Special Message From Phillip Carter

 Hello Everyone, 

The Phillip Carter Blog has moved to www.phillipcartermusic.com. See you soon and thanks for your support.

Changing The Location Of the Phillip Carter Blog

 Hello Everyone, 

Thank you for sticking with this blog.. I am moving the location of my blog to www.buygospel.com. That allows me to do everything in one place and be more consistent. Please check it out and I hope to be more interactive with you VERY SOON. Take care.

What Matters To God

There is unequivocally no doubt what matters to God. "All lives matter" to God. The problems lies with His people. God's message of "who matters" was hijacked centuries ago. For centuries the only lives that mattered, in mainstream society and in the white church, were white lives and it continues today. If we want to return to Gods definition of "Who Matters" then those who perpetuate the lie must confess, repent and work for the change so that all lives will matter. God is NOT against "Black Lives Matter" because it is NOT a lie. It is an undeniable Christian truth within a larger truth that WE ARE ALL GODS CHILDREN.

Big Companies, Black Economy, What To Do Next.

I see a lot of big companies emailing consumers with positive messages calling for an end to racism and supporting the slogan "Black Lives Matter." This should be an awakening sign to ALL black people that we are VERY important to the economy of America. This is such a critical time to shape our agenda and demand what we want starting with our local governments all the way to the White House.

1.We must pay close attention to who actually supports the changing of laws that support brutality and systemic racism.

2.We must be willing to turn away from those who show their true colors.

3.We must be willing to support our own even if our own is not quite at the level of their Caucasian counterparts. After all we helped them reach that level that they are currently at.

4. We must be willing and knowledgeable enough to reeducate our children and STOP relying on public education to do so. Some of us are still celebrating Columbus Day and the 4th of July and we are ignorant to Juneteenth.

This is just a start but we the engines are already revving up

Brand New Song From Phillip Carter (Dedicated To The World In Crisis)

Good Day Everyone, 

I was inspired to redo and release a song I had written 20 years ago entitled "I Shall Survive" featuring Ana Gibson. It's dedicated to the victims, families and people around the globe who are experiencing this hardship during the pandemic. This song is also available as a FREE download on www.buygospel.com. All of us are affected one way or another by this pandemic. I hope this song blesses you. May the Lord continue to grant you His protection as we survive together. 

To commemorate the release we also have "I Shall Survive" T-Shirts for sale on the website.

Our Herbal Journey- (This is not medical advice)

Over 10 years ago my wife and I made a decision to use herbs and alternative medicines as our main course of action to treat ourselves and our children. While this road is a complete re-education of EVERYTHING, it has been a wonderful journey. I even considered going back to school to learn more about the human body. I can truly say that God has been with us in this journey. We go to doctors like everyone else but we choose to use herbal remedies before we take conventional medicines. I have many stories of healing and wellness to share regarding herbs.

When my mother became ill, I knew that the doctors were going to one day say the magic words "There is nothing more we can do for her." Those words were comforting to me because I knew those medicines were not working and now I could go full throttle with alternative care. She is doing well. She has ups and downs but I truly believe God has blessed her and the herbs help to sustain her through this difficult stage of Alzheimer's. My father has since become a believer as well and has adopted some herbal practices.

Herbs do not cure anything but they do support the body in it's natural healing and functioning process in some powerful ways. Herbs are not just used as medicine but also for daily living. Herbs are also used in conventional medicines as well. There is strong biblical precedent for using herbs. Herbs have been used for 1000's of years to support and aid humanity. If you wish to learn more about herbs, you will embark on a never ending fun journey of knowledge.

The Bring Back The Choir New Music Forum- Why You Should Come

In starting the process of another recording, I realize how many great songs I am considering just from our bi-annual Bring Back The Choir New Music Form. We've had some great songs presented in the last three years. You should consider joining us this time around. It takes place on Saturday, April 25, 2020 from 10AM to 2PM. You will receive 15 great songs at this forum ranging from Hymn arrangements to contemporary Gospel. 

Here are 5 reasons that you should consider the Bring Back The Choir New Music Forum

*You're serve a musically diverse congregation and are in a constant search for various styles of Christian music.

