On the heels of the success of her debut album “Miracles” KingdomGate Music Group releases new music “The Greatest” from 2012 Stellar Award Nominee Tanya Dallas-Lewis. Tanya has been blessed with an amazing year in 2011. From appearing on BET Dr. Bobby Jones Gospel to The White House; her gifts have certainly made room for her.

“The Greatest” produced by James Austin of KingdomGate Music Group; written and composed by Salah and Tanya Dallas-Lewis Is certain to be the Praise and Worship anthem of 2012. “The Greatest is a up tempo song of adoration that magnifies our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Tanya’s previous songs “Faults” and “When He Calls Your Name” have charted in the top forties on all three gospel music charts.

About Tanya Dallas-Lewis

The angelic voice of Tanya Dallas-Lewis serves as the perfect example of what happens when we allow our gifts to make room for us. Charting on all (3) gospel music charts, Tanya received two Stellar Nods on the 27th Stellar Awards first and final round ballot (New Artist of the Year and Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year). She was a nominee for the South Florida Gospel Music Awards in West Palm Beach, Florida and is a 2010 YGEA Awards winner for ”Best Female Performer of the Year.” She was also nominated for a 20111 Washington Area Music Award (Wammies).

In July, Tanya was featured on the BET Dr. Bobby Jones in Washington D.C. She is also one of twenty women selected from two hundred influential D.C. moms to ‘walk the runway’ for charity at the Runway Moms For A Cause event, which will take place on September 30th, hosted by FOX 5’s Emmy Award winning anchor, Maureen Umeh. ”Something about a Miracle,” the music video for this song airing nationally, in heavy rotation on BET, and receiving over 70,000 views virally. You can also catch her on The Word Network.

Here’s Lewis’ music video for the song ‘Something About a Miracle’

PULSE Movement founder and chief communicator Nick Hall, featured speaker for Christian music’s largest annual tour—the Winter Jam 2012 Tour Spectacular—has witnessed more than 154,000 people to date make decisions for Christ as a result of the tour’s evangelistic music and ministry focus. Taking center stage to present the Gospel at all 47 Winter Jam stops around the country, Hall’s multimedia message carries the vision of the PULSE Movement: to awaken culture to the reality of Jesus.

“Winter Jam has been a process of saying, ‘God, I want this to be all about You. Give me Your heart for this city, this arena, these venue workers. Move today in a new way,’” says Hall. “Every night our goal is to simply proclaim Jesus. We are seeing God literally transform hearts and lives. He is showing our PULSE team and me how we can keep a laser focus on the Gospel during these days.”

“Beyond countless relationships being established through Winter Jam, the PULSE team continues cultivating outreach opportunities around the country to engage the youth of this generation and stir their hearts for Christ,” Hall adds.

Hall birthed the PULSE Movement in 2006 as a student at North Dakota State University. The student-led initiative has since spread to over 30 college campuses and dozens of communities across the nation and is one of the fastest growing youth evangelistic movements in America. PULSE encompasses student prayer gatherings, evangelism training, outreach events, and PULSE RESET, an extensive post-outreach follow-up process.

One of the emerging Christian leaders of this generation, Hall is a partner evangelist with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) and the Luis Palau Association through festivals and training events. Last year he emceed three BGEA “Rock the River Tour” events, and Hall was among 4,000 international delegates invited to attend The Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2010. In eight years, he has spoken in front of tens of thousands at concerts, outreach events and various festivals, including Lifelight, Sonshine, and Lifest.

At Winter Jam, Hall shares the stage with Skillet, Sanctus Real, Peter Furler, Kari Jobe, Building 429 and NewSong, among other top artists. Since January, the tour has played to more than 496,000 people. For further information on Winter Jam, visitwww.jamtour.com.

The PULSE Movement is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Minneapolis. For more information on Nick Hall and PULSE, visit www.pulsemovement.com

Churches suffered from plummeting donations after the recession began in 2008. But in the past year, a majority of congregations experienced giving increases because of a better economy, higher attendance and more church teaching on giving.

Trends in 2011 included higher budgets, which brought more church spending on staff salaries, missions, facilities and benevolence. Trends also included greater attention to fiscal transparency and board governance and a rise in electronic giving through technological tools, such as cell phone applications and automatic bank withdrawals.

The fourth annual “State of the Plate” constituency survey of more than 1,360 congregations revealed that 51 percent of churches saw giving increase in 2011, up from 43 percent in 2010 and 36 percent in 2009. 

The survey was a collaborative research project sponsored by MAXIMUM Generosity, Christianity Today, publisher of Church Finance Today and Leadership Journal, and ECFA.  The survey asked pastors, staff and leaders of all church sizes, theological leanings and regions to report on their church giving, budgeting and generosity initiatives, as well as programs to help families negatively affected by the economy. 
“Charities and churches were hit hard by the recession, but many are now beginning to see increased giving,” said Brian Kluth, author, speaker and founder of the “State of the Plate” research. “A better economy, more Bible teaching on finances and generosity and a growing number of online giving options are helping many churches rebound financially.”

