Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

THE HAGEES CELEBRATE ISRAEL

Pastor John Hagee (r) and TBN president Matt Crouch at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Members of acclaimed Southern Gospel family group and Difference Media recording artist The Hagees recently participated in official events celebrating Israel in both America and the Middle East. John Hagee, founder and senior pastor of San Antonio’s Cornerstone Church and founder of Christians United for Israel—the largest Christian pro-Israel organization in the United States—delivered the benediction at the opening of the newly-relocated U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, a ceremony which was broadcast around the world.

In addition, Cornerstone Church executive pastor Matthew Hagee accepted an award on his father’s behalf in Washington, D.C., given by Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dermer. In honor of Israel’s 70th Independence Day, the Embassy of Israel in Washington, D.C., honored 70 of the greatest American contributors to the U.S.-Israel relationship. Pastor John Hagee was named alongside other distinguished honorees, including President Harry Truman, Elie Wiesel, Albert Einstein and President Donald Trump.

Comprised of Pastor John Hagee, his son Pastor Matthew Hagee, and daughters Sandra Parker and Tina Ketterling, The Hagees’ storied Gospel career has spanned more than two decades, boasting multiple acclaimed recordings and international appearances. Their 2014 best-selling Difference Media release, Love (Capitol Christian Music Group), debuted at #2 on Nielsen SoundScan’s Southern Gospel chart.

The Hagees’ Sandra Parker at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem

John Hagee is founder and senior pastor of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas, a non-denominational evangelical church with more than 22,000 active members. He also founded John Hagee Ministries, which broadcasts the Gospel on radio and television throughout America and the world, and is the founder of Christians United for Israel, which has grown to become the largest Christian pro-Israel organization in the United States with over 3.2 million members. One of the leading Christian grassroots movements in the world, Christians United for Israel provides a national platform through which every pro-Israel church, parachurch organization, ministry or individual in America can speak and act with one voice in support of Israel in matters related to biblical issues. John Hagee has authored 40 books, including multiple New York Times best-selling titles.

Difference Media is a division of John Hagee Ministries, founded by John Hagee. Along with The Hagees, the San Antonio-based label features some of the leading names in Gospel music, including Ivan Parker, Canton Junction, Ricardo Sanchez, Matt Hagee, Tim Duncan, Aaron & Amanda Crabb, The Cornerstone Sanctuary Choir and John Hagee.

Pastor Matt Hagee (r) and Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dermer
at the Embassy of Israel in Washington, D.C.

For further information, visit differencemedia.org or turningpointpr.com.

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David Staton: Are you bigger than God?

David Staton

For eight years, I ran a Christian music label on Music Row here in Nashville. My job included production, artist management, promotion, radio, publishing, A&R responsibilities, board meetings and spreadsheets. All of that was part of my job, but if you talked to the artists that I worked with, they would not list any of those things as the most valuable part of what I did for them.

When I worked with an artist one on one, I would explain to them that they needed to plug into something bigger than themselves. The initial fear is that you’ll become a small slice of a pie instead of being the entire pie, but actually, the opposite is true. That is why you see major brands fight to be the official brand of their product for the World Wide Olympics. It doesn’t make their brand any smaller, it gives them enormous credibility, and that makes them bigger in terms of public perception. Being part of something bigger than you gives you a much more credibility and purpose.

Post-election events have angered and saddened me. In any sporting event, contest, and life in general, some people win and some people lose. If that was not the case, we would live in a communist society, in which we would all lose. In any election that takes place in a free society, someone wins and someone loses.The folks who support the candidate that loses are always disappointed, but it never takes long before we realize that there is something bigger than that candidate, or even our ideas. That something allows us to unite as much as possible and move on.

David Staton and family

That something is Patriotism, and the reality that we are all part of the greatest Nation in the world.

When you think of our history, what we went through, the struggles and the men and women who gave their life for our freedom, you realize that there is something much bigger than yourself, a political candidate, or even a political party.  Folks, that is patriotism! The symbol of all that I just mentioned is embodied in the Stars and Stripes, the American flag.  

