Earlier this year BEC Recordings’ Kutless released their newest studio release Believer to much media and sales acclaim debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Christian & Gospel Chart as well as No. 1 on the iTunes Christian Albums chart. The album’s debut radio single “Carry Me To The Cross” reached listeners across the country as it held strong at No. 1 for six weeks on the Inspo chart as well as in the Top 10 at National Christian Audience, CHR and AC Indicator charts. Now Kutless is back with the second single from Believer with the emotional “Even If,” and it is already impacting radio listeners.

“Even If” continues to build momentum at radio each week. At AC Monitored it has been the highest debuting single and already charting in the Top 30 as well as at AC Indicator where it continues to climb entering this week at No. 17. At CHR, “Even If” has moved up to No. 22 and into the Top 20 at No. 16 on Inspo.

“From a spiritual perspective, ‘Even If’ is probably the most difficult and challenging song on our new record,” explains frontman Jon Micah Sumrall. “It directly addresses the question of ‘what do we do when the answer to our prayers is no?’ I have grown to realize that while we often pray for temporary or immediate comfort, God is doing a work on an eternal scale that far exceeds anything we could have ever imagined. He never promises that life will be easy, only that He will be faithful to never leave us or forsake us, and He promises that the end of the story will be glorious.”

Kutless wants listeners to know that even when hurt and heartache persist, they must trust that God knows best, and that while we may not understand immediately why we must endure these things, ultimately He is in control and is creating what will some day be a glorious ending.

“Two weeks after buying Believer a good friend and sister in the Lord passed away due to cancer. The evening before she passed I watched the slide show video of “Even If.” Having been blessed by this song, my thoughts were put in the right perspective, remembering the awesomeness of our God and His ways are not our ways. The healing may not have come in this life for her, but God chose to heal her in taking her home.” – Kim

“When I first heard “Even If,” I have to be honest and say the words stung but now they bring me comfort. I know that physical and/or medical healing may never come, but I continue to sing His praises. I would not trade this journey for anything as I know He is the good and faithful one who is working through me.” – Jennifer

Kutless will be headlining their own tour this September along with Fireflight and special guests Hyland, Rhett Walker Band and Eric Samuel Timm. The Compassion International sponsored Believer tour will begin on September 12 in Colorado and conclude on October 28 in Michigan. Tour dates are listed below.

Media also have praised Kutless’ newest release stating that the lyrics are “thought-provoking, moving and requesting change” as well as that the album is the “band’s crowning achievement” and “by far their best work.”

About Kutless
This Portland, Oregon-based Kutless has emerged as one of the premiere rock, worship bands. With over two million albums sold, a RIAA Gold-selling album, AC Song of the Year in 2010, and 11 No. 1 radio singles, Kutless has transformed from that new rock band from Oregon to the one new bands look up to, the band whose music is all over the radio in multiple formats and on major tours. Believer finds Kutless using a decade of growth to deliver an expertly crafted set of songs with as much diversity in the music as there is consistency in the message.

Multiple GRAMMY Award Nominee and Stellar Award Winner Tye Tribbett has been breaking ground in gospel for years now. The Gospel singer, songwriter, and preacher is known for his edgy and energetic live performances and for chart-topping hits like “Everything”, “No Way” and “Victory”. Always thinking outside the box, the pioneer is prepping for brand new live DVD/CD called “Greater Than”, to take place in two different locations. On Friday, August 17th at 7PM EST, the “Fresh” singer recorded live at Faith Center Ministries (5555 NW 95th Avenue, Sunrise, FL 33351). On this Friday, the artist will be holding part two in the City of Angels. The live West Coast recording will happen at Angelus Temple (1100 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026) on August 31st at 7PM PST.

General admission is $10 per person and reserved seating is $20. Fans can also purchase the “Greater Than” Package which consists of a meet & greet with Tye, a private rehearsal session, reserved seating and dinner with Tye Tribbett, his band and singers. Special rates are available for groups of 10 or more. Tickets can be purchased at www.greaterthannation.com.

