What a privilege for C. Chandon Carter and staff to “Open the doors, and see all the people!”
When the doors of Siloam International Church in Atlanta, Georgia opened on Saturday, March 19th, people from near and far, donned in their Hollywood best, were there to honor those who honor Christ at the inaugural Steeple Awards, Gospel’s newest national award show. Carter, CEO of Carter Unlimited, purposed to create an award show where signed, mainstream artists and unsigned, independent artists were honored together for their ministry contributions to the gospel music industry and to the world. Likewise, Pastors of mega-churches and pastors of smaller ministries were all honorees of the Nehemiah Award for their great Kingdom work in demonstrating the 5-fold ministries as outlined in the book of Ephesians.
And the Steeple Awards Go To…
The following gospel artists are 2016 Steeple Award Winners:
Church of the Year: The dReam Center Church of Atlanta (Pastor William Murphy, III)
CD of the Year: One Place Live (Tasha Cobbs)
Song of the Year: I’m Yours: (Casey J)
Group or Duo of the Year: The Walls Group
Female Artist of the Year: Le’Andria Johnson
Male Artist of the Year: Canton Jones
Author of the Year: DiShan Washington (Diary of a Mad First Lady)
Choir of the Year: Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling
New Artist of the Year: Ahmad Hall & Friends
Best in Media: Twanda Black of KISS 104FM
Comedian of the Year: Karlton Humes
Inspirational Rap Artist of the Year: Luke G
The following Pastors and First Ladies are 2016 Nehemiah Award Honorees:
Bishop Stephen B. & Co-Pastor Vanessa Hall of The Rhema Nation Church
Pastor Kerwin B. & 1st Lady Yolanda T. Lee of Berean Christian Church
Bishop William, & Co-Pastor Danielle Murphy of The dReam Center Church of Atlanta
Dr. Jonathan C. & Co-Pastor Sylvia D. Carter of Siloam Church International
General Overseer Craig L. & 1ST Lady Chi’lra Oliver of Elizabeth Baptist Church
The Steeple Awards Show host and comedian, Broderick E. Rice, brought his unique brand of comedy and kept the audience laughing throughout the night, while local and national artists kept the audience uplifted with splendid musical selections. Local Atlanta favorites included: Sonya McGuire, Marica Chisholm, John Mero and the Atlanta Masonic Choir shared the stage with Miles D. Mealing, and national artists Tim Bowman Jr., Canton Jones, Tyler Little, Bashir Hogue, The Showers Family Group, saxophonist Jeff Sparks, Zebulon Ellis and Corey Webb blessed crowd. Several industry members were also on hand and served as presenters including Actress and Producer Reece Odum, Gospel Recording Artist Debra Prather, industry executive, Cappriccieo Scates, President of Mytrell Records and Grammy Award winning producer, Kevin Bonds, as well as Dr. Sherry Blake of Ask Dr. Sherry and seen on Love and Hip Hop, Braxton Family Values, and Preachers of Atlanta, and Lyanta Tomlin publisher of Divine Voice magazine.
A special moment to pay homage to the life, legacy, and artistry of Pastor Daryl Coley included a riveting medley of three of Coley’s popular songs presented by Marica Chisholm and BET Sunday Best alums, Corey Webb and Zebulon Ellis.
Team Jesus Events was honored to be among invited media for the auspicious occasion, and enjoyed the fellowship and festivities with Steeple Awards nominees and performers. As we do it here at Team Jesus Events, we ended our interviews with Red Carpet Prayer Request, giving the artists and pastors a chance to share how we as TEAM JESUS can support them in their purpose to honor God. Do support these guests with your prayers.
Stay connected and be on the look out for The Steeple Awards voting season and nominees for 2017. In the meantime, check out some of the sights and sounds of The Steeple Awards 2016!
