The music department at First Baptist Church of Minden is preparing for a major project as the choir will soon record an album of religious music. The recording, scheduled for August 29-31, follows a year of planning and collaboration involving churches nationwide.
Scotty Blackwell, the church’s music director, said the project began when he received a call from Phil Barfoot, CEO and president of CCT Music/ Celebration Concert Tours International, based in Franklin, Tennessee. Barfoot wanted to create a collection of choral music relevant to church members of all ages, with songs that deliver powerful messages.
Five worship pastors from across the U.S. were involved in the selection process, gathering favorite songs from their congregations. After reviewing over 60 songs, the list was laboriously narrowed to 12, representing a wide range of genres, from rock and Nashville grunge to ballads and worship music.
“It really took the form of a true album,” Blackwell said. “There were multiple genres in the same album, so everybody got a taste of their favorite thing. People are going to be spellbound when they hear the album.”
After selecting the songs, top arrangers in Nashville helped refine them, and a “rough” demo album was created to be used by the choirs to prepare. The choir at First Baptist has been rehearsing since June. “The choir loves each song for its own identity and what it says,” he said.
The album will be released on CD and QR card formats, with proceeds going toward recouping project expenses and funding future initiatives. Featured songs include “Dead Man Rising,” “I Will Dwell,” “Because of Jesus,” and “In the Room.” “Every song on this album is unbelievable, I mean, off the charts good,” said Blackwell.
Blackwell has nothing but praise for the talent found in Minden. “This church and this community has an immense amount of talent.”
The project is expected to showcase the unique voices of the First Baptist choir and bring powerful messages of redemption to listeners.