Tribbett’s unique concept for the live recording comes directly from scripture. “It’s important that we, the body of Christ, point to something and someone greater than ourselves,” says Tye. “This CD is about getting the focus back to God and acknowledging that He is greater than anything or anyone. The Bible says, ‘Greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world.’ When I read that verse recently, the “er” in greater jumped out at me. It implies that he that is in the world is great. If we’re honest, the pull of the world is great. But truth is GOD is GREATER!!”

For more information on Greater Than, log on to www.greaterthannation.com

Finishing off its highest rated season in series history, SUNDAY BEST season five culminates Sunday, September 2nd at 8:00 P.M.* with two back-to-back episodes featuring electrifying performances by some of today’s top gospel and soul hit makers including Kurt Carr, Marvin Winans, Ledisi, Tye Tribbett, Israel Houghton and Marvin Sapp. SUNDAY BEST judges Yolanda Adams and Donnie McClurkin and host Kirk Franklin are also slated to take the stage to deliver rousing sets of their most celebrated tracks.

After nine weeks of fierce competition, the field has narrowed to two finalists, South Carolina’s Joshua Rogers and Kansas’ Alexis Spight, going head to head in the finale. In addition to the coveted SUNDAY BEST title, the winner of season five will receive a national recording contract with Music World Gospel, a cash prize, and an exclusive prize from Ford. SUNDAY BEST season five is hosted by Kirk Franklin with celebrity judges Pastor Donnie McClurkin, Yolanda Adams and Cece Winans with vocal mentor Kim Burrell.

Watch the video performances below and vote for your favorite.  You have until 12:00 PM EST on Saturday, September 1, 2012 to vote. There are three ways to vote:

For continuous SUNDAY BEST updates, please visit http://www.bet.com/Sunday Best. Also, follow SUNDAY BEST on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BETSundayBest (hash tag: #BETSundayBest) and Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/BETSundayBest.

Another Gospel star is considering a big move to the lone star state.  Earnest Pugh is in talks to move to Houston, Texas as minister of music of Silverlake Church.  

The budding Mega-Church is lead by Pastor Reginald DeVaughn, who founded one of the fastest growing churches in the suburban area of Pearland 18 years ago.  

Path MEGAzine was the first to learn about discussions that would bring the musical talents of Earnest Pugh from Washington, DC to a prominent suburb of Houston called Pearland.  

There is apparently a verbal agreement in place that is not inked on paper, but both parties seem optimistic about getting the deal done.  “I am very optimistic about the Houston situation, but unfortunately we have not formally established all the details yet says Earnest Pugh, Pastor DeVaughn and I are still negotiating and trying our best to identify an actual start date.” 

Mentored by the legendary Richard Smallwood, Pugh has had a long journey to become one of Gospel’s most marketed talents.  With hits like “Rain on Us,” and “I Need Your Glory,” Pugh was Dubbed “Gospel Music’s Leading Man,” because of his Billboard Chart success.  Such experience can really transfer over to worship services, and set the atmosphere.  An atmosphere that Pastor DeVaughn hopes to have in place soon.

Pastor DeVaughn hopes to have Earnest in place by October. “October will be a month of taking it to the next level,” DeVaughn emphatically tells PATH. 

Earnest Pugh will join a growing list of artists that are flocking to Houston and surrounding areas.  No longer a Gospel secret, Houston is home to artists Yolanda Adams, James Fortune, Kim Burrell, Le’Andria Johnson, Brian Courtney Wilson, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Zacardi Cortez, Shawn McLemore and a plethora of others.  The community of Houston buys up albums, consistently ranking in the top 10 among CD units purchased according to Nielsen Soundscan.

Silverlake’s Church website boasts over 5,000 members belonging to the flock, and the church plans to expand and enhance the Pearland area by building on 40 acres of land.

PATH will keep you updated on the news as it develops. 

