DIG DEEP: Conversations with Christian Leaders
DIG DEEP: Conversations with Christian Leaders
When We Worship part II - Chris Baymon
We're bringing this conversation BACK! You voted 'When We Worship' as one of your favorite episodes from last season. This time we're talking to the musicians!
Join Dr. Jaria and special guest Christopher Baymon as we discuss the importance of maintaining a life of worship and consecration as a musician, whether musicians should be paid, and the power of music in a service.
Let's DIG DEEP!
DIG DEEP is sponsored by Jaria Chanee Ministries.
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I'm excited about all of the feedback that we got from last time around about women who just felt like it was a great use of their time with their Saturday. They were blessed by the worship service. They felt encouraged. They left inspired. The testimonies were fantastic. And I really appreciate the people that came out and took time to fill out those surveys and give us that feedback as well. Hey, what up, y'all? Okay, so y'all got to let me know because I am absolutely just so scared that y'all can't hear me right now. So if you can't hear me in the comments, just I need you to type in Dr. J. We can't hear you, girl. Okay, but this is a whole new setup. I'm trying a whole new little different thing. We'll see how I like it. We'll see how it goes. If you are tuning in today, thanks so much for watching. We've got you on Facebook. on YouTube. I'm super, super delighted that you are here with us. This is our Dig Deep Conversations with Christian Leaders. I am your host, Dr. Daria C. Aljo from Daria Sine Ministries, where we are a community of believers who are intentional about deepening our relationship with God. One of the things that we do, one of the things that I do is I host a regular Dig Deep Conversations with Christian Leaders. It is a podcast. You can watch it on Facebook Live. You can listen to the podcast. If you are interested in doing so, if maybe you don't have time to listen or to watch on Facebook Live. But y'all, I'm really, really, truly happy. that you're here with us going into part two, part two of when we worship. Now, I originally did this last year around this time as we were getting ready for the very first Dig Deep conference. I decided to have the worship teams that were going to be ministering to us at the conference. I decided to have them on the show to just talk about the importance of worship and being a worship leader. And we focused so much on you know, being a praise team leader and the singing aspect of the service. But you all told me in the review that we did at the end of the year, that this was one of your favorite shows. And so what I thought to do is, Hey, why not bring in the musicians, right? We heard from the praise team. We heard from the singers, but let's talk to the musicians who also helped to set and maintain the atmosphere during our worship services. So I reached out to some of my musician friends and was able to bring them on the show. They are absolutely phenomenal musicians. I truly, truly admire their ministry. This next guest, my next guest, we have known each other for quite some time. Our families have worshiped together, have fellowshiped together. And so it's just been a blessing to see how God has continued to favor him, continue to enlarge his territory and continue to just make his gift even better than in years past. And so I think every year his gift gets better and better and better. And so I'm really excited to bring a guest tonight. Um, if y'all wouldn't mind, please, I need you to like, I need you to share. Now I know deliverance center. On my own show. Am I back? I think I'm back. Okay. oh y'all I'm sorry okay I think I got cut out I don't know where I got cut off at and it was the greatest intro of all time like no come on okay we're gonna rewind okay here we go massachusetts first jurisdiction uh deliverance center I know that y'all are here I need y'all to blow this up heart Okay. Okay, y'all. I think I'm back. Am I back? Chris is in the back. We're going to bring Chris to the stage. It was the greatest intro of all time. Can you hear me okay? Yeah, I hear you. All right. Is there an echo? No, no, no. I don't know what's going on. My setup was so nice. I absolutely loved it. It was. It was. It was. The devil's annoying and ashy and I don't like him. All right. Well, here we are. Sorry, friend. Welcome to the show. How are you? Good. How about yourself? I'm doing good. Thank you. Thank you so much. Let me see if I can get rid of this extra person now. You know what? Here's what we're going to do. Chris, welcome to the show. Thank you so much for joining. What I want you to do is if you would please just introduce yourself to the people tonight, people that don't know you, just tell us a little bit about who you are, how you got started in music ministry, how you got to where you are today. Well, as you so, you know, as your phenomenal introduction, through your phenomenal introduction, I'm Chris Bayman. I am, so listen, I play organ, piano, you know, just all around music lover. I play at a my father's church, Deliverance Center Ministries, Church of God in Christ. And, you know, I do a lot of things, you know, arrange, produce, you know, all of that good stuff. And really the journey to, you know, first becoming a musician honestly came because for those of you who don't know, I am the youngest. I'm the youngest sibling. And so in being the youngest, You always want to copy what your older brothers are doing. And so we had gotten my uncle, who was Pastor J.P. Morgan Jr., and for those of you who don't know, another phenomenal singer, musician. So he had given my mother a keyboard because when my father, he was first starting his church, and this was in 1994. And so he had given her his keyboard. And so she was trying so hard to learn how to play because, listen, you know, she was like, listen, we need a musician. So, you know, I'm going to learn how to play. Like, you know what I mean? And it wasn't going really good. So once she gave up... Um, she had, she had given us, she had given us the keyboard. So, you know, we had it upstairs in our room and we would all fiddle around with it. Um, but my older brother, he would really like, you know, he would really fiddle around with like, you know what I mean? He would really play around with it. And so I would try to like copy everything he does and everything, you know, and, um, And it started there. I was always singing, you know, from the time I was born. But as far as playing goes, that's where it really started. And then that coincided with the fact that, you know, my uncle would make tapes for us when we first started. So we would sing the tracks, you know, we would put the mic to the boom box. And, you know, we would, you know, we would, listen, we would make it go, you know. But after a while, his desire to really have a musician background you know, and somebody to, to be able to play, you know, it just, it, it, it, it grew. And so I remember over the one Sunday over the, over the pulpit, he was like, you know, he was, he, he had said my name and I think he said eight, my brother, eight, his name. And so he says, you know, listen, you know, he, he needed help. Like, you know what I mean? And so that kind of sparked things. And so from, you know, so I really started trying to play like, you know what I mean? And so after me trying to play and here again, I wasn't progressing. Uh, I wasn't progressing so fast. I didn't give up, but I wasn't progressing so fast. Um, you know what I mean? Um, I, he needed music, you know, he needed it like yesterday. So, um, he had, he had, um, he had had my cousin, um, pastor Thomas Robinson to come and start playing for the church. And so from there, I started learning, you know, I started learning under him. So, you know, he would he would he would be on organ, I'd be on keyboard doing whatever. And, you know, over time, you know, that it turned into something, you know, it grew into something. But that's where that's where the that's really where it all started. And it's so interesting because I have a guest, my next episode, which is next Wednesday at seven, the musician, the young lady that I brought on, Melissa, she said too that like her, she comes from a family of siblings, a family that is musically inclined. And it just was one of those things where, you know, the keyboard player at the time was like, okay, I'm out. I'm going to college. You're up and get on the keys and you try and, you know, kind of play along and everyone's being gracious with it. And yeah, no, I, so you, did you teach yourself? Did you have like a mixture of like lessons and kind of teaching