Johnny Minick is synonymous with quality music. When did you realize that God was calling you into something special with music? When did you recognize the call to preach?
Being raised in a musical family was a great advantage. I trained in classical music for many years and then found an interest in Jazz. These influences have helped me as an artist and as a producer.
Throughout my life, the church has played a vital role. My early experiences with God and his hand upon my life was a guiding force. I accepted the call to preach at the age of 12 and began pursuing God with my whole heart.
What impact did the Happy Goodmans have on you and your ministry? What time periods in your ministry were you with them?
The Happy Goodman Family invited me to join them in 1975 as their pianist. I moved to Madisonville, KY and worked with them until July of 1977. During that time we built relationships with Sam, Rusty, Howard & Vestal that would span nearly 30 years. Their musical influence will always be with me as well has the years of great memories. Howard, Vestal and I sang together as the Happy Goodmans for the last 10 years of their life. I will always cherish that time of my life.
What part does your family share in your present ministry? I notice that you are going by Johnny Minick and Friends. Who else travels with you?
I have been blessed with a wonderful family. They all share in ministry at the church that I pastor. They have always been an integral part of my ministry at home and abroad. My Dad is a great songwriter and singer and has served as my advisor during difficult decisions. My brother, Alex, sang the bass part in our family group and continues to use his talents in the church. My sister, Heidi Barnes, sang with our family for many years and now serves along side her husband, Charlie, as pastors of Embassy Church in North Little Rock, AR. My life partner and best friend, my wife, Sherry, sings with me and is the First Lady of River Of Life Church in Smyrna, TN. Our Son, Aaron has grown up in ministry and continues to use his talents for God. He is a talented musician, singer, songwriter, producer, and whatever you might need. As the church grows and the demand increases for concerts and special meetings, I have leaned on Aaron to keep things going and on track.
We travel these days with special friends like Hovie Walker, Daryl Williams, Allison Durham Speer, Sherry & Aaron Minick, John & Angie Primm. You never know who you might see when you come to one of our concerts.
You are at least bi-vocational with your singing and Pastoring. How do you manage both? Tell us a little about you church? What else are you involved in besides singing and Pastoring?
Preaching and singing go hand in hand. They both convey the message of the Gospel. I seldom do one without the other. The church that I pastor is in Smyrna, TN and is, as I frequently remind the congregation, the “greatest church on the planet.” River Of Life is a special place! We are growing in number and in spirit as we worship together. God gave me a global vision for the church and has enabled us to touch many areas of the world constantly with the Gospel.
What does Johnny Minick do to relax? Do you have any hobbies?
I enjoy the peace and tranquility of home! I like to swim and camp and enjoy the outdoors. Recently I have been introduced to painting. A friend at church, Chester Powers, is an accomplished artist and is giving me some instruction in painting. So far, so good!
What is the biggest challenge you face with being such a busy man?
Balance! Learning to take time off and relax. There’s always the discipline of spending time in prayer and in the Word of God. Family time is extremely important. I have a very sweet Daughter-in-law, Julie, and a 2 year old grandson, Hayden, that I will always make time for. They (along with Aaron) don’t have a clue how much they bless my life. (Shhhhh… don’t tell them) More good news… they are having another boy in December! Sherry and I are so excited. I have to keep my hands in my pocket to keep from clapping all the time!
Can you tell us the next exciting venture that you are going into?
Television has opened to us. We are developing a new show and we hope to announce an air-date soon.
It's not uncommon for preaching ministries like yours to go in certain areas such as prophecy, healing, or evangelsitic. Do you feel God calling you to any certain theme in your ministry?
Not really. I pray constantly that I can be whatever God needs me to be at the time.
If you could leave Johnny Minick Ministries with a legacy, what would you want it to be?
A Soul-winner! That is the most important thing to me. First, my family, and then everyone else I may meet.
http://www.johnnyminick.com
Author: AGM
| Author's Website: http://absolutelygospel.com/
Written: 09/01/2006
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Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 3
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Johnny; I remeber watching you sing with Howard and Vestal Goodman on the Gaither Homecoming Series. I love your style of singing. This is my hsout out to you
err shout
Johnny...I just saw this interview...a little late uh? You are a great blessing to thousands and to 2 more for sure...Kathy and me.
Paul Jackson / The Prophets
http://www.pauljacksongroup.com/blog
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