Bishop T.D. Jakes is bringing the MegaFest conference, one of America’s largest Christian events drawing tens of thousands of people, for the first time to his support base in Dallas, Texas, in August 2013.

The conference, which can attract more than 100,000 participants, will run Aug. 29-31 at the Dallas Convention Center, according to The Dallas Morning News.

MegaFest is part of the ministry outreach of Jakes, senior pastor of the 30,000-member The Potter’s House church in Dallas.

The announcement was made Friday at the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau’s annual meeting as the city officially launched its new branding campaign, “Big things happen here.”

Phillip Jones, chief executive of the Dallas convention bureau, was quoted as saying that the event will occupy 6,000 rooms on its peak night and will be one of the largest “citywide” conferences of the year.

Jones added that MegaFest could get up to $2 million in reimbursement from a state fund for special events.

Read more full report at The Christian Post.com

Two of Gospel music’s biggest acts will share the microphone when Kirk Franklin and Tina and Ericka Campbell of Mary Mary co-host the 28th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards. The annual salute to Gospel’s best and brightest performers returns to Nashville’s iconic Grand Ole Opry House Theater Saturday, January 19, 2013. The Stellar Awards will air in broadcast syndication on 150 stations in over 125 markets around the country and on the GMC network from January 19 to March 3, 2013. Today the nominees in twenty-eight categories of excellence were announced via webcast (www.thestellarawards.com) and social media. 

With more than 30,000 fans logging online to cast their votes for their favorite projects of the year, show co-hosts and WEtv reality stars Mary Mary lead the list of nominees with nine total nominations based on their latest disc, “Go Get It.” Nominations include “Song of the Year,” “Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year,” and “Contemporary CD of the Year,” in addition to recognition for the project in the “Producer of the Year,” “Music Video of the Year” and “Recorded Music Packaging of the Year” categories.  

Newcomer Charles Jenkins who, in addition to earning a “Best New Artist” nomination for his debut CD “The Best of Both Worlds,” garnered recognition in seven additional categories including “Artist of The Year” and “Song of The Year.” Other multiple nominees include superstars Marvin Sapp and Fred Hammond with six nominations each, both nominated in the hotly-contested “Male Vocalist of the Year” and “CD of the Year” categories; legendary Andre Crouch with five nominations, including “Artist of the Year” and “Song of the Year” for his disc “The Journey”; and “Best New Artist” contender Isaac Carree with five nods for his solo debut “Uncommon Me.”

Full list of nominees:  As Announced by Kirk Franklin via Webcast

 

This week Hyland released their second label album, Finding Our Way, on Tooth & Nail Records. This rich, accessible collection of songs speaks to anyone longing for a bit of direction on life’s journey. Finding Our Way was produced by Jeff Schneeweis (Number One Gun, The Make) and Seth Mosley (Hawk Nelson, Newsboys). The album debuted at No. 5 on the iTunes Christian Album Chart.

Fans will be able to see the first music video from this album debuting this Thursday at Noon Central on NewReleaseTuesday. In addition fans can still catch Hyland on the final weekend of the Kutless “Believer” Tour.

Here is what media have to say about Finding Our Way:

“It’s personal and experimental while retaining a playful, dance-like vibe — and easily one of the strongest releases from T&N in years.” – Seattle Weekly

“Though Hyland may still be considered newcomers to the industry, the musical and lyrical quality of Finding Our Way would fool any listener into thinking these guys are old pros.” – New Release Tuesday, 4 Star Review

“Finding Our Way is a clean, catchy release. The hooks get stuck in your head like a good hook should and the stories turned into songs are sure to pierce the heart.” – Indie Vision Music, 4 Star Review

“The label has a winner in the new album Finding Our Way, as the Minnesota-quartet have captured the best of piano pop and soft rock as I am challenged and inspired to live a life pleasing to Jesus.” – Christian Music Zine, 4.5 Star Review