When I see people protesting the election results or any issue they feel is important, because of the freedom provided by this great Nation, they have the right to do so. However, when part of the protest involves burning or destroying the flag, I see people who think that nothing is bigger than them. Their feelings at the moment outweigh the struggles, the battles, and the blood shed by our veterans, and the sacrifice of thousands of men and women that defend their right to be so misguided. The only thing their actions prove is that they are ignorant of anything and everything that is bigger than they are.

This selfish, small-minded, and immature attitude is not limited to social and political arenas. It has rooted itself in the church, and like any weed, it is growing. I believe some of our core beliefs nurture this type of this deceptive thought process and can only bring us to a point of major crisis individually and collectively in the church.

David Staton and family

When I hear sermons that talk about the season of life that I’m walking through right now, I wonder if we realize what we are saying. When Peter stepped out of the boat, he was fine until he began noticing the season or the circumstances around him. When Peter focused on his surroundings rather than Jesus who made it possible for him to walk through those circumstances, he began to sink.

When I hear someone tell me all about the season they are walking through, I want to stop them and tell them, “Don’t tell me how high the waves are, or the wind speeds of the storm around you. Tell me if you can see the face of Jesus.”

Are you looking for it? If you seek Him you will find Him and when you turn your eyes upon Jesus, the things around you begin to fade, and you will walk through fire or on water. Focusing on our season and everything that revolves around us is a slippery slope that I believe leads to a selfish, what’s in this for me outlook, and will ultimately lead to a self-serving gospel.  

We have to realize that the Gospel is so much bigger than any one person, church, television evangelist, or movement that we can create. I am nothing on my own, but a lost and confused mess. However, the day I was adopted into the family of God, I immediately became a child of God, royalty, an adopted younger brother to Jesus Christ. I went from lost and confused, living in my own little self-centered world to having a divine purpose and identity.  

David Staton

So think about the Gospel that you are hearing or preaching. Does it make God fit into someone’s little world to make it better, or does it plug them into the Kingdom of God, which gives life and purpose to everyone who receives it?  

By David Staton

First published by SGNScoops Magazine in January 2017. For the current issue of SGNScoops Magazine click here.

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About David Staton ( abridged from his website bio here )

[…]In 2004, David partnered with Mike LeFevre to form The LeFevre Quartet. During the seven years that he was the lead vocalist, the group had many hit songs like, “To Get To Jesus”, that Staton penned, “Let Me Tell You ‘Bout Jesus”, “Days of Elijah”, “I Bless Your Name”, “Didn’t It Rain” and many more. The group won many awards including, “Breakout Artist of the Year” and Singing News Fan based, “Horizon Award”. After leaving the LeFevre Quartet in 2011, Staton began working on a solo project and also began singing with Palmetto State Quartet. The group appeared on television and tour with Country Music Superstar, Wynonna Judd while Staton was there.

Through the years, nearly every major artist in gospel music has recorded David’s music. Artists like Gold City, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Kingsmen, Singing Americans, Dixie Melody Boys, Imperials, Dottie Peoples, Ball Brothers, LeFevre Quartet, Palmetto State Quartet, Priority, Trailblazers, The Greenes, Ivan Parker, Brian Free and many more have recorded music written by David Staton. From 2005 to 2013, Staton was the Executive Vice President for Song Garden Music Group in Nashville, TN. In recent years, the National Quartet Convention has asked David to be a part of an industry advisory panel to help artists who need assistance and training. Not only has David made a mark in gospel music as an artist and a writer, he is passing on his knowledge and experience on to new artists which will influence and shape the future of gospel music.

Find David Staton’s facebook page here and website here.

Nathan Kistler – Washington Opportunities

Nathan Kistler sings in Washington DC

Hope to the Hill by Nathan Kistler 

This last month has been so fruitful in the ministry God is doing here in Washington. I am more excited than ever to be a part of what God is doing through His people. We have watched the hand of God move in ways that I have never seen before to allow ministry opportunities. 