yourself or? At first I was teaching myself, but then when, when my, when my cousin came, no, he was giving me lessons. And so that's, and so, you know, that's, that's when it, that's when it started to, you know, to become something. So he would give me lessons every week. And then of course, you know, the things that I would learn on Sundays actually playing alongside them. So those things went hand in hand. Right. I tried to teach myself. I'm gonna tell y'all a secret. I tried to teach myself a couple of years ago. And I was like doing really well. So I played violin in elementary school. I played since like fourth grade to like, I don't know, junior high, something. So like musically, like I can read music and all that other fun stuff. And so I was trying to like tinker around on the keyboard and it just, it was too much for me because like I wasn't playing like as well, as quickly as I wanted to. And then they're talking about like poor, I'm trying to like stretch my fingers and I'm like, this is not, no. See, that's what made my mother quit. So she had it good on one hand, but then when it came to the other hand, yeah she cried she said I can't do this can't do it I was like this is not this God you're not calling me to this and I need to stop trying to force it and you know someone else will do it I don't know so I've always just really admired people that have either taught themselves or even done lessons and like not given up because it takes a lot it takes an absolute you know a good amount of time to kind of learn how to do this so yeah it's patience it's patience with yourself and then you know and then keep in mind we didn't have YouTube back then You know? And, you know, and I'm like, yo, I'm like, these young cats now, I'm like, yo, y'all have it good because... man we had to we we had to go get it you know what I mean we had to be proactive um I would I would I would ask so many questions like you know if a musician came into town I would bombard them with questions because it's like I didn't know if I went when I was going to get this information again you know what I mean so it's like okay this is my chance listen so I'm gonna ask you a whole bunch of questions like you know what I mean and sometimes you know they'd be like dang but I didn't care. You know what I mean? Cause like, you know, but that's how it was like, yeah. So it's like, well, you don't have that. Especially being an eighties baby, nineties kid, you know, and I believe we were the last of the real, you know, cause we had, you know, that tail end of playing outside all the time. to, you know, the dawn of like technology and social media. So we have the best of both worlds, but even in that, you know, but even with that, you know, there was just, there's a certain, there's just a certain level of, you know, determination, you know, that you have, that you have to have and that you had to have, especially in the beginning, because, you know, here again, you know, it, it, it really didn't start coming together for me. And I started, so I started when I was 11 and, Um, and it really didn't start coming together for me, honestly, until maybe I was about 16. Um, you know what I mean? Because, um, you know, at first I really wasn't serious. I was serious about it, but I really wasn't serious about it. And, um, so, uh, it wasn't until shout out to my shout out to my guy, Kevin Powell. So it wasn't until, uh, we had went to a, um, it was latter rain, uh, had their, it was their churches like grand opening, you know what I mean? They had just got that building, it just got remodeled. And so we had went and Bishop, listen, Bishop Mr. Clean White, you know, the late great Bishop, uh, Mr. Clean, he, he was preaching. And, uh, after service, um, you know, I heard playing like, you know, like, you know, listen, Pastor Powell's kids was playing like his nephew was on drums and, uh, you know, Doobie was on keys. Kevin was on organ, but I didn't know Kevin was on organ. So I'm just, so I just hear music in the background. And so, um, Um, you know, and so, uh, I meet, I meet Pastor Powell. And so like he's, and so my father introduces me to him and he's like, yeah, this is my son right here. Well, this is the musician. And he was like, yeah, that's my son right there. And he sounded like he'd been playing. He's the same age as me. And he sounded like he was playing like for 17 years. And I'm like, dang. Right. So in the car home, my father, he says, he says, yeah. Um, he says, yeah. Like you heard Pastor Powell's son? I was like, yeah. He said, yeah. He said, you know why he's good? I said, why? He's not playing video games all day. You know what I'm saying? He enlisted, he enlisted all the reasons. And here again, like, you know, and here again, it was like, you know, and, you know, it was like, he ain't playing video games all day. He actually practices. He actually, and at first I was like, dang, you know, but, you know, I, but he was right. And so, and so from there, I was, I was like, you know what? I need to do things different. you know what I'm saying and so then like I said fast forward to when I'm you know about I'm about 16 and I remember this vividly I was in I was in my chemistry class and I was in the middle of my chemistry class and I was like listen what what am what am I gonna do for a living I can't do chemistry I'm gonna have to go to summer school for chemistry what can I do what can I do and it was just like aha I can do music like you know what I mean and so from there it was like it it was not a game from It was not a game. So just saying all that to say it takes a certain level of determination and then it does take a certain level of thick skin too because listen, when you're first starting out, people are going to give you looks. you know some people are gonna some people are gonna you know alright yeah and then some people are gonna give you look you're gonna get dirty looks you know if you ain't there and so many times I wasn't where I needed to be listen they and this here again this was pre-social media you know what I mean I would get blasted over the pulpit sometimes not even by my father this would be by like you know traveling evangelists and stuff like that like you know what I mean but here again it was character building. Like, you know, it was like, you know, and I had to get to the point where it was like, you know, do I want to get better? Yeah. Were they right? Yeah. Was my, you know, was my feelings a little hurt? Was my, you know what I'm saying? Yeah, a little bit. A little bit. Yeah, it was. But at the end of the day, it was like, you know, here again, it's like, okay, if what they were saying was right, then okay. So that means next time. So now I'm like, okay, I'm going to prepare for this. So next time you might going to catch me. See what I'm saying? So it just takes that determination. Like, you know, and then after a while, you know, listen, God, God rewards, he, listen, he rewards, uh, patients, he rewards stick-to-itiveness. You know what I mean? He, you know, this is, this is the, because this is the kind of thing, you know, that, um, you know, that we have to do, like, you know, we have to study to show ourselves approved. So, you know, it's like, it's like a, um, a rite of passage, a badge of honor So there's so much to unpack there. First of all, I want to shout out, if you live in the New England area, it's like two families, possibly more, but I'm just going to talk about these two today. Two families musically. You have the Bain family and then you have the Powell family. I feel like everybody knows those things. So shout out to the Powell family. Now, back in the day, back in the day, we all used to be in the same jurisdiction. And we used to have some good, the same district, matter of fact. We used to have some... Good church. Yes. Like, good, good church. So, yeah, shout out to the Powell family. It's just amazing to see just how, again, like, families that have an anointing on them and, like, each of them, you know, how they continue to cultivate those gifts, even with, like, their children. Do you find that, like, your, you know, your children are leaning into music at all? So, for me, so... For me, they are more singing, you know, than playing because, you know, for me, I know how I am. And, you know, and it's like, I'm such a perfectionist that, you know, it was one of them things where, you know, I'm sort of like, you know, giving my kids breadcrumbs to, you know what I'm saying? Like, so I'm really more of like, you know, listen, if you really want to do it, you know, all right, like, we'll do it. But if you don't, like, you know what I'm saying? I'm not going to come, like, I'm not going to come down on you because