Several gospel recording artists switch microphones after finishing up a soul stirring concert, preparing to deliver a church sermon. The Revs. Al Green, Shirley Caesar, Rance Allen and Bishop Walter Hawkins, also the late Revs. Milton Brunson and Marvin
Several gospel recording artists switch microphones after finishing up a soul stirring concert, preparing to deliver a church sermon. The Revs. Al Green, Shirley Caesar, Rance Allen and Bishop Walter Hawkins, also the late Revs. Milton Brunson and Marvin Yancey, all had successful careers as award-winning gospel artists before joining the ranks of spiritual shepherd and overseer. There has also been a growing number of recording artists who have become church pastors: Donnie McClurkin, Marvin Sapp, Smokie Norful, Beverly Crawford, Andrae Crouch, Marvin Winans and Deandre Patterson. Three-time Grammy Award winning Darius Brooks recently added his name to this growing roster. I caught up with the highly acclaimed songwriter, producer, singer and founder of Grace Central Church to talk about his newest role.
ER: When did you first recognize the call to be a pastor?
DB: I knew I was supposed to be a pastor about nine years ago, by me being a part of churches and minister of music with Milton Brunson and the Thompson Community Singers for 18 years. I had known I was called, but fear paralyzes you and I decided to just trust him with my whole heart and not run anymore. Also, traveling around the world with Rev. Jesse Jackson, doing music workshops from London to L.A. to N.Y. and all over the country.
ER: What is your take on the growing number of artists becoming pastors?
DB: You can almost see when God is moving musicians and writers into a consistent capacity of pastoring or leading in an enormous way. You know when he’s moving you that way because your ministry gets stronger and stronger. Lots of us are fearful of taking the platform. A lot of the musicians around the country who grew up on the Thompson Community Singers, a lot of them are pastors around the country. It makes sense because the older ones are retiring, and they are passing the mantel. And you’re not supposed to walk into it but grow into it.
ER: How do you plan to balance being a pastor while performing?
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