On a quiet Monday in an Eastside neighborhood, the environment inside Salt of the Earth Christian Ministries is lively with sounds of energetic praise music.
The congregation’s pastor, Brian Anderson-Payne, takes his seat at a keyboard and begins singing with two members of his ensemble, The Brian Anderson-Payne Project.
“Let’s take it from the top,” he tells them as he cranks a catchy, R&B-style rhythm that’s part of a praise song he wrote recently.
With tight, soaring harmonies the trio rehearses for a live recording of Anderson-Payne’s upcoming CD, “The Message of the Music.”
Everyone is invited to participate in the recording, which is also being offered as a community wide worship service. The free event is scheduled to start promptly at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 16 at Healing Streams Word & Worship Center, 1751 Century Plaza Road. Doors will open at 6 p.m.
“We’re definitely looking forward to this project as another way we can go beyond the walls of the church and reach out to those who have not received the powerful and life-changing message of Christ,” said Anderson-Payne.
Anderson-Payne serves as co-pastor of Salt of the Earth Christian Ministries (SOTECM) with his wife Ruby.
The congregation’s stated goal is to not just evangelize, but also help individuals “renew” their thinking by living up to Romans 12:2, which states, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Brian Anderson-Payne, who sings and composes, is characteristically modest about his talents but has quietly built up a respectable, regional following in the gospel community.
Since the early ‘90s he has worked with and written songs for projects by the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Edwin Hawkins, Rodnie Bryant, Napoleon Williams, the Georgia Mass Choir and other artists.
Anderson-Payne, who is as much influenced by jazz, rock and soul as he is gospel music, released two self-produced recordings several years ago, but next week will mark his first live recording.
In addition to his own group, Anderson-Payne will also showcase gospel vocalists and musicians representing several churches of different denominations.
“Numerous gospel artists and choirs have done live recordings, but they have rarely recorded them together,” he said. “Our vision actually extends beyond the recording itself. What we want to do is create a new kind of Christian unity with this project.”
Artists who plan to perform during next week’s live recording have quickly expressed their excitement about working with Anderson-Payne.
“I’m overwhelmed and overjoyed about this project,” said Tamara Scott. “It’s always been an honor to work with Pastor Anderson-Payne. He’s so talented and ahead of his time in terms of contemporary gospel music.”
Patrick Saunders, who will also be singing with Anderson-Payne next week, agrees.
“It’s an amazing experience to work with somebody that has his caliber of talent,” he said. “We encourage everyone to join us next week and have a wonderful time in Christ.”
For more information about Brian Anderson-Payne and the Message of the Music log on to www.sotecm.org or call (317) 545-7258. Special thanks to Gwendolyn McCaleb for her assitance with this article.
