Dream In Soul – Creativity for the Kingdom:

The new Dream in Soul section will be launching on August 20th. This section will soon feature interviews, and other features especially for the young and purpose-full. Be sure to stay tuned for the launch.

The Merge Summit LA is a conference designed to inspire and empower men and women of faith desiring to do business in the areas of arts and media. The summit will take place Thursday, August 20, 2009 to Saturday, August 22 in Los Angeles, CA. Conference attendees will learn from and network with leaders in the entertainment world.

Updates: Here are a few updates on the Merge Summit: The organizers have added Hezekiah Walker, Donnie McClurkin, as well as Pastors Debra Morton and Jamal Bryant to the list of speakers.

Watch the video below for more information about the summit:

Some of the other confirmed presenters from the website, www.themergesummit.com, include:

Suzanne DePasse, Felicia Henderson, DeVon Franklin, James DuBose, Regina King, Reina King, Tasha Smith, Vivica A. Fox, Mary Mary, Brad Siegel, Larry Blackwell, Vicki Mack-Lattillade, Rodney Jerkins, Warryn Campbell, Tara Griggs-Magee, Monica Bacon

As well as top executives from Columbia Pictures, Paramount Pictures, ABC Networks, Lionsgate, TV-One, BET Networks, EMI Gospel, Gospel Music Channel among many others.

The conference, hosted by Founder Dr. Holly Carter of Relevé Entertainment, and Co-Chairperson Robi Reed, is “designed to bring together talented Christians who desire to enter or those already actively involved in aspects of entertainment i.e. actors, directors, music producers, musicians, singers, television producers, filmmakers, writers, and executives in the entertainment industry. Conference attendees will interact in a thought provoking and career inspiring setting to glean from the well known entertainment executive roaster. Attendees will walk away with information that will empower them in their individual fields of pursuit.”

You can also click below for larger versions of the event promotional materials.

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Miz T is bringing healing to hearts with a dose of humor…

Tranea Prosser, otherwise known as Miz T, discovered that her natural ability to make others laugh could be her key to reaching hearts for God. The native of Austin, TX, who is also a singer and worship leader at her church, says that her original comedy material is rated “I” for the innocent. Her comical content ranges from stories within the church to musical skits. Miz T recently released her debut comedy CD, “Back at ‘Ya, Lord!”, and is bringing her hilarious message to churches and other venues, with the goal of tickling and touching souls one joke at a time. Here’s what Miz T had to say to DreaminSoul.com about how she got started in her ministry, and how she’s living out her God-given dream:

Dream in Soul: How would you describe your style of comedy, and how long have you been doing it as ministry?

MizT: It’s stand-up combined with story-telling, tattle-telling, music and a little dancing. Is there a name for that style? The main mission of the comedic ministry is to bring laughter and stress relief to the saints. I have been doing comedy for ten years now.

DS: Tell us a little bit about what’s included on your CD "MizT – Back At ‘Ya, Lord" and how did you come up with the title?

MizT: It’s a mixture of sing-a-long icebreakers, comedy skits, and story-telling. The title was inspirited by the story of the ten talents based on Matthew 25:27-29. I’m returning to God one of the talents He has given me.

DS: When did you know you wanted to do comedy, and how did you start? Were your family and friends supportive of your passion?

MizT: I didn’t always know that I wanted to do comedy, I kinda fell into it or rather I made it a separate category from all the other things that I do. I started doing comedy on a dare. I went to an audition and made my debut as a Christian comedian. The people received me well so I kept the t-shirt and haven’t stopped.

My parents don’t know what to think of the comedy and especially in the traditional baptist upbringing. My mother tells me now, I’m just old-fashioned and don’t see where it fits in the church, so I told her it fits right after the offering because that’s where I tell people to place me on musicals. It doesn’t fit in between songs for me because I am a praise and worship leader also and I can be caught up in the movement of the spirit and won’t be led to do comedy but maybe to minister in song, or share a word, so to ensure that you get what you ask for, place me immediately after the offering.

