Dear Media
It is my pleasure to introduce the latest recording from Charles Billingsley, who you likely know from his time as the lead vocalist of the veteran group, NewSong and from his own career, as he has emerged into a highly respected & sought-after solo artist, performing over 100 concerts a year, including church dates and numerous conferences. I look forward to talking with you about the latest solo project from Charles, God of the Ages, which released on August 25, 2009, through Red Tie Records.
Over the course of nearly two decades, God has continually opened doors for Billingsley to use his gifts in concert, at conferences and now as the worship leader at Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, VA and as an artist-in-residence and student advisor at Liberty University. The songs on God of the Ages, many of which originated from his experiences leading worship and mentoring students, convey faith and celebrate everyday worship.
Billingsley experienced a soul-shaking challenge in 2008. After several recording sessions and live concerts he was struggling to sing properly. Something was physically wrong. A visit with a specialist revealed that he had a polyp on his left vocal cord. Following surgery, he was facing the prospect of never singing again. He retreated in silence to the Blue Ridge Mountains to pray and meditate. Charles rediscovered that morning what it means to worship the Lord and that he could worship God without a note, without a song and without a voice.
According to Charles, “God brought this little bend in the road to my life so I could re-focus and I am so thankful for that time. I would not trade it for anything. It is because of that moment last fall that I specifically chose these songs on this record, especially ‘When I Don't Know What To Do.'”
The poignant ballad captures that moment of surrender that comes when we realize the only thing left to do is fall into God’s arms. Billingsley’s emotional delivery echoes the soul of a man who has experienced every word he is singing. It’s that ability to be transparent in his struggles that endears Billingsley to other believers, prompting people everywhere to seek the peace he’s so obviously found in his relationship with the Lord.
Before joining Thomas Road Baptist Church, Billingsley also served two years as worship leader at Dr. David Jeremiah’s Shadow Mountain Community Church in San Diego and has much to share about the life experiences that God has given to him and has also brought him through. I’d love to talk with you about the ministry Charles walks in everyday and the new things in his life right now.
Please listen to God of the Ages. Also check out www.charlesbillingsley.com.
Kindest Regards,
Callie Penn
Charles Billingsley Concert Ministry