Tag: Southern Gospel Radio

The Lore Family Marks Two Decades of Ministry with New Album

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JEFF TURNER

What began as a humble family singing ministry in a small Southern Ohio congregation has evolved into a two-decade journey for The Lore Family, who released their fourth Horizon Records album “Faith Over Fear” on November 15.

The collection marks the group’s tenth overall project, a milestone that lead vocalist Darren Lore reflects on with gratitude. “Those first few years of recording, singing and ministry went by so quickly,” he says, recalling how his children Fayth and Samuel grew up performing alongside him and his wife Sandy on various stages.

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Today, The Lore Family consists of Darren and Sandy Lore, their daughter Fayth, and her husband Jake Whisnant. Based in Portsmouth, Ohio, the quartet has expanded far beyond their initial tri-state regional circuit of Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia to perform across the United States.

Their latest album showcases the group’s musical versatility while maintaining their Christ-centered message. The project features four singles released throughout 2024, opening with “God Said You’re Gonna Make It,” a decades-old favorite performed as a duet by Darren and Sandy Lore. The collection moves through various musical territories, from Fayth Lore Whisnant’s soulful ballad “By Grace” to Jake Whisnant’s bluegrass-influenced rendering of the title track.

The album’s scope extends to orchestral arrangements on tracks like “There Was A Day When” and “I Wish They Could See Me Now,” while Sandy Lore delivers an energetic performance on the rhythmic “Shaking Off The Dust,” slated to be the next focus track. Darren Lore’s songwriting features prominently, contributing half of the album’s material.

The group’s evolution has earned them appearances on prominent stages including the National Quartet Convention, Dollywood, and Silver Dollar City. Their radio releases consistently rank in the Singing News Chart’s top 20 and receive regular airplay on Sirius XM’s enLighten channel. For two consecutive years, fans voted them among the top 5 Favorite New Mixed Groups in the Singing News Fan Awards.

Despite these accolades, Darren Lore maintains that the group’s focus remains on ministry rather than achievements. “Change is inevitable in every life and ministry—but God has remained faithful and true,” he reflects. “We pray that this project outlives us. Each song has a specific message that will stand the test of time.”

The Lore Family’s “Faith Over Fear” is available now on all major music platforms.

Understanding the Message of ‘Dear Lord’ by Darin & Brook Aldridge

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WILLIAM DESJARDINS

Darin & Brooke Aldridge’s song “Dear Lord” has reached #4 on The Singing News Bluegrass Chart for November. The song’s lyrics echol the message of 2 Corinthians 12:9, where the apostle Paul writes about his “thorn in the flesh” and God’s response: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

“It’s kind of just a prayer almost,” says Darin Aldridge about the song. “It’s just talking and coming and humbly asking the Lord for His help and guidance, like we always do.” He explains that each verse continues this prayer format.

Brooke Aldridge explains the song’s main message. “God will bring you out of anything that you’re ever going through,” she said. She adds that the song reminds listeners to include God in their daily activities.

“We all go through those times and really should hit our knees more every day,” she says.

The song’s connection to Paul’s biblical account is clear. While Paul’s prayers for relief weren’t answered as he hoped, the text suggests his thorn in the flesh served a purpose. Similarly, the Aldridges’ song discusses how faith can help during difficult times.

“This song definitely speaks to people,” Brooke notes, pointing to its message about God’s help during challenges.

The Power of Spirit-Led Prayer: Lessons from John Knox

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JEFF TURNER

John Knox was a famous Scottish reformer in the 16th century. He was deeply concerned for the spiritual state of his country. Knox prayed with great intensity, crying out, “Give me Scotland, or I die!” It is said this passionate prayer was driven by the Holy Spirit working through him.

Romans 8:26 tells us, “Now in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with [a]groanings too deep for words” NASB. This speaks of the Holy Spirit’s role in helping us pray, even when we may not know what to pray for.

When the Spirit takes over our prayers, something extraordinary happens. Our prayers are no longer limited to our own perspective or goals. Instead, they align with the will and purposes of God. In these moments, we become co-laborers with the divine, our finite lives elevated to participate in God’s boundless creativity and redemptive work.

