Gaither's success

Hi Aaron, From your posts are you saying that any music that uses drums is rock music or am I reading too much into that statement? and if you are saying that, then please give me some scripture specifically dealing with that issue..Anyway, back to the Gaither Vocal Band and the original post..The Gaithers are an aweesome "GOspel Entertainment Group" they write and sing wonderful songs about Jesus but please do not confuse them with a "Ministry" You never ever hear them mentioning what God has done thru their ministry such as seeing Lives saved or Changed or to be honest what God is doing in their Lives...I have not heard them quote scripture at any time and can't remember actually seeing them sing in a "Church"..I have been to see them on a couple of occasions and have seen almost all of their videos, but have never felt the presence of God while seeing or meeting them...There still are some "Southern Gospel Ministries out there that are coming to small churches for a "love offering" to cover expenses and stepping out on faith.. and even though we do have drums in our sound trax, the Lord has worked thru our ministry this year to save 11 Souls!!! now that's what I call a payday! Sorry I rambled a little..

 

No. Bro. Adam said he remembers only piano or guitar.

However, most of the music written today uses drums to emphasize a rock beat, and the Gaither's use a rock beat.

That's all I said.

 

I'm a big fan of the GVB (mostly the "Wings" and "A Few Good Men Era") and I've seen them many times, several times in a Methodist chuch near New Hope, Pa, so they do play in churches.

I've also heard Bill Gaither quote scripture many times and I remember Michael English giving a moving testimony of how God was dealing with his panic attacks and drug abuse in which he quoted the Bible several times.

Then you sure weren't at the same shows we went to.

Mike

 

Aaron, I think we agree more often than you realize, but not this time.

I don't consider the GVB anywhere close to rock and roll.

They're MOR and, at one time in the mid-late eighties, they could have been considered Top 40, but not rock.

At one time in the early seventies, when folk music was being so widely accepted in rock circles, the Gaither Trio made great inroads with the rock fans in the Jesus movement because of their laid back folk songs, but even then, they weren't rock.

Bill Gaither, was the founder and, at one time, owner of Starsong Records, which featured most of the big Christian rock acts of the eighties and early ninties, though.

Mike

 

GIG --

You cannot measure another person's spiritual
worth by what you "feel" when you are around
them. There are plenty of others who feel His
presence when they are around them to negate
what you are saying. I am not a Gaither fan, but
I listen to them on the tube on occasion. I would
say you are being very judgmental and that you
are attacking a work that our God is using. So
they do not work for you; that gives you no right
to belittle or attack them.

 

I finally plunked down the nearly $60.00 and got two of their videos several years ago, with a mass choir of all the old Gospel artists. They sent audio cassettes for the vehicles at no extra charge.

And our daughter gave us one. We have "Landmark", "Precious Memories, and "Something Beautiful". There are dozens of songs on each along with tributes and testimonies.

We have grandchildren here and sometime all 200 channels have misbehaving, cussing, or evolution, so Papa says, 'Honey, put on the music.'

I have never heard a false doctrine, or a bad word on any of it and lot's of it is Scripture.

Jesus is exalted over and over. It is full of hope of heaven.

Jesus is the Rock of our Salvation and so 'Rock' is not a dirty word in our vocabulary, especially the unobtrusive gentle kind the Gaither's do that you say is rock.

In this world of toil and trouble, I thank the Lord for a happy beat now and then.

It makes me feel like getting up and singing along with them while I do the supper dishes!

Shalom

Alli

[ September 12, 2002, 04:09 PM: Message edited by: Alliswell ]

 

After I turned off the computer this afternoon, I put on the Gaither tape, 'Precious Memories'. There was not a semblance of a rock beat on that tape anywhere. The theme song was quiet acapella for the most part, very slow and very reverent.

Only the finale was done to a tape and it was the young man singing his recording of 'Thenk You For Giving To The Lord'.

The camera panned the gathering of gospel singers and most of them were unaware that they were being filmed because they were in deep prayer with tears.

Several of the old timers had gone to be with the Lord since the last taping and that song was giving them "Precious Memories" of their friends who had spent their lives giving us the Lord's music.

Our own Cynthia Clawson was in the group.

 

In many of the GVB recordings I have heard, drums are used extensively, and they stress counts 2 and 4.

That is a rock beat.

 

Aaron, believe what you want to believe, but don't try to force us to believe what you believe.

We all know that your convictions tell you that rock music is evil, but guess what?! Not all of us and our convictions tell us that rock music is evil.

God has given us free will, and with that free will the privelege of having our own convictions. The Gaither's are a godly group working for God and His glory. They give glory to God, and many lives have been touched through their music.

Leave it at that, will ya?

