Author: Texas Gospel

Jon Epley to Depart Greater Vision After Nearly Eight Years

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

After serving as the baritone vocalist for Greater Vision since April 2017, Jon Epley has announced his decision to leave Greater Vision. The announcement follows weeks of prayer and discussions as Epley sought clarity on his future path.

Gerald Wolfe, the founder of Greater Vision, expressed his full support for Epley’s decision. “Rodney Griffin, Chris Allman, and I fully support Jon’s decision, and we join him in believing God has a great plan for his life in the days and years ahead,” Wolfe stated. He went on to describe Epley as “like family” to the group and expressed confidence that Epley’s diverse talents would lead to new opportunities.

Epley will continue touring with Greater Vision until the end of February 2025. Meanwhile, Wolfe and his fellow members—Rodney Griffin and Chris Allman—will begin searching for a new baritone to join the group. Wolfe emphasized their belief that God is already preparing the right person for this role and requested prayers for guidance during this transitional period.

Epley’s tenure with Greater Vision has been marked by great vocals and songwriting. His work has added depth to the group’s music, which is known for its rich harmonies and spiritually uplifting messages. As he prepares to step away from this chapter of his career, Epley leaves behind a legacy of dedication and artistry within one of Southern Gospel’s most celebrated groups.

A Journey of Faith: Paul Lancaster Journey to The Guardians Quartet

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Life’s unexpected turns led tenor singer Paul Lancaster to join The Guardians Quartet, though the path was marked by both profound loss and divine timing.

Lancaster faced one of life’s most challenging seasons in early 2021 when his wife Michelle passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer. As a newly single parent to three sons, including a 15-year-old who couldn’t yet drive, Lancaster knew his place needed to be at home.

Paul Lancaster courtesy guardiansquartet.com

“I was just kind of an emotional mess,” Lancaster shares. “I had to come home and actually go through the process of falling apart for a while and yet try to be there for my son.”

Through what Lancaster describes as “God’s healing,” he and his family gradually moved forward. His youngest son achieved an important milestone by getting his driver’s licence, marking a step toward greater independence for both father and son.

Just as 2022 was drawing to a close, an unexpected opportunity arose. The Guardians Quartet reached out to Lancaster about joining their group, following founding member Dean Hickman’s departure due to health issues.

“God just threw it in my lap,” Lancaster recalls. “The Guardians called and said, would I like the job. And I’m like, yes, had me at Hello, you know, I love Pat Barker and John Rousey and Scott. And it’s an incredible team and a dream.”

While Lancaster had originally envisioned a different path for his musical career, he sees divine intervention in how events unfolded. “Even though I thought I was going to retire with a book, brothers, that was my original plan. God had other plans and I love it here,” he reflects.
His story stands as a testament to how life’s most difficult chapters can lead to unexpected new beginnings.

Paul is featured in The Guardian’s new song Kick Up My Heels which was added to our music rotation this week on Texas Gospel Canada’s Southern Gospel Stream.

Ernie Haase on Faith, Passion, and Authenticity in Gospel Music

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

For decades, Ernie Haase has been a familiar name in Gospel music. As tenor of Earnie Haase and Signature Sound and founder of StowTown Records, Haase has dedicated his life to sharing his faith through song. In a recent interview, he shared his thoughts on why he does what he does, the best advice he has ever received, and how he stays true to himself.

When asked about his motivation for singing Gospel music, Haase emphasized the importance of purpose. “Why I do what I do is because people need the gospel. They need to know that there is more to life than just living and dying and just trying to make it through another day another night,” he said. For Haase, music is more than entertainment—it is a way to share the message of faith and hope with others.

The wisdom passed down to Haase by his grandfather has also played a significant role in his journey. “Find something you love and you have passion for, and whatever you do in life, if you do that, you probably will never consider yourself working,” he recalled. This advice has shaped his career, helping him stay dedicated despite the challenges that come with life on the road. The love and passion for Gospel music have been his driving force, making the work feel less like a job and more like a calling.