listen, you, you know, music is, is, is all, it's like, it's always going. So it's like, they're, you're, you're going to do something musically. Like, you know what I mean? But if you really want to, like, if you really, really want to do it, I'll, you know what I'm saying? Like, you see me, like, you know what I'm saying? Like, you see, you see how I work, but also, you know, it is a personal choice because I know I had to make that personal choice. You know what I mean? Like nobody, um, You know, nobody twisted my arm and said, all right, get better. Like, no, it was a personal choice. You know what I mean? My parents always joke that like, you know, I have a tendency to take myself too serious sometimes, you know, even when it comes to music. And in recent years, you know, being in another phase of my life, I like to think that I've sort of calmed down a bit, you know what I mean? And loosened up a bit, you know, just because, and so I want my, and so I want that to, you know, my children, you know, If they get into playing, I want them to get into playing because they love it and because they want to do it. Not necessarily because I'm making them. Now, can I make them? Of course. But it's one of the things, like I said, I know how I can be. And I know, you know, like I've seen so many instances where people quit after a while, you know what I'm saying? Or they're just like, you know, or... It's like, you know, I'm doing it because you're telling me to do it. Like, you know what I'm saying? Right, right, right, right. And here again, I know how I can be. And so, in knowing how I can be and I know, you know, that, you know, how my... You know, I know my children. Like, you know what I'm saying? Yeah, yeah. It's like, okay, okay. My approach... might not work with them like you know what I'm saying so here again I'm just like oh you want to play all right yeah let's let's learn this all like right but I'm not like you know here's the c scale play it no I said play it like you know what I'm saying like I'm not I'm not doing that like you know yeah here again no but they're but but they're they're definitely getting into it like more and more and more so you know And they have, you know, shout out because I know First Lady, I'm gonna call her First Lady. That's not her title. But Lady Bayman, Lady Barbara Bayman, one of my favorite praise and worship leaders. She is one of those leaders, praise and worship leaders where like I'm just watching her go forth and I'm like, tap me in, sis. I'm ready to go. Like I'm right there with you. Tap me in. And so your children are filled in the house, like you said, like with music, you have an anointed praise and worship leader, you have an anointed musician. And it's so great to hear that you all aren't forcing them to do anything. They might pick up an interest and they might, you know, ask you questions, that sort of thing. You'll certainly try and nourish that gift. But it's not where it's like, you know, you you obey me like you've been to play something, you've been to sing something. So, yeah. And everybody's different. Like, you know what I'm saying? Like, so I'm, you know, and I'm not saying that that approach is wrong. You know what I mean? Here again, everybody's different. And that's just how I am. Like, you know, if you want to be how I am, you see me behind the scenes. Like, you know what I'm saying? So it's like, so I'm going to show you, you know what I mean? So that's, you know, that's, that's how I, that's, you know, my mindset for that. I love that. So I posted on Facebook the other day just because, you know, I think I just was feeling myself a little bit too much. I don't know what was going on, but I posted five songs that I five gospel songs that I automatically skip anytime I hear them. And I am curious to know, do you have any gospel songs that you automatically skip when you hear them? So many. So many. So many. So many. You know, yeah. Yeah. You know, it's too many to name. You know. Give me three. Give me three. Three. Three. Hmm. He saw the best in me. Yeah, that was up there for me. Yeah. Yeah. He saw the best in me. Definitely. Um, let me see. What's, what's like super mainstream that, oh my gosh, um, that, that you hear all the time. Um, What else? What else? See, I can't say Stomp because I love Stomp and I still listen to that. Oh, my gosh. You said Stomp? I said I can't say that one. Oh, okay. I'm thinking out loud. I'm like, I can't say that one. I love that whole album. I play that now. I feel like his first album and then the Rebirth are his best albums, hands down. Listen, anybody. I don't know how many times I say that, like, you know, the rebirth, uh, that was, that was, it just was something else. Yeah. Yep. But, but even with that, so again, never would have made it. We got, uh, let me see. Yo, I know I didn't say never would have made it, but never would have made it. Okay. So never would have made it best to me. Those are my list. And cause it just feels so cliche. I don't know. Like, you know what I mean? Like. It's just too, it's too much. I feel like, so at the time when Never Would Have Made It came out and Best in Me, Best in Me came out. I feel like, first of all, I wasn't saved. So I was listening to like the regular hip hop R&B radio. I don't want to go from hearing Jay-Z talking about, you know, whatever, and then listening to Destiny's Child and then like Marvin Sapp talking about Jesus. That's not what I wanted to hear at the time. And I feel like it just played so much and that it just, it was like, Just no. So those are definitely two on my top five. I see now. I loved it. I loved it at first. Like, you know, both of them loved him. But here again, it was it was one of them things where, you know. it's a, listen, it's, it's what made, I, I, I pray for one of them songs. Like, you know what I mean? I pray God will give me one of them songs. Cause that definitely will push Marvin Sapp like to the stratosphere. But at the same time, over time, it was so overplayed. It, like I said, it almost became a cliche now. Like, you know what I mean? And it was, and it's just like, oh, it's like, I know the song is still anointed, but I feel like most of the oil has been squeezed out of the, you know what I mean? Like, so let's, It was to the point where like, this is, this is an actual factual true story is to the point where I knew a musician that played for him. And I was like, Hey, So he's going to be preaching at, you know, Holy Convocation for National Holy Convocation. Can you please tell him not to sing that song? Like, he can sing any other song he wants to, however he feels led. You know that's not happening. Just not those two songs. Like, and sure enough, he got up there and sang Never Would Have Made It. No, no, no. He got, but he has to sing those. You know what I mean? It's like certain artists are just... they're bound to certain songs. Like, you know what I mean? Like, I need them to be loosed. They need to be loosed from it. No, no, no, no. See, that's the thing. So, and this one, this is one thing that I definitely learned was, so the fan, like the fan side of me is like, yeah, no, but, you know, the musician side or one that understands this other side. It's one of them things where like, you know, when he, when you travel other, when he travels places, like that's the song people want to hear. So it's like, if he don't sing that song, it's like, there's going to be a riot. You know what I mean? And that's what he said. That's the funny thing too, because he was preaching and he brought a very good message. And he was saying, you know, as he was closing, he was like, don't worry. I'm going to sing y'all's favorite song in a minute. You know, just let me finish me. And I said, okay. Don't give in, Bishop Marvin. Don't give in. See, see, see. And the way that you're saying it, it almost feels like he's tired of singing it. See what I mean? He is. I bet he is. I don't know. I don't know. But from what you're saying, from my observations, I get the feeling that he's tired of singing it too. And the musician that she was talking to about not playing that song was tired of playing it too. But it's like, this is when it becomes the question of, okay, who are we doing this for? See what I'm saying? When we think about like being tired of like singing songs and being tired of playing, how do you prevent burnout in a consistent music ministry role? Like how do you prevent yourself from like, I'm tired of singing this song. I'm tired of playing this song. I'm just tired of going to church. Like how do you prevent burnout? Okay, well, there's a couple parts to that. So number one, I'm tired of singing this song, tired of playing this song. So, yeah, yeah, we