On The Beat With Pastor Hart Ramsey

Self described encourager and gracist Hart Ramsey stands with quiet confidence and eager anticipation as True Story, the follow up disc to Next Now from his NCC Family Choir is released to stores and digital outlets on Friday, October 14th.  Despite a hectic schedule preaching and pastoring two churches and encouraging the body of Christ around the globe  through his prolific teaching ministry, Pastor Ramsey found time to talk with GOSPELflava about music, worship and the new CD:

GOSPELflava: Pastor Ramsey, tell us about the music ministry at NCC

Pastor Ramsey: When we first started this church,  we were reluctant to start a music ministry because I didn’t want people coming just for the music. So, we had a worship leader leading the congregation in worship until I was directed by an elderly Apostle to start a music ministry because GOD wanted to use it to touch congregations around the nation & the world.

GOSPELFlava: As both a Pastor and a musician, can you tell us how important a cohesive relationship between both areas of ministry are key to an effective church.

Pastor Ramsey: Relationship between the Music Ministry & Pastor is critical. Ministry is a singular activity. The Bible says that the LORD builds the Church Body using that which “every joint supplies.” That means Worship & The Word is critical to spiritual growth. Pastors must see their musical teams as gifts from GOD to assist them in the perfecting of the Saints. Music opens hearts & creates an atmosphere where people can interact with the Holy Spirit.

GOSPELFlava: The Gospel community is excited about the imminent release of your new CD, True Story.  Tell us how the music on the  project came to fruition.

Pastor Ramsey: The songs that make up “True Story” are the expression of a Church Family trusting the LORD through a transition that would destroy most congregations. It’s easy to write victory songs when there’s no battle, but to sing of victory when you’re fighting for your collective lives takes a faith that lives beyond Sunday Morning. True Story is our testimony that the Grace of GOD is more than a cliche, fad, or popular doctrine.

GOSPELflava: The phenomenal Daniel Johnson fronts the lead single, It Is So (currently in the top 100 on the Billboard Gospel Radio chart).  Tell us of the other artists who make cameo appearances on the project.

Pastor Ramsey: Daniel Johnson was very instrumental as our vocal arranger on Next Now & as our Music Minister on True Story. Not only did he lead the choir but he also co-wrote many of the songs on the record.