Available for Pre-Order Now; Releasing October 16, 2018
“God Will Make a Way” by Don Moen set to release October 16,2018 by Emanate Books
Don Moen –internationally renown, multi-award winning worship artist and writer – is set to release his first book God Will Make a Way: Discovering His Hope in Your Storyon October 16, 2018. The book will be published by Emanate Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson. The book is available for pre-order now at www.DonMoenBook.com.
Written with prominent biographer Robert Noland and featuring a foreword from World Champion Boxer Manny Pacquiao, God Will Make a Way shares the story behind the award-winning hallmark song of Moen’s career, and encourages readers to rest in the fact that God is always working, though often in ways we cannot see. Moen knows first-hand and wants others to know that no matter how dire the circumstances, God does not forget his children.
“As I’ve traveled around the world, I’ve seen God work in countless ways, bringing hope to people who have lost hope. I have seen Him make a way where there seemed to be no way, and I’m excited to share many of these stories in my new book,” said Moen. “We are absolutely honored to partner with Don on his first, groundbreaking book God Will Make a Way,” said Joel Kneedler, publisher of Emanate Books. “His fans will immediately recognize Don’s heart in the pages of this book. He is the ultimate encourager and storyteller.”
Through personal stories and encouraging Scripture, Don provides comfort to those struggling with doubt. He reminds readers that the same God who parted the Red Sea, saving Moses and the children of Israel, is the same God we know and serve today.
Don Moen, a pioneer of the modern Praise and Worship movement, has spent his career as a worship leader, producer, songwriter, and music executive. Moen has sold over 5 MILLION records during his career. While a student at Oral Roberts University in the early 70s, Moen began touring with the musical group Living Sound and evangelist Terry Law. By 1986, Moen had recorded “Give Thanks” for the Hosanna Music! praise and worship series at Integrity Music, where he would serve as creative director, executive producer, and eventually, president of the label. During his tenure there, he sold more than 5 million units and signed worship leaders and songwriters, such as Paul Baloche, Ron Kenoly, Darlene Zschech, and many more. Today, Moen lives in Nashville, Tenn., with his wife, Laura, where he is president of Don Moen Productions and oversees his international nonprofit ministry, Worship in Action.
Emanate Books is where the Spirit meets the word. This Thomas Nelson imprint publishes and promotes content for the ever-growing nondenominational, charismatic community. Authors at Emanate have a passion for Jesus, an abiding trust in the veracity of the Scriptures, and believe in the present-day work of the Holy Spirit.
This post is a response to another article. To better understand my perspective and fully grasp what is being said in response to the article, it may be best to read the article or listen to the podcast, first. You can read the article, here.
There are a number of topics and issues about making music as a believer today that are difficult to understand. Varied perspectives, upbringing, experiences and preferences all shape the way we approach Christian and Gospel music today. It also affects how it is delivered to the broad audience the genres cater to. Earlier today, I read an article by the Christian Broadcast Network entitled “The Battle for the Soul of the Devil’s Music’: Christian Singers Treated Like ‘Second-Class Citizens?” which detailed Mark Joseph‘s interview on Billy Hallowell’s podcast. In the interview, he spoke about his book “Rock Gets Religion” which ponders why and how religious music should transcend genre specifications. In the interview as was the premise for the article, Mr. Joseph bemoaned the current stature and perception of gospel and contemporary Christian music artists. In short, Mr. Joseph feels that CCM artists should bypass the genre label and join the ranks of mainstream music makers, but is that even possible?
In the interview, he noted that “Right now, Christians are being treated like second-and third-class citizens.”
Mr. Joseph believes that some artists’ creations are inhibited by the genre and would perform better as mainstream music. This incessant debate may never go away. We all know many celebrities who got their start in church and honed their skills on Sunday morning. Some of the world’s best singers and musicians cut their teeth praising the Lord. Many have gone astray, and many others simply “make” music in non-religious genres. But Mr. Joseph suggests that some artists take their talents beyond the “walls” of religious music. At this point, I believe the issue is whether or not labels would agree with this premise. In fact, many of the Christian and gospel labels are simply in another room or suite at many of the mainstream labels. The way the music industry is set up, almost every company and record label is under the umbrella of the big three.
Joseph’s very interesting points are sacrilegious to some, and I don’t know who will be the lamb of sacrifice willing to decline a GRAMMY Award (as Joseph suggests) in these ever evolving musical times! Gospel and Christian music are awarded in the non-televised pre-show with only two categories each. I mean who in these days and times is going to decline a GRAMMY?!? Some of Joseph’s points are good and some are unrealistically outlandish. I do however sense that a catalyst for the next real revival within our genres will consist of non-traditional ideas and industry practices.
