Praise & Worship in the Black Church has “shifted” over the last 15 years! Songs are different, choirs have become scarce, praise team presentations are more personal; and that uniqueness has impacted millions in a positive, yet potentially “puzzling” way. Pastors have embraced this shift, but there is a pressing need for more education on how to achieve excellence in the “new” worship space/culture without losing or compromising our rich legacy and heritage.
Gospel Heritage understands and meets the need to educate and nurture regarding the new, contemporary movement of worship without sacrificing the “oil” of the anointing!
Gospel Heritage’s founder, Dr. Teresa Hairston, has been a pioneering force in the Gospel idiom—both ministry and music. In 1989, she founded Gospel Today Magazine which she published for 23 years; it grew from a fledgling 4-page newsletter to become the #1 Christian Lifestyle Publication, the most widely distributed periodical of its type. In 1994, Hairston launched the Gospel Heritage Foundation to “Preserve the Gospel Legacy and Perpetuate the Gospel Heritage”. In 2015, she says the “vision” for GHF has been updated! “Today, our vision includes ‘Transforming Nations & Generations through Worship!’ ” Hairston says. “I see the shifting ‘culture’ in our churches and we’ve got to deal with it! I love the ‘old school’ Gospel, but the ‘new school’ brings a lot of great energy and substance. We can bring both together without compromising the integrity of either!”
Unlike many of today’s popular worship conferences, Gospel Heritage serves the church and it’s leaders who desire a collaboration of the old and new. Gospel Heritage uniquely and specifically crosses denominations, cultures, and age groups! Pastors attend the conference and get information and inspiration; Musicians and Worship Leaders come and get educated and refreshed; Artists come and get connected!
This year, Gospel Heritage is “rebranding!” The conference has been renamed the “International Worship Summit (IWS).” The 2015 IWS is a 2½ day event that will offer daytime classes and seminars for pastors/ministers, general worshipers, musicians/producers, liturgical dancers/mimes, recording artists, Christian business leaders, Worship leaders and teams, and ministers of music. Day sessions (conference registration required) will be held at the fabulous host hotel: The Florida Hotel. Evening services (Thurs and Friday only) will be held atMajestic Life Church (Pastor Riva Tims) and start at 7pm (FREE and open to the public)! For more information: gospelheritage.org or call770.866.2427.
