One of the things I've had to do in ministry for all these years is look for "the voice."
Music is such a huge part of what we do. Aside from the preaching portion of our services, music is the main thing we do. From leading people in worship, to performing special songs that will engage, entertain and minister to people, music has such a significant role in each service. Consequently, we are always on the lookout for people with extraordinary talent who want to use that gift to glorify God.
I will never forget the first time I heard Hunter Plake sing. His parents have been friends of ours for a long time. They served as fellow pastors here in Louisiana for many years before coming on staff with us a year ago. We became really close friends in 2010 and started spending a lot of time together. It was around that time that I first heard Hunter sing and I knew right away this young man was something special. It wasn't just his talent, it was his maturity and ministry-mindedness that stood out to me. He took what his family does seriously and wanted to be a part of it.
After graduating high school, Hunter came and did a year of Master's Commission with us and I had him singing every chance I could get. Christian radio is dominated by male voices and it isn't easy to find guys in the church that can cover that material, but Hunter could nail anything we would throw at him!
After graduating Master's Commission, Hunter moved back to Baton Rouge to work with His parents in ministry again. He and Bethany met and began dating and we had the joy of watching their relationship develop. Fast-forward a couple of years and we were blessed to bring Hunter's parents on staff to direct our Leadership College. After they got married, Hunter and Bethany continued to live in Baton Rouge but would make the drive each weekend to worship with us at Crossroads. After the floods destroyed their home last year, they moved here to live with his folks until they could get back on their feet.
Since moving back to Lafayette, Hunter has been a huge part of our music team at Crossroads. When I heard he was auditioning for The Voice, I knew he would do well. It is such a thrill watching it all unfold and seeing this young man's dreams coming true right before our eyes! I know he will use whatever platform God gives him to point people to God's love and grace and I'm so thankful God has given him this opportunity. I'm so thankful God has given him this platform. I'm so thankful God has given him this VOICE!
After graduating high school, Hunter came and did a year of Master's Commission with us and I had him singing every chance I could get. Christian radio is dominated by male voices and it isn't easy to find guys in the church that can cover that material, but Hunter could nail anything we would throw at him!
After graduating Master's Commission, Hunter moved back to Baton Rouge to work with His parents in ministry again. He and Bethany met and began dating and we had the joy of watching their relationship develop. Fast-forward a couple of years and we were blessed to bring Hunter's parents on staff to direct our Leadership College. After they got married, Hunter and Bethany continued to live in Baton Rouge but would make the drive each weekend to worship with us at Crossroads. After the floods destroyed their home last year, they moved here to live with his folks until they could get back on their feet.
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