The story behind Legacy Five’s Bigger on the Inside

JEFF TURNER

Gospel music often captures the beauty of worship and the power of faith. One such song is Legacy Five’s poignant track inspired by the idea that worship spaces, no matter how small, can hold infinite significance. Lee Black of Legacy Five spoke with Texas Gospel about the song offering a glimpse into the creative process and spiritual truths behind it.

Lee Black (Courtesy https://legacyfive.com/)

The inspiration for the song came from a story shared by Scott Fowler, another member of Legacy Five. Black recounted, “Scott told us this story on the bus one morning of a church in the early days of Legacy Five where they were scheduled to sing… he said they pulled up and the bus was literally bigger than the church building. I think the pastor saw the shocked looks on their faces as they got off the bus and said, ‘Don’t worry. It’s bigger on the inside.’” This phrase, simple yet profound, sparked Black’s creativity. “It really is amazing to me that our infinite God allows himself to come into our little worship spaces… even the smallest country church. So that’s where that song came from,” he explained.

Provided to YouTube by StowTown Records Bigger on the Inside · Legacy Five 25 ℗ 2024 StowTown Records

The song’s bridge is closely tied to scripture, specifically Matthew 18:20, which says, “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them.” Black reflected on the connection, saying, “Again, I’m just struck by how small we are and how BIG the God we worship is. And, yet, somehow… when we gather in our tiny worship spaces, He is there!” This biblical truth serves as the foundation of the song’s message, reinforcing the idea that the presence of God transcends physical dimensions.

When discussing his songwriting process, Black revealed the meticulous attention he pays to moments of inspiration. “In the notes section of my phone, I keep a running list of possible song titles… those moments that move me that I feel could be turned into songs,” he shared. The phrase “Don’t worry. It’s bigger on the inside” was one such moment that lingered with him. Upon returning home from the road, he quickly began crafting the song, using vivid descriptions to bring the church in the story to life. “I just started describing ‘that’ church – where it was, what it looked like, etc. I even used some actual street names from my little hometown,” he said. Despite initially believing it might not suit Legacy Five, the song found its way into the group’s repertoire and became a cherished piece for both the artists and their audience.

Legacy Five in Branson, Missouri October 2024 (Courtesy Facebook)

The song’s core message underscores the importance of the heart in worship, rather than the grandeur of the location. “The ‘place’ is so much less important than the ‘heart’ of those who gather to worship,” Black emphasized. “We can be in the grandest cathedral or the tiniest backwoods church – if we come with hearts ready to worship the Lord, He will let Himself be found!” This is a theme that gives listeners a personal connection to the song. “I’ve been amazed at the folks who’ve come by the record table saying, ‘That’s my church!’” Black noted. “Even if you’ve moved on to another church, even if ‘that’ church no longer stands… you still hold sweet memories of the place where you met Jesus for the first time.”

In the larger context of Legacy Five’s ministry, the song aligns with their commitment to sharing biblical truths and encouraging communal worship. Black highlighted the importance of gathering as believers, saying, “I hope people would take away the truth of Matthew 18:20 – that when we gather in the name of Jesus, He is there. And it’s SO important for believers to gather together as His Church.” He further stressed that the physical setting is secondary to fulfilling the mission of worship and discipleship.

Through this song, Legacy Five reminds Gospel music fans that worship is not confined by walls or measured by size. It is the sincerity of the heart and the unity of believers that create a sacred space where God dwells.

Steve Ladd’s Message of Love Through Music

TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

Gospel singer Steve Ladd has felt a calling to ministry since he was a child. Growing up in Ohio as the son of an evangelist, his life was deeply influenced by faith and service. Now, as an accomplished musician, Ladd continues to share his message of love and compassion through his music.

In his latest song, Everyday Saints, Ladd reflects on the unsung heroes in our lives. He describes the song as a tribute to those who selflessly serve others without hesitation.

“Everyday Saints is an uplifting song that just shines a spotlight on the people in our lives and our communities and our churches,” Ladd explains. “Anytime help is asked, anytime help is needed, they’re the first ones to show up, the first ones, and a lot of times the only ones that show up time after time.”

Ladd’s words capture the heart of his message. He believes these “everyday saints” live their lives with a clear purpose, answering the question, What would Jesus do? “That’s exactly what He calls us to do,” Ladd continues, “to serve people, to love people, to share His love with people.”

Through his song, Ladd emphasizes that sharing love often means giving of oneself. “A lot of times, that’s the only way we can share His love—by giving of ourselves, of our time, and helping people. Because that’s exactly what Jesus would do,” he says.

With his heartfelt message, Ladd hopes to inspire others to follow the example of these everyday heroes.