Giving increases were greatest among larger churches, with more than 70 percent of megachurches — 2,000 or more in weekend attendance — experiencing giving increases last year. Heartland states saw the biggest rebound, with nearly 55 percent of churches experiencing giving increases. For three of the last four years, Pacific Coast churches continued to struggle financially.  In 2011, 38 percent experienced giving declines.   

Among churches that saw giving increases, 50 percent attributed the rise to greater attendance. Forty-two percent said it was because people gave more after their church conducted financial/generosity teaching initiatives, such as sermons, classes, seminars or distributed devotionals about the subject.

Church budgets, consequently, are up, and churches are allocating the extra funds to staff pay raises (40.3 percent), missions (36.5 percent), church buildings (35.3 percent) and benevolence (31.1 percent). And the way churches receive donations has shifted from the traditional “envelope packets” toward electronic giving, such as cell phone applications, automatic bank withdrawals and lobby kiosks.

“As giving has improved for many churches nationwide, this survey shows many have made budget decisions that directly care for people,” said Matt Branaugh, director of editorial for Christianity Today’s Church Management Team, a survey sponsor. “Many churches increased their spending for missions and benevolence – two ways churches work to meet the needs of people locally and globally. And pay raises for staff and pastors were a move to care for their own, after many churches were forced to freeze or cut salaries during the recession.”
The “State of the Plate” shows a significant number of churches actively use a variety of practices and procedures to ensure financial transparency and accountability. For instance, 92 percent make their financial statements available upon request to their members; 89 percent provide copies of their annual budget to their congregation or make them available upon request.  Eighty-six percent of church boards are made up of five or more people, with at least three of those people not a pastor or staff member, or related to either.

“It is important that churches properly self-govern in financial matters,” said Dan Busby, president of ECFA. “The ‘State of the Plate’ research shows that a significant number of churches are concerned about financial integrity and accountability. Our research shows that many churches are implementing strong financial accountability practices.”

Winchester, Va.-based ECFA leads the Commission on Accountability and Policy for Religious Organizations in response to a request from Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa).

In conjunction with the “State of the Plate,” a second survey called the “View from the Pew” assesses churchgoers’ personal financial, debt and giving practices, and trends. Findings of this survey, which focuses on those who give 10 percent or more of their incomes, will be released at a later date.

“State of the Plate” online surveys were completed by 1,360 churches of varying types from all regions of the country. For an executive summary with charts, graphs and trends, visitwww.STATEofthePLATE.info/media2012.htm.

About MAXMUM Generosity

In mainstream media circles, Brian Kluth (www.BrianKluth.com), founder of “State of the Plate” research and theMAXIMUMgenerosity.org website, is known as “America’s Giving Guy.” A best-selling author, speaker and media commentator, Kluth’s book “40 Day Journey to a More Generous Life,” has become a bestseller, with a half-million copies sold. Kluth is a speaker for the www.GiveWithJoy.org radio program and the www.GenerosityPledge.org movement. 

About Christianity Today

Christianity Today (www.christianitytoday.org), based in Carol Stream, Ill., is a global media ministry founded in 1956 by the Rev. Billy Graham. It provides nine publications, includingChristianity Today, Leadership, Church Finance Today and an award-winning website reaching more than 2.5 million unique visitors each month.  

About ECFA

ECFA (www.ecfa.org), based in Winchester, Va., is an accreditation agency dedicated to helping Christian ministries earn the public’s trust through adherence to Seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship™. Founded in 1979 and now with more than 1,600 members, ECFA provides accreditation to leading Christian nonprofit organizations that faithfully demonstrate compliance with established standards for financial accountability, fundraising and board governance. Members include Christian ministries, denominations, churches, educational institutions and other tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations. Collectively, these organizations represent more than $20 billion in annual revenue.

Armed with an abundance of unpretentious Southern charm and laser sharp wit, Chonda Pierce is packed and headed for co-hosting chores on the 43rd Annual Gospel Music Association (GMA) Dove Awards to be telecast nationally on April 24 at 8:00 PM on GMC-TV.

Dubbed the “Queen of Clean Comedy” Chonda is thrilled with the opportunity to check-off yet another important box on her ever growing list of career “to do’s.”

“I’ve had hosting the Dove Awards on my bucket list for years-so this check mark is especially meaningful for me,” she noted in a recent interview. “Because I’m a big fan of Gospel Music, I’m as excited as the viewers will be to know who wins-even though I’m devasted there’s no category for ‘Best Christian Comedy DVD’-hint, hint. Can I say that?”