“Taking personal experiences that strengthened their faith over the years as well as experiences that people go through in day to day was a perfect theme that caters to all aged listeners.” – BreatheCast

“The sophomore project from this Minnesota-based band finds the boys on solid footing. The outpouring of love (and cash) after their gear was stolen also motivated the band to deliver a stellar product this time around — and the pressure worked. Don’t miss “Beauty in the Broken” and “Power & Love.” – Rhapsody

“Finding Our Way is not just music and lyrics, but a personal journey for each member. So if you’re a fan of the likes of Switchfoot, Anberlin or Scotland’s Biffy Clyro, you’ll love this record.” – Substream Music Press

About Hyland:
Hailing from Minnesota, Hyland released their full-length label debut in 2010, “Weights & Measures,” which was produced by Aaron Sprinkle. The band was also named one of Alternative Press’ 100 BANDS TO WATCH in 2010. Hyland is frontman Jon Lewis, Steve Weigel on drums, Mitch Hansen on guitar and Ben Early on keys and guitar.

 

Three-time Grammy® award-winning gospel duo Erica and Tina Campbell are back for more hallelujahs and headaches in season two of WE tv’s hit series MARY MARY, premiering Thursday, December 6 at a special time 10PM ET/PT with 13, one-hour episodes. After the premiere, new episodes of MARY MARY will air in its regular timeslot Thursdays at 9PM ET/PT, beginning December 13.

This season, the sisters are experiencing the busiest time of their careers. They are promoting their new album “Go Get It,” and capping their tour dates by receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Essence Music Festival. The sisters have also enlisted Laurieann Gibson as creative director to help bring their live show to the next level! And while touring keeps them busy on the road, Erica and Tina are even busier being moms, sisters and wives who strive to keep happy homes. Even with her fifth child on the way, Tina is determined to fulfill all her work obligations until she gives birth. With Tina at home with her newborn, Erica strikes out solo as a judge and headline performer at Verizon’s “How Sweet The Sound” concert. When the pressures of balancing work and home life become insurmountable, will one sister have to make a difficult decision that jeopardizes the future of Mary Mary?

In the premiere episode, Erica and Tina are in for a marathon: back-to-back concerts and appearances to promote “Go Get It,” booked by their headstrong manager Mitchell Solarek. Excited about the influx of opportunities, Erica rises to the challenge of nonstop touring and occasionally brings along hubby Warryn and newborn Zaya for the ride. On the other hand, Teddy is concerned about his wife Tina—who’s in her third trimester—as she puts more strain on her pregnancy with constant touring. Behind the scenes, trouble continues between sister/celebrity stylist Goo Goo and Mitchell when a last minute wardrobe malfunction threatens an important performance on a popular gospel show. Adding to Goo Goo’s stress, she’s been tasked with planning her sister’s, Alana, wedding all while trying to keep things afloat with long-distance boyfriend Justin.

ENTER WE tv’s SINGING SPOTLIGHT ON WETV.COM; PLUS CHAT LIVE WITH MARY MARY ON WE tv SYNC Think you have what it takes to sing with award-winning gospel duo Mary Mary? Now viewers have the chance to showcase their own talent in an online competition! Beginning December 3, go to WEtv.com and enter the MARY MARY Singing Spotlight. Upload a 60-90 second video of you belting out Mary Mary’s “Go Get It” or “Sunday Morning.” Visit WEtv.com for complete contest rules and details. Plus, log on to WE tv Sync during new episodes for an all-access pass to exclusive content and chats with Mary Mary, all synced in real time to what’s happening on air. Additional extras include exclusive videos, sneak peeks, photos and more. Check out MARY MARY on Facebook and follow @WEtv and #MaryMary on Twitter for additional updates.

MARY MARY is produced for WE tv by eOne Television and executive produced by Tara Long, John Morayniss, Eric Hoberman and Mitchell Solarek. Executive Producer for WE tv is Kate Farrell; Executive In Charge of Production & Development for WE tv is Lauren P. Gellert.