DS: What would you say to those people who might not think humor belongs in church?

MizT: First I would ask what do they know about God? He is our creator and He does have a sense of humor. Then I’d dare them to read the book of Proverbs. The cheerful heart has a continual feast, Proverbs 15:15. Laughter is a gift of God. Laughter even has a healing quality to it. Laughter can draw others to you and lighten your load in life.

DS: How did God provide for your ministry when you got started?

MizT: God provided for my ministry by extending opportunities to emcee various programs. I use a lot of comedy when I emcee. I spent two solid years serving as emcee at various events, but people were focusing on the comedy stuff, the stories I share, and other comments so I decided to really test the limit and released a Christian comedy CD along with a live recording. The saints have shown their support. They are hungry for this type of ministry, and it is welcomed.

DS: Was there a point where you decided to stop doing something else or felt a burden in your heart in order to pursue comedy?

MizT: My prayer to God is to show me how to balance everything He has given me in ministry. I use comedy in Praise & Worship also when directed by the Spirit to do so. I stay prayerful and ask for wisdom and guidance. The comedy was always there, I needed to learn where, when and how to best utilize it.

DS: Where do you get your material? How do you hope to touch people who see your performances?

MizT: My material came from children I used to teach at Sunday School, family and from going to church. My prayer is that the leave the program feeling different about themselves or their situations. To see the joy on their face is good enough for me.

DS: Did you always want do Christian-based/positive comedy, and why? Have you performed at non-Christian events, and is it a different experience?

MizT: When I made up my mind to continue with my comedy I wanted to keep it Christian-based and positive. Why? Because I wouldn’t feel comfortable on stage cursing and using other forms to communicate my point. That goes against my nature, plus I want to feel good about myself and honor Christ in my walk. I also wanted to prove a point that you can be funny without cursing and degrading people. Yes I have performed at non-Christian events and I quickly learned to talk about family and children, leave the church stuff out of it.

DS: Who were your role models and people who inspired you in this ministry field?

MizT: I heard of Jonathan Slocum a few months after my debut but before him, there were no Christian comedians. The people who inspired me are the ones who came to me after I’ve emceed the programs and told me how much they really enjoyed me, or how they hadn’t laughed that hard in years, they are my inspiration to keep doing what I do.

DS: Do you have plans to expand your music as well?

MizT: Yes and I’m waiting for God to say when. I have written 13 sets of lyrics but I don’t write music, so he is bringing people into my life who do write music and are musicians. When I finish my comedy DVD, then I’ll start concentrating on the music.

DS: In a previous interview* you’ve said you feel you have the gift of exhortation. How would you describe this gift, and how have you seen it in action?

MizT: Exhortation is a gift of speaking positive words to people and into their lives. Words have great power. Society sends so many critical messages, people are hungry to hear loving encouragement. Not only words but actions are included. There is a boomerang effect, you reap what you sow. I’ve seen it in action by one of former co-workers asking me to pray for her that she can be stronger in her faith to live a celibate lifestyle like I do. That was shouting time right there! It was a hold my mule moment.

DS: What are your dreams and your ultimate goals for your comedy, music, or ministry in general?

MizT: I’m living my dream right now. I’m in my forties doing what I love and some people never get to accomplish that. I have been approached about working in a stage play. I have ideas about MizT comedy cards that I’m working on, and I have comedy ringtones available. My ultimate goal would be to let people see that you can be a Christian and still have fun.

In Part 2, Miz T will give some wisdom on supporting one another in ministry, some spiritual lessons she would share with young people, and tips on using your gifts for God.

To learn more about Miz T and her ministry, visit her website at www.miztgospelcomedienne.com where you can also purchase her CD “Back At ‘Ya, Lord!” You can follow her on Twitter as @MizTcomedy for regular doses of clever humor.

*Click here to listen to the interview mentioned in this Q&A session that Miz T did on the L.A.W.S. Inspiration Station radio show.