~Teresa~

 

"In many of the GVB recordings I have heard, drums are used extensively, and they stress counts 2 and 4.

That is a rock beat."

Sometimes Aaron I begin to wonder about you

So just out of curiousity which ones have you listen to that are rock and roll music? I would be sincerely interested in getting Gaithers opinion.

Bro. Adam

 

I would have to disagree with this. Each video is well-produced, lasts about 90 minutes with a bunch of songs and other content, and has between 100 and 200 artists that have joined in making it.
I am amazed they can do it as economically as they do, and I think the videos are a bargain.

Yes, probably more raw footage could be taped, but they spend about nine to twelve months after each taping doing a very professional and costly job of production. I have seen a number of videos of other groups. While often cheaper in price, they don't begin to compare.

The Gaithers are obviously producing a product that many people want, at a price they are willing to pay. For that matter, they don't keep raising the price.

As far as the Gaithers personally, they have never pretended to be Baptist. Several years ago, I toured their studio in Indiana. The tour guide was a young woman whose parents were witnessed to by the Gaithers years ago, and who then became Christians. The Gaithers still live in the same small town in Indiana in which they met as English and French teachers years ago.
As Mark Lowry said on a video, Bill Gaither has spent his life making others look good.
As Ben Speer has noted, Bill Gaither is NOT the world's best piano player.
But if you go to a concert as I have (I have been personally to five), it is obvious that God is using them and blessing them and that they are doing the right things with their blessings.

Karen

 

We will not discuss the pro's and con's of Gospel rock in this thread. Let's keep the discussion focused on the Gaithers: e.g., their success, their styles, their methods, etc.

There are numerous threads to resurrect the discussion of the evils (or virtues) of rock music. Please resurrect one of those or start a new one.

Your friendly co-moderator,
Aaron

[ September 15, 2002, 04:37 PM: Message edited by: Aaron ]

 

I'm not going to argue drums or anything else. I'm in the middle of jet lag and therefore awake in the middle of the night and reading forums I don't usually read.

Here are some of their songs (cut and pasted off Google)

A Hill Called Mt. Calvary - Written by: William J. Gaither, Gloria Gaither and Dale Oldham - © 1968

Abide In Me - Written by: William J. Gaither, Chris Christian and Gloria Gaither - © 1981

Because He Lives - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1971

Broken And Spilled Out - Written by: Bill George and Gloria Gaither - © 1984

Calm Assurance - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1975

Cancelled / Worthy - Written by: Gary Driskell and Gloria Gaither - © 1987

Dream On - Written by: William J. Gaither, David Huntsinger and Gloria Gaither - © 1984

Even So, Lord Jesus, Come - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1963

Every Eye Shall See - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1980

Feeling At Home In The Presence Of Jesus - Performed by: Gloria Gaither - Written by: William J. Gaither - © 1975

Fully Alive - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1983

Get All Excited - Written by: William J. Gaither - © 1972

Getting Used To Thy Family Of God - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1974

Glory In The Highest - Written by: William J. Gaither, Bill George, Billy Smiley and Gloria Gaither - © 1983

Go Ask - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1987

He Started The Whole World Singing - Written by: William J. Gaither, Chris Waters and Gloria Gaither - © 1982

He Touched Me - Written by: William J. Gaither - © 1963

He's Still The King Of Kings - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1971

Hurt By Hurt - Written by: William J. Gaither, J. D. Miller and Gloria Gaither - © 1987

I Am Loved - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1978

I Can See - Performed by: Gloria Gaither and David Meece - Written by: David Meece - © 1985

I Could Never Outlove The Lord - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1972

I Do Believe - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1980

I Just Feel Like Something Good Is About To Happen - Written by: William J. Gaither - © 1974

I Lost It All To Find Everything - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1976

I Will Praise Him - Written by: John W. Thompson and Gloria Gaither - © 1978

I Will Serve Thee - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1969

I Walked Today Where Jesus Walks - Written by: Greg Nelson and Gloria Gaither - © 1986

I Will Go On - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1979

I Wish You - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1977

In The Upper Room - Written by: William J. Gaither - © 1962

It's Beginning To Rain - Written by: William J. Gaither, Aaron Wilburn and Gloria Gaither - © 1979

I've Just Seen Jesus - Written by: William J. Gaither, Danny Daniels and Gloria Gaither - © 1984

Jesus Is Lord Of All - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1973

Jesus We Just Want To Thank You - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1974

Joy Comes In The Morning - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1974

Let Freedom Ring - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1982

Let's Just Praise The Lord - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1972

My Faith Still Holds - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1972

More Of You - Written by: William J. Gaither, Gary S. Paxton and Gloria Gaither - © 1977

