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"Jubal's Joint" Music Ministry Page Archive By:

For the first column, I wanted to deal with the importance of keeping the "Ministry in the Music." I approached Stellar Award winner, Lady of Soul winner, and Gospocentric recording artist, Dorinda Clark Cole, about her thoughts on keeping the Ministry in the Music.

In 1999, Dorinda founded the “Singers and Musicians Conference.” The theme for this year's conference was "God's Minstrels Putting Ministry Back in the Music"- I Samuel 16:22-23.

Carl B. Phillips: Dorinda, What was your reason for starting the Singers and Musicians conference?

Dorinda: Well, God gave me the vision of having this conference over 6 years ago - seeing that it was needed for singers and musicians to come together to really understand their God-given gifts and talents in the Music Ministry. It is also designed for Minstrels to get spiritually renewed and spiritually fed the Word so they would have better insight on how to better serve God and His people in the field in which God deserves praise and worship.

Carl B. Phillips: This year’s theme was “God’s Minstrels Putting Ministry Back In Music.” Why do you think Minstrels strayed away from Ministry?

Dorinda: Because of two reasons. One, many get distracted by what the world is offering. Two, they are not connected to true ministry. You cannot say you love God and just stray away. There is really not a relationship with God, because relationship keeps you holding on to what you love.

Carl B. Phillips: What do you think that it will take to bring ministry back in Gospel Music?

Dorinda: We must go back to the foundation. You see a lot of singers now bringing back the olds songs, because those songs had so much meaning. And also scripture-songs keep you rooted.

Carl B. Phillips: Throughout your conference you bring in preachers that are in the ministry. Why do you feel that it is important for Minstrels to hear the Word from others that are in the industry?

Dorinda: You really have to have been there, traveled the road; have some experience of the music industry to really be able to tell others something about it. It's always best for a person that is just coming into the music ministry to try to get advice from those who have already traveled the road of success, and to get help from those who have experience. It is said that “experience is the best teacher.” It still stands to be true.

Carl B. Phillips: Pastor Marvin Sapp often says that he is a preacher that sings, not a singer that preaches. You are also an Evangelist. How do you entwine or separate the singing with/from the ministry?

Dorinda: It's very hard to separate the two. I find myself when I'm singing, that preaching comes out, and vice versa. When I'm preaching, singing comes out. It can be a little hard sometimes...

Carl B. Phillips: You have served has an administrator and instructor at Clark Conservatory, and during the Conference you have several workshops. How important is it that Minstrels perfect their craft?

Dorinda: It is very important to perfect your craft because you never know who's sitting in your audience. You always try to perfect that which God has given you. The scripture says, "God shall perfect that which concerns you.” You can never get too comfortable with your gift, practice is always in order.

Carl B. Phillips: Your career has covered several eras in gospel music. How do you compare the ministry in the music back when you were singing with you mother, the late Mattie Moss Clark, with the ministry in the music of your niece, Kierra Sheard?

Dorinda: Gospel Music has changed a lot. We have so many styles of Gospel Music now you have to really listen closely to understand today’s music. To see how Kierra is reaching her peers with music they can relate to is amazing. Kierra is doing a wonderful job. In our day we were reaching our peers with our music. That is really all that matters. The message never changes, the music does, but it depends on how it's interpreted.

Dr. Dorinda Clark Cole's 6th Annual Singer's and Musician's Conference was held Sept.22-25, 2004 A.D. at Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God In Christ (J. Drew Sheard, Senior Pastor) in Detroit, MI. It was a historical landmark event for both the Conference, and the evangelist, singer, songwriter, Dorinda Clark Cole, whom fans love and adore. Honored by Mt. Carmel Theological Seminary with a Doctoral Degree, for having been recommended by the senior level Christian Administrator, and having 10 plus years of Christian service (among three other requirements which Evangelist Cole flawlessly met), she graciously accepted the honor with meekness, praise to God, and joyful reflections in her heart of following after the footsteps of her mother, the late Dr. Mattie Moss Clark. (CLICK HERE to read full press release for the conference.)

For More Info:

For more information on Dr. Dorinda Clark Cole please visit www.theclarksisters.com or www.lifelineproductions.org. Also keep checking DetroitGospel.com for information about Dorinda’s Live Recording Session.