As a sports fan, there is one thing I do not like to hear when it comes to my favorite teams. It is the phrase "you are what you are". You see, if you are in first place you generally hear "this team is tremendous or among the elite". When the sports broadcaster says "you are what you are" generally you are sitting somewhere in the lower half of the standings, mediocre to lousy. Unless something drastic changes the playoffs are out of the equation.
 
In recent years the overall quality of southern gospel music in the metroplex has risen several bars. Groups such as Southern Joy, Trusting Hymn, His Call, New Day, First Voice, Southern Charm, and Praise Inc are a few that immediately come to mind. These groups have done well to raise the bar as far as quality gospel music. This has resulted in some of the other local groups working to improve their overall quality.
 
As a result, we collectively have brought an awareness to area churches as to the quality of southern gospel music. What has NOT happened is the overall perception of southern gospel music in the area to others, especially those outside our area. We are perceived as groups that basically are using cover songs that national groups have already sung. If this trend continues then "we are what we are".
 
We have made a lot of talk among ourselves about moving to the next level. If the next level is to be realized we must begin to make the move toward original songs. It is my personal belief that Ransomed has done all Ransomed can do in this area. We have made great strides to improve what we do but unless we make a change, "we are what we are."
 
It is for this reason that Ransomed is beginning to take steps in moving toward original songs. If we are successful, our prayer is that we can begin to make further strides and go farther with our ministry. We are also hoping that other quality groups from the metroplex will continue to seek to find original music. One way is to write our own songs and work with musicians to come up with quality work. Another way is to find a producer not interested in simply making money but in looking out for the interest and integrity of the group and pay them to find original music for you. Ransomed is trying both. First, we will be going into studio with Jimmy Duty of His Call to work on a couple of songs written by Ransomed group members. Secondly, we are currently in the process of working with a top producer to be named later on a future project. He will be seeking new songs to go with our own material. 

This doesn't say that we will never do "cover songs". We are ministered to by these songs and that is part of our criteria in choosing our music. My point is to emphasize that the next step for Ransomed's ministry (and others who are doing this) is to add to the body of music that is out there and continue to use the gifts the Lord has given us.
 
By taking these steps we are hoping this will raise what we do yet another notch. Our hope is that other local groups will follow suit and collectively we all benefit by a raised standard of quality for southern gospel music in the metroplex.
 
Consider this: two local groups have had a national following, Southern Charm and Shiloh. Both have had a number of original songs on their projects along with a quality sound. Coincidence? I think not.
 
We can do one of two things: 1) continue to do what we do and enjoy our marginal success, wishing we could could get more and better bookings-expecting different results while we continue to do the same thing, or 2) we can change and raise the bar. Ransomed chooses to do the latter.

Each group must do this in their own way. This is the way we have chosen based on many prayers and advice.
 
I do not know how this is going to be received but I do know that as long as we settle to do cover songs, regardless of how well we do them, "we are what we are" and ever will be.