Hypocrite Greek origin: hypokritḗs – a stage actor, hence one who pretends to be what he is not. Standard definition: a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion or acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs.

Experience the electrifying collision of authentic Soul and bangin’ Hip Hop music encased in the powerful Word of GOD. Popular Christian Soul Duo Joint Heirs teams up with Christian music’s most dynamic and fastest lyrically speaking rap artist Andale’ in a mixtape that addresses the thought-provoking, soul-searching question – Are you a hypocrite???

Exclusive Free Download on Rapzilla.com

The FREE Mixtape features all new tracks including their first collaboration and single “Beelevuh”; Joint Heirs’ throwback 70’s soul hit “Supernatural”; and the long awaited and highly anticipated all new track from Andale’ “Put Yo Handz Together”.

Watch the video single “Beelevuh” below.

Music lovers and fans everywhere are anxiously awaiting the September 4th release of inspirational recording artist Lexi’s new album ‘Phenomenal’ from Malaco Records. With a distinct, inspirational sound, the CD’s first single “Burn It All Down” is riding high on the gospel music charts and resonating in the hearts of listeners.

With a career that spans over a decade and having worked with some of the biggest names in both gospel and secular music such as Fred Hammond, Vanessa Bell Armstrong and the late Gerald Levert, Lexi is praying that her fifth recording takes listeners on a spiritual journey and brings them closer to God. When speaking about Phenomenal, she says, “I asked the Lord to please put me in the position to bless people. That’s my passion. And I believe that God is helping me do that.”

In addition to prepping for the September release of Phenomenal, Lexi, a devoted mother of one son, stays busy running her own company, Frontline Productions, hosting her talk show, The Lexi Show, now in its sixth season on the Word Network and serving as the entertainment correspondent for the syndicated radio program, The Yolanda Adams Morning Show.

The Saint Paul’s Baptist Church of Richmond, Virginia announced that Byron Cage will join the organization as the new Minister of Music. Mr. Cage will oversee and lead the implementation of a dynamic, multigenerational worship ministry as well as provide high achievement leadership at all three campuses.

“We are excited to welcome such an anointed leader and worshipper to our team” said Dr. Lance D. Watson, Senior Pastor of the Saint Paul’s Baptist Church. “Byron is an artist, musician, producer, and composer and for years has provided outstanding leadership to the music and fine arts ministry of Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington, Maryland. Saint Paul’s is a progressive, forward thinking multi-site congregation of more than 12,000 “people on the grow.” We are certain that he’s going to be a tremendous asset to our Fine Arts team as we position ourselves to go to the next level musically and spiritually. We consider ourselves truly blessed and fortunate to have such tremendous talent, join our team!” says Dr. Watson.

A growing number of artists are holding down jobs as minister of music, while recording and touring.  The task is not an easy one, often requiring the artist to perform on Saturday and rush back to their home church for Sunday service.  This, coupled with loosing Sunday as a concert date is a tough decision many artists are faced with.  

We congratulate Mr. Cage, and wish him luck on his new position.

UPDATE: Per Byron Cage. “I still serve as Senior Minister of Worship and Music at Ebenezer A.M.E. I now split my time between both.”

Source: My Spirit DC.com

PATH received an early notice that BET is set to premiere it’s first reality show centered around Gospel artists.  Karen Clark-Sheard’s family is currently shooting a reality show tentatively titled “The Sheards.”

Word has it that former Sunday Best hosts Mary Mary sent BET scrambling for their own reality show, after Mary Mary decided to bring their show to WE TV.

The show will include Gospel superstar Karen Clark-Sheard, 51, and her children.  Rising Gospel star Kierra Sheard, 25, and son, producer and aspiring R&B singer J. Drew Sheard.  It’s not known whether Karen’s husband Pastor John Drew Sheard will  be in the reality show.  It’s also unclear whether Karen’s sisters (The Clark Sisters) will make an appearance.