do, listen. Um, so the way, the way it works, like, you know, where, where, you know, where I, where I play, like, you know, like our congregation loves familiarity. So anytime we introduce something new, you know, there's gonna, you know, it's like, it's gonna be, it's not, it's not necessarily that they don't like it, but they're, they're trying to take in new information. See what I'm saying? Whereas with the familiar stuff, like they, they love the familiar stuff. Like, you know what I mean? As far as praise and worship goes, um, you know what I mean? Um, and as, you know, as far as, you know, playing, like, as far as playing the same stuff, you know, that's just a matter of, like, you know, you know, we'll rehearse other stuff, like, you know what I'm saying? But, I mean... Yeah, I don't know, because I do a lot of the same stuff sometimes. So I can't even... How do you, like, mix it up then? You know, so I know that, you know, as musicians, depending on your congregation, there are those, like you said, who want the familiar, we want the hand clap and foot stomp, and we want songs that we grew up on. But then you also have like a younger generation that maybe is not does not have that same affinity for familiar and like wants to kind of hear something new. So how do you how do you go about that? Well, so so just to clarify. So when I say like familiar, I'm talking about like this, you know, I'm not necessarily talking about like stylistically. I'm more talking about the songs themselves. as far as stylistically, it really depends on where you are. You know what I mean? It really does. It really does depend. And I think one of the things is, you know, really sort of trying to pay attention to, you know, what, you know, what, what, what everyone's receiving. You know what I mean? Like, like I said, so one of the things that like I, and it was just a huge light bulb that went off in my head and I'm like, oh my gosh, why didn't I notice this before? So, you know, a lot of times when, like, you know, when, if our choir sings, like, you know what I mean? Like, it's like, you know, it's like, all right, right. Um, but when I, when I put a leader, give the song a leader, it was like, oh, okay. Like, you know, everybody was like, oh, like, you know what I mean? And so I'm like, oh, so the, so they like leaders, they like exhorters and, you know, you know what I'm saying? So it's like, okay, so we're gonna, we're gonna go, this is where, this is where we're gonna go. Like, you know what I'm saying? Um, but as far as like, you know, trying to keep things fresh here again, it really depends on the congregation because sometimes, listen, You know, and really being mindful of our audience. You know, if I go someplace, if I go to some place where, you know, the people are a lot more seasoned, you know, I'm not going to play Sir the Baptist or Pastor Mike. Like, you know what I'm saying? Like, you know, just try just so I so it really just depends. And so I think we just got to use, you know, really just use discernment, you know. and be instant in-season and out-of-season. Listen, have something ready, you know, for all occasions. You know what I mean? And, yeah, just, you know, and just, you know, doing different things and seeing what works, you know? And I think also, too, one of the things is not giving, not going totally the other way so fast. See what I mean? Like, for instance, I was watching – So I was watching... So I would have a lot of DVDs, like a lot of instructional organ DVDs, right? And this particular one was of Corey Henry. And he had said something that really stuck out. He had said, you know, I was doing a lot of jazz stuff. You know what I mean? He said, but But one thing I had to learn how to do was be careful not to give them a whole bunch of jazz, but only give them a little bit. Like, you know what I mean? Like, do, like, you know, like, so give them what they want and then just give them a little bit and then come back. And so it's like, you gotta, like, you gotta, you know, it's like you have to, you know, just like, just give a little bit. You know what I'm saying? Like, and then over time, you know, it'll probably shift, but it just can't be like, you know, hand clapping, foot stomping one day. All right, then we're gonna go, like, you know what I mean? Because it's gonna be like, what? What are we doing? So... We'd like to see some comments in the chat here. Also, Co-Pastor Bayman is on. Co-Pastor Bayman, how are you? Good to see you. Thanks for tuning in. Yeah, yeah, yeah. You might be familiar with her. Um, but some of the things that we do for at our music ministry, um, you know, Barbara mentioned it as well. We do one familiar and then like one new. So sometimes we'll introduce something new after we've done something familiar or we'll take something that's familiar, but musically the style of the song is flipped. Right, right, right. And so it's a little bit different. And so, um, I think those tend to go over better if you will. Um, yeah. Here again, it all depends. No, and that's great too, you know. I know, um, you know, sometimes like, yeah, we'll, we'll do something, uh, we'll do something, but yeah, we'll just, we'll like, we'll flip it. Like we'll make it feel different. So it's like, you know, it's still familiar, but it feels different. Like, you know what I mean? So no, that, that's something great. And yeah. And, and yes, uh, yeah, honey, you're, you're right. No. So, you know, we'll do, we'll do one familiar and then one new, like, you know what I mean? Um, you know, but it's not going to be an entirely new set. Like, you know what I'm saying? Um, you know, we're going to, we're going to start off with something familiar and then go, go with this. And then, you know, And then you would ask about like, you know, how I handle like burnout with everything else. If I'm really honest, can I be like really honest? I play Madden. So you're telling me that you found that balance between playing video games and also cultivating your gift after all. So there was a time where I stopped altogether. You know what I mean? But nowadays, you know what I mean? Because I love sports. So if I wasn't doing music or you know what I mean, I definitely think I'd probably be working at ESPN doing something or being a sportscaster because I'm I love football. So, you know, and so in, so in that, that's like my, you know, well, you know, that's like my non, you know, non-ministerial thing. Like, you know what I'm saying? It's like, I love sports. I love football. So, you know, yeah, if I, if I feel burnout, I'm, I'm gonna play Madden. You know what I mean? That's like, that's a stress reliever, you know, is honey, honey, you still on? Yeah. She's still on. She'll, she'll tell you, she'll be like, no, that's, that's, you know what I mean? Like if I'm feeling stressed, honey, I'm going to play Madden. Not days. I was going to say days. That's too much. But just a couple hours. Yeah, no, I feel like it's really important. Again, anyone working in ministry or serving, I should say serving in ministry, anyone serving in ministry should have a positive outlet. Um, for those times when it's just super stressful, you know, cause you're dealing with people, you're dealing with people's personalities, their perspectives or life's experiences. And, you know, when you're overseeing, especially it feels like music in general, it just is a whole different layer to it. Um, how do you handle like conflict among like musicians and the praise team? I'm going to handle conflict. Hmm. talk about it. You know what I mean? Like you just let, you gotta, you know, you gotta, you gotta, you know, it's like, nah, like, you know, I'm, you know, I'm one of those, you know, that listen, if, you know, if, if there's conflict, no, we're going to deal with it. Um, because one thing I don't, one thing I don't like, you know what I mean? I don't like when, you know, when you know, there's something might be brewing, you know what I'm saying? And everybody feels it. And it's just like, you could feel like tension in the air and I hate that. So it's one of them things. And, you know, it's like, Nope, we're going to know what, what's the problem. We're going to talk about it. We're going to, you know what I'm saying? Because listen, it's like, you know, listen, cause you talk about it. Um, you know, you deal with it and then we move on. And I've really just found that, yeah, that's the best way to deal with conflict and really just listening to the other person's side and really trying to listen to understand and not respond. You know what I'm saying? Because a lot of times it's like, you know, things might happen, you know, or we might have misinterpreted