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Ministry is such a profoundly personal experience shared between the Creator and His children. In the act of witnessing, whether through song or word, ministers of the Gospel, not only touch the lives of witnesses but also simultaneously undergo an intimate encounter with God that leads to soul-shedding and torrid testimonies. It is this kind of ministry that’s brought Jonathan Brown to this very pivotal point in his young and eventful life.
Jonathan Brown is in many ways a typical PK (Pastor’s Kid) product…extraordinarily adept in music, comfortable in ministry and ready to assume the pulpit in a minute’s notice. However, life is so much more complicated. There are tests and trials lying around every corner…regrettable choices, spiritual warfare, character flaws…life is a series of challenges and a metaphorical measuring stick of our faith in God to deliver us through situations.
In our conversation with Jonathan Brown, an extremely talented young artist with a wise mind and an old soul, we learn how God prepared one of His very gifted children for ministry and perhaps more, through life’s lessons and humble beginnings, in our exclusive BlackGospel.com Spotlight feature this week.
Christopher Heron: Jonathan, I like to begin interviews with the Word of God and how it's anchored and prepared ministers of music for ministry. So, could you share with our readers the scripture that's a constant reminder of God's help and strength?
Jonathan Brown: Isaiah 40:31 says, “"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
CH: It's so interesting to see how true the scripture is when it declares, "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he shall not depart from it." (Prov. 22:6) Could you give us a sense of what your spiritual and musical upbringing was like and how your father, Apostle Freddie Brown, Sr. and your church experience at the United House Of Prayer prepared you for music ministry?
JB: Growing up, my family and I were faithful in serving God. We would attend the United House of Prayer nightly, or as often as we possibly could. As a child, I did not understand why I had to go to church all the time, but I had no choice in the matter. This faith of our belief was founded on principles of righteousness, holiness, and perseverance. My parents couldn’t choose another way either because they were chosen to minister.
One important thing that I learned from all of it is that there’s a blessing in your sacrifice and that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. While in service, I would witness the brass bands play while the people would rejoice and worship; this became my inspiration. Just to see the saints worship to the heavenly sounds of the trombones, trumpets, baritones and sousaphones made me desire to play them all.
My father sat me and my two older brothers down at an early age and taught us to play the piano. This took place at about age four but by the time of secondary education, I was already blessed to play multiple instruments. Later along, I was granted the privilege to study under the Savannah Symphony’s scholar organization at age fourteen, which led to me attending Savannah Arts Academy, then Clark Atlanta University. The days of my adolescence were spent submerged in the music and church.
As I got older, I was like my father’s shadow at one point because I was his musician; where he went, I went. He taught me other lessons that I needed to know like responsibility and how to be a man of character. From my church experience, I learned that only what you do for Christ will last. He along with my church family gave me a platform where I could perfect the gifts that God gave me and grow in the Word. I’ve been blessed to work many different groups, ensembles, choirs, and individuals inside and outside of church, but I realize that I can only be who I am by being connected to Him.
CH: You're obviously a very talented songwriter, producer and artist to be recognized and awarded by the Nashville Star Search, Billboard, Great American Song, and Song of the Year contest. What did these experiences reveal to you, regarding God's plan for your life?
JB: Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Even though I won theses acclaims, at first they didn’t mean anything because after I received the recognition, nothing happened. I wasn’t where I needed to be in Him. It was all self-glory at the time. Even though I never boasted or bragged, the point was my mind wasn’t where it needed to be for God to take me to the next level. I was recognized by many, but I found that it wasn’t about me; this ministry is about Him.
I learned at a young age that you must get out of self so that God can use you. I didn’t get hung up on the awards but I placed them on my wall and they gave me promise along with the word of God. This takes me back to the earlier quote from Isaiah 40:31. I already knew my portion of what God’s plan for my life was but the commendations were just confirmation.
CH: You're not only a gifted songwriter but a trained musician, proficient in both Gospel and Jazz music. So many of today's Gospel musicians and artists have learned music by ear. Could you explain, according to your perspective, the difference between how a trained musician who reads and learns music by reading notes approaches songwriting and playing an instrument, versus a gifted musician and songwriter, who hears and sees music in his mind's eye? Is there a difference that's audible to the naive music fan?
JB: For me, it’s the best of both worlds. I learned to play by ear first and then learned music. Nothing beats just being able to sit down and play from your imagination. Learning music just broadens that because you learn not only the principle techniques on how to perform your instrument but you then understand what you are expressing and how it relates theoretically.