About WE tv WE tv (www.wetv.com) is the women’s network that features original stories for and about modern women who are taking charge of their life, their family and their household. Hit shows like Braxton Family Values, Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best?, Bridezillas and My Fair Wedding with David Tutera showcase strong, bold characters that are as entertaining as they are relatable and that viewers just can’t get enough of. Audiences connect to WE tv online, on demand and via WE tv Sync, a live, dual screen viewing experience tailored to each new original episode. WE tv is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc.

Creflo Dollar, pastor of World Changers Church International in Georgia, addressed his congregation Wednesday night after a former church employee walked into an early morning Bible study at the College Park campus and shot a member point blank while he prayed.

Dollar shared on his Twitter and Facebook networks yesterday the location for Wednesday night’s Bible study, while expressing gratitude to members for their support.

“World Changers – Thank you for your prayers and support. Please note Wednesday Night Bible Study will take place tonight in the Dome, NY and all Satellite Churches. Join us with your entire family at 7pm EST. Again, we WILL have service tonight in the Dome. God Bless You and we look forward to seeing you there,” wrote the popular Christian minister and best-selling author.

During that Wednesday night Bible study, Dollar told those in attendance that he first learned of the deadly shooting while he was in a morning briefing.

“While I was in my morning briefing, I got a report that some shoots took place over here in the chapel. So we were concerned, naturally, and we dispersed and everyone went into action,” Dollar shared. “And we discovered that one of our very faithful, loving, kind servant… a gentleman, who serves our ministry on Wednesdays and Fridays and opens the door for my mother and for many of you, walked in on Wednesday this morning and – as his duties are on every Wednesday, making sure things are in place – but this Wednesday, as another very dear friend of ours, an employee of the church, a friend of the ministry, was doing corporate prayer and, while he was praying, he was shot several times and fell dead as he was leading corporate prayer.”

The minister added, “I guess many people say ‘what was that?’ because we work so hard to try to be prepared for the evil that comes from the outside in, and we work so hard to be prepared for the challenges that come from the outside in. But sometimes you have to be careful because you can be clipped by something from the inside, from behind. That’s what happened today.”

Dollar called McDowell “a man of faith, a man of God, a man who I have known for a long time,” and told those gathered Wednesday night that “now he is absent from the Body and present with the Lord.”

During the Wednesday night Bible study, Dollar also called both Palmer and McDowell “precious brothers” and laid blame for the tragedy at the devil’s door, and referenced John 10:10 while calling the devil a “thief” who comes to steal, kill and destroy.

The minister went on to vow that the church would assist McDowell’s widow and children in everyway.

The Suspect Floyd Palmer, 52

ALSO READ: Shooting Inside Creflo Dollar’s Church Kills One While in Service
 

It’s the times we live in.  The reality that someone can walk into a church service and began shooting at people while in worship, is becoming far more common.

Wednesday morning Floyd Palmer, 52, a former employee at Creflo Dollars’ World Changers International, calmly walked into a prayer service and opened fire on church-goers.  20-25 people watched in horror as Greg McDowell, 39, was mortally wounded.  It is unclear if McDowell was specifically targeted, but it’s believed the worship leader was shot 6 times.

About 6 hours later authorities arrested Floyd Palmer at Macy’s department store at Lenox Square in Buckhead just before 4 p.m. after his car was spotted at the mall.   

The Suspect Floyd Palmer, 52

Fulton County police spokeswoman Cpl. Kay Lester said, the victim Greg McDowell was a member of the church’s production crew and a facilities maintenance manager at the church located in College Park, Georgia.  Lester said the shooter Floyd Palmer was a former employee and had resigned in August for personal reasons.

Dollar was not at the church at the time of the shooting, Lester said.

The news of the shooting swept across Atlanta area, and then the country within hours.  Several members voiced their condolences for the victim.