As the nationally acclaimed darling of laughs to a legion of fans, there’s little that Chonda Pierce can’t say.

Her highly-anticipated latest comedy DVD, “I’m Kind Of A Big Deal” releases on April 10. Formatted as a zany 90 minute “audio tabloid,” Chonda registers a solid 10 on the Rickter Scale of laughs with funnybone topics such as striking fear in the heart of the Taliban on her trip to Afghanistan to entertain the troops, the wonder working miracle of lard, her memoirs as a Hollywood star, and tips on how not to get caught dead in a hand basket. As always, her material laces fun through both the relevant and the ridiculous moments in life, expertly tying the laughter with a perky bow of Godly wisdom and pew friendly commentary.

Chonda’s fresh approach to ‘clean’ has birthed a unique franchise. Her DVDs are consistently strong sellers, both on tour and at retail. Four titles have already been certified gold, with three platinum certifications for sales of over 100,000 to her credit. With an increasingly busy booking event schedule at major churches across the U.S., Chonda is the author of a half dozen best selling books-including her latest-Laughing In The Dark (Simon & Schuster) and winner of the 2009 ‘Comedian of the Year’ Visionary Award. With her own CMT-TV comedy special This Ain’t Prettyville and regular guestings on XM and Sirius satellite radio, Chonda’s visibility has ushering in high-profile mainstream media stops such as The View, and a recent multi-project connectivity with Hollywood based movie productions.

Co-hosting with Chonda on the Dove Awards telecast to be filmed at the historic Fox Theatre in Atlanta, will be fellow comedian David Mann-best known for creating the character of Leroy S. Brown, star of Tyler Perry’s popular Meet The Browns television series as well as a familair face in the Madea movie series. “David Mann is a wonderful Christian who has learned to navigate through mainstream waters and still maintain both his Christian faith and excellence in his comedy craft-I’m thrilled to share the stage with him,” notes Chonda.

Amidst the promise on the Dove Awards telecast of musical performances by both major and emerging new Christian music artists such as Natalie Grant, Mandisa, Jason Crabb, Lecrae, Kari Jobe, Danny Gokey, Donnie McClurkin, and the Isaacs-Chonda Pierce is a co-host with a mission: Her latest check-off on the all-important ‘bucket list’ of laughs.

Resource Chonda Pierce online: www.chonda.org

For more information on the 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards: www.doveawards.com

This week, Maranatha! Music continues to rise on the CMTA SoundScan charts with Top 25 Praise Songs 2012 Edition landing at #1 on 3 sales charts – Billboard’s Christian/Gospel Albums chart, Contemporary Christian Albums chart, and Praise & Worship Albums chart. Top 25 Gospel Songs 2012 Edition gained momentum claiming the #5 spot on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart. Top 25 Cantos De Alabanza 2012 Edition landed at #9 on the Latin Albums chart.

“Maranatha! Music is passionate about connecting the song of faith with today’s church, and the overwhelming support of the Top 25 series at retail is helping us achieve this goal,” said Randy Alward, president and chief executive officer of Maranatha! Music. “We hope these projects will continue to help equip music ministers and worship teams to lead their congregations in worship and bless those who listen to these collections.”

Top 25 Praise Songs 2012 is a double-disc set showcasing the top worship songs being sung in churches across America in 2011-2012, as determined by CCLI (Christian Copyright Licensing International.) The album features 25 recordings of the most popular songs in worship music, recorded in a contemporary congregational worship style. The collection is produced by songwriter/producer, Phil Sillas.

Top 25 Gospel Songs 2012 is a must-have double-disc collection packed with the year’s top Gospel songs for the church from many of the biggest names and voices in Gospel music including Andrae’ Crouch, Canton Jones, Donald Lawrence, Mary Mary, Tamela Mann, Brian Courtney Wilson, Trin-i-tee 5:7, Micah Stampley, Nicole C. Mullen, Jonathan Butler, and record-breaking new artists Le’Andria Johnson, Isaac Carree’ and Committed.

Top 25 Cantos De Alabanza 2012 Edition is a 2-CD collection of the most popular worship songs sung in Spanish churches in the United States and Latin America today. The project features 25 tracks recorded in a contemporary congregational worship style, and is produced by songwriter/producer, Phil Sillas.

ABOUT MARANATHA! MUSIC The Top 25 brand is Maranatha! Music’s best-selling original series. The series features titles in multiple genres including Worship, Gospel, Kids and Spanish. Maranatha! Music is a pioneer in praise and worship music resource publishing. Best known for the Praise Series, Praise Band Series, The Invitation CD and Top 25 Series; Maranatha! Music has sold more than 30 million records worldwide. For more information, visit www.maranathamusic.com.