something. Right. You know what I'm saying? Or listen, or just listen, things might have been really been going on. And it's like, so it's like once you really hear the other person's side, you know, then it allows for there to be more understanding. So now we can really deal with this better. Like, you know what I mean? Right, right, right, right. Like, you know, just really open dialogue, you know. Right, right. No, don't, you know, not talking to everybody else. No. to the person. And if somebody's not feeling something, I'm like, yeah, we all say it. That's fine. We're all adults. We're all adults. We're supposed to be anyways. I think one of the things that I learned in my professional world is, you know, our administration, my mentor shared with me that they have a rule amongst themselves where if someone has said or done something that bothers you and you're still thinking about it the following day, you have 48 hours to address it. Otherwise don't bring it up and address it with like that person. Like, I think as you mentioned, It's so easy for the enemy to come in and try and cause confusion and cause chaos and distraction. especially within the music ministry. And so, like you said, when you can kind of feel that things are brewing, it's important as the ministry leader, the music ministry leader to make sure that your team, number one, feels comfortable to address that things. And also that, you know, spiritually, you're mindful of this, right? Like you're able to see it spiritually, like, you know, some Sundays, everybody's might be a little bit off and we don't know what's really going on. and being able to talk and hear to understand as opposed to hearing to respond is incredibly important as a Christian leader, being able to have that discernment and also being willing to say, hey, you know what, maybe singing right now, like this is maybe we need to take a seat, maybe playing, we need to kind of take a step back from that until you can kind of get things situated. And also like really just knowing, you know, No one in that labor among you. Like, you know what I mean? Right. Because when you're doing this, you're going to be dealing with so many different personalities. Right. You know what I mean? And so what, you know, and so what works for one person ain't going to work with the other. Or you know how, you know, or, like, you know, how you approach one person isn't going to be how you approach another. And so it's just like this, it's really like this tightrope that you, that sometimes, like, it feels like you got to walk on. Which, like, you know, it's par for the course. And... You know, listen, and then, you know, Bible talks about if you have an art against your brother. You got to go to that one. And then after that, then you bring it to the brethren. Exactly. Exactly. And my father was just preaching about this not too long ago. And, you know, and that's how we keep, you know, that's how we keep things on the up and up. And that's how we can, you know, we really just diminish, you know, the enemy trying to come in. Now, you know, now if you you talk about it and then like, you know, there's still something on your heart. Well, you know, that's, that's, that's, that's a personal problem. Like, you know what I'm saying? Like, you know, but you know, I remember, and you said that you dealt with that in the professional world. I'll never forget. At my job, there was a, I forgot, I forgot what happened. There was like a misunderstanding, you know, nothing, nothing too serious, but it was like a misunderstanding between me and another coworker. And so the principal, she, and so the principal was like, all right, let's get them down here. All right. We're going to talk about this. Like, you know what I'm saying? It was like an instant, like, nope, we're talking about this. We're nipping this in the bud. Like, you know what I mean? And so I think that that's, that, you know, that that's, you know, really important to do. And I think you mentioned something important to like, as a leader, understanding that, how your team handles conflict. So when I started supervising a team a few years ago, we did a conflict management workshop where we took an assessment and we learned about our conflict, sort of our conflict style, if you will. And so whether you're conflict avoidant and what that means, or whether you prefer direct communication. And so you said something really important I want to highlight for Christian leaders that are watching is is knowing and understanding your team, knowing and understanding the personalities, how they handle conflict, how they handle correction. Some people are perfectly fine with, like, when I'm in rehearsal and we're in rehearsals, and they're like, you know, Jeria, you sound a little bit pitchy. You might want to sing here instead of, like, down here. And I'm like, oh, okay, cool. My feelings aren't hurt by that, right? Like, I don't want to come out Sunday all over the place sounding a hot mess. Right. But for other people, it might be that, hey, let me take you aside and be like, hey, I was noticing this. You know what I mean? And so I think as a Christian leader, understanding the team that you're working with, the team that you're serving in ministry with, and also how to approach them and also how they approach conflict. Some people are very good with direct, hey, you did this. I didn't really appreciate it. Let's talk about it. Let's try and come to an understanding. And other people just get so anxious about conflict and it's totally understandable. that you have to be mindful and prayerful, of course, of how you approach that. So, I'm so glad that you brought that up. Yeah, it can be a minefield. You don't want to step on no mines. You know what I mean? Have people, you know, getting upset and leaving the team and leaving the church and... Yeah. No. No, thank you. We don't want that. Let's talk about, so you talked and shared earlier. And if you're just tuning in, I see a few folks that are tuning in and watching. Shout out to Chelsea. Thanks so much for tuning in, Chelsea. My cousin Sharon is watching. My friend Delisha. Adrian Robinson is watching. Thank you all so much for tuning in. Earlier in the conversation, you talked about you know, your journey to becoming a musician and how you really had to just kind of persevere, right? You said 11 is when you kind of started. 16 is when you really, you know, people stop giving you the side eye from the book, we'll say. But as you talked about your musical journey, can you tell me a little bit about how did your faith develop alongside of your musical journey? How did it develop? Well, a couple, you know, it's a couple of ways, you know. It really, and here again, I believe because, you know, we're dealing with, you know, if you're a musician in the church, like, you know, you're dealing with like, you know, the Levitical tribe, you know what I'm saying? Like, you know, we're Levites, you know, preachers, musicians, we're all Levites, right? And so, and honing our craft and everything like that. Um, I feel like that's really a microcosm of, you know, of really, you know, your faith growing, but in this area. And so, um, just like, yo, spiritually, like it really, it really made me, um, have to trust God more because I felt like I was so behind the eight, you know, so behind the eight ball. And then I was so behind, you know, people would prophesy to me sometimes. And I, I didn't believe a word they were saying. Um, when it came to my plan and everything like that, people would prophesy all the time. And at the time, I'm like, did you just hear me? You know what I'm saying? But what I learned is that, listen, if somebody prophesies, it really is a lot of times up to the person in order to bring it to pass because your faith has to Your faith has to be able to carry you, you know what I'm saying, like, to that promise. And so faith without works being dead, okay, here again, I got to keep at it. So, like, you know what I mean? Hey, Chris, you're going to, you know, Chris, you're going to, you know, you're going to do thus and so. Like, Chris, you're going to be, you know, like, you're going to play for such a, you know, for thus and so. But at the time, here again, I can't even play Mary Had a Little Lamb. So it's like, nope, I got to keep. And so here again, I really took that and really applied it, not just to this, but just to my walk in general and life in general. You know what I mean? Where, you know, I can really use that example and bring it over to other places. It's like, you know, listen, you know, there's there's, you know, like there's just been so many, you know, trials, you know, in, you know, in just so many things that's been that that has