Sounds of Praise: Biography

In the late summer of 2006, Worship Leader Kevin Wheatley was presented with the task of covering Praise & Worship on occasional Sunday services. With this in mind, Kevin surveyed the EBC Total Praise Choir for singers that he could bring together.

Kevin, a true lover of music, searched for singers who like himself had an ear for music, but more importantly, he sought those in whom he saw a love and passion for singing and praising God. In addition to this, Kevin also knew that there would be a limited amount of time dedicated to rehearsals, and so it became even more critical for him to assemble the right praise and worship team.

Thanks to God's direction, Kevin ultimately found 9 singers that were willing to answer the call in helping him lead the people of God into the presence of the Almighty. Having sung with one another for the past 2 years, the group has now grown to 13 singers-- a group that only God could have put together. Initially, they lovingly and amusingly called themselves “The Kevin Wheatley Praise Team” (a name that went no further than the rehearsal doors!) until they were given the task of coming up with an official name for the team.

After much deliberation and meditation, they decided upon a name that best describes an ensemble with praise on their lips, a clap in their hands, a bounce in their feet, and a joy in their heart - SOUNDS OF PRAISE!!!

"S"- The treble clef with a twist! SOP is all about music for the Lord, moving the listener in new directions (He's calling us higher!)

"O"- The whole note, because SOP members seek "wholeness" with the Lord!

"F"- The dynamic symbol for "forte". SOP members don't hold back when singing praises to the Lord!

"P"- The dynamic symbol for "pianoforte". SOP members are instruments that respond to the touch of God!

Musical notes - play the melody "You-Oughta-Praise-Him"- the first stanza in "Just Praise" written by SOP worship leader, Kevin Wheatley

 MISSION:

As worshippers we know for a fact that we have all answered a calling that was God given.

It is so much more than sounding good or trying to outdo others, but it is answering the mandate that was placed on our lives; The Great Commission, to go into the world and preach the gospel… We aim to please God in everything we do and in so doing, recognize and move in our calling.

We want to deliver the message of God in song with a sincerity and perfection that can only come from hearts that are in tune and dedicated to God. Our talents belong to the Lord and we intend to use them so that the world will know who He is.

SACRED ARTS PHOTOS

Click here to view photos of Sounds of Praise, the Sacred Arts Ministry.

EMAIL SOUNDS OF PRAISE

Send an email to Kevin about your interest in the SOP and the Sacred Arts Ministry or go to MyEBC and sign up for Sacred Arts today.

Worship Leader:  Kevin Weatley