Marvin Sapp sits down for an enlightening interview on-board the One Love Cruise.

Marvin speaks about the change in the dating scene over the last 20 years since he last dated. Sapp has been single for 2 years after loosing his wife Malinda Sapp to Cancer.

When talking about the dating scene Sapp says, “Women have let the standard down, “The chase is gone.” Sapp talks about women being so aggressive these days, which is different then when the man was required to make the first move.

“I don’t want a first lady at this point in my life.” My church is on auto pilot.” Sapp said he just wants a good woman.

Sapp even lists some requirements for a woman. Get ready to write this down ladies! =)

1. Unbelievably stunningly gorgeous
2. Have their own thing going
3. Have to sign a pre-nup 

Check the full interview in the video below.

CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL 2012 went on without a hitch.  If you missed it, we got the complete show on PATH.  Celebration of Gospel was taped at the historic Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles, the two-hour show was once again hosted by veteran comedian, actor and radiopersonality, Steve Harvey. The #1 gospel telecast since its inception brings mainstream artists and gospel greats together on one amazing stage.

Ricky Dillard and New G Choir joined R&B sensation Johnny Gill to open theshow with a sensational performance of “He Turned It.” Original Dream Girl Jennifer Holliday and “Glee” star Amber Riley joined gospel legends Pastor Shirley Caesar and Yolanda Adams to pay tribute to Mahalia Jackson, the “Mother of Gospel Music,” four-time Grammy award winner, civil rights activist and vocal powerhouse. The artists performed an anointed gospel medley including “Precious Lord,” “Move on up A Little Higher,” “His Eye ison the Sparrow,” and “How I Got Over” accompanied by organist Moses Tyson,Jr.  Whitney Houston, whose singing gift was anchored in her gospel roots, was remembered with a poignant moment by Kelly Price who sang an emotionally charged rendition of “Jesus Loves Me.”

Additional highlights from the soulful celebration include Grammy-awardwinner Kirk Franklin and Mali Music coming together to perform their newhit, “Give Me”; James Fortune & FIYA featuring Zacardi Cortez & Le’Andria Johnson blazed the stage with “It Could Be Worse”;  Isaac Carree, former backup singer for Kirk Franklin took center stage for the first time with his old-school inspired performance featuring a surprise guest appearancefrom Fonzworth Bentley; Ledisi left audience members speechless singing”Holy One”; Ending the night was an awe-inspiring performance from MauretteBrown Clark singing “I Hear the Sound of Victory.”

In addition to musical performances, Dr. Bobby Jones, of BET’s long-running gospel show “BOBBY JONES GOSPEL” and actress Wendy Raquel Robinson of BET’s#1 sitcom “THE GAME” delivered beautiful spoken word selections.

About BET Networks
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), is thenation’s leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 90 million households and can be seenin the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand witha diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the 25- to 54-year-old African-American audience; BET Digital Networks – BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the homeenvironment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and liveevents spanning the globe; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games andvideo content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.

Donnie McClurkin sits down for an intimate interview on-board the One Love Cruise.

The Gospel Star talks about his struggle with diabetes, that has cost him to loose 30 pounds in 30 days. The slimmed-down Donnie McClurkin talks about his struggle with food, and eating right. He relates health to God and faith.

“Ya”ll stop being stupid.” McClurkin says, “God gave us doctors. Medicine is not a demonic alter-ego to faith.” McClurkin makes the statement when talking about loosing his sister to breast cancer. “If she had listened to doctors should could have been here today.”

Watch the video below to hear the complete interview.

The death of slain 17 year old Trayvon Martin continues to be among the nations top stories. The case has sparked emotions and has focused the world on equality and racial profiling. Nation-wide demonstrations of solidarity have been common-place since the teen was shot for reportedly looking suspicious wearing a hoodie.

With the FBI and local courts opening investigations, the shooter George Zimmerman is free, and one organization is taking upon itself to get justice. What appears to be a negative turn down the wrong path is being spearheaded by the New Black Panthers.
 
During a recent protest in Sanford, Florida, the New Black Panthers announced that they are offering a $10,000 reward for the capture of George Zimmerman.  
 
New Black Panther leader Mikhail Muhammad revealed the details of the bounty and announced that the group is seeking to mobilize thousands of black men who can assist in the capture of Zimmerman.  
 
Muhammad also said that several black entertainers and athletes would be donating $1 million to the group’s effort by next week. However, Muhammad would not reveal names or documentation to prove that athletes and entertainers would assist with their plans to make a citizens arrest on Zimmerman.  

Sanford Police are condemning the New Black Panthers’ bounty on Zimmerman and are warning the group to not pursue vigilante justice.  

Are the New Black Panthers taking things too far by issuing a bounty on Zimmerman, or should they pursue justice because an inadequate police department failed to do so?