Brainerd Presbyterian Church is exploring a new venue of community outreach as they sponsor The Old Paths Gospel Quartet in Concert on Sunday at 6 p.m.
Even though the group members are very young in age, they bring more than 30 years of experience singing Southern Gospel Music professionally. They have been blessed with four top 30 songs on the Singing News charts in their first 3 years of ministry. In August, 2006 "He Didn't Have the Heart" reached number 9 on the U.S. Gospel News charts. The group's radio release, "Amen, That's Right" debuted on the Singing News chart at #27. Their current radio release "Life Again" has just been released to radio in the past week, but is already being very well received.
Primarily, The Old Paths is a ministry. Officials said, "Their music and ministry has been an encouragement to many people. Through their efforts families have been put back together, and lives changed. This Old Paths focus is on local church ministry and specifically young people and lost church members. Doug Roark offers his testimony especially to reach drug addicts of every age and give hope and encouragement to parents, grandparents, and friends of substance abusers. Their goal is not just be gospel singers, but Godly men singing the Gospel, and that God will keep His hand on this ministry."
Brainerd Presbyterian Church is dedicated to serving the greater community in a variety of outreach ministries. Southern Gospel Music is not always associated with the Presbyterian Church, but in this area, nearly everyone has been touched by the influence of this style of worship music.
Bass singer, Brandon Barry was a student of Dr. Tom Hammett, director of Music Ministries at the church. Responding to a personal invitation, Dr. Hammett recently heard the group in concert. Noting the high degree of professionalism, high-energy, powerful music and sincerity of ministry, Dr. Hammett immediately booked the Quartet for a special evening worship service at Brainerd Presbyterian.
"These men are really something! They are on fire for spreading the Gospel message and encouraging values to build solid lives and families," said Dr. Hammett.
The concert is free to the public and a love offering will be taken.
Brainerd Presbyterian Church is located at 1624 Jenkins Road, just off of E. Brainerd Road.