Karen Webb, who had taken her mother to the church for Bible study, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that she was told the victim was shot six times. “I brought my mother up here to go to church — every Wednesday she attends Bible study. As soon as we get here I’m told someone has been shot,” Webb said. “He was one of the praise leaders.”

Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5

Dollar, a popular televangelist, started World Changers Ministries in 1986 with eight members, holding services in the cafeteria of a local elementary school, according to the church’s website. Its campus now occupies 81 acres, with services held in the 8,500-seat World Dome. Dollar is a regular on the Trinity Broadcasting Network.

Dollar could not be reached for comment. Ken Terry, a pastor at the church and the family’s spokesman called McDowell a “tremendous leader, role model and father.” He called the shooting an unfortunate tragedy perpetrated by a volunteer who had been with the church for 10 years. He said Greg McDowell had been a long time member of the church also. “He was faithful for a number of years. We have known him for years. Since he was a little kid.” Terry spoke of McDowell’s two sons. “He spent a tremendous amount of time with them. He was the model dad.” Neighbors told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that McDowell’s wife’s name is Rosetta and the couple have two toddlers.

Throughout the afternoon, mourners streamed into McDowell’s home, many carrying food. Marlene Guice said she saw the victim Wednesday morning while she was in her yard and he was on the way to church. “I waved at him like I always do.” Guice, who has lived two doors from McDowell for two years, said she met him while walking her dogs in the neighborhood. “He was a very good person. They stayed to themselves, but were very nice. The nicest people you could ever meet.”

Is it possible for Christmas music to be churchy? No doubt, if your name is Beverly Crawford!

Hitting the streets Oct 30th and featuring the churchiest Christmas song you’ll ever hear, delivered only as Grammy & Stellar Award winning powerhouse Beverly Crawford can, “Beverly Crawford & JDI Christmas – Churchy Christmas / Joy To The World!” is signature JDI music that you can sing on Sunday morning!

Ever since the release of the hugely successful inaugural JDI Christmas project (Norman Hutchins & JDI Christmas – featuring the #1 hit “Emmanuel”), JDI has been flooded with requests to release another JDI Christmas project. Well it’s taken a little bit of time but Beverly Crawford & JDI Christmas is well worth the wait!!

Recorded live in Dallas and backed by the 200-voice Antioch Fellowship Voices of Praise, Beverly Crawford & JDI Christmas – “Churchy Christmas / Joy To The World!” definitely isn’t your typical traditional Christmas album!

Kicking off in high gear with Beverly’s churchy version of “Joy To The World”, be prepared to also be blessed by the Year-Round classic “Precious Lamb of God”. Written & performed by singer/songwriter extraordinaire Shanika Bereal (God’s Property), this second single is a timeless gem designed for worship all year long.

Finally, rounded out with outstanding guest appearances by the incomparable Earnest Pugh (on the jazzy “Hosanna”), Professor James Roberson (on the orchestral big ballad “I Wanna Be More”), Patrick Lundy & the Ministers of Music (on the ultra-funky Christmas dance tune “Emmanuel”) among others, Beverly Crawford & JDI Christmas is truly an timeless classic that will bless you not just during holidays but all year-round!

Fervent Records 14-time Dove Award nominated band and best-selling new CCM artist of 2004, BarlowGirl (Alyssa, Lauren and Rebecca), are retiring after they release their final song, “Hope Will Lead Us On,” on October 30. As their fans have been instrumental in their success, the sister trio want them to conduct their final interview. On October 29, live via Ustream, the band will perform a few of their hits acoustically, take questions from their fans and premiere their final song, “Hope Will Lead Us On,” (Ustream link: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/barlowgirl-live).

Since releasing their self-titled debut in 2004, BarlowGirl has sold over one million albums, received 14 Dove Award nominations and accumulated four No. 1 singles on the Christian radio. Their poignant 2005 hit, “I Need You To Love Me,” topped the charts for 13 weeks in 2005 making it the longest No. 1 single in Christian Hit Radio chart history. With a wonderful run, the sisters are ready to leave on a high note.

