AMY TURNER

After two decades of travelling and performing across North America, The Lore Family is entering a season of change. Fayth Lore Whisnant, a founding member of the Portsmouth, Ohio-based southern gospel group, has announced that she and her husband Jake will be stepping away from full-time touring to take on new roles in local church ministry. Jake Whisnant will become Pastor of Student Ministries at Oxford Baptist Church in Conover, North Carolina, beginning in 2026.

The Lore Family’s story began in the tri-state region of Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia, where they started performing at small venues with backing tracks and CDs. Under the leadership of patriarch Darren Lore, who previously served as senior pastor at churches in Huntington, West Virginia, and Portsmouth, Ohio, the group expanded their reach significantly. Over the years, the family group, consisting of Darren, Sandy, Fayth, Jake, and Samuel, has performed in 21 U.S. states and Canada. They’ve graced notable stages including the National Quartet Convention, Dollywood, and Silver Dollar City, and have appeared on several gospel music television programs.

The Lore Family launched their recording career in 2009 with their debut single “An Absolutely Good Day.” They went on to record three albums at Daywind Studios in Nashville, Tennessee, with their most recent project produced by industry veteran Wayne Haun. The group’s music consistently charted in the top 20 of the Singing News Chart, and they received recognition as a top five Favorite New Mixed Group in the Singing News Fan Awards for two consecutive years. Their songs have aired regularly on EnLighten Radio on Sirius XM satellite radio.

In her announcement letter, Fayth Whisnant described the transition as both humbling and exciting. She noted that Oxford Baptist Church holds special significance for the family, The Lore Family performed there for the first time over 14 years ago and developed a close relationship with the congregation. “What a blessing it is to serve somewhere where we already feel like family!” Whisnant wrote. The couple, who have been married for four years and have two young children, Josiah and Sophia, will continue to use their musical gifts in their new ministry setting.

While this marks the end of an era for The Lore Family’s touring ministry, Whisnant emphasized that the lessons learned and connections made over 20 years will continue to shape her life and work in the years ahead.