Next Time We Meet - Written by: William J. Gaither, Chris Waters and Gloria Gaither - © 1983

Not By Might, Not By Power - Written by: William J. Gaither and Chris Christian - © 1981

Ordinary Baby - Written by: Dony McGuire and Gloria Gaither - © 1982

Peace Be Still (Gentle Shepherd) - Written by: William J. Gaither, J. D. Miller and Gloria Gaither - © 1987

Plenty Of Room In The Family - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1974

Praise Be To Jesus - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1976

Reaching - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1975

Redeeming Love - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1963

Resurrection - Written by: William J. Gaither, Michael W. Smith and Gloria Gaither - © 1982

Should The Harvest Never Come - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1984

Sinner Saved By Grace - Written by: William J. Gaither, Mitch Humphries and Gloria Gaither - © 1986

Some Things I Must Tell The Children - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1980

Something Beautiful - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1971

Something Worth Living For - Written by: William J. Gaither and Dale Oldham - © 1967

Tell Me - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1987

Thank God For The Promise Of Spring - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1973

That's What Jesus Means To Me - Written by: William J. Gaither - © 1970

That's Worth Everything - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1974

The Church Triumphant - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1973

The Family Of God - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1970

The King Is Coming - Written by: William J. Gaither, Gloria Gaither and Charles Milhuff - © 1970

The Longer I Serve Him - Written by: William J. Gaither - © 1965

The Old Rugged Cross Made The Difference - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1970

The Spirit Of Jesus Is In This Place - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1972

Then Came The Morning - Written by: William J. Gaither, Chris Christian and Gloria Gaither - © 1982

Then He Said "Sing" - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1985

There's Something About That Name - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1970

This Is The Time I Must Sing - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1975

Unshakable Kingdom - Written by: William J. Gaither, Michael W. Smith and Gloria Gaither - © 1985

Upon This Rock - Written by: Dony McGuire and Gloria Gaither - © 1983

We Are So Blessed - Written by: William J. Gaither, Greg Nelson and Gloria Gaither - © 1982

We Have This Moment, Today - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1975

Welcome Back Home (Reconciliation) - Written by: William J. Gaither, Richard Smallwood and Gloria Gaither - © 1987

We'll Be There - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1983

When God Seems So Near - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1966

Worthy The Lamb - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither - © 1974

Yet I Will Praise Him - Written by: William J. Gaither, Billy Smiley and Gloria Gaither - © 1983

Come, Holy Spirit - Written by: William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither



Anyone who knows even half these songs can see they write in a variety of styles. Some may be akin to rock. Others are in the style of the magnificent old hymns. Some are more like personal testimonies.

"Hurt by Hurt" was one that literally ministered to me through some nightmare years. I have had tears in my eyes understanding "Some Things I Must Tell the Children". Driving long distances has turned the drive into a time of praise and thanksgiving with some of their other music.

And I am NOT a country and western fan at ALL nor do I like the modern penchant for rock in Christian music.

And
Something Beautiful
Something good
All my confusion
He understood
All I had to offer Him
Was lonliness and strife.
But He made something
beautiful
Of my life.

Oh that song has meant a lot to me.

I thank God for the Gaithers and their faithful testimony through the years. I have no idea what they are doing with their money, but I pray God has given them the grace to use it in the same way He gave them the grace to use the talents He gave them in music. With the values they have, I think that I would prefer to see them rich than a lot of other people I know!

[ September 17, 2002, 09:26 AM: Message edited by: Aaron ]

 

I agree totally with you Helen. The three songs that I left were the ones that have meant quite a bit to me over these past few years.

He Touched Me is by far my favorite song. And it has such a beautiful accompany music to it, too!

Let Freedom Ring is such a great patriotic song with the purpose of living put in the middle of the song.

The Old Rugged Cross Made the Difference is such a great testimony!

And We Have This Moment Today is my favorite to sit at the piano and play the song and sing right along. It's actually one of the songs I'm considering singing at my wedding! It has such a powerful message!

The Gaither's are always working on something new and helping younger musicians find their place in the music part of the world! And I do thank God for allowing me to attend their concerts because it has been at some of those concerts that God has started a revival in me because seeing tons of Christian artists praising God and SMILING and having fun has just been a testimony to me!

And the statement about rather having the Gaither's rich; I said that to someone not too long ago.

May God continue to bless the Gaithers and those that have the privelege of coming in contact with them!

In Christ's gracious love,
Teresa

[ September 16, 2002, 01:03 PM: Message edited by: baptistforever ]

 

I couldn't have said it better myslef, Scarlett! Thank you for your input!

~Teresa~