Feature Articles

John Lanier

What was your first indication that you were called and even wanted to sing? How long have you been pursuing a career in Southern Gospel Music?

I knew I "wanted" to make a career of singing gospel music as early as 8 years old, as a fan of The Sego Brothers & Naomi. God gave me the desires of my heart, for which I am so very grateful. Ironically, my start in full-time, professional music was with The Segos, beginning in 1989. (By then, the name was 'Naomi & The Segos'.) In 1993, I helped form 'Tony Gore & Majesty', filling the tenor position. But it wasn't until 1996 that I really began to realize that I was not just fulfilling a childhood dream...I was fulfilling a sure calling of God on my life. I resigned my position with TG & M in March of that year. I spent the next several months off the road doing a lot of soul-searching and praying. It seemed the Lord was leading me to focus more on the ministry aspect of the music, with a renewed burden for souls, and a heart to challenge believers in their spiritual growth. I am not exactly sure, at what point, I felt the Lord's call to preach. But, with a fresh perspective and with my priorities in order, I ventured into an evangelistic solo ministry. By August (1996), I had a full itinerary. I have been singing and preaching ever since. This August will complete 17 years of full-time ministry...To God be all the glory.

The first I ever heard of John Lanier was with a group out of Alabama called Tony Gore and Majesty. What were you doing before TG&M?

Throughout my late teen years and early adulthood, I was heavily involved in the music and children's ministries at my home church. From 1985 until I joined Naomi & The Segos (in 1989), I worked in Christian broadcasting as a radio personality.

What persuaded you to go into a solo Ministry? Were there adjustments that had to be made?

Going solo was really the last thing I wanted to do. It was a bit scary at first, but I simply stepped out in faith, believing this is where God wanted me, at least for a time. I have no idea what the future holds for me...I just walk by faith, one day at a time. Who knows? I may eventually be a part of a group again some day, or even form my own group. I am open to whatever God wants for me...I just want to be in His will.

When I began the solo ministry in 1996, it was like starting all over again. My service and contribution to gospel music for the past several years seemed to be in vain. I thought I had proven myself to the "powers that be". I thought I would begin a new ministry with the same love, respect and support that I seemed to have had while singing with the groups. The first year or so as a soloist was a rude awakening. But I will forever be grateful to the Lord for that time of my life. It was a time of growth that helped me to re-evaluate my purpose and put my calling back into perspective.

I'm sure that there are some positives and negatives in traveling as a solo Ministry. Tell us a little of both.

Being my own boss, so to speak, certainly comes with a great deal of responsibilities and sometimes tough decisions that I didn't have to deal with when I was a part of someone else's group/ministry. Sometimes, I wish I could hop off the bus and just "crash" for a few days until time to leave out again. But my work is far from finished. However, I do enjoy being able to pace my own traveling schedule, and I also enjoy the complete liberty that I have on stage as a soloist, to flow in whatever direction I feel the Lord moving.

What is the most powerful or awesome thing that has ever happened in a service you were conducting?

Oh, wow...it would be impossible to name just one thing. I have witnessed so many awesome manifestations of God's mighty hand in many services, and even moreso in recent months. I'm not talking about theatrical performances or just a hyped-up frenzy. I am talking about a genuine, authentic move of God like I've never seen before. Just a small example...in the last 2 or 3 revivals I've been a part of, services are lasting anywhere from 4 to 6 hours (I'm not exaggerating)...the people don't want to leave....God's glory is filling the place....the altars are filled with tearful prayers and repentant hearts....salvation, healing, deliverance, miracles, broken families reunited, broken marriages restored, forgiveness among a split congregation....I could go on and on. This is just a small sample of what I have been eye-witness to, especially in recent months. It's just too awesome.

God is even beginning to send me to places that I never dreamed I'd dare go. (And much of the religious church crowd won't.) He is bringing people across my path that I never dreamed I'd have the chance to genuinely minister to....the "outcasts", the rejected, and many shunned by the so-called church. And I am seeing positive results! I am not the message, just the messenger. And it's my sincere desire to share the love, light and life of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world...without fear or compromise. And of course, I couldn't without His leading. You didn't ask for a testimony, and I better stop before I go to preaching, lol. To God be all the glory.

If you weren't a Gospel singer, what would you be doing now?

Well, just before I joined Naomi & The Segos in 1989, I was planning to attend college to become a school teacher. Ha, not many people know that, lol. I have also said many times that if I ever came off the road and stopped singing, I'd like to work in radio again. So, I suppose I might be a school teacher or a radio DJ if I were not a gospel singer,lol.

Is being single a help or a hindrance in Ministry? Are you looking for a wife? Would you like us to run a contest to get you a wife?

When I was younger, I tried to plan my life out with every detail in place. I had intended to be married by the age of 25, and have at least one child by the time I was 30. Well, obviously, life didn't happen as I'd planned, lol. I HAVE been engaged twice. The first engagement was to a girl I dated all through high school. She chickened out at the last minute, lol. The second girl...well, let's just say I had to make a choice. It was either her or my new singing job with Naomi. I may be stupid, but I ain't no fool. (LOL)

Since going on the road, I have not gotten "serious" about anyone. I basically just "forsook all for the ministry", so to speak. By the time I reached the age of 30, it bothered me somewhat because I wasn't married, and had no real prospects. And, to make matters worse, throughout my early and mid-30's I went through that "you're thirty-something and not married yet? Why?" phase until I got a complex. (I really got tired of answering peoples questions and trying to prove myself to inquiring minds.) But I have come to terms with myself, and like Paul, the apostle, "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." I am 40, still single, and content with that. I am not looking for a wife. But, I am certainly open to the possibility of marriage, should the Lord provide, lol.

What do you do in your spare time on the road?

Spare time???? Surely you jest. LOLOL No, seriously...I do stay quite busy. Not only with a full-time ministry, but also with a "son." (Yes, I said "son", as in a child,lol.) Without disclosing personal details, let me explain...About 2 years ago, I was afforded the opportunity to provide care for a young boy, in my home for a short period of time. However, at the conclusion of the 2005 SGM FanFair in August, circumstances began to surface that would eventually bring us together once again. On Monday September 19, 2005, following the National Quartet Convention, six-year-old Jordan permanently made his home with me in Millport, Alabama.

He will be seven years old next month, and just completed the first grade. He is a bright, well-mannered, well-behaved young man, full of life, love and energy. He loves to travel with me on the road, and loves to sing. His favorite song is "I'm A Soldier." He started Karate two months ago and excels in everything he does. I am so proud if him, and I am deeply grateful to the Lord for bringing him into my life.

What song in your vast repertoire has touched the most people? What song in your repertoire touches you the most?

A song called, "I Went Down A Beggar" is the most requested song. A song that really touches me when I sing it is one that I recently recorded, that John Starnes made popular many years ago...."The Galilean." It's on my latest project, which is a classic collection of timeless southern gospel favorites called "Treasures."

You can catch up with John at the 7th Annual Gospel Music Fan Festival on Friday, July 29, 2006 in Smyrna, TN, or visit him onine at http://www.johnlanier.com

About This Article - John Lanier

Author: AGM | Author's Website: http://absolutelygospel.com/
Written: 06/01/2006 |

Category: Feature Articles

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