GMA Dove Awards Announced 2023 Nominees
The GMA Dove Awards are preparing for their 54th annual ceremony. The Doves, scheduled for October 17, 2023, will be taking place at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena in Nashville, TN, and will celebrate the accomplishments of musicians and other figures within the Christian music industry. The nominees were announced via livestream on YouTube August 9th by Jason Crabb, JJ Hairston, Natalie Grant, Danny Gokey, and Jordan Feliz. Brandon Lake is this year’s forerunner with 11 nods. Phil Wickham and Katy Nichole follow closely with five and four nominations. Lauren Daigle and Naomi RainefromMaverick City Music each have three nominations.
Pastor John P. Kee is Hosting a Back-to-School Celebration in Charlotte, NC
Pastor John P. Kee will be hosting “Back to School Bash 2K23,” a special event with Impact Youth at his church in Charlotte, NC. The event, which will be hosted by Brandon Sutton, will take place at the New Life Fellowship Church on Friday, August 18, 2023, at 7:00 PM. The evening’s festivities will also feature a social media/anti bully seminar Q&A to address many of the concerns faced by today’s youths. The event’s theme is “Be You & Keep it True,” and will be free to the public along with food and fun. Special guests for the event will include The One Keon, Childlike Cici and Mike Teezy.
Sweet Daddy Bailey Has Died
Bishop C.M. Bailey, known to the United House of Prayer community as Sweet Daddy, passed away suddenly on August 11, 2023. He assumed the role as the leader of the International House of Prayer for All People 17 years ago. Bailey, a native of Newport News, VA, assumed his role as the fourth Bishop of the United House of Prayer. In recent years, Bailey drew criticism from social media posts that showed him being carried around in a lavish chariot-like chair during a service while congregants chanted his name. Up until the time of his death, Bailey served as the Sole Trustee of the United House of Prayer. Details of his final arrangements have not yet been released by his family and his successor has yet to be named.
Nation’s Largest Christian Festival Headed to Benton, AR
Billed as the nation’s largest Christian Festival, “The 11th Annual Amplify Music Festival” is scheduled to take place in Benton, Arkansas, on 25 acres adjacent to Saline County Fairgrounds and Benton Riverside Park. The two-day festival is a community-sponsored event with expenses paid for by churches, local businesses, and community members. The lineup for this year will include Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns, Lecrae and Passion. The free tickets required to attend are available online at itickets.
Last Words…
Disciples of Christ Elects its First Black Female
The General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) convened in Louisville, Kentucky for a weeklong conference and announced the re-election of Rev. Teresa “Terri” Hord Owens, the first African American and second female to lead the denomination. Prior to being elected to serve as General Minister and President in 2017 she served as the dean of students for 12 years at the University of Chicago Divinity School and pastor of First Christian Church of Downers Grove in Illinois. Additionally, Rev. Owens was employed for 20 years in corporate America where she led diverse teams in data management.
