The Gospel Music Artists Association

Ministry Moments

As we were moving into the first years of the 21st. Century, a small group of gospel singers & musicians were deciding on the creation of a new association that would not be like most other gospel music associations. We tossed out some of the old formulas & made a promise to our members as well as all who would join us in the coming years that we would attempt to elevate the level of talent & ministry of those who joined us. We decided to use the word ‘Artist’ as a way to delineate our members from the masses of other associations. We would search for & accept ministries that exuded a higher level of talent, professionalism & those who were known to be sincere in presenting a quality ‘product’ while delivering the message of the Cross.  Mr. Webster’s dictionary defines artist as;
*a person who creates (such as painting, sculpture, music, or writing) using their conscious skill and creative imagination.
*a person skilled in any of the arts.
*a skilled performer, one who is very good at their particular craft.

Notice the words ‘creative, skill, imagination & very good’. So, who are we looking for and inviting to be part of our association family? 
Answer: Singers & musicians who embody the definitions shown above.

I started in gospel music way back in the 1960’s. (Yes, I am very old).   I have seen literally hundreds of gospel singers come & go, succeed or fail. Those who had a greater level of success were those who were busy, creating, improving, upgrading, easy to work with, humble and were very teachable. Beyond talent, they were strong in their Christian walk & presentation of the Word in song. 

Sadly, there was a large crowd who were stuck in a rut, predictable, mediocre in voice or music, static, refusing to make changes. So many just floating along with the same old flow unaware of their potential if they would only put in the effort. 

Many in gospel music should ask themselves why have you been singing for X number of years, you have no bookings & if we hear of you, you are only singing on a benefit or open mic nights. Nothing wrong with either of those unless that is all you have.  We have some members whose schedules are very busy while others are seldom booked. Some of our members use social media content where Pastors or music directors can see & hear them and contact them. Others do not.
Some have nice publicity photos; others seem to just send us anything they can find.  What makes the difference…investment!

Investing in practice, getting some vocal coaching, improving stage presence, learning new material, professional presentation i.e.: photos & publicity materials. 

For many years, when I have critiqued singers who were less than adequate, someone always tells me…’But they are doing it for the Lord’.   I could not agree any stronger, however, my reply “True, and all the more reason to do it better”.

If you are going to represent the King of Kings….do it well, or get busy improving.

If you are teachable & desire some positive critique from me, just contact me & I will do my best to inspire & motivate you to a ministry presentation worth of the word ‘Artist’.   Remember, a rising tide lifts ALL ships.

Much love,

Wayne Delk
January 12, 2023