“All men dream, but
not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds,
wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are
dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes, to make them
possible.” – T. E. Lawrence
In every first meeting with artists, we ask a question: What
are your goals as an artist? How would you qualify success in your wildest
dreams?
This is not at all an easy question to answer. But after
getting past dreams of fame, fortune, and quitting their job to pursue music
full-time, we get to the crux of the answer: the goal is to get in front of audiences
and make a difference for Christ.
I’ve been very encouraged this summer to see several
ministries we’ve produced recently really get out and go.
George Tifft came to us a few years ago after losing his
wife of 30+ years. She had always wanted him to pursue his ministry with vigor.
Well, just take a look at his Facebook page as he documents his “Do Good Tour”,
and watch him go for the Lord.
Zach Allen and his brother Christian recently recorded an EP
follow-up to their debut album from a few years ago. Never shy to rock out
live, this year the Zach Allen Band joined “The Extreme Tour” and have been
traveling through many states the past month. It’s one thing to play local
shows, but to set up every night in front of new audiences has brought new
perspective to Zach.
“Our experience on The
Extreme Tour has taught us a lot. When we first started, I was focused on
performing, planning the best set list, and hoping to sell merch. Now, I can
say that I view ministry a little different. I am beginning to see that when
you focus on God and loving others first, the impact will be way bigger!”
Check out more about Zach and his tour at https://www.facebook.com/zachallenmusic
Joey and Kristi Stroud (aka Crimson Road) came to us last year wanting to get
feedback on their songs. After a few of these sessions, they decide that they
wanted to get these songs in front of people as a husband/wife ministry. Oh how
far they’ve come. After completing the process, getting CDs, and putting
together a website and social media, they have hit the road just about every
weekend. Last week they even performed at a TBN station in Texas! They have
really honed in on the vision, and are out making a difference.
There are many, many more artists I could highlight, including
veterans like Frances Drost with her busy schedule and her new popular Christmas
show, and of course the road warrior Stephen Bautista.
These folks can’t help but be fulfilled as they get to see
the fruits of what God has given them to do at each performance. They feel in
the zone, on target with where God wants them, and see real change taking
place.
This is the reason we do this folks. There is no other. This
is what God made you to do, and you kind of know it.
“You are never too old
to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C. S. Lewis
Maybe it’s time you got back to working towards the dream of
getting your music and ministry in front of real live folks, and making a
difference with the talent and unique message God has for you to bring.
“It is a full time job. It is no longer a dream as
such. It is a walk that takes commitment almost every day with every
breath that I have. Anyone can dream. Not everyone can find the
wherewithal to see it through.” – Frances Drost
Have great week!
EC
--
Eric Copeland lives his own dream helping artists just like
you realize and pursue their dream of music ministry. If you’d like to find out
more, check out http://www.CreativeSoulOnline.com
3 comments:
Thanks Eric. You are an example to all of us. You dream. You pursue and you accomplish. You are making a difference in our ministries as we go and take our music to the world!
Our expectations of what would happen have all been exceeded. We had no idea really what to expect since our previous ministries were grounded in local churches and my (Joey's) previous touring experience was with a large group many years ago. Every week we have numerous people either talk to us or hand us written notes expressing how much they were touched by our ministry. Of course, our ministry and story are unique to most christian artist but we are finding people are hungry for authenticity.
Product sales are also more than expected. We have other product besides the CD. Hint...GET T-SHIRTS! Everybody loves a t-shirt and don't be bashful to push your merchandise table during your concert.
This summer tour has been an inspiration for us to seek God regarding expanding to a full time ministry. We have discovered that income (which includes love offering, honorariums, and product sales) has been much more than we thought it would be and has demonstrated to us that God will provide...regardless of the venue
The BIGGEST issue is booking. You have said it many, many times before, but it takes aggressive, persistent, hard work to get a full schedule. Expanding your network in order to get bookings requires constant thought and creativity. You MUST use the people you already know and then just hope that over time, you will have interest from those in their network of friends and Pastors.
Lastly, make it about the ministry and NOT the music. Whatever your story, create set lists that will center around it. Make your own experience the centerpeice and people will respond. If it's just about a "show," then don't expect people to experience changed lives. If you're in it for any other reason besides the ministry and seeing changed lives, then the work it takes will soon become a chore and will only lead to diminishing returns.
Hi Eric, your words are so inspiring to me as a Singer/songwriter. I don't have any music to my songs yet but I know that will come. The songs that God has given to me to write are amazing, and for music ministry to be what God has called me to do, I am very excited about it. Thank you for your encouraging words of going after your calling or dream. May God continue to bless you at what you are called to do!!!
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