*You're a songwriter and you want to expose your music to a group of singers, musicians and choir directors who are looking to sing your songs at their carious churches.

*You're trying to connect with musical friends from different churches.
*You want to involve your music department in an environment that promotes choral reading.
*You do not attend national conventions and this could serve as a great way for you to still be involved with singers, songwriters and choir directors on a local and national level.

Register Today at www.bringbackthechoir.com

Praise and Worship's Not Working At My Church

It's not working! Somebody do something! The worship leader is irritating! The people on the mics are irritating! It's too long! Bring back devotion! It's a show! I don't like the music!  Etc, etc, etc.

These are just some of the responses I've heard down through the years regarding the Praise and Worship segment in many of our churches. Whenever I am invited to do a workshop, it's one of the hottest topics. People want answers to their Praise and Worship problems. My first question to everyone is, "Why did you feel the need to start a praise team?" Many cannot answer this question with certainty.  Most of the time it is because of what was seen at someone else's church. That is a problem. What might work for one doesn't always work for the other.  

Here are some of the other reasons Praise and Worship may not be working at your church:

1.  Lack of Understanding

The teaching from the pulpit, if any, doesn't under gird the understanding and expectation of Praise and Worship.  If the Praise and Worship segment is to be effective, there must be teaching from your Pastor or Minister of Music. Congregations are more likely to do what they've been taught from the Bible than some random admonishment from a worship leader. Many congregations do not understand the power and purpose of Praise and Worship. They look at it as just another part of the program instead of a possible encounter with God.

2.  Poor Song Selections

The song selections may not match the purpose and mission of Praise and Worship. The Praise and Worship moment is at its height when the chosen music directs people to the greatness and Spirit of God. The songs should cause us to sing unto God, our Father. Sometimes leaders make the mistake of inserting songs that talk about God instead of songs that talk to God. The music should cause the congregation and singers to shift the focus off  themselves. When this happens, God promises, in His Word, to inhabit our praises (Psalm 22:3). For example, "How Great Is Our God," is a Praise and Worship song. It causes us to focus on the greatness of God. "We're Gonna Make It," by Timothy Wright, is not a Praise and Worship song because it's a song of encouragement unto the people. This type of song would fit better later in the worship service.  If you structure your worship so that you sing "up" to God first and then later on in the service sing "out" to the people, you will yield a greater result with your congregation.

3. Bad Song Leaders

Many of our churches are suffering from bad song leaders. Bad song/worship leaders tend to carry some of the same traits:

1. They're not worshippers themselves. They tend to admonish everyone else to worship, but do not demonstrate expressions of praise and thanksgiving to God themselves. It's self-centered worship.

2. They're not personable people. They don't spend time with the people they serve. People tend to follow someone they like. If one is leading others in the worship of God, they need to be authentic and likable.

3. They tend to sing solo during every Praise and Worship song. When I say sing "solo", they're not leading others in the singing of songs but rather treat the congregational moment as a solo opportunity for themselves to shine.

4. They tend to misquote Scripture and use cliche worship phrases most of the time. Great worship leaders are great students of not only music but Scripture. They spend time with God and with the people. They know how to affect people because God is using them to do so. When one is armed in Scripture and in prayer, one is equipped for battle. In this case, the battle can be inviting or teaching others via Scripture about the importance of Praise and Worship.

4. Poor Background Singers

I, personally, do not believe in Praise Teams anymore, but I am a proponent of Praise and Worship. I believe that everyone in the building is the "praise team", not just the people on the mics. However, if you're going to have people on individual mics, they need to come correct.  Bad singers on microphones create a poor representation of the music presented unto God and His people. I don't care how anointed a song is. If the singers are bad, the people are going to have a hard time getting into the presence of God.

5. Not Knowing When To Quit

If you're a leader and your Pastor has charged you with leading the congregation in Praise and Worship, you have to know when to quit. If you submit yourself to the Spirit of God, "He", the Spirit, will tell you. Carrying on and on can be damaging to the atmosphere especially when you're operating in the flesh. There are many times when the Spirit of God is moving and He calls for a continuation.  However, there are many times when He calls for an ending. One must know the difference. Sometimes you learn it through trial and error. The best teacher is the Holy Ghost. The lesson you don't want is the people looking at you in disgust because you won't quit.

