Gospel Artist or Minister? The Moment I Realized the Difference
What was the moment in your life where you knew that your relationship with God was something truly special? For me, it was when I was only four years old. Even then, I could feel His presence in a way that filled every part of my heart. Music became my way of talking to Him, a space where I felt completely free. When I sang or played the piano, it was as if Heaven drew a little closer and that has never changed. I didn’t fully understand what it meant at that young age, but I knew God was using my gift to bring peace, comfort, and joy to others.
A Calling That Found Me
When I was nine, I was given the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and use my gift in a unique way beyond my home church. Pastor Robert L. Hodo heard me sing at one of my mother’s work events and told her that my gift needed to be shared. In spite of my age, he said, “She’s ready.” Soon after, I was offered my very first position as a musician and children’s choir director. I even had an assistant to help me, which made me feel so grown up at nine years old.
I stepped into that role with excitement and faith, not knowing that it would shape everything that came after. I stayed in that position until I was fifteen, learning so much about leadership, discipline, and worship. The children’s choir grew into one of the best in the Atlanta area, and I grew with it. Those years taught me what ministry through music truly means. Every song became a prayer, every rehearsal a time of worship, and every child a reminder of God’s love working through us.
More Than Music
Over the years, I have learned that there is a beautiful difference between being a gospel artist and being a minister of music. A gospel artist focuses on career, while ministry focuses on calling. For me, music ministry creates moments where people can encounter God. Every lyric and melody becomes an offering that points hearts toward Him.
Ministry is not just something I do. It is who I am. God placed this calling deep within me, and every note I sing is my way of saying “yes” to Him again.