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Greg Nelson teams with LifeWay to nurture Christian music


NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–Multiple Grammy and Dove award winner Greg Nelson has joined LifeWay Christian Resources as one of its exclusive songwriters and will serve a dual position in song and writer development.

Nelson, known for such Christian classics as “People Need the Lord,” said he was attracted to LifeWay for a primary reason: “The current music industry isn’t geared to the church as it once was,” he said. “My background is writing music for the church and the church choir. LifeWay’s vision is in keeping with my roots and my passion.”

His passion, he said, is writing music specifically for church worship services, church soloists and choral music all within the church music genre a field he hopes to continue influencing.

“Greg’s focus is the church,” said Jim Gibson, director of music, publishing and recording at LifeWay. “His larger platform is worship in the church which aligns really well with our own vision statement and what we’re all about. Greg wanted to come here because of what we’re doing for the church and because he sees LifeWay as a significant player in the church music ministry of tomorrow.”

And what is the church music ministry of tomorrow? For Nelson, it’s a transition between praise and worship music and choral music toward a blending of two styles that continue to fight for their place within today’s worship service.

“I’m looking at the possibility that in the near future there will be a coming together [of the two styles],” Nelson said. “We won’t be counting off how many hymns were sung or how many times a worship chorus was repeated. People will be coming together to worship in a more relaxed way.”

Nelson is considered one of the creators of what is now referred to as inspirational gospel music. Among the major artists in contemporary Christian music he has worked with are Sandi Patty, Steven Curtis Chapman, Steve Green, Larnelle Harris, Twila Paris and Point of Grace.

His 25-year career in songwriting, publishing and producing has yielded seven Grammy award-winning albums, 13 Grammy nominations and 26 Dove awards with more than 61 nominations. He was the third recipient of the Gospel Music Association “Impact Award” for his influence in the area of contemporary Christian music.
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(BP) photo posted in the BP Photo Library at http://www.bpnews.net. Photo title: SIGNING ON.

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