I know there are other reasons why Praise and Worship may not be working at your church but I can guarantee you if you address these 4 core issues mentioned above, you will see a dramatic turn in your corporate worship experience. 

My Thoughts on #45, White Privilege, African Americans and The Next Election

Good Morning Everyone,

I am hopeful that my blogs provoke further thought and questions regarding the topics that I address. After yesterday's impeachment vote, I came to some conclusions that I think could be of some use to Black America. Please feel free to offer your comments.

Here are my thoughts:

1. #45 is a symptom of a larger problem and not just the problem.

2. White privilege is the most powerful force in America right now. It's on both sides of the aisle.

3.Whether #45 wins or not will NOT solve the larger problem. 4. African Americans need to secure economic power. That is a long process but it is attainable. It starts with trust and unity within our community.

5. Voting is important but it's not the sole answer.

6. Black people are waking up but we must not be distracted by what's going on with #45. We have much work to do within our own communities.

7. #45 will win the next election. The Republicans spent 8 solid years, while #44 was in office, rezoning, redistricting and passing voter suppression laws. They are always two steps ahead.

Sincerely, 

Phillip Carter

Black Church Music Part 1/ Concerning Hymns In The African American Church;

Black Church Music Part 1
Concerning Hymns In The African American Church;

I think it's important to note that the majority of hymns we sing in the black church were not written by us. They were given/taught to us by whites. Hymns and European anthems were promoted and ingrained in "US" as a more sophisticated, theologically sound form of worship in lieu of our own songs.

Growing up in the black Baptist church and subsequently studying classical music in college(HBCU) further promoted this music superiority complex ingrained in "US" by Europeans. In most white Universities and some HBCUs, black church music is still seen as unsophisticated and less technical due to the lack of education of many professors, university restrictions and in some cases lack of resources.

I think hymns are important. I've spent more than half my life learning, playing and singing hymns. Many are rooted in sound theology. I think hymns, regardless of who wrote them, should be sung in church. They have and continue to provide spiritual nourishment. My concern is "OUR" exaltation of European hymns and anthems, as we currently define them, as a necessity for worship in the black Church. We exalt "Their" music and degrade/downgrade our own as optional choices. It's even sadder that the majority of black church musicians are not aware of the hymns written by black people.

I see this trend also with CCM/Black Gospel Music but that's another post. I want to encourage African American church musicians to research, learn, introduce and teach your congregations the hymns and anthems that were written by our own people. We've already spent hundreds of years promoting hymns written by others. You may find a deeper connection with your audience. Many of our songs/hymns were written to address "OUR" conditions of which we are still suffering from in many ways.You will unlock new treasures for the people you serve. They may take a little longer to learn but that just speaks to the musicality, sophistication, technical prowess and spirituality of our people that "OTHER CULTURES" have been trying to emulate for years.

Music/Ministry Lessons Learned in 2019

Here are some of the lessons I learned in 2019. 


1. Focusing on the spiritual and musical attitude and aptitude of the congregations that I serve is/was essential for their growth as a worshipping congregation.
2. Being a leader over the music ministries continues to be more than just music. I have prayed for more people in the ministry this year than ever before. I must also add that I've needed more prayer for myself as well.
3. Traditional congregations who did not make crucial leadership decisions at least 10 years ago are still feeling the pain for their lack of movement.
4. Getting older means reinvention to stay relevant as a musician. As a leader it also means that I must hire younger, talented individuals to train up and carry the ministry forward.
5. Pastors who care(d) about their musicians and their welfare are more likely to have them for longer periods of time. I am now seeing long lasting friendships formed because of it.
6. Nobody should be in church leadership without the Holy Ghost AND love for people.


Phillip Carter

Church Sound Systems- Common Sense Solutions for Regular Problems

Every church can't afford to hire a sound engineer HOWEVER every church can afford some training. If you're limited to your Deacon, Trustee or volunteer operating the sound board then the least you can do is pay for some training. Additionally it pays to have a competent professional choose and install your sound setup. This will insure that things are done properly and will prevent your ministry from spending more on fixing problems you could have avoided by trying to do it yourself.