happened to me. And, you know, and happened, you know, to, you know, in terms of, you know. you know, not just in the ministry, but listen at, you know, at home, you know what I'm saying? On the job, at work. And so, you know, even in the family, like, you know, but really like really having that, really having that faith to hold on, to be able to say like, you know what I mean? Like, It really we really are walking by faith and not by sight in that, yo, God is really going to have to order our steps. And so we're going to really just have to keep going and really just really keep believing. And so he was able to do it for me here. OK, he was able to do for me there. So really, when it comes to like, you know, you know, my walk in and, you know, and how, you know, how it how music was able to improve my improve my walk. It was because it was really like an example of how my faith needs to be everywhere. Not just here, you know, because, you know, this is only one part of, you know, this is only one part of what, you know, what we do. I'm a preach that one of these Sundays, if he was able to do it for me here, he's able to do it for me there, because that's the whole word right there. And I think a lot of times as Christians, you know, I know for me, like, it's not like I forget things. But for some reason, it's not always in the forefront of my mind that like God has provided for me before. And I thought about this and was talking to a friend of mine about this, where it's like at some point you would think that I would not struggle with my faith when it comes to needing God to provide for me. And yet God knows that I'm just a little bit of human and I am going to have those moments of doubt, even though. God has come through every single time consistently, intentionally, and without fail. And so I think it's powerful to know that, you know, my faith is growing alongside of my ministry gifts. And sometimes that's a hard, that's a lot of growing pains at times where it's like things have been prophesied to you and things have been said to you and you just like, okay, but when like, okay, Right. What time should I be ready for this? But, you know, but I equate that with feeling the burn, you know, because when the Bible talks about God giving everything in the measure of faith, you know what I mean? Well, why do some people have more faith than others? Because it's been worked out more. And anytime we go to the gym, right? we started on a two pound weights, you know what I'm saying? And so if we started on a two pound weights, well, we got to work our way up to the five. We got to work our way up to the 10. We got to. And so that doubt that we might feel here again, and, you know, and having sometimes having trouble and sometimes question, okay, is this going to happen? You know, that's, that's, I equate that with really feeling the burn and really, you know, your faith being stretched and worked out, you know, after a while, like, yeah, you're, you're going to feel sore, but then here again, you know, you come right back and, you know, you, you, you, you see that you, you know, that you've come, you know, that you've, that you're farther than where you were before and that you believe better than you did before. Like, you know what I mean? For the next trial, you know, because, you know, listen, what is, what is it like? Listen, faith, faith, work and patience, you know, trying to, so, so yeah, so that's what I equate that with. So, Like, you know, and I think that everybody's gone through that, you know what I'm saying? So, yeah. So you're not the only one. I'm not the only one, but you know, like I said, when I started to think of it like that, you know, I really started to step back and be like, you know what, you know, how I am, like how I'm feeling right now, like Lord help my unbelief. Like, you know what I'm saying? But it's not like, yo, I know my faith is being, so I try to be conscious. Like I know my faith is being stretched right now. You know what I'm saying? It's like, So it's like, and that's, and that is the, you know, and that is the reason why it is not in a feeling. Right, right. You... let me write down all these. I'll give you part of the offering. But, you know, let me, it's not in the feeling. It's not in the feeling. Like, and that's so true. You know, I can imagine, you know, as a musician, like you said, when you first started out, how challenging it must have been for you as you shared where you have traveling evangelists that are just like, you ain't playing how you supposed to be like I sit there and listen to them talk and I'm like ain't no way I would have passed her I'm out I ain't playing no more I'm done that's it nah but it you know it it here again, like it's, I look at it as character building. So, you know what I'm saying? You know, it's like, you know, do, do, and there's a difference between, you know, listen, saying something over the pulpit or there is, there is, there is a, there, is there a time where, you know, things, you know, somebody might be doing too much. Yeah. But most often, but more often than not, like, you know what I mean? It's just like a, like I said, I look at it as character building, you know? Yeah. You know, when I was, when I was playing, cause I, So I have three main influences, right? So, um, so my uncle, um, pastor JP Morgan, yes my uncle slash co-worker shout out to him we are like literally the same person but in a different body you know what I mean we approach we think our quirks are the same we are the same person right and so even my approach to things is like just like him you know I know that anytime like I somebody sings something and I don't know it because it's like you know it's a real like it's a real old song that I might not know. I can always count on him to send me the link, you know, of the song that they were singing, which is why I don't always get on... I don't get on people about, like, not knowing certain songs just because in this day and age, like, you know, if they're not being sung, you know what I'm saying? If they're not being sung, then what is... what is the point in learning it? Because at the end of the day, we have to, we have to, we have to be the best for the ministry that we're a part of. And if that ministry is not singing it, then I'm not going to know it. And so I always look at those moments where I might not have known something and I'm, I'm sorry, I'm going off track. I'm going to get back on track. I always look at those moments where I didn't know something as, um, as here again, not even a teacher moment, but it's like, I'm glad this happened because if this didn't happen, I wouldn't have known to know this. So now, you know what I'm saying? I'm going to add to my, so that's my uncle. Um, As I mentioned, Pastor Thomas Robinson, he was the one that taught me how to play from scratch. When I didn't know how to play nothing, he was the one that taught me how to play from scratch. Listen, Pastor Thomas, if you're watching, man, I love you. I so appreciate you. You know what I mean? Like I said, every Sunday he had to carry me every Sunday. You know what I mean? And, and I was in, in just to touch back on how I am, you know, my children being in music. So what really helped me here again, because everybody's different. I was already, I'm already hard on myself. I was always hard on myself, but you know, Thomas was one that he was very, he never yelled. Like he was very, you know what I'm saying? And so I needed that. Which is why, like I said, I know how I am. They need even kill. But no, and then it's the Powells. Now, when I first started playing with them, and I guess this is where I'm getting to with the whole character building, right, is that Um, you know, it was, it was, oh my gosh, like, to talk about getting your butt kicked, like musically, you know what I mean? And, you know, and so there was so many times I got, you know, I got dirty looks and I got yelled at. And most of the time it wasn't from Doobie. um you know what I'm saying I believe it no but but what but but because because here's the thing because you know when you don't know you don't know right yeah and so a lot of times you know being being a keyboard player you know they're gonna they were gonna listen to the chords I was playing it's like hold on what chord did you play was that chord right because before them I was like I was sort of like you know I thought I was good getting by with like you know the cheat chords or the shortcuts You know what I'm saying? And they didn't let me get away with that. And so there was a lot of times where, here again, like, yo, I got yelled at in front of everybody, like, you know what I'm saying? On gigs, on, and in the beginning, like, yo, I