Authenticity is another key aspect of Haase’s life and career. He believes that staying true to oneself requires reflection and prayer. “When you humble yourself and you kneel before the Lord, and you don’t come to him with any request as far as blessings, you come to him just as a servant, and you are totally transparent before him,” he explained. According to Haase, this kind of humility allows one to see what is truly aligned with faith and purpose.

When asked what three words he would share with a large audience, Haase’s answer was simple yet profound: “God is love.” He acknowledged that while this message may seem familiar, its true meaning is powerful. “When you feel the divine smile of God’s love on you, all earthly frowns are inconsequential,” he said.

Through his music and message, Ernie Haase continues to inspire Gospel music lovers. His dedication to faith, passion, and authenticity serves as a reminder that music can be a powerful tool for sharing hope and love with the world

Texas Gospel Canada Top 30 – February 2025

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DAVID INGRAM

Welcome to the Texas Gospel Canada Top 30 Songs of February 2025! This list is meticulously compiled based on the actual number of plays each song received in the previous month (January.) The Texas Gospel Top 30 is proudly submitted to top Southern Gospel publications including The Singing News and SGNScoops.

1 On The King’s Shoulders – Steeles – StowTown/Provident-Sony
2 Grateful For The Gospel – Brian Free & Assurance – Daywind/New Day
3 When It’s Gone For Good – Gold City – New Haven/Provident-Sony
4 Keep Turning Your Eyes On Jesus – Booth Brothers – StowTown/Provident-Sony
5 Big Ole Stone (Victory) – Triumphant Quartet – StowTown/Provident-Sony
6 More Than You Know – Tim Livingston – Diamond Mill Music
7 The Good, Bad And The Ugly – Justified Quartet – Big Picture Records/New Day
8 What Are You Waiting For – Tim Menzies (with The Isaacs) – ARS/New Day
9 You’ll Find Him There – Ernie Haase & Signature Sound – StowTown/Provident-Sony
10 Glory Up Ahead – Hoppers – Gaither Music/Capitol Christian
11 Come On Let’s Go To That Land – Tribute Quartet – Daywind/New Day
12 No One Greater – Browns – StowTown/Provident-Sony
13 Jesus Walked In – Joseph Habedank – Daywind/New Day
14 Bigger On The Inside – Legacy Five – StowTown/Provident-Sony
15 Rock Bottom – 11th Hour – Sonlite/Crossroads
16 I Left It In The Water – Southbound – Daywind/New Day
17 Everything Good – Zane & Donna King – StowTown/Provident-Sony
18 Thank You Jesus For The Blood – Lauren Talley – Horizon/Crossroads
19 By Grace – Lore Family – Horizon/Crossroads
20 We Still Believe – Hyssongs – ARS/New Day
21 I Just Stopped By On My Way Home – Kingsmen – Horizon/Crossroads
22 I’d Rather Hear Preachin’ – Greater Vision – Daywind/New Day
23 Things We Cannot Change – LeFevre Quartet – New Day Records/New Day
24 My Name’s Already There – Inspirations – Horizon/Crossroads
25 If Not For Christ – Whisnants – Independent
26 Jesus 1 Death 0 – TrueSong – Daywind/New Day
27 Dear Lord – Darin & Brooke Aldridge – Billy Blue Records/New Day
28 Can He, Could He, Would He – Mark Trammell Quartet – Crimson Road
29 When The Saints Begin To Pray – Heart 2 Heart – Independent
30 Count For Something – Jay Stone Singers – ARS/New Day

Finding Freedom from Shame through Faith

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Shame can be emotionally and spiritually crippling, distorting one’s self-perception and beliefs about God, potentially leading to self-condemnation and a sense of permanent probation. Acknowledging the presence of sin is essential in addressing shame.

Instead of focusing on the faults of others, we should look inward, recognize the need for mercy and grace, and drop the metaphorical stones.

1 John 1:9 tells us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”.

The message of release from condemnation offers hope and transformation through faith in Jesus. It does not excuse sin but calls for repentance and a changed life empowered by the Spirit of God.