As a sound engineer and a church musician, it can be frustrating to play in churches where the sound is comprised. It's frustrating because I have to stay in my lane. I'm not there to be the sound engineer but rather the musician even though I can clearly articulate most of the problems that are going on in worship. Sound plays an important role in how the music turns out in many houses of worship. When the sound isn't right, the effectiveness of the music is comprised in many instances. 

I challenge every musician, choir director etc to try and work with your sound ministry to solve critical problems. I try to communicate with my respective sound ministries on a regular basis to work out the sound settings for every worship service. When you build that relationship things do get better. I also challenge every musician, worship leader, choir director etc to get some training on sound, sound boards, microphones, acoustics etc. The more you know, the more you are able to adjust in critical situations. 


Phillip Carter

One of The Biggest Sins Committed In Church- Food For Thought

Food For Thought

Perhaps one of the biggest sins committed, in church, on a weekly basis happens in the kitchen. We serve our own people harmful meals packed with starches, carbohydrates, sugars and processed meats. It may taste good but it's bad for the human body and harmful for the people we claim to love and serve. I have never been to a church where a healthy meal was served.

Phillip Carter

The Choir Is Coming Back Strong

The choir is coming back to the forefront of Gospel Music. Haven't you noticed? What comes around goes around. This latest push is due largely to the Kanye "Sunday Service" movement. If you haven't seen his services, please go an watch it. It's nothing but a mass choir concert with a few inspirational messages here and there. Just to be clear, the choir never left us. It just wasn't the focus of  attention in many of our churches due to the Praise and Worship/CCM movement in the Black Church. That movement was necessary for us to see the huge value in choirs. Choirs involve more people. Choirs are a unifying entity within the church and community. Choirs teach people how to relate to one another. Choirs bring more energy to the music being sung.

Have you noticed that whenever a secular artist wants to do something involving Gospel that they go and hire or form a choir and not a praise team. We are in a good time. Things are starting to turn around again and the choir will begin to make a huge difference as it did in the past. Let's encourage our spiritual leaders, who put their choirs down, to pick them back up again. They will be glad they did.

Farewell United Methodist Church

Denominations and churches have been splitting forever. Man consistently fails the test of Christianity. We have access to Jesus but we ignore His message and the convicting, revelatory power of the Holy Ghost regardless of the issue(s) at hand. Personal choice seems to win out over God's command to love one another with division as an obvious cop out in the case of theological disagreement.

There was something to the old-school Pentecostal/Apostolic practice of "Tarrying for the Holy Ghost". When you tarry, you petition God for His Spirit until He comes. Until then you keep tarrying. When He comes He "The Holy Ghost" will bring you/us into all truth. (John 16:13).

Farewell United Methodist Church as we knew it.

                                                                                                                       Sincerely, 

                                                                                                                       Phillip Carter

Attention Black Gospel Music Industry

Attention Black Gospel Music Industry:

What we fail to realize, in our discourse about awards, charts etc, is that mainstream Gospel doesn't belong to it's creators. We constantly fall into the trap of arguing over what we do not control. The things we do control seem to diminish due to in-fighting, bad business and elitism. We (Mainstream and Indie Artists) need to

1.Rebuild the foundation that Gospel Music was laid on and stand on that solid ground. Rebuilding requires education which goes to point #2. .
2.We need to support those conventions and music organizations(GMWA, NCGCC, Edwin Hawkins Music and Arts seminar, IGAA, Heritage and others) that are owned and operated by US and work within for better results instead of staying home and complaining.
3. We need to support the next generation and appreciate their musical expression for what it is while encouraging them to pass on the rich heritage of our music.
4. Choose ownership over popularity. This choice allows us the maximum benefit for he work created, recorded, sold, streamed etc..It also assures a financial and educational legacy to those who come behind us.
5. Support black owned media, financially and with your time, especially the ones who support all styles of Gospel music. The ones who don't need to be challenged to do so.
6. Live the music and the message through holy living. We are hypocrites and that needs to change. We sing about a Savior who died, rose and lives in us yet our behavior is contrary to that message. We need to change.

Many struggled and died advancing this music and it's message. When we take back our music, message and mission then we will see what we much desire within our industry, churches and communities.

