relationship with our Lord. We need to spend time with Him, bonding and getting to know Him better through communication.

I find it easy to talk to a close friend; often during a stressful time I’ll seek their guidance or even just their companionship. I admit I don’t do that with my Lord as often as I should and I admire those I know who automatically go to Him first. Again, it’s the discipline of remaining in a prayerful attitude, making it unthinkable not to go to God first.

I have yet to meet the person who has learned all they need to know about communication, so I imagine the books, seminars and teaching will continue in the secular marketplace. And when I talk with the people I know that are closest to the Lord, they will still say they have a lot to learn about communicating with the Almighty.

Regardless of how much we know or need to find out, one thing that will keep our relationships with others strong is continuing to develop our communication skills. What will keep our most important relationship healthy is the desire to keep communicating with Him, our closest Friend and Saviour. Not only talking to the Lord, but listening as well, so we don’t have to continuously say, “Pardon?”



Written by Lorraine Walker. Originally published November 2006 on http://www.sgmradio.com For a current Reality Check, Read "Thanks But No Thanks" at http://www.sgmradio.com/2011/11/04/thanks-but-no-thanks/