The Old Time Preachers Quartet, based in Nashville, Tennessee, has announced their retirement after a decade-long run. The group, founded in 2016, will conclude with a final performance in 2026.
Les Butler, owner of the quartet, stated that the group’s mission was to combine preaching and singing in the traditional style.
“God had a plan and a time,” Butler said. “We have tried our best to execute on that plan.”
The decision to retire comes as two members of the group, Tim Owens and Lee McNeill, have taken on pastoral roles, making Sunday travel unfeasible. Adam Borden, another member, is now engaged in full-time evangelism with a busy schedule. Butler himself cited the growing success of his other ventures, including Butler Music Group, Family Music Group, and REAL Southern Gospel Radio, as factors in the decision. He emphasized the broader reach and impact of these ministries compared to the quartet’s travels.
Reflecting on the group’s legacy, Butler expressed gratitude to all past and present members, including Mike Holcomb, Jeremy Ballinger, Bob Sellers, and Isaac Moore. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by their families and thanked the pastors and promoters who supported their ministry.
The Old Time Preachers Quartet will honour most of their scheduled performances for 2025 and early 2026. Their final dates include appearances at the Spring Jubilee in Ringgold, Georgia, and Hullender Farms in Apison, Tennessee, in 2025, with their last scheduled performance at Teays Valley Baptist Church in West Virginia in January 2026.
Fans can continue to purchase the group’s CDs and USBs through their website after the retirement.
Southern gospel trio Paid In Full has unveiled the trio’s latest studio album, “Louder,” in collaboration with StowTown Records. The release marks the group’s second project with the label, following their 30th anniversary digital release in 2021.
Distributed exclusively by Provident/Sony, Louder is available on all digital platforms worldwide.
The album, produced by 41-time Dove Award winner Wayne Haun, features six tracks written by renowned industry songwriters. Standout songs include “I Can’t Do It By Myself,” which explores themes of grace and mercy, and the title track “Love Is Louder,” described by group member Jeff Crews as an upbeat melody with a message of God’s faithfulness.
Lance Moore, the group’s lead vocalist, co-wrote “Better With A Friend,” a country-flavoured track emphasizing unity and companionship. Moore states, “Life is filled with uncertainty, but God is always faithful, and He is the greatest Friend we will ever have.”
Paid In Full, formed in 1991, has built a reputation for delivering polished performances both on and off stage. Early in their career, they caught the attention of gospel legend Jake Hess, who mentored the group and appeared on their 1998 recording.
Provided to YouTube by StowTown Records I Can’t Do This By Myself · Paid In Full Louder ℗ 2024 StowTown Records Released on: 2024-12-13
StowTown Records President and CEO Landon Beene expressed enthusiasm for the project, praising the trio’s work ethic and musical quality. The album is available on all digital platforms worldwide, distributed by Provident/Sony.
Paid In Full, consisting of Bradley Littlejohn, Jeff Crews, and Lance Moore, began their professional ministry while in high school. They have since performed alongside notable gospel acts such as The Gaither Vocal Band and The Cathedrals. The group continues to focus on sharing their faith through music in various venues across the country.
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.
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.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is far more than words; it is the power of God and the wisdom of God to those who are called and saved (1 Corinthians 1:24). This truth is not just intellectual but deeply experiential. If you have been called by God, you know it in your heart. There are times of doubt when faith may waver, yet the believer ultimately finds assurance in Christ’s grasp, not in their hold on Him.
The Gospel transforms lives with undeniable power. Like a mighty hand, it frees us from the bondage of sin and brings us into the liberty of Christ. It is this power that compels missionaries to leave all they know, ministers to risk their lives for the sick, and ordinary believers to show extraordinary courage and love in the face of trials. The cross of Christ fuels their strength and devotion.
Consider the steadfastness of martyrs who, even in the flames, declare, “I know that my Redeemer lives.” Or the serene faith of a dying believer who whispers hymns of trust in Christ. What sustains them in such moments? It is the Gospel—the power of God unto salvation.
Yet the Gospel is not only powerful but wise. It is a divine plan where justice and mercy meet, revealing mysteries that surpass human understanding. For the believer, it becomes the foundation for all learning and wisdom. When Christ is at the center, everything else finds its rightful place.
Let us examine our hearts: do we belong to those who reject Christ, calling His message foolishness? Or are we among the called, who know and experience the Gospel’s power and wisdom?
The Gospel, though often rejected, holds a triumphant power that cannot be stopped. As the Scriptures declare, “Unto us who are called, both Jews and Greeks, it is the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24). Though many mock and dismiss it, God’s Word never fails. His promise stands firm: “My word shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please” (Isaiah 55:11).
Christ’s sacrifice will never be in vain. If some reject the Gospel, others will embrace it. Heaven will not be lessened by opposition or unbelief. For every soul that resists, there are others who are called and saved. This calling is not by human effort but by the work of God Himself.
The call of God is twofold. There is a general call, like a bell summoning everyone, and a special, personal call, meant only for His children. The general call goes out to all, but the special call is irresistible and effectual. When Jesus calls a person by name, as He did Mary and Zaccheus, the response is immediate and life-changing.
This special call breaks the hardest hearts and draws sinners to Christ. It is the power of God at work, transforming lives in ways no human persuasion could achieve. Have you heard His call? If so, it is His grace working in you, drawing you to salvation, and ensuring that His triumph is complete.
Texas Gospel Canada Southern Gospel Radio 