When I decided to leave the road in Gospel Music, I felt at times that I would never sing again. I think that many of us have what I like to call Elijah Moments where we think, “I am the only one left,” or that I won’t be able to do this or that. It is in these moments that God must smile and say, “Child, if you only knew.” 

Dave and Nathan Kistler

A few weeks ago, I was having one of these moments and I just couldn’t seem to shake it. It was a Friday, and I always go to the Senate chaplain’s Bible study on Fridays. I was walking into the Hart Senate office building whilst having a pity party in my own mind. I walked off of the elevator on to the ninth floor towards the tables where the pizza was sitting for our lunch Bible study when I heard the voice of the chaplain behind me. 

I turned and looked back, and he was looking at me.  He walked straight towards me and said, “Nate, today is the day.” 

I said, “Today is the day for what?” 

“Today is the day when you sing for our Bible study,” he said.

I was caught a bit off guard by the statement, so I said, “Well, when exactly do you want me to sing, sir?”

Nathan Kistler

He replied, “In two minutes, so be ready.”  He then proceeded to introduce me to sing “How Great Thou Art,” before he broke the bread of life for us. 

In five minutes, I was able to build trust and relationship with people I have been trying to build a bridge with for years. I say this not to boast by any means, but to tell you that first, God uses music to open doors of ministry. Second, the Lord reminded me that He would continue to open doors for me to use my gift to further His Gospel. I am learning that God has placed our ministry here on the front lines to minister through word, deed and song to those here in Washington, D.C. The harvest truly is ready.

We were a part of the committee meetings for our newest associate justice on the bench of the U.S. Supreme Court, Neil Gorsuch. We have prayed that God would grant him a clear path to the court, but we must continue to pray not only for him but for every member of the Supreme Court that God would grant them wisdom and guidance in the days ahead. We ask that you would pray for us that God would widen our array of influence and that He would provide financially for the ministry ahead. We would love for you to partner with us in the future as God is doing great things on a daily basis.  

If you would like to find out more about our ministry and how you can help, you can visit us at HopeToTheHill.com or call our office at 202-770-7300. I would personally love to chat with you and share what God is doing.  

Your friend in Washington,

Nathan Kistler

Click on his website here.

Nathan Kistler writes a column for SGNScoops Magazine called Hope To The Hill. Find the latest issue here.

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Chaplain Black prays on Day 17 of Thirty Days of Prayer for the Nation

Nathan Kistler. #30DaysOfPrayer. Chaplain Black

Once again, we join Nathan Kistler for Thirty Days of Prayer for the Nation, as we approach Election Day.

We were so honored to have the first African American Chaplain of the US Senate with us the for day 14 that we decided to share his prayer again with you all for day 17. Chaplain Black is one of the finest men I have ever known and folks need to see his prayer! Share it and like it!

Chaplain Black, leads multiple Bible studies every week in the US Capitol Building on top of his primary job of taking care of the 100 senators and those who work for them. I have spent much time in the Chaplain’s office and he has been such a blessing to me. I hope those of you who watch and join in prayer today can get an idea of what that is like.

Thank you Chaplain for joining us in our initiative. Forgive the abrupt ending as the Chaplain did this video on his cell phone. Please share this and join us here or at Hope To The Hill tomorrow for another prayer. We need leaders like the Chaplain who will speak truth and live lives of “Predictable Holiness” as the Chaplain always to me. #30daysofprayer

We need God in this land once again to move in a way only He can.
#pleasesharethis

If you value prayer, please watch, pray along and share this video.
I ask that you take the challenge to pray for 30 days with us. For now however, please #watch, #pray, and #share this prayer with others and join us back here with Hope To The Hill tomorrow for another wonderful #prayer.

If you have missed any of these videos, please visit and like the Hope To The Hill Facebook page to pray along and get updates on the prayer initiative. You can also visit the Hope To The Hill websitefor more information on this ministry.