really, like, I really felt the way, like, you know what I'm saying? But then over time... Number one, it stopped, you know, it didn't happen as much and it didn't happen as much really because, you know, I was doing what I was supposed to do, but not just that. It was like, by that time I had thick skin, like, you know what I'm saying? So it's like, eh, you know what I mean? They, they, you know, it don't even do nothing to me now. Like, you know what I mean? And so I use that, I say that to say that a lot of times, you know, it's, it's, it's, it is necessary. You know what I'm saying? You know, to listen for somebody to tell you the truth. You know what I'm saying? Like, and so them evangelists, yo, they were telling me the truth, you know? You know, listen, all, you know, all my influence, they were telling me the truth. And, you know, and so in knowing that, like I said, like, it was character building in that. Listen, it... We are, we never start off, you know, we never start off how we're going to end up. And a lot of times, you know, listen, the greatest, like, you know, the greatest among the greatest, like, you know, they had a process that they got to had to go through. Everybody has a different process, but everybody's not willing to go through that process. See what I'm saying? It's like, yo, like, the process, you know, we always look at success as, like, this straight line, this curve, and it's really, like, just, like, tangled up and, like, you know what I'm saying? And so, like I said, like, I just believe that, like, it is really necessary for, you know, for something that you have somebody that's going to tell you the truth. And this is not even just in music. Now I'm just talking about ministry. I'm talking about in life. Everybody needs somebody that's going to tell them the truth, no matter, you know, no matter what, because a lot of times, you know, we might be operating off of ignorance or we're operating off of, you know, what we might know and what we might know is limited and somebody else sees it. And so they're going to tell us. And so that's what I needed. And that is, and that is what, you know, what was able to happen. And so like, you know, But yeah, no, character building, it's definitely, and that works alongside, like I said, with our faith, you know? Listen, shout out to Kevin Powell, who's in the comments. So he is watching. Yeah, yeah. Hey, Kevin. What's going on, Kevin? Yeah. You know, let me tell you a little bit about something. Here's my story. And I'm a survivor. Here's what happened. So you remember back in the day, like I said earlier, we were in the same jurisdiction, the same district. Music department popping. Doobie was over at the music department for the state. I'm singing in the state choir. I am, we're in rehearsal. I'm standing next to somebody who I know can stand flat footed and sing. Okay. I'm not that person at the time, right? I'm a little bit better now. But at the time I was not that person. And so Doobie and all of them really, but Doobie was so good. He's like, somebody is flat. We're going to go person by person. I'm going to go row by row. Everybody sing this part. So I'm sweating because it's just me and this other person that I know has some background for like really great people. So I know it's not this person that's off. It's got to be me. So we're going line by line singing. And when it comes to my line, I will tell you all the truth tonight. I'm going to testify. I didn't really sing. I mouthed the words. I let them sing. And I was like, I'm just going to not sing this part because clearly I'm off. I don't want to be embarrassed. Chris, you are far better than I am. I didn't want to be embarrassed by Doobie Pow. I didn't want it to happen. So that's just, I'm going to testify. Thank y'all so much for coming to my TED Talk. I appreciate y'all for listening to me and not judging me. And it has stayed with me forever and ever and ever. Shout out to Tasia. Tasia's tuned in. AJ Bayman is on a fantastic musician as well. Southspoken Prophet. There's quite a few people that are on. Michelle Williams is watching. There's Applied Housing is watching. A ton of people on tonight. Listen, this has been such a good, good, good conversation. Uh, before we leave, we have a few minutes left. I'm gonna ask you this question real quick because I asked my other guests. So, uh, we have the second episode in this series when we worship part two, talking to the musicians. I have Melissa Walliston, uh, coming on next Wednesday at 7 PM as well. Raquel Ferguson, Raquel is watching us on YouTube. Hey sis. So good to see you. Um, I asked her this question. So I'm gonna ask you this question as well. Hmm. What are your thoughts on musicians being paid? And now let me clarify this. They are musicians that are also members of that church as well. So what are your thoughts on musicians being paid? No, I think they should be, um, you know, um, and, and, you know, and so I know, I definitely think they should be, um, I do. I think, you know, uh, because at the, like, you know, because it is so, um, Let me put some context to this. So I do think, yes, 100% musicians should be paid. You know, because listen, it is, it's, it's your time because you know what I'm saying? Like it's your, you know, you're getting paid not just for your time, but the preparation, the preparation that you got to do away from service. You know what I mean? Especially like I said, if you're like me and my wife will tell you, like, you know what I mean? Like I had to find so many ways to, to be able to prepare for things um and be efficient while getting things done uh around the house but it it is something that really like you know I mean it really does it really takes away sometimes when you when you're preparing and things like that and then not just that like you know it's it's you know it's it's it's biblical too you know I'm saying um and you know When you are, and especially, like, if you're trained, like, you know what I'm saying, and this is what you do, then, like, yeah, like, definitely. Now, do I think some context needs to, I think there should be some context to that if you are one that is first starting out. Like, you know what I mean? No, you, like, let's, let's, let's, let's, let's. Like, if you play, like, the same five songs for offering, like. Well, not, well, I'll say not even so much that. But if you're bad at playing those same five songs, you know what I'm saying? If you can't follow worth a lick, you know, if it's clear that your skills are subpar, then, you know, sometimes then like... All right. No, give, you know, give them a little something, but we ain't breaking, we ain't breaking the bank. Like, you know what I'm saying? Like, you know, I, I do, I do definitely believe, but no, but at the end of the day, no musicians, 100%, um, should be paid. Now, if you're one that want, that wants to do it for, you know what I'm saying? Like there's really just wants to do it. Um, because you know what I'm saying? Like, yo, I'm just doing this for the glory and honor of the Lord. yo, then that's, that's, that is your conviction. And I am not, and I am not, you know, coming down on anybody who feels that way. You know what I mean? But as for my personal opinion, 100%, 100%. So now I'm looking at the comments here. And so one of the questions is, should the singers get paid to them? Well, I think, I think with that, and it's so funny, I was, I was having a conversation about this. So, A lot of times, and so I talked about, so I talked about, you know what I mean? Like time away, like, you know what I'm saying? Having to spend time preparing away from church, right? We got to be honest. Like, so are those singers doing that same thing? Okay. Okay. Fair question. Fair question. Or are we just showing up and then trying to, you know what I'm saying? Like, so here again, and all of this is fluid. All of this is fluid. But I mean- Yes. Like, you know what I'm saying? But here again, there's a caveat to it. Yeah. And a lot of times, and here again, I'm just, I'm just speaking for me. A lot of times I feel like musicians get a lot of flat. You know, I'm, I'm, I'm talking about the ones that actually prepare and that the ones that, you know what I'm saying? Like, I'm talking about those. yeah yeah and you know because a lot of times it's like you know we'll know the songs sometimes better than the singers you know what I'm saying and it's you know what I'm saying or you know or will or or the musicians don't know the songs like you know I'm saying better than the people who's actually doing it and so then we'll look bad sometimes because it's like oh dad you don't know it like you know you're saying like right right