Gospel Heritage Foundation began in 1994 at a celebration for Gospel Today Magazine, when I presented a plaque to (the late) Dr. Albertina Walker from members of various Gospel music labels. Dr. Walker was so overwhelmingly grateful for the presentation, it impressed me to further explore the memorializing of Gospel heritage and legacy. I found that Gospel’s heritage and legacy was being underrepresented, forgotten and minimized. That year, I founded the Gospel Heritage Foundation.
Phase ONE – Celebration
1995-2001 Gospel Heritage Foundation began to host Annual celebrations consisting of concerts and “The Annual Gospel Heritage Awards” saluting many of Gospel’s trailblazers and pioneers whose contributions served to preserve and perpetuate the Gospel legacy.
Phase TWO – Celebration & Education
2002- 2009. After an event postponement in 2000 and 2001, I was divinely directed to expand from celebration to education. The vision for Gospel Heritage was refocused, and in 2002, the celebratory weekend increased to include a daytime component of classes and seminars with incredible teaching. Evenings featured dynamic preaching and worship that truly touched the heart of God. Gospel Heritage became known for intense worship and dynamic teaching featuring renowned psalmists and theologians.
Phase THREE – Empowerment
2010-present. The mandate and mission of GHF was codified: “To Transform Nations and Generations through Worship” and expanded to a movement. I traversed the country trying to compel Christian leaders (pastors and music leaders) to adapt the mandate and adopt the mission of Gospel Heritage. I knew that if they’d only embrace the opportunity to preach and teach and live “a worship lifestyle” –they’d be blessed personally as well as their churches and ministries.
At this point there were many “regional” worship summits held each year; with the largest gathering (International Worship Summit) happening each February in various cities. The 2 ½ day event boasted an excellent education curriculum in the area of worship which earned this conference the acknowledgement of many as the #1 educational setting for worship.