All in all, there’s lots to unpack in the article. I think that every now and then, someone in gospel says something like this but not often enough or with enough follow-through. It’s actualized at the Stellar Awards with the influx of secular entertainers who are believers and mainstream financial sponsors, but that’s mostly it. As Mr. Joseph said, our industries are walled off…even from each other-I’ll add. Additionally, I’ll say that CCM is an entirely different world from gospel and what may work for them isn’t even at play in gospel. For example, Mr. Joseph works at PureFlix, which by default is a film division of the contemporary gospel genre.
Mr. Joseph’s point of view isn’t altogether implausible, however. What if the bridge beyond the great divide in gospel and CCM is found in banding together to reach beyond implicitly Christian audiences for art’s sake and without abandoning the great commission?!? I don’t think this will solve Mr. Joseph’s issue of Christian artists being treated like second and third class citizens, but it will increase the net worth of the work put out by artists in the music industry. This article is the latest entry in the ongoing conversation here at SMG entitled: The Gospel Music Series, feel free to join the conversation.
What are your thoughts on Mr. Joseph’s premise? Share your thoughts in the comment section, below.
Lauded CHH heavyweight,Tedashii, and celebrated Pop CCM artist, Jordan Feliz, join forces for their latest single, “Gotta Live.” Available today (May 23) for purchase and streaming across all DSPs via Reach Records, “Gotta Live” is also set to impact CHR Radio on June 8.
“Life is a gift from God that most never fully open. So I write this song,” Tedashii explains, “to encourage everyone to go beyond the surface to experience the gift of an abundant life you ‘Gotta Live.’”
“Gotta Live” follows the release of Tedashii’s “Smile,” making it the latest track to fall under the new ethos he has adopted in 2018, Never Fold. Inspired by Luke 9:62 which states, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and turns back is fit for the kingdom of God,” Never Fold is a construct upon which believers everywhere can build their lives. Tedashii, who understands pain firsthand, goes on to say “For me, Never Fold is about celebrating life in the midst of adversity. It’s a reminder to not succumb to the pressures of life when in the end, it’s what makes diamonds of us all.”
Tedashii has been separating himself from the pack for the better part of a decade. With a slew of revered studio albums and EP’s to his name—including the masterful Below Paradise which debuted at No. 17 on the Billboard 200 albums chart—the Texas-born and bred rapper has remained a force. Known for his exuberant delivery on the mic and robust stature, Tedashii has graced the stages of the GMA Dove Awards, KLOVE Awards and performed on the top-selling Winter Jam Spectacular Tour. His hit track “Dum Dum” also appeared on the Fox TV Series So You Think You Can Dance.
Israel Houghton has brought the world unforgettable music. His songs have bridged together demographics that were otherwise on the polar ends of the musical spectrum. He has not only bridged together a multiplicity of musical styles and tastes, his work and ministry has been awarded accordingly. After successful recordings in Africa and Asia, the gospel worship artist took a bit of a step back following a very public change in his private life.
He has experienced the grace he sings about and has undoubtedly experienced God in a whole new way…another level, if you will! We were able to catch up with him last year and he did mention new music, but not much about a new sound! His newest single “Reckless Love” is a bit of a departure from what you may expect from the stringed psalmist but the message is right on par with his immense catalog of hits! Read the full press release below and make sure you add the hot new single to your music collection when it drops on tomorrow!
THE SIX TIME GRAMMY® WINNING ARTIST GEARS UP FOR FORTHCOMING EP RELEASE IN THE SPRING
Six-time GRAMMY® winning artist ISRAEL HOUGHTON releases his new single tomorrow, March 9, titled “Reckless Love” on iTunes, Amazon and all digital retailers worldwide. “Reckless Love” is the first new song from Houghton’s forthcoming EP, due this Spring.
As the leader of ISRAEL AND NEW BREED, a critically acclaimed musical ensemble and ministry organization, the group has amassed two gold-selling albums titled LIVE FROM ANOTHER LEVEL, ALIVE IN SOUTH AFRICA and six GRAMMY® Awards; 15 Dove Awards; two Stellar Awards and one Soul Train Award.
The father of the cross cultural movement in gospel music Houghton is known for injecting contemporary gospel and worship with a blazing, youthful energy that has made him among the most influential tastemakers in his field. His canon of songs have become standards in houses of faith around the globe, tearing down the walls of racial divide in the church.