right that is you know and that is that is a conversation for another day but but you know and of course does it go both ways yes it goes both ways I know but this but this end doesn't get talked about a lot but like I said um if you believe but you know if you believe you should like I said my my thing is you know are you spending time away you know just like like the instrumentalists are you know do are you putting that kind of time into what you're doing see what I'm saying because if you're just you know or are you just Are you just showing up? You don't know the songs. You don't know the lyrics. You don't know your part. Absolutely. It's all fluid, but like I said, that's my personal opinion. Absolutely. Absolutely. Man, y'all listen, they are going in on the comments. I'm seeing lots of hearts, lots of hearts. Pastor Ward, thanks so much for tuning in. Andre Johnson, James Davis is tuned in. Terrell Mosley is tuned in. Thank you so much for watching. Yes, yes, yes. Excellent. Awesome musicians. Listen, y'all, this conversation has been so great. An hour has already passed us. We certainly don't want to go over it. any further than that. But I know that we could sit here and talk and go on and on and on and on and on about this subject. But thank you so much. Chris, if you wouldn't mind just putting in the private chat on our end so I could post it, let people know how they can connect with you while you are doing that. I just have a couple of quick announcements, saints and friends. So what we're going to do is I want to invite y'all to the upcoming Dig Deep Conference. If you haven't heard, if you haven't heard, the Dig Deep Conference is coming to the city of Bridgeport, Connecticut. We are currently in registration. It is October 4th, which is a Friday. We have Pastor Mashundahiri as our worship, as our preacher for that evening. We have First Lady Cassandra Gaskins as our praise and worship leader for that Friday service. Friday is open to the public. You do not have to register to participate in the worship service. I'm going to tell y'all this one time and one time only. Please bring your own sheets. We're not going to have enough. We're going to have good church. I'm really excited to hear the word of God from Pastor Mashen Dahiri. And then on Saturday morning, starting at 10 a.m., we have our workshop sessions. Now, the workshop session topics include effective evangelism strategies in 2024 with evangelist T Nicole Allen, and then discipleship remaining consistent in every, every, every season that you are in from evangelist, the Wanda Middleton, they will be facilitating our workshops for that day. We're going to learn practical applications on being an effective evangelist and also being disciplined and consistent in every single season. Then finally, we will end the conference with our Women Celebrating Women event. I'm so excited because we had two of our honorees from last year that were watching the Facebook Live, Todi Williams and Nequeva. We are going to bless three women this year for the Women Celebrating Women. We have First Lady Cynthia Swan. We'll be honoring her as a Christian community advocate. Then we have Lady Kim Lilly. We will be honoring her as a Christian entrepreneur. And then I know we talked about the Powell family a lot. So this feels really, really appropriate. Our third and final honoree is going to be none other than Pastor Jackie Powell. We are honoring her for being an awesome and amazing Christian leader. She's a friend of the show. She's a friend of mine and my family. Y'all know that I love me some Pastor Jackie. So y'all come out and help us celebrate these amazing women who are doing wonderful, phenomenal things in the body of Christ and also in their respective areas. That is on Friday, October 4th and Saturday, October 5th. The information is scrolling down at the bottom. I will play a clip at the end of this isn't a service. Look, I'm so church is going to save the end of service. We'll play a clip at the end of the show on this evening. Chris, thanks so much for joining us. Um, while I go to get your information posted up there, let us know, uh, do you have anything coming up? Anything that you want to plug right now? Yeah. So, um, this Friday, um, I'm having a, uh, we're doing a drawing, um, of a raffle that I'm doing to, um, so it's $25 per, uh, per entry. So that means, you know, you don't have to, you know, you know, if you, uh, if you want to, if you want a chance to win, like, you know what I'm saying? Like you can definitely do multiple entries, but, um, I'm going to be giving a month's worth of, uh, of lessons. Um, that's one lesson per that. So that's four lessons. Um, and so that can be for keyboard that can be for, uh, vocal, uh, vocal lessons, um, you know, anything, um, anything along those lines. So, um, I'm going to be drawing, on friday uh excuse me uh excuse me on the on august 24th via facebook so I'm going to be going live and uh doing the drawing so it's 25 per entry and um if you want to enter you can just go to my cash app uh cash tag christopher bayman and that's how you can enter Sorry, I'm on mute y'all. Okay. Unmuted. All right. So praise team, you want to send your praise leader to go get some vocal lessons. We can all come a little higher. We can all do a little bit better. You know, musicians, if you want your child to start playing, or I know people, you know, that want to start playing that are adults, they want to start learning how to play the organ. Listen, join the raffle. Okay. This is a great, great opportunity. I will post that flyer again. One more time. I want you to take a picture of it. Do a quick screenshot. Here we go. You got five seconds. Five, four, three, two, one. All right. Boom. That's it. Chris, thank you so much. Let's get on. Let's see. How can we stay in touch with you? Where can we stay connected with you at? Well, you can go on my Instagram at CBayman19. You can also go on my Facebook, Christopher Bayman, and also my YouTube channel, CBayman. That's how you can keep in contact. Excellent. Thank y'all so much for tuning in. Christopher, before we head out, if you would please just send us out with a prayer. I'm going to ask that you pray specifically for musicians and music departments as the Lord leads you. Thank y'all so much for tuning in. Once Chris is done, I'll post some quick videos to give you more information about the upcoming conference and also upcoming conversations. I see in the comments that this needs a part two. Guess what? We got part two coming up next Wednesday night at seven o'clock right here. I got a female musician coming in y'all. So females, ladies, y'all gotta come and show my girls some love because as we know, or maybe we don't know, female musicians are very rare and this one is anointed and this conversation was absolutely incredible. So the part two is coming up is next week at 7 p.m. But Chris, we'll go into your hands for prayer. Again, focusing on ministry, music ministry and musicians in particular. We're in your hands. Father God, in the name of Jesus, we just thank you. For everything in the conversation that was had, Lord, we thank you, God, for the things that has been revealed, God, even through this conversation. We ask God right now, God, that you would just continue, God, to cover those that are in music ministry, God. Whatever it is that they do, we pray, God, right now that you would just continue, God, to instill. and impart a spirit of excellence, Lord, in each and every one of them. We pray, God, that you will continue to guard their hearts, Lord, guard their minds against every attack of the enemy, everything that the enemy would try to do to break up these music departments, everything that the enemy would try to do to infiltrate, Lord. We pray, God, right now against it, Lord. We pray, God, for unity. In the name of Jesus, we pray, God, that you would just continue to stir up the gifts that you've given each and every one of them, Lord. In the name of Jesus, continue to stir up those gifts, God. God, we pray, God, that you would continue to strengthen their faith, Lord. Strengthen their faith, God, that you would have them to progress, Lord. That you would have them and that you would build them up to what it is that you would have them to be, Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen. I'm excited about all of the feedback that we got from last time around about women who just felt like it was a great use of their time, of their Saturday. They were blessed by the worship service. They felt encouraged. They left inspired. The testimonials were fantastic, and I really appreciate the people that came out and took time to fill out those surveys and give us that feedback as well.