“The last 10 years as BarlowGirl has been one of the most incredible adventures we have ever been on,” said Alyssa, Lauren and Rebecca. “We could not have imagined this journey without our incredible supportive fans who waited in lines to get into shows, called radio stations to play our music, watched all of our ridiculous podcasts, bought or sent us hundreds of pounds of chocolate and encouraged us the entire way. We are so honored to have shared our dream with you. Thank you for being a part of it.”

On October 29, fans can log on to Ustream to submit questions. In addition, the sisters will play a few acoustic songs and will premiere “Hope Will Lead Us On” via a lyric video. The following day, their final song will be available at all digital retailers. Alyssa, Lauren and Rebecca Barlow also personally wanted to be the ones to notify their fans of their retirement. To do so, they have drafted a letter that fans can read at www.barlowgirl.com.

Since releasing their self-titled debut in 2004, Alyssa, Lauren and Rebecca Barlow have continuously inspired fans with such intimate portraits, as their sophomore set, Another Journal Entry and such bold challenges as 2007’s, How Can We Be Silent. Nominated for 14 Dove Awards, the songwriting siblings have written and recorded such landmark hits as “Never Alone,” which became Radio & Records’ Christian Song of the Year in 2004 and helped earn BarlowGirl best-selling new Christian artist status. Their poignant hit, “I Need You to Love Me,” topped the charts for thirteen weeks in 2005, making it the longest No. 1 single in Christian Radio Weekly Chart History. BarlowGirl has always represented an interesting dichotomy; tender-hearted, beautiful young women who aren’t afraid to take an aggressive, almost warrior-like stance when it comes to spreading the gospel and serving God.

For additional information on BarlowGirl visit www.barlowgirl.com.

About Word Entertainment
A leader in the music industry for over 60 years, Word Entertainment, a Warner/Curb company, is a unique, comprehensive entertainment company comprised of multi-faceted artist service departments including publishing, merchandising, booking, and online initiatives. Word Entertainment represents some of the top names and brands in music, including Meredith Andrews, Chris August, BarlowGirl, Francesca Battistelli, Big Daddy Weave, Jason Castro, Patrick Ryan Clark, Everfound, for KING & COUNTRY, Group 1 Crew, Dara Maclean, Point Of Grace and Sidewalk Prophets and is home to 25 Entertainment, Word Distribution (representing Curb Records and Big Idea/VeggieTales among others), Word Print, Word Films, Word Music Publishing and Word Label Group’s Word Records and Fervent Records.

 

BEST DAYS YET is Morton’s 10th solo album and features a first time collaboration with phenomenal Grammy Award winning producer Donald Lawrence.   The album offers a flawless combo of Morton’s classic, strong vocals and Lawrence’s masterful vocal arrangements and production.

The album loudly proclaims themes of encouragement, hope and transformation.  The opening title track, “Best Days Yet” starts the album strongly in timeless fashion that will soon have choirs and churches singing along.  Though studio-recorded, the song’s powerful instrumentation gives it a live feel. Album cuts “Times Like These,”and upbeat “It’s Over” continues the themes throughout.

One highlight is “Something Happens (Jesus)” an immediate classic that is pure gospel music.  There are also stand-out guest artists on the project including, Marvin Winans offering smooth and rich vocals on “Things Are Changing” and the incomparable Karen Clark Sheard on the Thomas Whitfield classic “The Grass Withereth.”

BEST DAYS YET is well rounded, blending traditional with contemporary, achieving a definitive release from one of Gospel music’s generals.  Bishop Paul S. Morton continues to serve as the International Presiding Bishop of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship.

BEST DAYS YET is available now for pre-order on iTunes & will be in-stores and on line everywhere November 13, 2012.