LIONSGATE AND ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS ACQUIRE NORTH AMERICAN RIGHTS TO FAITH BASED DRAMA “I CAN ONLY IMAGINE” BY THE ERWIN BROTHERS
The film stars: Dennis Quaid, Cloris Leachman, Trace Adkins, Michael Finley, Priscilla Shirerand Madeline Carroll and is brought to you by Producers Kevin Downes, Cindy Bond and Daryl Lefever
Global content leader Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) and Roadside Attractions have acquired rights to Jon and Andrew Erwin’s film I Can Only Imagine,it was announced today by Lionsgate President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions Jason Constantine and Roadside Attractions Co-Presidents and Co-Founders Howard Cohen and Eric d’Arbeloff. The film will be released in North American theaters on March 16, 2018. Kris Fuhr of Working Title Agency and Ben Howard of Provident Films will work on the theatrical campaign in conjunction with Roadside Attractions.
I Can Only Imagine features an all-star cast of Golden-Globe® nominee Dennis Quaid (The Day After Tomorrow, The Rookie, Soul Surfer), Oscar®-winner Cloris Leachman (The Iron Giant, The Last Picture Show, Young Frankenstein), platinum-selling country music legend Trace Adkins, author and actress Priscilla Shirer (War Room), Madeline Carroll (Mr. Poppers Penguins) and Broadway’s J. Michael Finley (“Les Miserables”).
The film brings to life the true story behind the song of ultimate hope, “I Can Only Imagine.” A transformed relationship with his troubled father inspired Bart Millard, the lead singer of the Christian band MercyMe, to write what is now the most-played radio single in Christian music history. The story beautifully illustrates that nobody is ever too far from God’s love — or too far from an eternal home in Heaven.
“This is an extraordinary movie about the power of faith, love, family, and music,” said Cohen and d’Arbeloff. “The Erwins bring world-class storytelling and production values to faith-based films. It’s no surprise they have attracted such a phenomenal cast to their latest feature. We are thrilled to be bringing it to theatrical audiences nationwide.”
“We are delighted to be working with the talented Erwin brothers who have an incredible vision for both the film and the music,” said Constantine. “Coming on the heels of our faith-based box office hit, The Shack, I Can Only Imagine will touch audiences everywhere. We are very excited to bring this wonderful story to the big screen.”
This is the fourth feature for the Erwin Brothers whose previous films include October Baby, Mom’s Night Out and Woodlawn. I Can Only Imagine was produced by Kevin Downes, Cindy Bond and Daryl Lefever. Travis Mann, Scott Brickell and Simon Swart serve as executive producers. Downes and Lefever previously produced The Erwins’ Mom’s Night Out and Woodlawn. Bond is producing through Mission Pictures International.
Quaid is represented by WME, Leachman is represented by Innovative Artists, CAA represents Adkins and Finley is represented by Abrams Artists Agency. Carroll is represented by Untitled Entertainment and Shirer is represented by Going Beyond Ministries. MercyMe is signed to Fair Trade Records.
The deal was negotiated for Lionsgate by Constantine, Eda Kowan, Executive Vice President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions and Lauren Freeman, Director of Acquisitions. Howard Cohen negotiated the deal on behalf of Roadside Attractions. Kevin Downes negotiated the deal for the producers along with Thomas Vidal of Pryor Cashman LLP.
ABOUT LIONSGATE
The first major new studio in decades, Lionsgate is a global content platform whose films, television series, digital products and linear and over-the-top platforms reach next generation audiences around the world. In addition to its filmed entertainment leadership, Lionsgate content drives a growing presence in interactive and location-based entertainment, gaming, virtual reality and other new entertainment technologies. Lionsgate’s content initiatives are backed by a 16,000-title film and television library and delivered through a global licensing infrastructure. The Lionsgate brand is synonymous with original, daring and ground-breaking content created with special emphasis on the evolving patterns and diverse composition of the Company’s worldwide consumer base.
ABOUT ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS
Since its founding in 2003, ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS films have grossed over $300M and garnered nineteen Academy Award® nominations. Roadside has released such critical and commercial hits as Manchester by the Sea, Beatriz at Dinner, Love & Friendship, Hello My Name is Doris, Mr. Holmes, Love & Mercy, A Most Wanted Man, Dear White People, The Skeleton Twins, All Is Lost, Mud, Winter’s Bone, The Cove, Arbitrage, Margin Call and Super-Size Me. Its upcoming slate includes Marc Webb’s The Only Living Boy in New York starring Kate Beckinsale, Pierce Brosnan and Jeff Bridges; and David Gordon Green’s Stronger starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Tatiana Maslany and Miranda Richardson.