DaGospelTruth.com broke the story after hearing for sometime that the network was planning a faith-based reality show.  

Karen is one of the four sisters that make up the legendary singing group the ‘Clark Sisters,’ that includes Dorinda Clark-Cole, Twinkie Clark and Jackie Clark.  Many artists look up to The Clark Sisters, and they’re recognized as one of the best-selling Gospel groups of all time. 

With this news, it has confirmed what we expected after Mary Mary broke the ice.  Gospel artists have the reality bug.  We’ve confirmed that Mary Mary is coming back for season two of their show, while Marvin Sapp and Kim Burrell are taping reality shows as well.  

For a detailed report on Karen Clark Sheards reality show on BET visit DaGospelTruth.com

What do you think is Reality TV a ministry tool, or is it only going to get the Saints in trouble?

EMI Christian Music Group announces the release of Hillsong’s The Global Project. Partnering with ministries across Asia, South America, and Europe, Australia’s Hillsong Church has broken language and cultural barriers to produce The Global Project, a collection of Hillsong’s most impactful songs recorded in nine languages. The nine albums will simultaneously release across the world on September 18th.

The Global Project aims to unite the body of Christ, break down denominational, cultural and geographical barriers and bring churches and ministries from different cultures together. The Global Project will be available in Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, Mandarin, Indonesian, German, French, Swedish as well as Russian.

Well-known Hillsong anthems, “Mighty to Save” and “Hosanna,” as well as newer songs such as “God Is Able” from last year’s release of the same name, have been played by churches across the globe, but never before have Christians of so many cultures been able to listen to the recordings in their own tongue.

“We are directed to ‘go into all the world’ and as a church we are committed to proclaiming Christ for the entire planet,” shares Hillsong worship pastor, Reuben Morgan, about the motivation for the project. “There is something powerful about singing a song in your own language. God cares about all people in all nations and it was a privilege to work with so many great people and churches who are passionately bringing truth and hope to their countries.”

The Hillsong worship team performs on each of the albums, but the local vocalists in the nine countries provide vocals in their respective languages. Worship leaders in the participating countries believe The Global Project makes a significant statement to the world, such as Sidney Mohede, worship leader at JPCC True Worshippers in Indonesia. “As part of the global Church, there is no better time than now to show that the more we are united in love, the more the world sees our Christ,” Mohede said.

GRAMMY® Award-winning Spanish recording artist Pastor Marcos Witt echoed the sentiments. “Hillsong has been a force of God on the earth to bring refreshing and renewal to believers everywhere. They’ve reignited our passion for Christ using ingenious creativity.”

The Global Project is at the heart of Hillsong Church’s vision. Senior Pastor of Hillsong, Brian Houston exclaims, “We exist to champion the cause of local church.” For more information, please visit Hillsong.com. 

About Hillsong LIVE:
Hillsong LIVE is the congregational expression of worship from Hillsong Church – a global church with local expressions. Their music captures the heart and sound of Hillsong Church globally and represents the coming together of the Hillsong worship team from around the world; including Reuben Morgan, Joel Houston and many more. Since 1992, Hillsong LIVE has resourced the local church and received gold and platinum album status multiple times, writing such well known worship songs as “Shout To The Lord”, “Inside Out”, “Hosanna”, “The Stand” and “Mighty to Save,” which was awarded the 2009 Dove for Worship Song of the Year. The Hillsong brands have sold more than 12 million albums.

About Hillsong Church:
In August 1983, Brian and Bobbie Houston founded the Hills Christian Life Centre in the Hills District of Sydney, Australia. It has grown from a congregation of 45 to what is said to be the largest local church in Australian history. It has now expanded to be a global church with local expressions in significant cities; with churches in Australia, London, New York, Paris, Cape Town, Stockholm, Germany, Kiev, Amsterdam and Copenhagen. Each week, tens of thousands of people across the globe call Hillsong Church ‘home’ and the reach, impact and influence of this local congregation is seen across many nations.