Sharing music that surrounds God’s Word, Harris’ ulterior motive

He may have his name in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the Amateur Radio Hall of Fame and the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame, but all those accolades and more don’t allow Larnelle Harris to lose his focus — “God’s grace is still at work.” 

“With all the noise that is going on around the world even as we speak, there’s a world that still longs to hear, some whether they want to hear it or not, that God’s grace is still at work and that He rewards all those who diligently seek and pine after Him,” Harris told The Alabama Baptist. 

As the featured singer during the March 1 evening session of the State Evangelism Conference held at First Baptist Church, Montgomery, Harris had the entire congregation on its feet, clapping, singing along and smiling. 

Heart for evangelism

“I love showing up at places where evangelism is still alive and well,” Harris said of the conference.

Singing his first concert at the age of 9 in his hometown of Danville, Kentucky, Harris is no stranger to leading those around him in worship. 

He said the traveling certainly isn’t what has kept him going all these years — his first CD release was in 1975.

‘Give it away’

“I am still excited about what Christ did in my heart and at every opportunity my prayer hasn’t really changed: ‘Lord, put something in my heart and teach me how to give it away.’

“That’s what I keep doing. … In a celebrity-smitten world, I don’t consider myself a celebrity but I do consider myself a person whom God has given grace, love and peace. All those things He’s taught me to give away (to others).” 

During the conference Harris sang one of his signature songs, “Amen,” which chronicles Jesus’s birth, ministry, death and resurrection. 

“My ulterior motive is that the music surrounds the Word and the Word goes out and does what it’s supposed to do. It always does something to the heart, even if the person doesn’t want to admit it. … I pray (while preparing for a concert) that those who listen and who know Him will want to know Him better and those who don’t will seek Him out.”