Watch MizT in action below:

In a previous post I mentioned the Don’t Waste Your Life Tour, hosted by Reach Records, and featuring Christian artists Lecrae, Tedashii, Trip Lee, Flame and Sho Baraka. On Saturday I got to attend the concert in Dallas, and was really blessed by the experience.

Below are some quick clips I took of the concert:

Before the concert began, there was a session in another room for youth leaders called “Don’t Waste Your Ministry”. Representatives from ReachLife Ministries made a presentation about the realities facing this generation, and about what youth leaders can do to make a difference. They told us about the Christ-centered resources they’ve developed aimed at helping leaders reach the young urban population. Being involved in youth ministry myself, the presentation really struck a chord in me, and it was so evident that Reach Records and ReachLife were about more than just albums and concerts – they are truly reaching out to touch and save lives. (I’ll be expanding more on the presentation and resources in a later post.)

Update: Check out this recent interview where Christian leader Dr. Russell Moore talks to Lecrae about “Hip-Hop in the Name of Christ” on The Albert Mohler Program. In the interview they talk about the possibilities of using hip hop to reach this generation – powerful stuff: Click Here to Listen to the Interview

After the youth leader session we returned to the auditorium where the concert was already alive and in progress. The room was packed with people of all ages, and the atmosphere was electric with dancing and arms raising everywhere. The artists took turns at the stage, coming together for certain songs, like “Joyful Noise.”

The parts that impacted me the most were when each of the artists stopped to speak candidly to the audience, about their lives and obstacles they’ve overcome. They were transparent, and emphasized the seriousness of dedicating your life to God – “Either you use it for His glory, or you waste it.” They spoke on the danger of exalting other things and people higher than God, and how even sometimes artists can be a distraction if raised on a pedestal:

“If you’re looking for a superstar, I ain’t the one you searching for, I came to bring some worship, bro, He’s perfect I’m just dirt below… If you looking for a superstar, Don’t look at me, you got me wrong, I been a sinner all along…Let’s look at Him and not the songs…” – Trip Lee, from the song “Superstar”

The best aspect of the night was the diversity and passion of the audience. Seeing people of every color and age – from the little kids and teens, to even the older people – dancing, jumping and praising together was truly beautiful. I had to smile to myself when I saw a middle-aged man, who didn’t look like he’d ever be listening to rap, bob his head and move to the music. To me that just shows that God can use what He wants to reach who He wants.

There are still some concert dates left, so you can check out the Reach Records website to see if they’ll be coming to your town. You won’t regret it!

More pictures from the concert below:

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July 14, 2009 – Check Out the New Albums from Artists Coko Clemons and Claude Deuce

Coko’s album ‘The Winner in Me’ is her second one, and it is released by Light Records. The album is refreshing, diversified in sound and upbeat, definitely making it’s mark in the the gospel arena. I especially like "Make a Way" featuring Canton Jones which has an urban-rock-soul, even "reggae-ish" feel, weaved with gospel. Other artists featured on the album include Kelly Price, who sings on the R&B-esque track "Oh Mary," empowering young women, and Israel Houghton on "Joy Of The Lord." Coko is the former lead singer of the platinum recording R&B trio Sisters With Voices. Be sure to check out the album and order it online on Itunes or Amazon. Visit Coko online at www.myspace.com/cokoclemons.

Claude Deuce’s debut album, ‘Claude Deuce, The Young Elder’, releases on Livin’ It Productions and showcases his versatility in music. He calls his style “an urban hymnal…Reality & Beats–my R&B,” and his music caters to everyone from the young to the “elders” with relevance and a unique flavor. Songs like "4 Who U R, " have an old-school feel with contemporary gospel vibrancy. Claude is a licensed Elder in the Church of God In Christ and serves as Minister of Music at New Life Worship Center in Augusta Ga. He’s is a writer and producer who has worked with artists like Deitrick Haddon, Canton Jones, Izzy, Tonex, Sean Simmonds and more. Defintely check out his album which you can purchase on Amazon, and visit Claude at www.myspace.com/claudedeuce.