New Arrival Brings Double Celebration for Nelon Family

TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

Autumn Nelon Streetman and her husband Jamie are celebrating the arrival of their son, Rhett James Streetman, born on Sunday, 1 December. Rhett made his entrance at 7:55 p.m., weighing a healthy 7 pounds, 9 ounces.

The day held even more significance as it also marked the birthday of Autumn’s mother, Kelly Nelon Clark, adding a special layer of joy to the occasion.

Speaking about her hopes and dreams for Rhett, Autumn shared, “You know, my mom was such a good mom, and so I’m gonna try to do everything that she’s taught me. But seeing him get here, seeing who he looks like, who he favours—his first steps, the first foods he eats, reading to him at night, singing lullabies to him—all the things.”

Both mother and baby are doing well, with dad Jamie equally thrilled about their new family addition.

Our heartfelt congratulations to Autumn and Jamie on their bundle of joy!

The Guardians Quartet Releases New Christmas Album with a Heartwarming Duet

JEFF TURNER

Paul Lancaster, tenor of The Guardians Quartet, is excited about the release of their new holiday album, Christmas With The Guardians. Among the standout moments on the record is a duet that holds special meaning for him personally.

Speaking about the track, Lancaster shared his enthusiasm for the song Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. The duet features his son, and the close similarity in their voices has drawn attention. “People tell me that the DNA sounds so similar on this thing that it’s hard to tell which one of us is which,” Lancaster said.

The song carries emotional significance for Lancaster, as it serves as a tribute to his late wife. “She would be thrilled to death with this,” he reflected. “She didn’t get excited about much—maybe a good sale at Macy’s—but her kids, right, and her kids.”

The album, released under the Daywind music label, includes a mix of classic and original Christmas songs. The full track list features:

  • Do You Hear What I Hear?
  • I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
  • Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
  • Go Tell It on the Mountain
  • O Holy Night
  • Sweet Kentucky Christmas
  • If It’s Christmas

Fans of The Guardians Quartet can expect a blend of traditional Christmas spirit and heartfelt moments on this new release.

Exploring the Story Behind You’ll Find Him There with Ernie Haas

JEFF TURNER

In a recent interview with Texas Gospel, Ernie Haas shared about his musical journey and his song You’ll Find Him There. The single is featured on the Ernie Haas and Signature Sound project Live in Memphis. Originally written in 2016 for the Clear Skies project, the song was created by Haas, Joel Lindsay, and Wayne Hahn. Despite being part of a successful album, it did not receive much focus at the time. Haas explained that the new recording allowed the song to fit better within its spiritual context, reflecting the heritage of Southern Gospel music.

(Link provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises)

Haas mentioned that many industry professionals thought the song must have come from one of the old-time Gospel groups. “A lot of the industry people are reaching out to us saying, where’d you find that song? Thinking that maybe I had it on an old cathedrals or statesman recording, and I’m and I was happy to smile and say, you know, the Lord gave us that song, and I’m glad that you like it!”

He appreciates the positive response and enjoys sharing that it is an original song. He added that some listeners prefer old songs and often request new music with a timeless quality. He finds it rewarding to see You’ll Find Him There achieving that goal.

The song is inspired by a well-known Old Testament passage where Elijah hears God’s voice as a still, small sound rather than in dramatic natural events. Haas said this story guided the message of the song, which encourages listeners to pause and listen for God amid life’s chaos.

(Photo Erniehaase.com)

“God is a gentleman,” Haas noted. “He’ll never scream at you. Love is always calling in a whisper, and you have to be still to hear it.”

Haas also discussed the songwriting process. He finds joy in collaborating with trusted colleagues like Lindsay and Hahn. For him, the process of creating something new with supportive partners is meaningful. After completing a song, he often shares it with his wife, Lisa, whose feedback helps him gauge how it might connect with a broader audience. He values her honest and constructive input.

Haas noted that life’s distractions and overwhelming noise can make it hard for people to hear God. He compared this to biblical accounts where Peter lost focus during a storm, looking at the waves instead of Christ. The song’s message is about finding peace in God’s presence, even during difficult times. Haas believes that challenges help people grow spiritually, focusing on Christ rather than personal comfort.

Haas concluded by emphasising that the goal of the song is to help listeners connect with Christ. He described the result of faith as a personal relationship with God, where both the believer and God are content together. “I need help. And the end result is Christ Himself, our hope, our glory. The end result isn’t what we think we need in life. We are very needy people, but the end result is Christ Himself, the still small voice, love himself, looking at us and us looking at him, and together, we are happy.”

You’ll Find Him There aims to encourage reflection and faith in a world filled with distractions.