Well, this is the first one of these things I've written.  I wanted everyone who might be interested to know that I'm going to be starting music ministry  work at a new church, Sonrise Baptist, after a life-long stay at Grace Community.  I have been coming to see that the Lord is leading me into the direction of music ministry in a church, hopefully as a full-time position some day.

   There have been a lot of factors that have been pushing me in that direction.  One of them is my growing conviction that Christian music should be coming out of the churches rather than out of "the business."  This is how it was done for quite a few hundred years.  That way, the writer does not need to be concerned with whether or not his music will reach the top 40 on the Christian charts -- he can make music to the best of his ability and according to his artistic and spiritual convictions (That is, as long as the church itself isn't just interested in what sells).  Another considerable factor is the desire to use my gifts for more than just to entertain.  Let's face it, a lot of Christian music is not much more than sanctified entertainment -- and it's hard to believe that thousands of screaming fans really go to Christian concerts to  worship (some may).  There's nothing wrong with working in the entertainment business if that's what you're claiming and  intending to do --  but the Lord has been putting into my heart the desire to use my gifts and time in the service of His church.

     I have really appreciated the friends, ministries and pastors who have greatly influenced me while I've been at Grace Community.  I know that so many years there have really helped and challenged me to serve the Lord.