Knox’s Spirit-led prayers were not in vain. His travail was rewarded with a profound spiritual awakening that transformed the nation of Scotland. Knox’s life showed that when we yield ourselves fully to the leading of the Holy Spirit in prayer, our impact can extend far beyond what we could ever accomplish alone.

Such Spirit-led prayers know no boundaries. They can leap across oceans, speed through deserts, and penetrate the darkest corners of the world with the healing power of the gospel. This is the essence of “praying in the Spirit” – allowing the divine Intercessor to work through us, empowering our words with supernatural potency.

When we surrender our own agendas and let the Holy Spirit guide our petitions, we become conduits of God’s will.

Jesus Himself prayed, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.”

The Kingdom Heirs’ Chris Bryant Finds Perfect Harmony Between Career and Family Life

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JEFF TURNER

For Chris Bryant, lead singer of The Kingdom Heirs, the sweet sounds of Southern Gospel have always been part of his DNA. Growing up in a pastor’s home and watching his grandparents traverse the country sharing their musical ministry, Bryant seemed destined to follow in their footsteps. However, he’s found a unique way to blend his passion for Gospel music with something equally precious – time with his family.

As the frontman for Dollywood’s resident Gospel group, Bryant has achieved what many traveling musicians only dream of: a stable performance schedule that allows him to return home every night to his wife Rachel and their new baby.

“This is the best of both worlds,” Bryant says, reflecting on his current role with The Kingdom Heirs, a group that has been Dollywood’s house Gospel band since 1986. The journey to this sweet spot in his career wasn’t immediate. Bryant previously toured with the Kingsmen quartet, experiencing the demanding schedule typical of traveling Gospel groups.

“I remember traveling with the Kingsmen quartet. They’re a great group, great group of guys, but we were home three to four weekends a year. That was it,” Bryant recalls. The grueling schedule of a touring musician is a familiar story in the Gospel music industry, where performers often sacrifice time with loved ones to share their ministry across the country.

The Kingdom Heirs’ story begins in 1971, the group started like many others, performing in local churches and concert halls. Their breakthrough came in 1982 when they began performing at what was then Silver Dollar City theme park, now known as Dollywood. Four years later, they secured their position as the park’s official Gospel ensemble.

For Bryant, joining The Kingdom Heirs represented more than just a prestigious position with a legendary group – it offered a chance to maintain his musical ministry while preserving precious family moments. After leaving the road life behind, he briefly ventured into solo performances, which allowed more schedule flexibility. But when the opportunity to join The Kingdom Heirs presented itself, the decision was clear.

“When this was available, there was no brainer for me,” Bryant explains. “If you wanna sing and you love to sing, you love this music, this is a chance to get to do it, but still have a family life, still get to have other things that are important to you. And honestly, I don’t know how anyone would ever walk away from this job.”

In an industry where time on the road often means sacrificing family life, Bryant’s story represents a modern evolution in Gospel music careers. His position with The Kingdom Heirs at Dollywood proves that sometimes the best path forward isn’t always found on the open road, but rather in finding that perfect harmony between passion and presence at home.

High Road’s Sarah Davidson Welcomes Baby After Five-Week Hospital Stay

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JEFF TURNER

Sarah Davidson, member of the beloved gospel group High Road, has welcomed her daughter into the world after spending five challenging weeks in the hospital. Ruth Ann Randolph arrived on Thursday evening, November 14th, weighing 5 pounds, 5 ounces.

During her hospital stay, Davidson remained optimistic despite the difficulties of extended medical care. “It’s been so hard to be cooped up in this place, but I know it’s the right place that I need to be,” she shared.

Sarah expressed deep gratitude for the community’s support throughout her journey, noting the significance of prayers offered for her and her baby.

While medical staff had hoped to delay the baby’s arrival, little Ruth Ann had different plans. The successful delivery marks the end of Davidson’s five-week hospital stay and the beginning of her journey into motherhood.