Join us tomorrow, here on SGN Scoops or on the Hope To The Hill Facebook page as we continue each day for a total of 30 days, praying for the Nation, moving toward the election.

You can contact Hope To The Hill at 202-770-7300 or email Nathan at Nathankistler@gmail.com. For more on Hope To The Hill, click on the website.

Nathan Kistler is a monthly columnist with SGNScoops magazine.

Nathan Kistler – Hope To The Hill: Dealing With The Heart Issue

Nathan Kistler : Hope to the Hill

I do not know where to begin with what has happened in our country over the past month. A heartbreaking time for our nation. The race baiting, hate and division is at an all time high in America. I cannot help but think that we need God more than ever in America and our world today. How can we be the change our country needs?

I believe that the love of God is what is needed to bring peace to this land, but we must truly and fervently pray for the continuing of revival in our nation. I pray for a humbling and repentant spirit in my own life but also in the lives of those who live in our great nation. So many want to put the blame of violence and so forth on guns, video games, and so on, but we only put a bandaid on needle prick of our nation’s problem when we have a cancer of the heart. We must deal with the heart issue of our nation.

Nathan Kistler

In these moments when our leadership will not lead and our election cycle seems to be in a state of disaster, we can be encouraged that God’s people are still working and praying on our behalf. I spent the evening a few nights back at the Chaplains Alliance for Religious Freedom special ceremony for those who have championed the right of chaplains to share their faith.

On this specific night, one special senator was being honored for his endurance in the fight for what is rig

Nathan Kistler

ht. I listened to senators, congressmen, a general and chaplains speak of what this man had done for the cause of Christ during his time in the senate. He brought bible studies, prayer meetings and real leadership that was truly evident by the end of the evening.

I was so encouraged by that one evening and I just had to share it with you all. God truly has His people in our government and they are fighting for what is right. How could we ever not pray for them and encourage them? Let us not forget to pray continually for those who serve us and our Lord.

I am starting a new bible study in the coming weeks for staffers on the Hill and I am so thrilled for this endeavor. DC is full of young people and I aim to reach them with the Gospel. God brings so many young people into my life on the Hill and I am grateful for their friendships. I am praying for a fruitful return to this endeavor, planting seeds and letting the Holy Spirit water them.

Hope to the Hill is now in our own office right behind the Supreme Court. I share a space with my colleagues at Faith and Action and I love ministering with these folks. Rev. Rob Schenck, and Peggy have been truly incredible friends and partners in ministry over the last five years. I am so thankful to be a part of God’s work with them on a daily basis.

There are so many ministries like Faith and Action, Hope to the Hill and The Center for Christian Statesmanship who need the help of the church to continue in ministry on the Hill. I ask that you would pray for us every day that God would supply our needs through His people.

As one of my close friends former Congressman Paul Broun of GA always says, “God owns the cattle on a thousand hills. We just need Him to round some cattle up!” If you would like to know how you can help us, you can visit our hopetothehill.com website for more information.

By Nathan Kistler

October 2016 SGNScoops Magazine

First published by SGNScoops magazine in August 2016.

For more articles by Nathan Kistler, be sure to read the latest issue of SGNScoops magazine on the main page of SGNScoops.com

Day Two of Thirty Days of Prayer for the Nation

Nathan Kistler – Hope To The Hill – Thirty Days of Prayer

It is day two of our #30daysofprayer Initiative and we are so honored to have Pastor Mark Harris of First Baptist Church Charlotte leading us in prayer today. Please join him in prayer for our nation and for the upcoming election. Please watch, pray and share this video if you find value in prayer. Join us tomorrow, here on SGN Scoops or at Hope To The Hill Facebook page for day three.

Did you miss Day One? Click here.

You can contact Hope To The Hill at 202-770-7300 or email Nathan at Nathankistler@gmail.com.

Nathan Kistler of Hope To The Hill is a monthly columnist in SGNScoops magazine.