Faith News Network

Knoxville, TN–This past weekend at Smoky Mountain Winterfest a group of 61 volunteers were recognized as “Unsung Heroes,” those who have been behind the scenes filling every volunteer capacity from running sound, hosting guests, or helping with security. The group represented a small fraction of the hundreds – perhaps thousands – of pastors, youth leaders, laypersons and parents who have assisted in growing and managing Winterfest since it began 37 years ago as a band of five youth groups that came together in Gatlinburg, Tennessee for a time of refreshing and renewal.

Six gospel artists will have the chance to become a gospel music star on a new reality program called The Gospel. The Gospel chronicles eight episodes as contestants compete for a national management contract with T.D. Jakes’ Dexterity Sounds and Marquis Boone Music Group. The first of its kind for gospel music, the winner of this Christian music competition will be announced with the opportunity to perform at the International Pastors & Leadership Conference in Tampa Bay on April 25.

April 2019 will mark Charisma magazine’s 500th issue. The magazine officially launched in August 1975, with Thurlow Spurr gracing the cover of the inaugural issue. This April, Hillsong’s Brian Houston will smile back at readers. Stories in between have covered everyone from Kathryn Kuhlman to Oral Roberts, Mother Angelica to Donald Trump.