I know awesome musicians who can sit down and read music with excellence, but they are envious of the ones who can play by ear and vice versa. They can both end up at the same place musically, but generally a trained musician has a better understanding of how to elevate his ability quicker and usually is more disciplined. Knowing how to do both doesn’t hurt either, but in most cases there is a clear audible difference between the two overall.
CH: It's always interesting to watch the evolution of young, talented, passionate Independent artists go through the inevitable journey from regional, modest success stories to national and sometimes international recognition. I can remember the youthful fervor that pushed personalities like Kirk Franklin and Tye Tribbett from humble beginnings into the limelight, even when their future was very much unclear. What testimonies and stories in life have given you inspiration and vision for the future and for your ministry, as you press forward into His marvelous plan? And what are the key lessons you've learned along this journey thus far, whether through the wise counsel of others or as you've watched the lives and careers of others?
JB: My future appeared cloudy to a lot of the people around me. As I expressed the vision to them, they could not understand it because it’s not normal. I believe that God doesn’t give you normal visions to work with, but He gives you extraordinary. If He wanted you to do normal things, why would you need faith? Many are thrown off because they can’t see what you see and they don’t have the faith that you have. I tried to do things how I pleased and it didn’t work.
For instance, when I was young, I would go to different showcases to perform. Before I went my mother would ask, “What are you going to sing?” I would tell her that I was going to do some R&B song that was hot at the time. She would just shake her head and say, “Boy, you need to sing something to uplift the Lord and leave that other stuff alone.” It never failed that every time I tried to do a talent show, something would happen to stop me in my tracks from proceeding or prospering. My mom would always say, “I told you that you should’ve stuck with the gospel.” I realized early that I did need to sing the Word because I wasn’t called to do otherwise.
Recently I was in a car accident with a tractor trailer truck that totaled my car. I praised God that He sent the angels of protection to guard me, because I could have died that night but I walked away with just a couple of scratches and bruises. God could've taken me then but the lesson was that the time is now to get serious for His works. That was my wake up call. It has been so many times where God has brought me through situations, but it would take me ages to tell all of His goodness.
Yes, I’ve heard the testimonies of many artists and I admire them for their testimony because somebody needs to hear it so that they can catch faith and believe that God can save you from anything and bless you abundantly. The Lord has blessed me and my family beyond measure. I wasn’t living on the streets, facing poverty, selling drugs, robbing, abusing or killing. That’s not my testimony, but God did deliver me from other iniquities along the way and he taught me that I needed to grow. There are so many lessons to be learned but I try my best to receive them and apply them daily. Those are: put God first, be humble, remain patient, bless others, discern negativity, stay positive, be aware of your surroundings, fast and pray, be dedicated, exemplify discipline, take care of your responsibilities, be persistent, and keep your faith on high.
CH: Let's discuss your evolution as a recording artist. You're latest album is entitled, Stand. It's your second project and a manifestation of your growth as a producer, musician and artist? Share with us the difference, both musically and lyrically between your debut album and Stand. And what were the driving themes and messages you wanted to convey in your latest album?
JB: There an old cliché,” Practice makes perfect.” This applies well. Not only have I become stronger in my musical ability but I have elevated my faith in God by performance. Just like I have to repeatedly showcase my craft to make it better, I have to work my faith the same. This brings me to what “Stand” is about. You can’t really grasp it fully without understanding my first album, “Restore Me.”
In this debut project, the songs were made in my plea to God for restoration. I was going through a time in my life where I was disconnected from Him and I knew that my life was going in the wrong direction. I asked God to restore me from my fallen state to where I was before and then take me higher. Once I got that prayer through, I knew it was time to stand up and start walking towards the promise by faith.
That’s what “Stand” is all about. There are songs on the album like “God Is Not Done,” “Stand,” “God Is Calling You,” “Stand Up,” and “Made Up Mind,” that convey the same theme. We have to take it higher for the kingdom. It’s not about standing in place like many do but rather taking a stand and striving to go to the next level in your walk. Another cliché, “If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.” Who better to stand for than Christ? If He’s with you, that’s better than the whole world against you.
CH: Finally Jonathan, what is your hope and prayer for Gospel music fans who will discover the music and ministry of Jonathan Brown for the first time?
JB: I pray that whosoever listens shall find at least a song, one message, or a single theme that will move on their heart and inspire them to stand and walk in faith diligently towards their promise. There are many who are already walking in their light of Christ and “Stand” should be an encourager to keep doing what you are already doing. I believe just like the songwriter wrote years ago,” If I can help somebody, then my living will not be in vain.”
For
more information on Jonathan Brown, visit his official website at
www.allaboutjb.com. To
contact Jonathan Brown, call 404.217.5996 or email at
jb@allaboutjb.com. 