Sincerely,
Phillip Carter
IGAA Conference

Stellar Award Winning Gospel Artist Phillip Carter Releases Ground Breaking New Gospel Project "Live From Suwalki, Poland feat The Suwalki Workshop Choir and The Sounds of Victory

Available everywhere TODAY. From Classical to Praise and Worship, you will experience a wide range of styles on this new project. You will also experience the heartfelt love and passion the Polish people have for God and Gospel music.For physical purchases got to www.buygospel.com. 

DMV Gospel Artist Richard Davis Release New Christmas Music

Fredericksburg, VA - Music is a universal language that speaks to the human condition; the ideologies, beliefs, thoughts, and experiences of mankind. Certain people are designed and/or gifted with being the emissaries and ambassadors to deliver music, Richard Davis is one of those people. Richard has been able to transcend the potential limitations and hindrances of the music industry as an award winning musician, writer, and producer.

Just in time to brighten your holiday spirits, Davis prepares to release “Christ The Lord” [EP]. The inspiration behind this EP is Christmas music that celebrates Jesus Christ.  Christ The Lord [EP] encompasses music that speaks not just to the Christmas Holiday or just to Jesus's Birthday but speaks to who Jesus was born to be, who he was as he lived on earth and who he is to us all now.  This is a collection of Christmas music including Instrumentals and classic songs.

The project opens with a celebration of Christmas with the instrumental song "Christmas Rhapsody" a free instrumental composition in one extended movement, typically one that is emotional or exuberant in character.   Songs you will hear in this are Christmas Classics.. "O Come All Ye Faithful", "Silent Night", and "Angels We Have Heard on High" on a stylistic journey from Classical to Jazz to Funk this will be a Song to have your house full of Christmas. Flowing into the song Christ the Lord.  This is a song that speaks to who Jesus... the title song "Christ the Lord" - He is Immanuel God with us, he is Grace for Grace, King of Kings and Lord of Lords and he shall reign forever. 

Oh Holy Night a Classic for the Christmas Season is performed by Instrumental on Piano by Davis.  In this he shares a Jazz rendition of this very popular song.  Christmas Gift is a song that speaks to the gift of Christmas which is the Greatest gift you can give someone ... Jesus Christ.  This song is a reminder of how great a gift Salvation through Jesus Christ really is. 

He continues his ministerial duties at as Director of Music & Fine Arts at Strong Tower Church in Fredericksburg, VA and is known as a passionate and gifted worship leader.

TRACK LISTING

§  CHRISTMAS RHAPSODY

§  CHRIST THE LORD

§  HOLY NIGHT

§  CHRISTMAS GIFT

§  CHRIST THE LORD - RADIO SINGLE

Phillip Carter Offers Free Gospel Music Workshops in 2019

Stellar Award winning Gospel artist and church musician Phillip Carter is offering FREE music workshops to church music ministries in 2019. Phillip is on an endeavor to strengthen music ministries in need across the USA and abroad. To book a free workshop for you church or community choir visit www.buygospel.com.

The Gospel Music Industry’s Problem and Revival

The Gospel Music Industry needs to be owned by the creators, gospel labels and those who support it via media, retail etc. In my opinion, this would solve some of the major problems that we face in our industry regarding support for our genre. Gospel Music creators have always had the advantage of a built in support system via the black church and black media. We need to return back to the church for the revival of the industry. We need to support those media outlets that support us and continue to spearhead new media ventures that will help the genre. That can only happen if we(the above afformentioned) are in control and truly sold out to the genre.

Unfortunately there are not enough Gospel Music creators who see the value in ownership especially as it pertains to royalties/publishing/licensing etc. This is a result of a lack of knowledge. To many Gospel Music creators succumb to the allure of popularity in a niche market. The trade of popularity for independence will always be a sticking point for those who do not see the value in one's self and creative works. We have many Gospel Artists who are popular but own very little.

Lastly, our genre is rooted in the good news of Jesus Christ. There are those who seek to expand the content of our genre by veering from the substance that makes Gospel so powerful. I think that is a mistake. The sound of Gospel is rooted in its substance and style. Styles change but if you change the substance you have changed the original intent of the genre.

Sincerely,

Phillip Carter

Independent Gospel Artist Alliance

Artist, Producer, Label Owner, Songwriter